"Thomas and the Dragon Queen"

There was a disturbing report in The New York Times on Oct. 8 concerning the slow demise of picture books.

Among the reasons cited, the most troubling was pressure from parents to push their children, some as young as 4, away from picture books and headlong into chapter books.

These parents believe picture books are too easy and therefore not challenging enough.

Not every book a child is exposed to needs to be an exercise in improving their reading skills by leaps and bounds.

In fact, greater ground in this regard is covered by reading books that, first and foremost, kids will enjoy. Those kinds of books include chapter books and picture books. Literacy experts agree that picture books are not unsophisticated.

In fact, critical thinking skills can be nurtured through good picture books and the vocabulary can often be more challenging than in their counterpart.

Kids are already under a lot of pressure. Don't force-feed chapter books. Combine all sorts of genres in your reading choices, both picture books and chapter books. Remember, college applications are a long way off.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Big Chickens"</B> by Leslie Helakoski, illustrated by Henry Cole, Dutton, 32 pages; read aloud: age 3 to 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older."One day four big chickens peeked out the coop window and saw a wolf sneak into the farmyard." Terrified, the chickens squawked, knocked into one another, and ran out of the coop and into the woods to hide. Afraid to go home, the chickens walked deeper into the woods where they faced more things that frightened them.With each new obstacle, the chickens discussed what they feared, and the more they talked, the more scared they became until they wound up experiencing the very things they feared most. These chickens were a frazzled bunch, and when they came to a dark cave where there might be "a big, hairy, chicken-chomping animal," you're in for a fun surprise!Loaded with humor and just the right dash of apprehension, "Big Chickens" will have children laughing and begging for repeat readings.

<B>Library:</B> Saxonburg Library, 240 W. Main St., Saxonburg<B>Library Director:</B> Erin Wincek<B>Children's Programmer: </B>Judy O'Brokta<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"The Tale of Jack Frost"</B> by David Melling; <B>"On Top of Spaghetti"</B> by Paul Brett Johnson; <B>"Wainscott Weasel" </B>by Thor Seidler

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Thomas and the Dragon Queen" </B>by Shutta Crum, illustrated by Lee Wildish, Alfred Knopf, 2010, 266 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 to 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older.Thomas, age 12, has been asked by Sir Gerald to accompany him to the castle as his squire. Thomas is thrilled at the prospect, and even though he is quite small for his age, works hard in his training and improves his skills.With the kingdom at war, knights and squires are scarce. When the king's daughter is captured by the fearsome Dragon Queen, Thomas is off on a dangerous quest to cross paths with a multiheaded beast, reach a distant island, and rescue the princess.Thomas may be small, but he has a big heart, is brave, and uses his keen mind to maneuver through seemingly impossible odds. Will he be able to reach his destination and succeed in his mission?Peppered with wise philosophy and brimming with adventure, courage, and enchanting fantasy, "Thomas and the Dragon Queen" is certain to entertain and delight readers throughout all 266 pages.<B>"Dust Devil"</B> by Anne Isaacs, illustrated by Paul Zelinsky, Schwartz & Wade, 2010, 48 pages, $17.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.Angel, a very large girl, had moved to Montana. Back in 1831, Montana was a place where Angel had room to move.What Angel didn't figure on in the wilds of Montana were two things: a powerful dust storm and a bunch of thieving, rotten-to-the-core bandits.Wrestling the enormous storm to the ground, Angel harnessed its source — a giant horse she named Dust Devil. The horse and its power were perfect for Angel — the perfect size for riding, and the kind of power she needed to defeat Backward Bart and his mean, evil band of outlaws.The fight wouldn't be an easy one, but after all, Angel wasn't familiar with the idea of giving up.Another hilarious tall tale from Anne Isaacs and perfectly complemented by Paul Zelinsky's exciting, funny illustrations, kids will enjoy "Dust Devil" time and time again.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website: www.greatestbooksforkids.com.