While National Library Week was this week, the hope is that by focusing public attention on libraries during that week will result in a year-long, life-long patronage of libraries. The theme for the 2008 National Library Week is “Join the circle of knowledge at your library,” and this week and throughout the month, we’ll focus on books that do just that — expand the circle of knowledge.

This week’s reviewed books are funny, fictional books that have an underlying lesson on critical reading and thinking skills. Critical reading is the ability to recognize the ideas and values that are being transmitted from the author to the reader.

Establishing critical reading skills enables one to have the ability to evaluate whether the author’s message is worthy of consideration. Those who lack that ability become easy targets to fall victim to propaganda.

Let’s face it, folks — propaganda surrounds our daily lives. There are lots of people out there selling their program and wanting you to believe their ideas and values. It’s imperative that we provide children with the tools that enable them to think for themselves, to trust in their instincts, to learn by observing others, and learn from their own experiences. This happens when we expand a child’s circle of knowledge. Make it your mission.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

“Do Like a Duck Does!” by Judy Hindley, illustrated by Ivan Bates, Candlewick, 36 pages

Read aloud: Age 3 and older.

Read yourself: age 7 and older.

“Five little ducklings, following their mother; whatever any duck does, so does the other.” But wait! Who is this creature following close behind, pretending to be a duck? He certainly has a foxy looking nose and a wicked foxy smile.

Mama Duck challenges the odd critter to prove he is a duck by doing just as she and her ducklings do. And, although the stealthy imposter keeps up with the ducks on most accounts, he is out-foxed on his last test and scurries off.

A marvelous book for younger children, this selection provides several solid messages — think for yourself and trust your instincts, test your theories when possible and believe in yourself. Bravo!

Librarian’s Choice

Library: Flora M. Laird Memorial Library, 435 5th St., Myrtle Point

Library Director: Barbara Caffey

Children’s Specialist: Linda Kirk

Choices this week: “The Carrot Seed” by Ruth Krauss; “The Black Pearl” by Scott O’Dell; “Starry Messenger” by Peter Sis

Books to Buy

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.

• “Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (and other things not to do)” by Judi Barrett, illustrated by John Nickle, Atheneum, 2008, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: ages 4-8.

Read yourself: ages 7-8.

There are many important things you should remember NEVER to do. For example, never hold hands with a lobster (ouch!), never take a goat to the library (goodbye books!), and never take a shark to the dentist (watch out!).

Silly ideas and funny illustrations combine to offer a book full of laughs while also sending the subtle message of the importance of thinking about the consequences of our actions before we act.

• “The Cow That Laid the Egg” by Andy Cutbill, illustrated by Russell Ayto, HarperCollins, 2008, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: ages 4-7.

Read yourself: ages 7-8.

Marjorie the cow was down in the dumps. She didn’t feel special — couldn’t do extraordinary things like the other cows, such as ride a bicycle or do handstands. The chickens worried about Marjorie, brooded all night about her problem, and finally came up with a plan (that included a paintbrush).

The next day Marjorie is shocked and elated to discover she has laid a black and white egg! The other cows are suspicious — cows don’t lay eggs. But when the egg finally hatches, everyone is in for a surprise!

A very funny book in text and art, kids will be giggling while learning that just because someone says something, it isn’t necessarily true, no matter how well they try to convince you to think otherwise.  

(Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.)