Whatever You Do, Don't Run is a collection of stories and anecdotes written by Peter Allison, a safari guide in Botswana.

In the beginning of the book, Alison states that he was just a boy growing up in Sydney with a passion for animals, and that he eventually bought a ticket to Africa, just to go on vacation there. He was only planning to stay for a year. Instead, he got a job as a safari guide, and this book is a result of his experiences and the stories he heard. It relates Allison's intense love for animals, and his appreciation of the natural world around him.

In the book, Allison recounts stories of varying tones, from the lighthearted tale of the time he drove his Land Rover into a lagoon, to the more serious story of how Botswana became the country that it is today. Among the sillier, more entertaining stories, such as how he was almost attacked by a lion while one of his tourists was upset because he couldn't get the episode on film, come more serious moments, interspersed in a real-life manner. Stories of Rantaung Rantaung, who died twice, and Beau, the hairless baboon, add a poignant note to the collection.

Don't Run is told in the style of campfire tales, recounted by an experienced storyteller in plain simple prose and without exaggeration. His particular blend of self-deprecating humor and insightful commentary on human nature make this book an incredibly entertaining read. His obvious awe and appreciation for the natural world shine through, as does his understanding and appreciation of Botswana.

This book will have you longing to buy a ticket to Africa, to go see the sights and experience something of what is described in the book.
J. Bradley

BOOK REVIEW: Duey, Kathleen. Skin Hunger. New York: Atheneum Books of Young Readers, 2007.

This story revolves around two main characters: a teenaged boy named Hahp, and a young woman named Sadima. The chapters alternate between the two characters, and Sadima's story begins the tale.

Her mother, in the care of a charlatan "magician", died during Sadima's birth. Sadima now lives with two renegades ­ the magician, Somiss, and his servant Franklin, with whom she falls in love. One thing that Sadima keeps secret from everyone is her ability to communicate with animals. Eventually, she discovers Somiss's deep dark secret that is the key to the survival of magic.

Then there is Hahp, the unwanted son of a rich merchant, who is sent away to a secret school of wizardry, where he is starved and tortured. However, his true strengths as a magician are revealed through his trials.

Sadima's story occurs two hundred years before Hahp's, yet Franklin and Somiss somehow defeat time and appear as magicians in Hahp's school in order to restore magic to their world.

The first of a trilogy, this dark fantasy entrances the reader from the very first page. The author's unique technique of weaving alternating stories together captures the imagination and attention of the reader. In spite of a slow start, the story becomes a fast-paced page-turner that you can't put down. By having believable characters and having them confront the themes of death, love and loyalty, terror and deceit, the author creates a dark atmosphere that never fails to entertain. The constantly switching stories might bother some readers who want to focus on one story longer, though. Because it ends with cliff-hangers, the book is not successful as a stand-alone novel, and if you are unable to wait for answers and a continuation to the stories of the characters you come to love, reading the first volume without the sequel in hand is not recommended. Overall, I would strongly recommend this book to all, especially fans of dark, enchanting fantasy books, as this one will not disappoint in thrilling adventures and drama.
C. White.

BOOK REVIEW: Barkley, Brad & Heather Helper. Dream Factory. New York: Dutton, 2007.

After the characters at Disney World go on strike, replacement teens are hired to keep the magic alive. In no time, the replacements are able to see through the dazzling appearance of the flawless amusement park, and find that it isn't as wonderful as it seems.

Ella, who takes on the role of Cinderella, finds herself caught between reality and the magical atmosphere surrounding her. But Luke, who plays Dale (of Chip & Dale), helps Ella step out of real life into the world of magic, opening doors Ella never knew existed.
As Ella and Luke's relationship grows stronger, they drift farther and farther from reality. Ella and Luke find themselves having to choose between real life with real relationships, and a "happily-ever-after' dream land. Will they have to choose one over the other, or can they merge the two and live happily?

Dream Factory grabs the reader with its magic on the first page. The authors switch perspectives between Ella and Luke believably, and reveal the confusion and struggle of teen relationships.
K. Brown