Imagination is important to problem-solving and in life itself

Imagination is essential. Imagination allows us to create solutions and solve problems. Imagination provides endless hours of personal enjoyment, and that can also lead to fulfillment and success. And, our ability to imagine can yield a humorous outlook on life.

Good books can stimulate our imagination in a wide variety of ways, and it's important to help children develop their imaginations in every way possible. That's what you'll find in the books reviewed today - great stories loaded with imagination and fun. What are you waiting for? Read!

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Diary of a Worm" by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss, HarperCollins, 36 pages

Read aloud: age 6Ð7 and older. Read yourself: age 7Ð8 and older.

Kids and earthworms have more in common than most people might think. Earthworms go to school and the teacher gets mad if something happens to their homework (such as eating it). According to earthworm moms, nightmares can be caused by eating too much garbage before bed. And yes, worms even make macaroni necklaces in art class (although they eat theirs for dinner).

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be an earthworm, wonder no more. "Dairy of a Worm" spells it out, folks, and this hilarious, popular tale will have kids cracking up on every page.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St.

Library Director: Sally Edwards

Youth Services Librarian: Cory King

Choices this week: "King Bidgood's in the Bathtub" by Audrey Wood; "Piggie Pie" by Margie Palatini; "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" by Avi

Books to Buy

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.

"Burger Boy" by Alan Durant, illustrated by Mei Matsuoka, Clarion Books, 2006, 28 pages, $16 hardcover

Read aloud: age 4 and older. Read yourself: age 7Ð8.

Benny didn't like vegetables, but he LOVED burgers, and Benny ate so many of them that his mother warned him: "If you don't watch out, you'll turn into a burger one day."

And that's precisely what happened.

Benny, now a burger, was pursued by a dog, eager to eat Benny. More dogs followed, and Benny ran for his life, all the way to a field full of cows. The cows were angry because burgers are made from, well, you know. So Benny ran again, with the cows and the dogs chasing after him, then a group of hungry boys followed suit. When Benny's path was blocked by traffic, he hopped into a van for safety. But Benny's ride was the owner of Bigga Burgers burger shop, and he promptly put the huge, talking burger on display.

Rescued at last by his mother, Benny vowed to never eat another burger and instead, ate endless vegetables. His mother warned him that he might turn into a vegetable one day, and what do you think happened?

Loaded with imagination and tons of fun, this hilarious book will have kids laughing on every page.

"Dimity Duck" by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Sebastien Braun, Philomel, 2006, 32 pages, $15.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 2Ð4. Read yourself: age 7.

Join the adorable little Dimity Duck as she waddles, toddles, and joyfully shares the adventures of her day with her good friend, Frumity Frog. From playing games together, finding good things to eat in the pond, and swimming and laughing until it's time to go to bed, Dimity's day is loaded with gentle fun.

Told in rhyme, this selection is full of charm and is certain to appeal to young children.

• Kendal Rautzhan, a nationally syndicated reviewer of children's literature, can be e-mailed at kendal@sunlink.net.