Author RK Mortenson's first book, Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle, has hit the stores--and I'm sure it's going to be a hit with its intended 9-12 year-old audience, as well.

The cover and size of the book are rather ingenious in their appeal to kids of this age. A fun illustration, gilded scrollwork, and an illustrated "lock" give the book the feel of an ancient diary--when a child holds the book, she's likely to feel there's something "secret" and wonderful inside.

And indeed, there is. Young Landon Snow finds himself falling into a book, and transported to a magical place. While it's a wonderful tale, what I enjoy most are the underlying messages: books are depicted as wonderful and transformational, as Landon embarks on an adventure by--literally--immersing himself in a book.

I read this book myself ahead of time, and have now begun to read it aloud to my seven-year-old daughter. (All great books should be read aloud, should they not?) While a wee bit young for the targeted demo, she's loving it, Each night, after I read a chapter, she invariably says, "Ah, dad. Keep going--it's in a good part."

I can think of no higher compliment for author RK Mortenson.