Let's face it — not everything thing we read is fun. Think of insurance policies or contracts. That kind of reading is typically boring, thick, and filled with a bunch of legal jargon that can make your back molars ache.

It's no different for children. Youngsters have to read a lot of academic material, and some of that material can be less than engaging.

Now that children have settled in to the new school year, it's important to continue offering them fun books — books that will make them laugh, whisk them away on great adventures and ignite their imagination.

Whatever we can do to convince youngsters that reading is fun, the better equipped they will be to tackle academics, insurance policies, contracts and the whole nine yards.

Books to BorrowThe following book is available at many public libraries.

"Diary of a Fly" by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss, HarperCollins, 36 pages; read aloud: age 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.This is Fly's diary, chronicling events in her life that are important, scary, and always very funny!From assignments and new skills Fly learns in school, life at home with Fly's mother and 327 siblings, and hanging out with her best friends, Spider and Worm, Fly's enthusiasm for life is evident. Maybe Fly could even become a superhero!Another very funny "Diary" book by bestselling team Cronin and Bliss, this selection is certain to make children laugh and demand repeat readings.

<B>Library:</B> North Trails Public Library, 1553 West Sunbury Road, West Sunbury<B>Library Director:</B> Kathy Kline<B>Choices this week: "Olivia" </B>by Ian Falconer; <B>"Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp" </B>by Syd Hoff; <B>"The Tale of Despereaux"</B> by Kate DiCamillo

Books to BuyThe following books are available at bookstores.<B>"Down Girl and Sit: Home on the Range"</B> by Lucy Nolan, illustrated by Mike Reed, Marshall Cavendish, 2010, 54 pages, $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9.Two funny dogs, Down Girl and Sit, live with their masters in the suburbs. Even though their lives are good, the one thing both dogs don't like is a fence.As Down Girl puts it, "A fence keeps a dog on one side and excitement on the other."When Down Girl and Sit accompany their masters on a trip to the Cowpoke Dude Ranch, the dogs can't believe their luck. The resident ranch dog, Git Along, warns Down Girl and Sit that life on the other side of the ranch fence is dangerous and ought to be avoided.But do the visiting canines listen to Git Along's advice?Of course not!There is big adventure waiting in the Wild West, and they intend to experience as much of it as possible.Get ready for a crazy and hilarious ride in this irresistible quick read featuring the doggy duo who have entertained young audiences in three previous novels.<B>"In Jail, Ms. Wiz?"</B> by Terence Blacker, illustrated by Tony Ross, Marshall Cavendish, 2010, 59 pages, $12.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 10.Lizzie's cat was missing, and she was heartbroken. As she searched for her cat and pinned notices on trees, a familiar voice said "What you need is a spot of magic."It was Ms. Wiz, and she had a plan that involved turning Lizzie into a cat to find the thieves who were kidnapping cats all over town. It all seemed like a foolproof idea, but not everything turns out the way it is planned …Full of surprises, and just the right amount of suspense, this latest book about the magical, mysterious, and eccentric Ms. Wiz is certain to please.<B>Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.</B>