The author is 94 and the illustrator is 23, but the stories are timeless. Finds Her Way and Max s Wild Goose Chase . The former is inspirational, while the latter is just a fun adventure about a rambunctious English Spring Spaniel with a talent for getting into trouble. These animal stories feature a speedy Roadrunner and a javelina. They are enhanced by wonderful illustrations by local artists.
Young readers get a glimpse into what inspired important novelists, poets, and playwrights.
One of my favorite publishers for young girls, the Pleasant Company, is introducing a new adventure series for readers 10 and up, with Amelia History Mysteries , the American Girl Library and The American Girl Collection . Among the new titles are Samantha Saves the Wedding , the Mystery of the Dark Tower , and Amelia s Family Ties . From American Girl there s a tiny plastic purse filled with Backpack Books, little palm-size books on topics that amuse and inform. Good Listening A friend of mine, Mark Toma, from ShadowMan Entertainment in West Hollywood sent along a CD by Kelli Lidell, Someone to Love . What impressed me most is that she is straight out of the classic Western style of singing.