Books teach what's important in life

We are bombarded with propaganda and spin every day, and sometimes it's difficult to keep our focus on what is most important in life. Do we need name-brand clothing or simply something decent to wear? Do we need the biggest house in town or a cozy home that keeps us safe and warm? Do we need fame and fortune or a small circle of true friends who like us for who we are, not what we have? The list goes on and on.

Adults have enough trouble keeping their compass pointing in the right direction. So, too, do children. Children will closely imitate the attitudes and behaviors of those they are most influenced by — initially by their parents and other adults they are close to, and later by their peers. This mix of influential factors also includes all forms of the media that try to convince people what they really want and need.

Today's reviewed books take a look at this subject in a variety of ways, helping to return the reader to a more common-sense approach of what people should place emphasis upon and what we shouldn't.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Mogo, The Third Warthog" by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Lita Judge, Hyperion, 194 pages

Read aloud: age 8 and older

Read yourself: age 9 and older

Mogo was born the runt of his litter, and his siblings were forever bossing him around and making fun of him. Life is hard on the African savanna, and Mogo's mother teaches her warthogs where to find food and water and how to stay safe from the many predators that threaten their lives each day.

One day, Mogo's mother announces that Mogo and his two brothers will soon have to leave the burrow forever. Females always stay together, but grown males live alone. Mogo is devastated; he loves his family and doesn't want to live without them, but he and his brothers are cast out all the same.

As Mogo battles to find a safe place to live and fights off predators, he also battles against fear and terrible loneliness. At last, Mogo makes a friend — a young male baboon. In this friendship, Mogo comes to a turning point in his life and more clearly understands what is truly important.

With an unforgettable cast of characters, engaging fast-paced text often peppered with humor and a story you won't soon forget, "Mogo, The Third Warthog" is a must-read.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Sutter Branch Library, 2147 California St., Sutter

Library Director: Karen Crocker

Choices this week: "Cricket Wing" by Janell Cannon; "Winter's Gifts" by Jane Monroe Donovan; "Shadow Children" series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Books to Buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

"Speckle the Spider" written and illustrated by Emma Dodson, Candlewick, 2010, 29 pages, $14.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 3 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8

Speckle the spider felt that he was very special. When Speckle received a letter from his famous circus flea friend, Speckle decided that he must make his move to show the world how special he was.

Boarding a banana boat, Speckle took off in search of fame. After a series of harrowing events, Speckle found himself in the spotlight, dancing his heart out day after day with another spider, Suzy. After some time, Speckle and Suzy had had enough and decided to return to the place that made Speckle feel most important of all.

Boasting flaps to lift, letters tucked in envelopes, booklets and pull-out surprises, this charming and funny story conveys a gentle message about what it really means to feel special.

"Stand Straight, Ella Kate: The True Story of a Real Giant" by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise, Dial, 2010, 34 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 5 — 6 and older

Read yourself: age 8 — 9 and older

Ella Kate was born in Missouri in 1872, a normal baby, but by the time she was 7, Ella Kate started growing at an alarming rate, and when she was 13, she was almost six feet tall. Many people made fun of Ella Kate for her height, but her parents always told her to "stand straight, Ella Kate."

At 18 years of age, Ella Kate decided to make her height work to her advantage, and standing at 8'4," she went on to see the world and make a fortune.

Based on the true story of Ella Kate Ewing, this fascinating story is also an inspiring tribute to the strong-willed girl who decided to embrace her differences and turn them into something good.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net.