There are a lot of important reasons to read chapter books. Recall, patience to wait for the next chapter and critical reading/listening skills are all developed by reading longer, more complicated stories.

Gee, with so many excellent reasons to read chapter books, could there possibly be more? You bet, and one of the best reasons is pure entertainment, and that's what you'll find in the books reviewed below.

The following books are available from many public libraries.<B>“The Cricket in Times Square”</B> by George Selden, illustrated by Garth Williams, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 134 pages; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 9 and older.Chester Cricket from a Connecticut meadow suddenly finds himself lying on a pile of dirt in the Times Square subway system.Following Chester's beautiful chirping sound, Mario, the boy from the news stand, rescues Chester. Later that night, with Mario and his parents gone, Tucker, a city mouse, and his friend, Harry the Cat, befriend Chester. Soon the three friends are having wild and wonderful adventures together, ultimately leading them to hatch a successful plan to help save Mario and his parents' business from failing.An absolutely delightful, enchanting story for the whole family, “The Cricket in Times Square” brims with adventure, love, loyalty and friendship.

<B>Library:</B> Mars Area Public Library, 107 Grand Ave., Mars<B>Library Director:</B> Mary Jo Simons<B>Choices this week: “The Secret of the Attic”</B> by Sheri Cooper Sinykin;<B> “Camp Confidential” </B>series by Melissa Morgan; <B>“Welcome to Molly's World, 1944”</B> by Catherine Gourley

The following are available at favorite bookstores.<B>“Cold Case”</B> by Julia Platt Leonard, Aladdin, 2011, 281 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 and 10 to adult.When 13-year-old Oz Keller arrives alone at his family restaurant early Saturday morning to clean, he is confronted with a horrifying sight — a dead man in the walk-in fridge. Blood is everywhere, and before Oz can figure out what to do, he hears footsteps coming toward him. Frightened, Oz decides to make a run for it. But he doesn't get far; a policeman has a firm grip on Oz's arm.Events quickly unfold and Oz's older brother, Dave, is the prime suspect in the murder. But Oz knows that even though his brother has a quick temper, he'd never kill anyone. Oz consults with his best friend, Rusty, and they are determined to uncover the truth and clear Dave's name. But a disturbing revelation rears its ugly head when Oz discovers that his deceased father had been accused of stealing nuclear secrets. Why hadn't anyone told him? And why is Dave being mysterious about where he was at the time of the murder?More questions, doubts and suspicious behaviors accumulate. As Oz and Rusty get closer to the truth, they are also getting closer to a very dangerous situation — one that puts them both in peril. Who can they trust and what is the truth? And will they be able to avert danger long enough to uncover it?Exceptionally well written, highly engaging, exciting and intelligent, this outstanding novel will have readers whipping through every page. Wonderfully believable characters, awesome plot and progression, and a conclusion that is wholly satisfying while unpredictable, this recommendation is an honorable salute to a reader's intelligence. A real thriller in every regard, “Cold Case” is a flawless novel by debut author Julia Platt Leonard. No doubt — the world will be waiting for her next book!<B>“Liar, Liar” </B>by Gary Paulsen, Wendy Lamb Books, 2011, 120 pages, $12.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 and older.Kevin, 14, is an excellent liar. Kevin believes that “people only listen for what they want to hear,” and that's what Kevin tells them. Why, he's so good at lying, he's never gotten in trouble for it. But all of that is about to change.When Kevin creates a long string of lies to impress the super-cute Tina, things start to spin out of control. The thick stew he's concocted is about to boil over, and Kevin's in the middle of the pot. The only thing left for Kevin to do is to tell the truth.Another superb novel from author Gary Paulsen, this interesting, often humorous short novel will both entertain and promote a solid message on the ramifications of lying.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website: www.greatestbooksforkids.com.<U></U>