Take some time to play

Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail at kendal@sunlink.net.

July 28, 2007 Last Updated: July 28, 2007 01:58 PM Community

Sitting outside with friends the other evening, several children were playing next door. Laughter and excited voices made it obvious the kids were having loads of fun. Our friends commented on how rare this was, saying there were vast numbers of children in their neighborhood but rarely did they see any of them playing outside.

Why don't kids play outside as they did in the past? Where are the kids?

I'd guess the answer is simple, but somehow sad, too. The kids are probably in front of the TV or computer.

Whenever possible, turn the TV and computer off and hustle the kids outside to play. Ride bikes, climb trees, swing, explore the woods, take a hike, picnic, swim, explore nature. Just like reading a good book, imaginations soar when children play.

There's no time like the summer time to go outside and play. Make every effort to make that a reality for the kids in your life. It's good for the body and the mind!

The following book is available at many public libraries."Russell the Sheep" written and illustrated by Rob Scotton; HarperCollins; 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Poor Russell the sheep. At the end of a long day when the rest of his flock is getting ready for bed, Russell isn't sleepy at all. Tucked under their blankets and fast asleep, Russell tries everything he can think of to fall asleep, too. Maybe he's too hot! Maybe he needs a better pillow. Maybe he needs to find a better place to fall asleep. Maybe he should … count sheep?Hilarious illustrations make this funny book even funnier, and kids will clamor to read "Russell the Sheep" many times over.

Library: Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., ButlerLibrary Director: Nancy GreskoYouth Services Librarian: Lori CampbellChoices this week: "Secret in the Old Attic" by Carol Keene; "Amelia Bedelia, Rocket Scientist?" by Herman Parish; "Nate the Great and the Owl Express" by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

The following books are available at favorite bookstores."Paul Bunyan's Sweetheart" by Marybeth Lorbiecki; illustrated by Renee Graef; Sleeping Bear Press, 2007; 32 pages; $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.The day the giant lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, met Lucette Diana Kensack, he fell head-over-heels in love with that beautiful woman. Lucette, as big as Paul, wasn't so easily swayed, and told Paul he would have three tasks to perform to prove his love.Paul quickly agreed, having no idea how difficult those tasks would be. Would he ever be able to win her love?A humorous tall tale, "Paul Bunyan's Sweetheart" is full of fun while boasting a gentle message on being a good steward of the environment."Encyclopedia Horrifica: The Terrifying Truth About Vampires, Ghosts, Monsters and More" by Joshua Gee; photographs from various sources; Scholastic, 2007; 138 pages; $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 to 10 and older.Interested in things that are ghoulish and ghastly? Then "Encyclopedia Horrifica" is the book for you!What do you really know about vampires? Are UFOs and aliens real? What's the dirt behind werewolves, ghosts and zombies?All of this and more, with one guarantee: if it's creepy, you'll find it here. Featuring facts, dispelling the myths and planting the seeds for further thought, this selection is brimming with creepy information that's peppered with fun.