When you want to read something for pleasure, insurance or legal contracts probably wouldn't be tops on your list unless you're looking for a quick sedative to help you nod off.

It's not any different for children.

When children are learning to read, it's important to provide them with books that are easy. The goal is to help a child build confidence, not over-challenge them to the point of boredom and frustration.

Building confidence also is achieved by allowing the child to read books that are below their reading level.

Simple, engaging text loaded with humor and colorful illustrations equals a prescription for success, and that's what you'll find in today's reviewed books.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Moose Crossing"</B> by Stephanie Greene, illustrated by Joe Mathieu, Marshall Cavendish, 56 pages; read aloud: ages 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.When Moose saw the sign, "Moose Crossing" by the side of the road, he was tickled pink. Imagine being so important! Someone had erected a special crossing sign just for Moose!Feeling quite impressed with himself, he shared his good news with his best friend, Hildy the pig. Hildy knew Moose misunderstood the intention of the sign, and the two got into a heated discussion over its meaning, leaving them both insulted.Suddenly, though, tourists were flocking to catch a glimpse of moose (although not Moose himself), and Moose's life changed completely, and not for the better!What will Moose do? And will Moose and Hildy make amends?Comical from start to finish, this terrific story also imparts a subtle message about the dangers of arrogance.

<B>Library:</B> North Trails Public Library, 1553 West Sunbury Road, West Sunbury<B>Library Director:</B> Kathy D. Kline<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Owl Babies" </B>by Martin Waddell; <B>"Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp"</B> by Syd Hoff; <B>"Utterly Me, Clarice Bean"</B> by Lauren Child

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Chicken Soup" </B>by Jean Van Leeuwen, illustrated by David Garvil, Abrams, 2009, 38 pages, $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 2 and older; read yourself: ages 6 to 7.The farm animals passed the word: "Mrs. Farmer has taken out the big pot!" That could only mean one thing chicken soup!The chickens make a mad dash to hide wherever possible, but Little Chickie had a cold in her tiny beak, and even though she tried to hide, she couldn't stop sneezing.And her sneezing had Mr. Farmer hot on her tail!"Chicken Soup" will be in stores in May, and is very much worth putting your order in now to secure a copy. Peppered with just the right amount of suspense and a hilarious, safe ending for Little Chickie (and all the other chickens, too), "Chicken Soup" is full of fun surprises for young readers.<B>"Seamus McNamus: The Goat Who Would Be King"</B> by Rob Kurtz, illustrated by Mike Lester, Worthwhile Books, 2009, 40 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.There was panic in the barn when Farmer McFadden told his cows, chickens and goats that business was really bad. No one was buying eggs, milk, or goat hair to make wool sweaters. Soon, he wouldn't have enough money to pay his bills.Seamus McNamus the goat decided he would get a job to help earn money. On his way to find employment, a boy threw a rope around his neck and proclaimed he was the king of the Puck Fair.When Seamus arrived, there was endless food, dancing and merriment. But Seamus knew the fair was only held for three days, and he had to come up with a clever idea to make money before the fair ended. Will he be able to do it?Brimming with fun, humor, and a hero goat that saves the day in the most unusual way, kids will ask to read this selection many times over.<B><I>Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendalsunlink.net.</I></B>