BOOKS TO BORROW

"Max Disaster #3: Alien Eraser Reveals the Secrets of Evolution" written and illustrated by Marissa Moss, Candlewick, 54 pages

Read aloud: age 8 to 12

Read yourself: age 8, 9 and older

Max's parents are scientists, and Max plans on being a scientist, too. Unfortunately, his latest experiment was a dud. Max had found an ancient Egyptian recipe for a love potion, one he hoped would work for his mom and dad who are separated. Not only didn't the potion work, but Max's mom just had a date with a man who isn't his father, and now she's acting weird, like she's become a teenager again.

As Max works out this mixed-up situation, the crazy stuff in school and life in general, he continues to write his comics about Alien Eraser. As he does, Max begins to see that things change and evolve, and maybe that's not such a bad thing.

LIBRARIAN'S CHOICE

Library: Slater Library, 26 Main St., Jewett City

Library Director: Meg Vantine

Children's Librarian: Ann Grzelak

Choices this week: "The Three Questions (Based on a Story by Leo Tolstoy)" by Jon J. Muth; "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss; "Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story" by Lisa Wheeler

AT THE BOOKSTORE

"Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping" written and illustrated by Mélanie Watt, Kids Can Press, 2013, 32 pages, $16.95 hardcover

Read aloud: age 4 to 7

Read yourself: age 7 and 8

Scaredy Squirrel is certain he is not interested in the idea of camping. After all, the wilderness contains lots of frightening "troublemakers," such as skunks, mosquitoes and quicksand. Scaredy Squirrel plans to enjoy camping from the comfort of his own home by watching a multiple-hour TV program.

Once he sets up his new TV, Scaredy Squirrel realizes he has a problem-he still has to plug his TV in and the nearest outlet is a long way away through the dark woods to reach a campground. Scaredy Squirrel might be scared, but he is determined. After preparing his detailed plan of action and his ultimate survival wilderness outfit, he begins the terrifying trek to accomplish his mission.

"Mr. Flux" by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Matte Stephens, Kids Can Press, 2013, 32 pages, $16.95 hardcover

Read aloud: age 3 and older

Read yourself: age 7, 8 and older

Young Martin and his family live in a town that doesn't like change. Everyone seems to like things the way they are and life is very predictable.

Then the eccentric Mr. Flux moves to town, a he is a man who loves change and thrives on it. At first, Martin and the others think Mr. Flux is bonkers. But the more Martin gets to know Mr. Flux, Mr. Flux's fun way of looking at life and change begin to rub off on Martin, and eventually everyone in town.

A charming book that is both thought-provoking and fun, "Mr. Flux" is awesome.

www.greatestbooksforkids.com