Published July 29, 2005, in the Waukesha Freeman

Story by Matthew Webber

WAUKESHA – It's not a magic trick. Children's books are flying off library shelves this summer.

It's not just the record-breaking Harry Potter books or Lemony Snicket series that are disappearing. The sections for other science fiction and fantasy books, as well as old favorites by the likes of Roald Dahl, Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary, appear to be black holes.

"There are wide open spaces; there are hardly any books left on the shelves," said Kate FitzGerald-Fleck, a children's librarian at the Waukesha Public Library.

"We have so many kids coming through. I say they're like locusts, but in a good way."

These "locusts" are hungry for books of all kinds, particularly those relating to the "Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds" summer reading program, a group of librarians said.

Children and their parents continue to enjoy Harry Potter, with almost 300 readers throughout the county on hold for the latest book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

But the librarians also listed "Dragon Rider," "Artemis Fowl," "Guardians of Ga'hoole" and "Shadow Children" as other popular children's titles among the 54,000 checked out each month.

The increasing popularity of books about magic, knights and other adventures in faraway places reflects a change in the publishing industry.

"There is a trend toward reading a lot of fantasy now, much more so than maybe five, six years ago," said Karen Vollmar, a children's librarian at the Waukesha Public Library.

"I suppose that's probably related to the Harry Potter books and Lemony Snicket. But I check the new books when they come in, and I've noticed there is so much more fantasy being published than in previous years."

Children still read about the adventures of Curious George and Nancy Drew, but they also check out books about superheroes, Darth Vader and other contemporary icons.

Also, nonfiction books are surprisingly well read this summer, with children learning about animals, sports, famous people and vacation spots.

"When you ask what they're reading, it's kind of like, what aren't they reading?" FitzGerald-Fleck said.

Although two library patrons are "too young" for some of the most popular science fiction and fantasy series, their mother said they enjoy reading numerous other books throughout the summer.

As Anna, "6 and a half," and Beth, "5 and a half," selected books on their weekly trip to the Waukesha Public Library, Sue Allen said she hopes they continue learning from books.

"I just like them to read," Allen said. "Anna is reading two or three grade levels above where she needs to be, so I want to encourage her to read as much as possible."

Anna cited the Cam Jansen mysteries as her favorites, while Beth said she "is practicing reading" for kindergarten with the "I Spy" books.