There has always been an enchantment about reading a good children's story. Children take pleasure in having a story read to them anytime or anywhere, whether it be around a campfire, under a starry night, in their beds wrapped up tight in snuggly blankets, beneath a shady tree on a hot summer's day, or in front of a roaring fireplace on a cold winter's day. Children love to listen to a story being read and this can go as far as adolescence. Come take an adventure in the World of Ink with the "Best of" Stories for Children Magazine Volume 1, a collection of over 20 poems, stories, and articles published by leading children's authors.

REVIEW

Editors VS Grenier, Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Wendy Dickson, and Angelika Lochner

From poetry, fiction and nonfiction, to activities, crafts and recipes, this anthology of work taken from Stories for Children Magazine will delight young readers and their parents, older brothers and sisters, too. The book, divided into two sections, Spring and Summer, Autumn and Winter, contains over 20 poems, stories and articles by leading children's authors and illustrators.

As we stroll through the pages of this book, we meet a hungry boy in Lisa Lowe Stauffer's fun rebus, 'Hungry Helper,' artwork by Steve Cartwright. 'The First Teddy Bear,' by VS Grenier, relates the history of this popular stuffed animal. Follow along with Donna J. Shepherd and illustrator Kevin Scott Collier on a 'Topsy Turvey Tour' and meet some very unique critters. For young artists, VS Grenier has written a recipe for making your own finger paints. And these are just the beginning.

'King of the Mountain,' by VS Grenier, artwork by Marie Letourneau, gives us a loveable hero. And if your parents sometimes haven't a clue what you're doing, 'Mistaken Identity' by Gayle Jacobson-Huset, artwork by Kimberly Sponaugle, is the story for you. Guy Steward wrote a fun tale about an iguana and a cockatiel, 'Marcus and Eggplant Save Patokay,' artwork by Brooke Henson Lovell. Then there's Gayle C. Krause's 'Cookie Lessons' about, what else? Talking cookies, artwork by Angela C. Hawkins.

Do you enjoy a good mystery? Then help Detective Peyton find the clues in Cynthia Sherwood's 'The Store Detective,' but be sure to turn on the lights when you read 'There's a Monster in Cabin Eight,' by Gayle Jacobson-Huset, artwork by Zariah. Mary LaFleur Langdon's 'The Pumpkin Festival Mystery,' artwork by Steve Cartwright will have you puzzling over what's happening to the pumpkins. And can you solve the mystery of the snowman in 'Snowman's Face is Missing!' by Rachel A. Hamby and artwork by Beverly Luria? Sounds great, huh? Read on.

For the cooks in the family, try making some of the simple, yet yummy recipes. 'Granny Gayle's Summer Chicken Salad,' Gayle Jacobson-Huset, is on my recipes-to-try list. If you've ever wanted to leave a treat for Santa's reindeer, the reindeer are sure to love the treats in 'Magic Reindeer Food,' by VS Grenier. Or whip up a batch of Gayle Jacobson-Huset's 'Christmas Tree Treats' for gifts or holiday decorations.

Is poetry your favorite read? Then take a look at Evelyn B. Christensen's poem, 'Garden Gripe,' artwork by Nicole Falk. Check out Becky Becker's poem, 'April Fools Day,' illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins. Or you can sail away with Carol Crowley's 'Sail Away,' artwork Candace J. Hardy.

Do you know the purpose of totem poles? I didn't until I read 'Magnificent Totem Poles,' by Randi Lynn Mrvos. You've heard the old saying 'Sticks & Stones Won't Break My Bones?' Nidhi Kamra's article with that title tells all about your bones and calcium. What a cool read.

Have you ever wanted to speak another language? Or perhaps you do. I learned a few Arabic words in Gayle Jacobson-Huset's and Dara Becker's 'Anisah Celebrates'EID AL-ADHA',' illustrated by Candace J. Hardy. 'Assalaamu Alaikum.' This means 'Peace be upon you.'

With stories about penguins, elves, turkeys, and scarecrows, there is so much more I want to tell you. But I must stop now. I recommend this anthology for all ages. Parents, read it to your children. Children, read it to yourselves and to your pets. You'll be glad you did.

Reviewed by: Beverly Stowe McClure, Author of Rebel in Blue Jeans
Beverly Stowe McClure
Let's Talk about Books

EXCERPT

King of the Mountain
By: VS Grenier

"Hi," said a voice.
I stopped my bike while a boy about my age with a goofy smile rode his bike onto my
driveway.
"I'm Jeff," he said. "What's your name?"
"Virginia," I said, looking at the ground.
"Did you just move here?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"Where did you live before?" he asked.
"Near L.A.," I said.
My dad came walking out with Chinook, my dog. "I have to walk my dog now."
"What kind is he?" Jeff asked, watching my big black and white dog. "His eyes don't match. One's blue and one's green."


Magnificent Totem Poles
By: Randi Lynn Mrvos

Let's journey back in time several hundred years to the lands of the great Northwest. Peeking behind a screen, we see a carver finishing his work on a tall, wooden pole. When he's done, it's dragged to the potlatch, a ceremonial gift-giving feast. We hear the drums roll and the people clap. The magnificent totem is raised. At a glance, this mighty monument looks like any other, yet no single pole is alike. Each one serves a specific purpose.


The Pumpkin Festival Mystery
By: Mary LaFleur Langdon

Poof! The light in the first jack-o-lantern went out. Poof! Out went the second and the third, until all the jack-o-lanterns' glowing faces were dark. The Pumpkin Festival was over for the night. The food was put away, the craft booths were closed up, and the people went back to their homes.
Olivia rested her head on her hands as she peeked out her bedroom window overlooking the gazebo. Suddenly, she jumped up. The jack-o-lanterns lining the gazebo's railings beamed with light again.


Anisah Celebrates "EID AL-ADHA"
By: Gayle Jacobson-Huset
With Arabic Language Help from Dara Becker

My name is Anisah. It means 'friendly' in Arabic. I'm ten. I'm American. My mother is from Minnesota in the United Sates. My father is from Pakistan and is now an American citizen. Pakistan is across the world from Minnesota, just about on the other side. We are a Muslim family. Muslims are people who follow the faith called Islam.

Christian people celebrate Christmas. Jewish people celebrate Chanukah. Muslim people celebrate Eid. Muslims celebrate two Eids: Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr is
celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.