New books offer great escapes for the last days of summer.
Orion and the Dark By Emma Yarlett Best for: Ages 4-8
Some kids find the dark a scary thing, but others look at it as a big adventure. Orion and the Dark gives readers a bit of both perspectives. Although Orion’s parents tell him there is nothing to be afraid of, he sees the world as full of frightening things. The dark is at the top of the list until one night when Dark pays Orion a little visit. This friendly-ish looking creature takes Orion on an adventure in the night. Dark explains how sounds that seem scary in the night are easily explained in the light. By the end of their adventure Orion understands that Dark can be his friend—and he’s not afraid of friends.
What’s good: Wonderful illustrations that will keep children and their parents gazing at the pages.
What’s bad: Even with its friendly form, the idea that the dark can come to life may be off-putting to some children.
Book Scavenger By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman Best for: Ages 8-14
What would you do if your parents wanted to live in all 50 states? Get used to moving! For 12-year-old Emily, it’s a lot easier said than done. She doesn’t have friends, roots, pets or very many keepsakes. She does have her books, a love of puzzling and her favorite game: Book Scavenger.
When Emily and her family move to San Francisco—the home of Book Scavenger—she stumbles into the biggest adventure of her life. She makes a friend, finds a rare book and uncovers a new mystery filled with humor, chases and mild danger. Maybe in the end she also can find a way to get her family to stay in one place for more than a year.
What’s good: Touching preteen insight mixed with highly-engaging codes and puzzles. What’s bad: The actual online BookScavenger.com game is not nearly as well planned as the book. Vampire Stakes (Killer Pizza Series #3) By Greg Taylor Best for: Ages 10-14
Did you miss the third Killer Pizza? Have you been jonesing for another Slice? You won’t find it in your local bookstore. You have to get Vampire Stakes on your e-reader.
Monster fighting high schoolers Toby, Anabelle and Strobe are on the case as teenagers disappear from Raven’s Run, OH. Toby and his Scooby gang are up against the “Elvis” of monsters, the vampire. Will they stake the vampires or will their order be up? You won’t want to put it down until the very end. This Killer Pizza is made with a generous blend of urban legends and B-movie classics. It’s topped with anticipation and sprinkled with adrenaline pumping fistfights. Vampire Stakes is a tasty treat any time of year.
What’s good: A great blend of fast-paced adventures, monsters and humor. What’s bad: Can’t get this one in print. Only available as an e-book.