Announcement: Summer is upon us and with it comes the Summer Reading Program for children at our library. This year’s theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library. Adventures come in many forms – mysteries, new experiences, exploring the unknown. Below are three books that reflect such adventures.
Chester Keene Cracks the Code, by Kekla Magoon
A book nominee in the Roadrunner group – Grades K – 3
The mission of discovering clues and interpreting their meanings is bound to be wrapped up in mystery and adventure. Chester Keene finds himself immersed in such a task with the discovery of a peculiar clue hanging from the doorknob of his house as he rushes to catch the bus to mid-school. Being a loner, he is set to follow this trail of clues on his own. Soon, however, he finds himself joined by energetic, quirky Skye who, instead of being risk adverse, is open to new experiences. Magoon is adept in shining a positive light on both such contrasting personalities.
Along with the exciting challenge of deciphering and following the clues, Chester has several other trials he encounters – how to deal with the class bully, what message his dad, whom he has never met, is trying to send him, and what the mysterious four-some, which he and Skye have noticed, is really up to. In addition to an engaging plot, Magoon skillfully and sensitively intertwines the familiar emotions of mid-schoolers along with the challenges of a blended family. Adventure permeates not only this clue-filled mystery but the trials of new relationships.
In addition to an engaging plot, Magoon skillfully and sensitively intertwines the familiar emotions of mid-schoolers along with the challenges of a blended family. Adventure permeates not only this clue-filled mystery but the trials of new relationships.
Reggie: Kid Penguin, by Jen de Oliveira
Suggested ages: 5-7 years
This is the first in an early graphic novel series, perfect for the beginning reader. The book contains several short stories in which Reggie, full of energy and curiosity, embarks on a variety of adventurous experiences.
Disgusted with being on a “kid leash,” he decides to behave as a dog, resulting in some hilarious antics. Disappointed that he can’t wear his super penguin costume for portrait time, Reggie attempts to create his own outfit with some unintended outcomes! And along with his friends, Reggie hopes to build a village for roly-polies, discovering that what are adventurous and fun experiences for them does not necessarily translate to roly-polies.
With the use of colorful, sequential pictures filled with action and emotion, along with a limited vocabulary, Reggie offers an entertaining reading adventure!
Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter, by Christine Evans, illustrated by Yasmin Imamura
Suggested ages: 6-9 years
Evelyn Cheesman was born in 1881 in England, when few girls became scientists and even fewer became passionate about insects. In this setting, Evans introduces to children a little-known English entomologist. At an early age, Evelyn loved to explore forests and ponds where she began collecting bugs – in her pockets! She at first decided she wanted to be a veterinarian, but veterinary colleges did not admit women and so she settled to be trained as a canine nurse.
Evelyn’s life took a sharp turn, however, when her cousin told her of the desperate need for someone to run the insect house at the London Zoo. Most men at the time were soldiers fighting in World War II. And so, while enhancing the insectarium, she began studying entomology. Evelyn became fascinated with the world of insects and fed this curiosity by many adventurous trips all over the world. She studied and collected a variety of these amazing creatures, having settled on her life’s work. She discovered new species, wrote books, and even received an award from the Queen of England.
Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist is an inspiration to all children to pursue their dreams and interests no matter what impediments they may face. The book’s colorful illustrations add interest and life to Evelyn’s amazing story. At the book’s end, the reader will find an interview with a contemporary entomologist as well as further information on Lucy Evelyn Cheesman.