CHECK IT OUT

Despite the lure of cyberspace and electronic toys, children can still be

turned on by pastimes requiring no plugging in or booting up.

To promote the joys of one such diversion, Newport libraries embrace this

year’s National Children’s Book Week theme: “Plant a seed ... Read!”

Educators, librarians and booksellers across the United States will

spread the message -- conceived to underline the fact that it’s never too

early to encourage kids to read -- during this year’s 80th observance of

the National Book Council’s promotion, Monday through Nov. 21.

To personally support it, check out some of these new children’s books:

* “Splash” -- Even infants can enjoy this winning picture book about a

playful jungle water fight. Flora McDonnell uses an oversize format,

expansive double-page spreads, a large typeface, simple word repetition

and an element of surprise to add to the fun.

* “When Sophie Gets Angry -- Really, Really Angry...” -- Molly Bang

delivers a slew of anger management tips the youngest lap sitters can

understand in this boldly illustrated picture book. From running until

she’s exhausted to watching ocean waves, Sophie learns about more

constructive ways to abate fury than kicking, screaming and smashing

things.

* “Swine Lake” -- In the masterful hands of late author James Marshall

and virtuoso illustrator Maurice Sendak, this comic take on a well-known

ballet has appeal for both grown-up kids and little ones. Wry humor

infuses the simple plot line about the power of the theater to soothe a

savage beast, while charming illustrations reveal Sendak’s lighter side.

* “Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores” -- Amy Walrod’s spectacular

collages illustrate James Howe’s delightful tale about the adventures of

three thrill-seeking mice. Children as young as 3 can grasp the book’s

message about gender stereotypes and the importance of making up their

own minds about preferred activities.

* “Magpie Magic” -- Vivid illustrations are the story in Amy Wilson’s

wordless tale about a child who draws a bird. While ostensibly a simple

yarn of art run amok as each drawn object becomes real, this picture book

is also a thought-provoking commentary about an artist’s role, the nature

of art, and whether an eraser can really remove created works.

* “Sword of the Samurai” -- In comic to somber tales penned for fourth-

through sixth-graders, Eric Kimmel illustrates the ideals of a proud and

formal culture. Each story begins with a succinct introduction that

demystifies unfamiliar concepts and imparts a good deal of easily

digestible information.

* “The Adventures of Captain Underpants” -- Children tackling their first

chapter books will enjoy Dav Pilkey’s spoof about two mischievous

fourth-graders who hypnotize their school principal and turn him into

their comic book creation.

Laugh-out-loud humor and silly illustrations will convince even reluctant

readers that books can, indeed, be fun.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams in collaboration with

Linda Kline.