Adventures and lessons await: a selection of children's and teen books that revisit old tales, introduce new characters, impart values and show some new moves.

Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story From Africa By Niki Daly Clarion Books, April 2007 $16, ISBN 0-618-72345-5 Ages 5-8

Daly weaves an entertaining twist in his retelling of the popular Little Red Riding Hood tale, set in West Africa. The bright and colorful drawings capture the story's sassy humor.

When Gorilla Goes Walking By Nikki Grimes Illustrated by Shane Evans Orchard Books, May 2007 $16.99, ISBN 0-439-31770-3 Ages 4-8

Gorilla is an affection ate, fierce, tailless, soul-food eating cat. And poet Nikki Grimes spins a delightful story of friendship between Cecilia and Gorilla. The poems comically express the joyful bond between owner and pet; and the vibrant illustrations add to the fun.

The Princess and the Pea By Hans Christian Anderson, illustrated by Rachel Isadora G.P. Putnam's Sons, June 2007 $16.99, ISBN 0-399-24611-8 Ages 4-8

With her unique style of colorful cut-outs, Isadora retells this classic fairy tale of a young prince's search for a "real princess"; and she recasts the story in a multihued African setting.

We By Alice Schertle Illustrated by Kenneth Addison Lee & Low Books, May 2007 16.95, ISBN 1-584-30060-1 Ages 6 and up

In this book about the emergence of humankind, the author states: "This book was inspired by discoveries of the oldest fossilized remains of humans and prehumans ever found, discoveries made in Africa."

This is an easy-to-read story about mankind's evolution, highlighting our cultural diversity and technological progress. Addison's collage-illustrations beautifully reflect the earth's richness.

Steve Harvey Presents Roopster Roux: That's Not Punny By Lavaille Lavette, illustrated by Vuthy Kuon Pelican Publishing Group, June 2007 $16.95, ISBN 1-589-80483-X Ages 9 and up

In this characterization, funnyman Steve Harvey is zapped into the world of his friend Roopster Roux, and this happens each time he reads his son a Roopster Roux story at bedtime.

In this episode, Steve and Roopster, a hip rooster that wears sneakers and a baseball cap, find themselves trapped inside a museum and at the mercy of the Punster, a villain who's known for--what else--his bad jokes. This is a clever adventure story in which Lavette uses creative wordplay to attract young readers who are oftentimes reluctant to pick up a book. The drawings are bold with a rough-and-ready quality; yet they are enjoyable.

Roger Robbie Discovers Dr. J's Secrets: A Book of Values for Young Children By Herb Rogers Jr. Illustrated by Robert L Jefferson AuthorHouse, July 2006 $23.99, ISBN 1-425-92981-8 Ages 9-12

Herb Rogers, a former principal at the Dr. Ethel Allen Elementary School, offers empowering and important ideals in this unique and entertaining book. Originally published 20 years ago, the character Roger Robbie meets the legendary Julius Ervin, who shares with him that confidence, friendship, determination, pride and honesty are just a few of the values that "will make you and other happy / And bring joy to all your days."

The book list 24 values in all, and they're presented in fun rhymes with simple yet charming illustrations.

Capoeira: Game! Dance! Martial Art! Written and photographed by George Ancona Lee & Low Books, May 2007 $18.95, ISBN 1-584-30268-1 Ages 7-12

Capoeira (pronounced kah-poo-Ay-rah) is a popular game, dance and martial arts form that originated in Brazil; and as it is offered at recreation centers throughout the nation and seen in several music videos, capoeira is becoming a phenomenon. The acrobatic movements and pulsating music makes for energetic fun for both boys and girls.

In this eye-catching photo-essay, the students and instructors of the Mandinga Academy demonstrate the skills and moves of the game. The book is a wonderful introduction to the moves, and it also includes the history of capoeira and glossary of the terms associated with it.

--Compiled by C.V.R.