"Little Lucy"

There is something wonderfully magical when a child first learns to read. It's the expression on their face when the mystery of letters is suddenly erased and words emerge. It's the sense of accomplishment, pride and excitement that a whole new world has opened up for the child — the world of books, reading and knowledge.

Learning to read should be fun, and many publishers create books specifically for children who are learning to read independently. Not only do these books offer stories that children will love, but there are lots of illustrations to keep readers engaged and the books are categorized by age/grade/ ability, making it easier to find books a child will be able to read without too much of a struggle.

Each child learns to read at their own rate. By providing books that are enjoyable and match the child's individual ability, you're helping that child to build confidence in their reading abilities. Before you know it, the child will be eager and able to advance to the next level of books.

Today's reviewed books are written specifically for the newly independent reader. Ask your librarian and bookseller to point you in the direction of others titles. Help the child in your life achieve reading success and the pride that goes along with being able to read on their own.

Books to BorrowThe following book is available at favorite bookstores.

“Step Into Reading: Pompeii … Buried Alive!” by Edith Kunhardt, illustrated by Michael Eagle, Random House, 48 pages; read aloud: age 4 to 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.Almost 2,000 years ago Pompeii, Italy, was a bustling town. Its location seemed idyllic, nestled on the coast between the sea and a mountain named Vesuvius. At that time, the people of Pompeii didn't know that Mount Vesuvius was a volcano, nor could they have known that Mount Vesuvius was about to erupt, and when it did, few would survive.This fascinating book tells the true story of ancient Pompeii, the day Mount Vesuvius exploded dust and hot ash that buried the city and its people, and the rediscovery of the lost city centuries later. Certain to captivate young readers, this selection is spot on.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Zelienople Public Library, 227 S. High St., Zelienople

Library Director: Jan Lawrence

Children's Librarian: Kay Howard

Choices this week: “Little Wolf, Big Wolf” by Matt Novak;

“Hi, Fly Guy” by Tedd Arnold;

“Cat Traps” by Molly Coxe

Books to BuyThe following books are available at favorite bookstores.

“Step Into Reading: Little Lucy” by Ilene Cooper, illustrated by John Kanzler, Random House, 2011, 48 pages, $3.99 paperback; read aloud: age 3 to 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.Bobby and his family were going to the country for a picnic and a swim in a lake, and Bobby's dog, Lucy, was coming, too. When they arrived, Bobby and Lucy bounded out of the car and ran to the lake. But Lucy stopped short; she was afraid of the water. As Bobby swam and his parents prepared their picnic, Lucy decided to explore on her own, and before long, Lucy was lost. Would she be able to find her way back?Filled with all the right elements, new readers are certain to enjoy this exciting book.

“Step Into Reading: Sleeping Bootsie” by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by Patricia Cantor, Random House, 2011, 48 pages, $3.99 paperback; read aloud: age 3 to 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.There once was a very lonely kitten. One day she hid in the castle laundry basket. Young Meg, who washed and ironed the royal family's clothes, discovered the kitten and named her Bootsie. Meg felt certain the queen would allow the kitten to stay. Meg was right, and at the ball the queen wanted her guests to meet their new kitten.Three good fairies attended the ball and each gave Bootsie a special gift. But a fourth (uninvited) fairy, the evil Silver Fairy, arrived and cast a spell on Bootsie that terrified and disrupted the entire kingdom. When the Silver Fairy's curse eventually took hold, it was another stray kitten that was able to break the spell, free Bootsie, and return happiness to the kingdom.With strong ties to the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, newly independent readers will delight in this charming twist on an old favorite.