Editor’s Note: Each month, the children’s librarians at Bangor Public Library offer a selection of classics and new favorites designed to encourage reading and provoke thought in young readers. The books may be purchased at local bookstores or found at your local library.

THE SUBTLE KNIFE (His Dark Materials, Book II), written by Phillip Pullman, Knopf, 1997, 326 pages, $20.

Action, adventure, thrills and chills, other worlds and a mystery beyond the grasp of the imagination are what await the fevered readers of Phillip Pullman’s newest book, “The Subtle Knife.” This second installment in the exciting fantasy trilogy, “His Dark Materials,” is about Lyra Silvertongue, the 12-year-old with a prophecy to fulfill. Readers were introduced to Lyra in “The Golden Compass,” in which Pullman weaves an intricate story of magic and adventure. “The Subtle Knife” picks up where the first story left off and is so detailed and well-crafted that one is transported into the author’s wild fantasy world. The reader is also introduced to a new character — a 12-year-old boy named Will who quickly becomes a favorite. In this high-fantasy novel, the reader finds Lyra and Will traveling back and forth through different worlds (with the aid of the subtle knife), searching for Will’s missing father and trying to evade the grasp of the ever-present enemies who want the precious “althieometer.” Lyra continues her mission to find out about “Dust,” and discovers some startling information. Pullman successfully leaves the reader hanging and we will be counting the days until the next and final book of this unique and spellbinding series arrives. Great for ages 12 to 100.

Grades four-six

HARRY’S MAD, by Dick King-Smith, pictures by Jill Bennet, Crown Publishers, 1987, 123 pages, $9.95.

King-Smith, widely known for his character Babe, began his career as a farmer, switched to teaching and at age 56 began to write children’s books. With his loving knowledge of animals and children he has created more than 50 works. “Harry’s Mad” is a wonderful example of why he attained such popularity among the young.

Harry Holdsworth is a 10-year-old Londoner with boundless energy. He had never met his elderly Great-Uncle George, a linguistics professor from New York. So when news arrives that Harry has been mentioned in his will, his imagination runs wild. He has visions of speedboats, custom-built Cadillacs and hey, why not, a treasure chest! When he learns he has inherited his uncle’s companion of 40 years, an African gray parrot named Madison (Mad for short) he is crestfallen. That is, until he discovers he got the best treasure of all, a friend.

Madison is not just a talking parrot. With a droll wit he mimics Bogart, plays a mean game of monopoly, tutors Harry with his schoolwork, watches the 6 o’clock news with Harry’s dad and gives Harry’s mom tasty American recipes.

The tale takes a turn when Madison is kidnapped while trying to foil a break-in at the Holdsworth home. His adventures away from Harry and his eventual return culminate in an unexpected surprise.

This often hilarious and thoroughly charming book is a great read-aloud for younger children and an entertaining chapter book for middle readers.

Grades one-three

STORIES HUEY TELLS, by Ann Cameron, pictures by Lis Toft, New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1997, 118 pages, $13.

Huey tells a good story. His first-person narration focuses on family and friends and resonates with simplicity and warmth. Whether growing sunflowers, encouraging his father to stop smoking, celebrating family events or digging for gold in the park, Huey’s keen perceptions and gusto for life are good company.

Ann Cameron’s writing, which features African-American characters, illuminates daily life and offers poignant glimpses of the human heart. She is author of several books that serve as accessible introductory chapter books for young readers.

Preschool-kindergarten

PAPER BIRD, by Arcardio Lobato, illustrated by Emilio Urberuaga, Carolrhoda Books Inc., Minneapolis, 1994, $18.95.

“Paper Bird” is a picture book about drawing a bird on paper created by an artist to be given to his daughter as a birthday present. The artist dreams his bird is so real that it would fly. As the artist sleeps, the bird awakens in the night to realize he can’t fly and unexpectedly finds himself on a journey to make his wish of flying come true. Emilio Gonzales Urberuaga has had no formal training in the art, but these illustrations are just as beautiful as the story told by his friend, Arcardio Labato. Rich in imagination and freedom, the illustrations are drawn and painted in watercolor and ink, with touches of charcoal to add different textures. The drawings feel very much alive as the paper bird wants to be, not only as a work of art but also as freedom of our imagination. Both author and illustrator live in Madrid, Spain.