These Tales Feature Girls in the Spotlight--for a Change

Studies show that although girls enjoy stories about boys, most can’t picture themselves having that adventure or solving that mystery. Boys have an even harder time believing that the genders in stories are interchangeable, even in simple stories, and these subtly or not-so-subtly reinforced ideas carry on, in most cases, well into adulthood.

The following books feature strong female characters. These girls and women think for themselves, and their activities are inspiring and fun, not inspiring and fun . . . for a girl.

“The Cello of Mr. O,” a story of courage and acceptance and hope, and the importance of going on. Set in an unlikely place for a children’s story--the center of a burned-out city under siege--but not unfamiliar thanks to global TV coverage. This simple story stands on its own and can also be the opening to important dialogue about the world at large. It features resilient children, wise adults (except for the nameless, faceless snipers) but is never too moralistic or preachy. For ages 4 to 8. By Greg Couch; illustrated by Jane Cutler ($15.99, Dutton Books, 1999).

“Auntie Claus”--here’s a beautifully illustrated holiday story-with-a-message about the real force behind Christmas gift delivery. It’s a velvety Christmas valentine, if you will, to New York--in landmarks and tone of sophistication--but comfortably identifiable to children all over America. When brat Sophie Kringle stows away for her great-aunt’s annual business trip and ends up at the North Pole mistaken for an elf, she’s living a “Polar Express”-like fantasy, and by the time she subs her name for her brother’s on the naughty kids list in a surprising act of compassion, both kids and adults will be rooting for her. For ages 4 and older. By Elise Primavera ($16, Silver Whistle, 1999).

“A Mad Summer Night’s Dream” has just the kind of tongue-twisting to sharpen verbal skills and wordplay to spark the imagination. This is a wild romp of a dream in words and pictures, with plenty to puzzle over even for pre-readers who can “read” the illustrations, which are so lively as to almost seem to move. For ages 4 to 8. By Ruth Brown ($15.99, Dutton Books, 1999).

The magical nighttime watercolors of “Owl Moon” by John Schoenherr depict watchful creatures, wintry scenes and the warm companionship of a father and daughter in perfect rhythm with veteran children’s-book writer Jane Yolen’s poetic and melodic text. Soothing for bedtime, memorable long after, the book was winner of the 1988 Caldecott Medal. For ages 4 and older ($16.99, Philomel Books, 1987).

“Zack’s Alligator” by Shirley Mozelle makes an improbable situation seem not only plausible but desirable! Zack is a clever boy, but Bridget (the fun-loving alligator who reconstitutes to full size in water) is a great female character--energetic and funny, and rightly outraged at being confused for a boy. This easy-to-read adventure appeals to both boys and girls and, with two exciting sequels, could turn reluctant readers into those as voracious as Bridget. For ages 4 and older. Illustrated by James Watt ($3.99, HarperTrophy, 1995).