Here are some sizzling hot new children's books that top my list for summer reading.

FOR KEIKI AGES 0-3:

"FROM ALOHA TO ZIPPY'S"; Bess Press, $14.95

This 'onolicious keiki alphabet book is an instant local classic. Color photographs of familiar sights explode off the pages. You'll spot an Aloha Airlines jet for "airplane." And M is for mynah bird while K is for a lei-draped Kamehameha. Half a dozen photos give examples for each letter. On each page is a letter on a flap, which children open to reveal a secret surprise. Parents will appreciate the nostalgia, while keiki will make new discoveries.

FOR AGES 3-7:

"HOW MANY SEEDS IN A PUMPKIN?" by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas; Schwartz & Wade, $14.99

Illustrated by one of America's finest children's book artists, "How Many Seeds" takes kids back to the classroom for an inspiring story that subtly weaves in math and science lessons. Charlie likes school, but doesn't like being the smallest kid in class. One morning Charlie's teacher presents three pumpkins — big, medium and small — and poses the title question. A fun, gooey lesson reveals more than expected.

FOR AGES 5-8:

"THE STORY OF CHARLES ATLAS: STRONG MAN" by Meghan McCarthy; Knopf Books for Young Readers, $15.99

The story about the young Italian who arrived in New York more than 100 years ago, speaking almost no English, and went on to become the world's most famous strong man. Born Angelo Siciliano, and raised in a rough Brooklyn neighborhood, Angelo's childhood was marred by bullies. The skinny boy creates his own body building routine. Along with his new physique, he takes on a new name, and designs a fitness and self-discipline course that sweeps the nation. The book includes exercises.

FOR AGES 6-10:

"HOW TO SAVE YOUR TAIL" by Mary Hanson, illustrated by John Hendrix; Schwarz & Wade, $15.99

These fractured fairy tales are an excellent middle-grade chapter book for kids ready to move up from picture books. The stories are told by Bob, a clever rat, who attempts to save himself from two cats by keeping them preoccupied with tales of his family. First there's Bob's great-great grandpa, who bumps into three bears chasing a blond girl and steals a golden spoon. Other relatives are moved from their brick home by the Big Bad Wolf.

FOR AGES 10 AND UP:

"LAWN BOY" by Gary Paulsen; Wendy Lamb Books, $12.99

What I love most about Gary Paulsen's outrageous premise is the fact that in America, it really could happen. This quick read begins one summer when a 12-year-old boy inherits a riding lawn mower from his grandmother. He mows his neighbor's lawns for spending money, and before he's a money-making machine. A neighbor offers to invest the boy's earnings in the stock market and in a budding local prizefighter, which comes in handy when a gang attempts to take over the business. Quirky characters round out this unforgettable adventure story.

"ON THE WINGS OF HEROES" by Richard Peck; Dial Books, $16.99

In this winsome work of fiction, Peck takes us to World War II, through the eyes of young Davy Bowman. His idyllic Midwestern childhood is disrupted by the war when his older brother joins the Army, his cheerful father becomes solemn, and his mother goes to work. Peck mixes humor, warmth and poignant moments in his latest book, which received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the School Library Journal.