Getting Kids Engaged In Reading (NAPSA)—Kids who scheme, plot and strategize may enjoy following the adventures of two scheming, plotting, strategizing siblings in a new series of books and online activities. The books smartly combine influences of Edgar Allen Poe, Edward Gorey and Roald Dahl. Edgar & Ellen: Rare Beasts (Tri- cycle Press, $12.95), is the first of this six-book series written by Charles Ogden and illustrated with gothic charm by Rick Carton. It centers on a scheming young duo and their hijinks set among a community of kindly townspeople, covered bridges and milk trucks. Children nine to twelve will relish the intelligent humor and enjoy the opportunity to “observe” Edgar and Ellen’s fiendish pranks and how they get their comeuppance in the end. The first book and its companion Web site, edgarandellen.com, are specifically designed to engage even reluctant readers by building their excitement for the characters, involving them in the storytelling process and—unbeknownst to them—getting them hooked on reading and the process of reviewing books. “More and more young people are using computer technology to learn at school and at home. A concept like Edgar & Ellen is a must in this age of multimedia learning,” says Richard Yuen, MA, LCPC, Child/Adolescent & Family Specialist. In Edgar & Ellen: Rare Beasts, family pets—including Mr. Poo Poo, a Burmese python—are miss- ing and a mysterious “Exotic Animal Emporium” has appeared in the center of town. So the scene is Ldger 5)Elen Ea|\ Comet ta (merce C3) www.edgarandellen.com @ A new book series is designed to involve kids in reading, writing and reviewing books. set—will the citizensof this idyllic hamlet replace their furry friends with pricey “rare beasts” or will the devious duo be revealed? Edgarandellen.com includes a book excerpt, designed with the goal of giving children newfound motivation to read the whole book. In fact, children are encouraged to submit their own reviews of both Web site and book, and teacher and parent reading guides are available online. As further enticement to explore reading, an online contest gives children a chance to win $100 to spend at their favorite bookstore by creating a storyline for their own rare beasts. The contest will run through Halloween. For more information on the contest or the books, go to www.edgarandellen.com.
