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New In Kids Books: Heavens, Bearskinner, 'Peanuts' Set

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By JULIE EMPRIC

Published: February 10, 2008

"Discoverology: Voyage Through Space," by Ian Graham (Barron's, $18.99)

This is an interactive gift book for children fascinated with outer space. Every page folds out, opens up or dials illustrative models of the solar system, galaxies, planets and comets, eclipses, the Earth, and the humans drawn to exploring the universe.

A sturdy, handsome book design complements clear text captions for the illustrations. The entire book was reviewed by physicist and astronomer Jacqueline Mitton, a veteran children's author and consultant. For readers 9 and older.

"The Bearskinner: A Tale of the Brothers Grimm," retold by Laura Amy Schlitz; illustrated by Max Grafe (Candlewick, $16.99)

A soldier who has lost everything makes a pact with the devil: All the riches he can possibly want for seven years, in exchange for wearing the skin of a bear, and never washing, shaving or cutting his hair.

If the soldier breaks his part of the bargain or kills himself, the devil will harvest his soul. At first he enjoys indulging his whims, but he soon becomes vile.

Only after great desperation does he discover the joy of making others happy, a discovery that saves him and restores his hope for life. For readers 8 and older.

"The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Theatre," by Jean Mahoney; illustrated by Viola Anne Seddon (Candlewick Press, $24.99)

A short paperback with the story of Sleeping Beauty and stage directions is included in this interactive theater package, which introduces the well-known ballet to children 5 and older.

The miniature ballet theater folds out from a book-sized container. A concealed drawer holds the cut-out ballet characters, backdrop sets, playbook and an audio CD with excerpts of Tchaikovsky's music from the original ballet.

"Peanuts: The Ultimate Box Set," by Charles Schulz (Cider Mill Press, $39.95)

For children old enough to appreciate cartoons that explore a range of emotions, and for other readers who need to slow down and enjoy, Schulz's collection contains nine hardcover, hand-sized Peanuts books in a box shaped like Snoopy's doghouse. Most of these books are standard Peanuts fare - about happiness, food, friendship and security. But a "Peanuts Cookbook" offers recipes as well as cartoons. For those 4 to adult, especially to share.

"American Girl: Meet Julie" by Megan McDonald (American Girl Publishing, $6.95); "American Girl: Good Luck, Ivy," by Lisa Yee (American Girl Publishing, $6.95)

Two new additions to the popular American Girl series: Julie lives in San Francisco in 1974, plays sports, loves the Beatles and copes with divorced parents and a possible move away from everything she knows.

Ivy is her best friend - from a close-knit Chinese American family. These paperbacks set engaging pre-teen storylines into historical and cultural contexts. They will continue to enlighten and delight girls 7 to 11 as well as their moms, who may have vintage memories to add.

Julie Empric is an English professor at Eckerd College.

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