One for the record books

For AP Weekly Features

Graphics and colors and photos -- oh my!

The "Scholastic Book of World Records 2002" (Scholastics, $9.95 paperback, ages 9-12) has more than 300 records, including the most expensive movie memorabilia -- Judy Garland's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," which sold at auction for $666,000.

Curious fingers will also learn about the world's tallest cactus, meet the world's richest man, explore the most frequently visited amusement park, and tune in to the nation with the most TV sets.

Records are divided into categories: nature, human-made, U.S., science and technology, money and business, sports, and popular culture.

Each record has a photo and detailed explanation, and a bar graph ranking notables within the category. Also, a table of contents and index to help navigate through the busy yet concise pages.

The quick but interesting read is sure to keep youngsters awe-struck for hours.

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Some facts might be hard to swallow

Some people know a clever hand trick that makes it appear that they are "stealing" your nose. But J.T. Saylors of Memphis, Tenn., was able to "swallow" his nose.

Well -- believe it or not -- it's just one of the bizarre, unusual and just plain zany entries in "Ripley's Believe It or Not! Special Edition" (Scholastic, $14.95, ages 8 and older).

The 144-page book is an easy-to-read collection of some of the world's most extraordinary and shocking feats. Each page is packed with entries, photos and drawings that will have young readers -- and some older ones -- doing double-takes.

Of particular interest to the more "mature" crowd may be a section called "Into the Dustbin," chock-full of ideas that either fizzled or have yet to see their day. Tag-along robotic suitcases, for instance, have yet to catch on.

And did you know that in Oklahoma it's against the law to take a bite out of another person's hamburger? Believe it or not.

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Rover subs for Rudolph

It's a bird, it's a plane -- it's Rover?

That's right, this Christmas Rudolph is home sick and Santa's in a bind, leaving the timely gift delivery service squarely on Rover's antlers.

Roddy Doyle's "Rover Saves Christmas" (Scholastic, $14.95, ages 8-12) is a tickle-me-funny tale that not only speaks but screams to young readers, engaging their attention every step of the way.

The book, a sequel to "The Giggler Treatment," comes complete with interruptions, commercial breaks and warning boxes:

"WARNING! Organic potatoes are particularly dangerous. Be very careful when approaching them. And don't try hunting other wild animals, like lions and crocodiles, with a potato peeler. Now, back to the story."

The dialogue is fun and familiar.

"'Water!' gasped a cactus.

"'Diet water!' gasped his girlfriend beside him."

The book offers several endings in case you think one is too "soppy" or too "crazy." Then Doyle adds "the real ending," which, of course, is followed by two more.