Too often we forget how wonderful it feels to get caught up in a riveting story and take the time to really relax. This month I would like to introduce some of the new children's and young people's materials, available to be borrowed at the Milton Public Library, so that you can encourage your children to take the time to get lost in a good book.

This summer we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables written by L. M. Montgomery. To honour this occasion, another noted Canadian author, Budge Wilson, has written a book entitled Before Green Gables. It is a prequel to Anne's story and explains how Anne became an orphan and how she ended up in P.E.I. It's a great read for all ages.

Some other notable new titles include: Airman by Eoin Colfer, A Perfect Gentle Knight by Kit Pearson, Swindle and Schooled by Gordon Korman, Dark Day in the Deep Sea by Mary Pope Osborne, Small Steps (the sequel to Holes), by Louis Sachar, Newton and the Time Machine by Michael McGowan, Queste by Angie Sage, Bifocal by Deborah Ellis and Eric Walters, The Falls by Eric Walters, Brisingr by Christopher Paolini, and The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry. Although not as big as Harry Potter, many readers are awaiting the novel Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer, which will be released on August 2.

Some excellent series that are available for children who are just beginning to learn how to read chapter books are: Marvin Redpost by Louis Sachar, Secrets of Droon by Tony Abbott, Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne and Rainbow Magic by Daisy Meadows. Nate the Great by Marjorie Sharmat, Encyclopedia Brown by Donald Sobol and A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy are good beginner mystery series to try.

For readers who are interested in tackling longer series stories, I suggest: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, the Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup the Viking by Cressida Cowell, Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo, Septimus Heap by Angie Sage, the Candy Apple Books, Pendragon by D. J. MacHale and Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benton.

Kids who are hooked on reading may want to try: the Alex Rider Adventures series by Anthony Horowitz, the Midnighters by Scott Westerfeld, Young Bond by Charlie Higson, the Tomorrow series by John Marsden, Maximum Ride by James Patterson, the Clique Novels by Lisi Harrison and Children of the Lamp by Philip Kerr.

Graphic novels have become very popular, and there are many different series available now in both the children's and YP areas. Some popular titles include: Megaman NT Warrior; Hardy Boys, Undercover Brothers; Nancy Drew, Girl Detective; Bone by Jeff Smith, Amelia Rules by Jimmy Gownley, Babymouse by Jennifer Holm and Goosebumps Graphix by R. L. Stine.

Feel free to visit the Milton Public Library and ask any of our knowledgeable staff for assistance in finding the perfect summer read. We hope to see you soon!

Cover to cover is submitted by staff at the Milton Public Library.