Summer reading choices abound for kids. Here's a look at some of them:

• As the nation's ever children's literature ambassador, author Jon Scieszka wants kids -- especially boys -- to know that reading is fun. To prove it, he has joined forces with several other children's book creators to offer a new series called "Trucktown." Filled with the kind of humor boys love, the action-packed series stars different vehicles with human names and characteristics, such as Jack Truck and Wrecker Rosie. The series' first picture book is "Smash! Crash!" (Simon & Schuster, $16.99), written by Scieszka and illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon. The series also includes board books, written by Hunter McKown and published by Simon & Schuster. "Vroom! It's Color Time!" ($6.99) features press-out play pieces. (Ages 2-5.)

• Award-winning author/artist Laura Vaccaro Seeger continues the adventures of her popular animal duo in "Dog and Bear: Two's Company" (Roaring Brook, $12.95). Introduced in Seeger's "Dog and Bear: Two Friends, Three Stories," the two friends face new challenges in their friendship, such as when Dog bakes a birthday cake for Bear but gobbles it up before he can present it. As always, Seeger's bold-colored art is filled with humor, while her text is just right for the preschool crowd. (Ages 3-6.)

• Not all dragons are fierce and breathe fire, as author Grace Chang proves in "Jin Jin the Dragon" (Enchanted Lion Books/FSG, $16.95). Chang draws on Chinese traditions as she details how Jin Jin asks different animals to help him figure out just what kind of animal he is. The illustrations by Chong Chang, Grace's brother, add to Jin Jin's appealing image. (Ages 4-7.)

• Mimi, a preschool-age pig, has two favorite things: her stuffed bunny and Frank, her roly-poly bug. One day, Frank disappears and Mimi has to make it through the day without him. The spirited Mimi manages this with aplomb, as author/illustrator Carol Baicker-McKee shows in the delightful "Mimi" (Bloomsbury, $15.95). Baicker-McKee, a child psychologist, demonstrates her knowledge of kids' emotions in her simple yet satisfying text, which ends with a great twist. But it's Baicker-McKee's three-dimensional illustrations -- created with fabric, clay, wood and other materials -- that steal the show. It's a rare preschooler -- or parent, for that matter -- who won't be charmed by this book. (Ages 3-5.)

• Julian Rodriguez may look like a regular boy. But he's actually a first officer of a Federation located far off in space. For eight years, he's been undercover on Earth and endured all kinds of deprivations (being forced to eat fruit instead of his preferred junk food) and mistreatment (required to say "please" and "thank you"). When his "maternal unit" asks him to take out the trash, Julian reaches his limit. Author/illustrator Alexander Stadler shows how Julian resolves the situation in "Julian Rodriguez: Episode One -- Trash Crisis on Earth" (Scholastic, $15.99). Stadler's story is hilarious, perfect for those just beginning to read chapter books. His quirky illustrations add to the comedy. This book is a great start to what should be a fun, new series. (Ages 5-8.)

• Candlewick Press has repackaged five of the "Where's Waldo?" books into one carry-along volume in "Where's Waldo?: The Ultimate Travel Collection" (Candlewick Press, $12.99). Featuring a sturdy cover and special elastic bookmark, this book offers countless hours of fun as young readers search for the elusive Waldo. (Ages 7 and up.)

• Fantasy lovers will delight in "Magic in the Mirrorstone" (Mirrorstone, $14.95), a new collection of short stories by some of the best teen fantasy writers. Among the stories is "Virgin" by Holly Black; "Lights, Camera, Action" by Cecil Castellucci; and "Have You Ever Seen a Shoggoth?" by Cassandra Clare. Each of the 15 tales offers a wonderful combination of mystery and magic, just right for teenage fantasy fans. (Ages 13 and up.)

• Puffin has republished more than a dozen children's classics in cool new paperback editions, each featuring a brief introduction by a noted children's author. Among the choices: "The Wizard of Oz," introduced by Cornelia Funke; "Oliver Twist," introduced by Garth Nix; and "Little Women," introduced by Louise Rennison. ($4.99 each, ages 8 and up.)

• Extend the fun of some great children's books with two new entries in Scholastic's "Storybook Treasures" DVD series. First, there's Beverly Cleary's book-length "The Mouse and the Motorcycle." Then there's "Diary of a Spider," written by Doreen Cronin. That DVD contains four other picture-book stories, including Don Freeman's "Norman the Doorman." ($14.95 each, ages 4-8.)