Gift-Box Book Sets make Series Reading a Snap by Lee Littlewood on Creators.com

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It's the time of year when publishers release special boxed sets of books, perfect for gift giving. Children's book series have always been popular, and giving a boxed set makes tracking down that elusive second or third book a breeze.

"Pendragon" book set by D.J. MacHale; Simon & Schuster Publishing; $42.99.

From best-selling author MacHale comes the first five, of 10, installments of his "Imagine the Unimagined" "Pendragon" book series. The adventures of seemingly normal 14-year-old Bobby Pendragon begin when he learns he's a Traveler, and it's up to him to save the world. But Bobby's job is even bigger than saving Earth as we know it; he also needs to rescue all of Halla — every time and place that has ever existed — from an evil enemy known as Saint Dane.

Full of time travel and exotic, imaginative adventure for readers ages 10 and up, the set includes: "The Merchant of Death," "The Lost City of Faar," "The Never War," "The Reality Bug" and "Black Water."

"Sarah Dressen Gift Set" by Sarah Dressen; Speak/Penguin Publishing; $26.97.

People Magazine calls Dressen's books for teen girls "a cut above chick lit," and Newsweek says she's "one of the hottest writers this side of J.K. Rowling." It shows in her three novels in this pretty paperback set, with "Just Listen," "The Truth about Forever" and "This Lullaby" included.

Absorbing, realistic teen situations coupled with zesty writing make Dressen's book set a fantastic gift for any adolescent girl.

"Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles" from Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black; Simon & Schuster; $33.99.

DiTerlizzi and Black scored huge with "The Spiderwick Chronicles" books and have resurrected the magic with "Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles." Far from the old-fashioned charm of the first series' New England setting, Nick and his annoying stepsister, Laurie, stumble upon the faerie world in hot, sunny Florida. Certainly not girly and typically fairy-like, the series sends the pair off to outrun giants, negotiate with mermaids, battle a huge monster and, especially, to save themselves and all of Florida.

With breathtaking text and wacky adventure, the three hardcover books — "The Nixie's Song," "A Giant Problem" and "The Wyrm King" — make magical winter reading for the middle-grade crowd.

"A Little Boxed Set" from Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace; Chronicle Books; $19.99.

Rosenthal's simple but sweet "Little Hoot," "Little Pea" and "Little Oink" charmed preschoolers as soon as they hit bookshelves.

With quirky, tot-like stories and sparse but lovely artwork, the small picture books are certainly read- aloud pleasers.

The whimsical and sturdy boxed set offers the three tales in board book form, with cutouts in the box so kids can showcase their favorite "pea-ple" photos. It's a fabulous gift for the little one in your life. We're also hoping there are more "little" creatures coming up soon.

"Peter Rabbit Naturally Better Classic Gift Set" by Beatrix Potter; Frederick Warne/Penguin; $19.99.

Frederick Warne Publishing's new line of "Peter Rabbit Naturally Better" books are earth-friendly, made with recycled material, environmentally sound vegetable inks and paper from responsibly managed sources. Aimed at appealing to new parents with "green" concerns, the books retain all the charm of the classics with an even softer, more "outdoorsy" look.

This lovely boxed set features four small hardcover versions of Potter's originals, starring Jemima Puddle-Duck, Jeremy Fisher, Tom Kitten and, of course, Peter Rabbit. It's a beautiful gift for a new baby or young toddler.

"The Hardy Boys Starter Set" by Franklin W. Dixon; and "Nancy Drew Starter Set," by Carolyn Keene; Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Young Readers Group; $32.99 each.

Give the gift of classic mystery writing to the young person on your list this year. Both starter sets include the first six books in each beloved series, with original design and graphics. Each comes in a sturdy stand-along box, so kids can keep the books organized and damage-free. Regularly priced at $41.94 if the books are purchased separately, these boxed sets are a bargain.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.