22 ~ Wednesday, February 1, 1989 —- North Shore News books Viking history made informative and fun THIS WEEK we start off with a Icok at two recent releases written for younger readers: The Vikings and Because of Lozo Brown. The Vikings is the first in a series of paperbacks from Stoddart Publishing titled Discovering Canada, and, judging by this initial work, the publisher's foray is good news for kids, parents and educators. This is no dry historical treat- ment that will leave the tykes star- ing vacantly off into space, but a MIKE STEELE book reviewer highly imaginative approach to history that is both informative and fun. While the exploits of Canada’s first European settlers are accu- rately explained, the historical component is punctuated by details on archeology and its role in telling the stories of our past. In a down-to-earth, simple lesson, readers are not only told how an archeological dig is done but how to execute one ’ themselves in their own backyard (with parental suggestions as to the exact locale high!y recommended, of course). The Vikings (90 pp.; $9.95), penned by authors A.G. Smith and Robert Livesay, is printed proof that history can be made appeal- ing for younger readers if only someone cares enough to do the job well. Because of Lozo Brown is an amusing hardcover with a subtle message about preconceptions that has broader applications, | suspect. Written by Larry King and il- lustrated in a delightfully whim- sical style by artist Amy Schwartz, this book for children three te eight years old centres on a little boy’s fear-filled fantasies woven around a new kid on the block. Without ever actually having met Lozo Brown, his imagination runs wild with dire thoughts of mayhem and imminent destruc- tion (personal destruction) that the new boy's presence threatens: “I told Mom he’s a pirate And a ghost who changes shapes And a giant who gobbles other boys Like they were jelly-cakes! She laughed and called me ‘silly sweets’ and ruffled up my hair. But | bet she'll be sorry When I vanish in thin air.’ A group of friends read Because of Lozo Brown (Viking: Kectrel; 27 pp.; $16.95 in hardcoves), laughed in genuine amusement at the thymes and illustrations, arc al! agreed that this book had great potential as a tool for teaching kids something about the nature of prejudice. While we’re in an educational vein, readers might seriously con- sider Patrick Watson and Ben- jamin Barber's The Struggle For Democracy, the hardcover, com- panion volume to the television series now airing on CBC. While television fare of this type suffers to varying degrees thanks to the entertainment imperative, such shortcomings are usually not evi- dent in the companion volumes which enjoy a broader scope for fully exploring the relevant subject material. This is certainly true with The Struggte For Democracy, a first-rate chronicle of the flawed but unsurpassed institution that is democracy. From the warring city-states of ancient Greece to the modern day,‘Watson and Barber delve into the origins, development and ills of demccracy in this well- illustrated work. The Struggle For Democracy (Lester & Orpen Dennys; 298 pp.; $39.95) is anything but a light ‘read’, but most definitely is one of the most comprehensive essays on the political system we have chosen as our own. see Next week: Jack Merek’s spell- binding thriller of potential! nuclear destruction, Target Stealth; the experiences of women in ‘non- traditional’ occupations — Hard-Hatted Women by Moll: Martin; and a chilling look at the threat posed to health care by Big Business in Rochelle Jones’ Surermeds. Be Cee ee ee ee ee ee UP TO $1900 OFF Your Bill when two or more DINNER ENTREES are purchased This coupon is valid any evening in our TEPPAN-YAKi ROOM Expires April 30, 1989 RESTAURANT SUNTORY 4TH FLOOR PAN PACIFIC HOTEL VANCOUVER, B.C. V6éC 3B5 683-8201 An intemational chain of fine Japanese Restaurants in 15 major cities all around the world scmseamminasnasanaseataeanantusnasatusatzatusess. Sn---- ® WEDO 4 p WINDSHIELD REPAIRS Free Sunroof protection case with each |_sunroof installed 51 cm 21” Stereo Receliver:Monitor ® Full Square Hyperbolic Flat picture tube © Broadcast StereosSAP Reception capability © Stereo audiofvideo input jacks © Program Out and Variable Audio Output jacks * COMPU-MATIC 21 Function remote Control 80 63 cm 26' diagonal Stereo Recelver!/Monitor ¢ Broadcast Stereo/SAP Reception capability ¢ Built-in stereo amp with 2-way, 4-speaker system * Stereo audio/video input jacks ¢ Program Out and Variable Audio Output jackse COMPU-MATIC 20 Function Remote Control YTT 5947BW 20” Color Portable TV h Contract DYNABRITE piciure tube © COMPU-MATIC. unctian Remote Contral © Programmable Channe! Scan YTP 3957BE 14” Color Portable TV * COMPU-MATIC 19 Function Remote Control e Hig! © Programmable Channel Scan 19 LL dial-a:movie eo e y A DIVISION OF GENERAL TECHNICAL SEAVICES LTD