"Earthly Treasure" by Kate Petty tells where minerals are found and how we use them.

Our everyday world is full of fascinating events, facts, ideas, and real stories of real people.

Just as a young child is eager to explore and understand their immediate environment, as children grow, so, too, does their interest in learning more about the world around them.

One of the best ways to maintain a child's natural interest in what goes on in your town, country, the world, and life is to maintain an ongoing discussion of those things.

The dinner table is an important means of communication with children, both to connect with each other about each person's day as well as a forum to enlighten those gathered there about events and facts that children and adults find interesting.

Today's reviewed books are a good place to start. Each offers fast-paced information in an engaging way.

Ask your local librarian to steer you in the direction of others. The more each of us knows the more we grow, intellectually and otherwise.

Help the children in your life embrace the joy of learning. You have the power to make that happen.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Luck: The Story of a Sandbill Crane" by Jean Craighead George, illustrated by Wendell Minor, Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins, 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 to 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.In the springtime Texas marshland, a young girl saves the life of a young sandbill crane that she names Luck.Luck flies off to join his parents as they begin their long migration north, following the same route they have memorized for thousands of generations by visual landmarks along the way.Joining other cranes, their numbers soar to 500,000 that form a 10-mile line, three miles wide, landing in the Platte River in Nebraska to eat and rest for almost two weeks.Then as quickly as they had arrived en masse, the cranes depart, once again heading north to various points.Luck and his parents make their way to Siberia where he had been born, and back in Texas, the girl waits for his return in the fall.A remarkable story based in fact, author Jean Craighead George once again has created a fascinating book celebrating the natural world. Coupled with the lush paintings of Wendell Minor, this selection is nothing less that outstanding.

<B>Library:</B> Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler<B>Library Director:</B> Lori Campbell<B>Youth Services Librarian:</B> Cora Ferraro<B>Choices this week:</B> "Tremendous Tractors" by Tony Mitton; "Maisy Goes to the Library" by Lucy Cousins; "Amelia Bedelia, Rocket Scientist?" by Herman Parish

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Earthly Treasure"</B> by Kate Petty, illustrated by Jennie Maizels, Dutton, 2009, 16 pages, $19.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 7 to 8 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older.Discover the treasure chest of minerals that make up our world. Learn why our homes would fall apart without minerals, where minerals are found and how we use them, how minerals have changed our world, and so much more.If you ever thought that minerals weren't particularly interesting, you'll change your mind once you dive into this incredible book.Pop-ups, flaps to lift, wheels to turn and more surprises combine with colorful illustrations and captivating text to bring the world of minerals to life.<B>"Population 1.3 Billion: China Becomes a Super Superpower" </B>written and published by Franklin Watts/Scholastic, 2009, 64 pages, $7.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 10 and older; read yourself: age 10 to 11 and older.Since the death of China's powerful leader, Mao Zedong, China has totally changed. The economy is booming, it has the world's biggest population, and the standard of living is rising rapidly.How did this change come about?"Population 1.3 Billion" provides answers to these and other important questions in a fast-paced, absorbing way.Loaded with history, current events, color photographs and more, this fascinating selection is a must-readNationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.