Getting children interested in reading is easier if you keep two important things in mind.

First, it's OK if a child wants to read something that is "below" his or her reading ability. The key here is that the child wants to read.

There is great satisfaction in being able to breeze through a book without struggling. More difficult material will follow when the child is ready.

Second, books that make a child laugh and books that are exciting and filled with hair-raising adventure are very appealing to children. Everybody likes to laugh, and funny stories make the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

Action and adventure books fascinate children because they can vicariously live through the situation the characters face in the book without actually being in peril themselves.

The books reviewed today and those recommended by your librarian are certain to appeal to many children. If they aren't of interest, don't panic; ask your librarian or book seller for other suggestions until you find the kinds of books that the child in your life will enjoy. The effort begins with you.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Shredderman: Secret Identity"</B> by Wendelin Van Draanen, illustrated by Brian Biggs, Alfred A. Knopf, 138 pages; read aloud:<B> </B>age 8 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.Bubba Bixby is a bully, prone to using his fists, name-calling, intimidating other youngsters, stealing other children's stuff and causing non-stop trouble. Nolan Byrd is half Bubba's size, a math genius, and known as Nerd. Both are in Mr. Green's fifth-grade class.When Mr. Green announces the new project for the month, Nolan hatches a daring plan for his project that might make Bubba stop being a bully.He knows his plan is risky, and to pull it off will take more of a superhero than a Nolan Byrd, but maybe Nolan is more courageous than he realizes. If so, Bubba better watch out.Filled with humor, truth, and peppered with wisdom, this book is excellent in more ways than one.

<B>Library:</B> Prospect Community Library, 357 Main St., Prospect<B>Library Director:</B> Jeanne Sarnese<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Jill Hambley<B>Choices this week: "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late"</B> by Mo Willems; <B>"Old Black Fly"</B> by Jim Aylesworth; <B>"Me Hungry!" </B>by Jeremy Tankard

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Super Fly Guy"</B> written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold, Scholastic, 2009, 30 pages, $3.99 paperback; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 6 to 8.Fly Guy is off to school with his human friend, Buzz. Fly Guy loves school, but his favorite time of the day is lunchtime. He loves the dirty dishes, the smelly mop, and especially the garbage cans. But flies don't belong in the lunch room, or do they?A hilarious, easy story with equally funny illustrations, "Super Fly Guy" is guaranteed to appeal to reluctant and proficient readers alike.<B>"Wild River"</B> by P.J. Petersen, Delacorte, 2009, 120 pages, $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 to 10 and older.When Tanner's friend can't accompany him on their planned camping trip, Tanner convinces his parents to allow his younger brother, Ryan, to join him.Twelve-year-old Ryan is reluctant at first; he's not athletic like his older brother, and prefers video games to the outdoors. But Tanner convinces Ryan it will be an easy 24 hours of fun, kayaking down Boulder River, fishing, and sleeping outdoors.As they set out, Tanner comments on how much higher the water is than his trip last year. And higher water means faster water. It also means danger.When Tanner is seriously injured in a kayak accident, Ryan faces an enormous challenge to save his brother's life –– a challenge he is ill-prepared for.Will he find the courage to do what he must, and will his video game knowledge help him face his brutal reality? Most importantly, will he succeed?Fast-paced and filled with nonstop action, this hair-raising novel is guaranteed to have readers whipping through every page of "Wild River."<B><I> Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.</B></I>