On weekends, local bookstores and librarians will write about their favorite books for kids and on parenting.

This week, Karin Michel, head of youth services for the Chapel Hill Public Library, writes about some of her favorites for school-aged kids.

One of my favorite chapter books from the past few years is "Clementine," by Sara Pennypacker. It's a perfect mix of an irresistible main character, a hilariously engaging plot, and age-appropriate content and language. The young heroine, Clementine, is a third grader with red hair and a knack for getting into trouble. In this book, she makes it through "not so good of a week" where she is sent to the principal's office, gets in a fight with her best friend and worries that her parents want to get rid of her.

The author wrote an equally charming sequel last year, "The Talented Clementine," following Clementine as she and the rest of the class prepare for a talent show. One of the best things about these books are the illustrations by Marla Frazee. She perfectly captures the spirit and personality of Clementine and her world.

I was delighted to discover that a third title, "Clementine's Letter," is being published this month. I haven't read it yet, but I can't wait to get my hands on it. Clementine is a great character, and the books deserve a wide audience.

My other favorite series right now is for an older audience, probably fifth grade and up. The Percy Jackson books (beginning with "The Lightning Thief") by Rick Riordan are about a boy who finds that he is actually the half-blood son of one of the Olympians, and that the gods and monsters from Greek mythology are alive and well and much more connected to the modern world than you might imagine. These are page-turning adventure stories with a solid connection to mythology.

They're also funny and extremely popular with a lot of middle-grade readers. The author writes adult mysteries, but this series has made him a huge hit with a different generation. The fourth book in the series, "The Battle for the Laybrinth," is due out next month.

For more information about the Chapel Hill Public Library, it's storytimes and special events, go here.

The library will offer a special program by Rags to Riches Theatre for Young Audiences, 2 p.m., May 10. The Durham-based traveling theater group will perform "The Emperor's New Clothes." Pre-register by calling the children's desk at 968-2778.

Check out our daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!