Squelching creativity can cripple a child’s courage

Did you ever wonder why some people are more inclined toward adventure, exploration, trying new things, and taking chances?

Much of that attitude stems from a fascination and excitement for learning new things every day. We are all born that way; it’s called curiosity. Unfortunately, adults can stymie a child’s efforts, instill fear, and chip away at their independent spirit and ingenuity, diminishing the courage to explore and live life to its fullest.

Great learning takes place when a child is allowed and encouraged to use their own creative energies to figure things out, express their interests and discover all the wonderful things life has to offer.

Books to borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

“The Time Warp Trio: Oh Say, I Can’t See” by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Adam McCauley,, 72 pages

Read aloud: age 7 and older.

Read yourself: age 8 and older.

The 15th book in Scieszka’s hugely successful series, “The Time Warp Trio,” this adventure warps Joe, Sam, and Samantha back to Christmas Eve in Pennsylvania, 1776 — the day before George Washington crossed the Delaware River. Will they be shot as spies for the Hessians, or will they be able to help Washington and his men cross the Delaware and mount their sneak attack on the Hessians? American history may never be the same again.

Librarian’s choice

Library: Evergreen Branch Library, 9512 Evergreen Way, Everett

Director: Eileen Simmons

Children’s librarian: Sue Knipe

Choices this week: “Cats to the Rescue” by Marilyn Singer; “The Perfect Nest” by Catherine Friend; “The Beasts of Clawstone Castle” by Eva Ibbotson

Books to buy

“Runemarks” by Joanne Harris, 526 pages

Read aloud: age 11 and older.

Read yourself: 11 to 12 and older.

Five hundred years after the end of the world, young Maddy Smith knows that the goblins have been at the cellar again.

Of course, in Maddy’s world, Order rules, and magic and imagination have been outlawed long ago, leaving few to believe such a thing as goblins could be true. There are those, however, who rule with an iron fist and keep a careful watch on all things that could disrupt the Order.

Born with a rune mark on her palm, Maddy is scorned by villagers and she’s rumored to be a witch. The mysterious One-Eye knows Maddy’s rune mark holds the key to a great power where Maddy, if she can learn how to wield that power, is destined to be an integral force in the war that is coming.

A fast-paced adventure steeped in Norse mythology, old Norse tales, and the exceptional imagination of author Joanne Harris, “Runemarks” is nothing less than extraordinary.

“Guess What I Found in Dragon Wood” by Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Gwen Millward, 32 pages

Read aloud: age 4 to 7.

Read yourself: age 7 to 8.

One day, a native of Dragon Wood meets an unusual creature called a Benjamin. The Benjamin gets taken home, is offered the best foods to eat, spends the night and attends school the next day. And while the Benjamin is fascinating to everyone at school, it becomes obvious that the Benjamin is homesick. What to do? Take the Benjamin back to the faraway magical land full of Benjamins!

Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.