"CREAK! Said the Bed"

Every now and then we all have one of "those" days that just makes you want to run out the door and keep going.

"Those" days aren't exclusive to adults. Children of all ages have days that are filled with frustration, anger, anxiety and hurdles.

Since children have a lot less experience in this business of life, they need help to learn how to best handle those situations.

Life isn't one breezy moment after another for anyone, adult or child. When things go berserk, talk about it; don't yell about it.

The instant somebody yells, the other person has to throw up a wall of self-defense, and when that happens, lines of communication are shut down to a minimum.

We know running out the door won't solve our problems, but we can all escape for awhile. A wonderful way to diffuse the tensions of the day is to take a break and get lost in a good book together, such as those highlighted below. Try it for yourself. It's good medicine.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"The Scrambled States of America"</B> written and illustrated by Laurie Keller, Henry Holt, 36 pages; read aloud: age 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.It all started when the state of Kansas became bored with the same old program, day in and day out.Kansas wanted to see what else was out there in this great country of ours, meet new states and travel to other parts of the country.His boredom led to an idea that he shared with his friend and neighbor, Nebraska. "Let's have a party and invite all the other states! You know, one of those get-to-know-you deals. Everyone can bring a favorite dish. We could have music and dancing. ..."And that is precisely what they did. All the states had a ripsnorting good time. Their enthusiasm was followed by a unanimous decision for all states to change locations with one another and really experience living in another part of the country.Little did they know that their plan would soon end in disaster.Author/artist Laurie Keller has woven a hilarious tale that will have readers smiling from page to page while they unknowingly bone up on their U.S. geography.Librarian's Choice<B>Library:</B> North Trails Public Library, 1553 W. Sunbury Road, West Sunbury<B>Library Director</B>: Kathy Kline<B>Choices this week: "Who Said Moo?"</B> by Harriet Ziefert and Simms Taback; <B>"Owl Babies"</B> by Martin Waddell;<B> "The Tale of Despereaux" </B>by Kate DiCamillo

The following are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Hot Rod Hamster" </B>by Cynthia Lord, illustrated by Derek Anderson, Scholastic, 2010, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Hamster stops by the junkyard. He's searching for a hot rod so he can enter the big race with the other animals.The bulldog in charge of the junkyard is happy to help the hamster out.As they decide on which car to restore, there are many other issues to contend with — an engine, tires and wheels, and a new, flashy paint job. But can a tiny hamster in his tiny hot rod compete against the big cars and the big animal drivers? You bet he can!Loaded with fun and action, "Hot Rod Hamster" begs to be read aloud.<B>"CREAK! Said the Bed"</B> by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Regan Dunnick, Candlewick, 2010, 28 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 2 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.In the middle of the night, everyone was fast asleep. Momma and Poppa were snoozing when suddenly the door went SQUEAK.Momma's eyes flew open. Daughter Evie was scared and wanted to sleep with her parents.Momma said, "Sure!"Poppa said "Snore," and the bed said, "Creak."With two other children about to make their way to their parents' bedroom, followed by their dog who was terrified of the nighttime thunderstorm, would there be room on the bed for everyone?Will Poppa ever wake up?With fun illustrations that perfectly complement this hilarious story, children will relish this rhythmic read-aloud tale with its repetitive squeaks and creaks in the middle of the night.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.

"Hot Rod Hamster"