There's been a lot of talk lately about what kinds of books appeal to boys. Children's librarians often suggest informational books on topics the reader finds interesting. Other experts note that comic books and graphic novels are wildly popular.

Parents and teachers know that the appeal of humorous stories, especially with references to basic body functions, underwear and/or anything gross is a good bet for the early grades. Independent readers are drawn to fast-moving, plot-driven adventures, perhaps with a daring male protagonist who takes risks or questions authority.

These observations, based on how boys develop and learn, may help parents as they shop for books. But why not try a novel approach? Give boys a variety of choices at the local public library or bookstore and let them pick books they find appealing.

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Here are some great new possibilities:

"Henry loved books, but not like you and I love books, no ..."; Henry eats them! He begins by nibbling a word, moves on to chewing sentences and is soon devouring books at an alarming rate.

Delighted with how much information he has absorbed from this diet, Henry imagines "he might become the smartest person on Earth." Then things go terribly wrong. Severe indigestion, jumbled facts and difficulty speaking (not to mention huge library fines) force him to give up his favorite food.

Oliver Jeffers' cautionary tale ends happily as Henry picks up a half-eaten book only to discover that he loves to read. In keeping with the imaginative story line, Jeffers draws his cartoon figures on a collage of discarded pages from old books, forms and maps. Kids will love the "bite" taken out the back cover of this humorous picture book, "The Incredible Book Eating Boy" (Philomel, $16.99, ages 4-8).

Who hasn't occasionally identified with the behavior of the big bad wolf? Judy Sierra's humorous picture book, "Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf" (Alfred A. Knopf, $16.99, ages 4-8), re-introduces the classic fairy tale bad guy.

Now living in the Villain Villa retirement community (note the carnivorous plants in the landscaping), the wolf huffs and puffs up the hill to his mailbox. When he finds an invitation to a Storybook tea at the public library, he longs for the cookies but is uncertain how to behave in this new social situation.

A crocodile friend helps him review proper etiquette for tea; "Sip your tea and never slurp, say excuse me when you burp, smile and have a lot of fun, but don't go biting anyone." B.B.'s presence alarms the other fairy tale characters at the tea, but his earnest efforts to behave properly (he refuses to bite the cookies that would upset the Gingerbread Boy) win over the children's librarian.

She gives him a bag of goodies to enjoy later, and he promises to tell her the real version of fairy tales involving wolves (from his point of view). The quirky, postmodern look of J. Otto Seibold's computer-generated illustrations will appeal to boys and girls alike.

Caldecott honor winner Mo Willems has introduced a series for beginning readers about best friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie. In "My Friend Is Sad" (Hyperion, $8.99, ages 4-8), Piggie is determined to cheer up Gerald, first by dressing up as a cowboy, then as a clown and finally as a robot.

The nearsighted Gerald perks up temporarily with each appearance but sinks back into despair because he thinks Piggie was not around to share the fun! When the elephant confides that he needs his friends, Piggie responds frankly, "You need new glasses." Willems' minimal pencil strokes deftly convey the elephant's mood swings and the pig's concern for his friend.

In "Soupy Saturdays With the Pain and the Great One" (Delacorte, $12.99, ages 6-9), by Judy Blume, kids who are reading on their own will enjoy the true-to-life squabbling of 8-year-old Abigail and her 6-year-old brother, Jake. Jake refers to Abigail as The Great One ("because she thinks she's so great"), while Abby calls Jake The Pain ("because that's what he is.")

Although both children say they don't understand why their parents think the other is so special, the underlying affection between brother and sister is apparent. In alternating chapters, the siblings describe the pressures of playing goalie in soccer, the disappointment of a disastrous first sleepover, the excitement of baby-sitting a dog, and the terror and thrill of learning to ride a bike. James Stevenson's drawings perfectly complement these family-friendly stories.

Twelve-year-old Gregor, the New York kid who tumbled into the subterranean Underland, has become the Warrior named in ancient prophecy who must now prepare to lead the final battle against an invading army of giant rats in the fifth and final book of the Underland Chronicles, "Gregor and the Code of Claw" (Scholastic Press, $17.99, ages 9-12).

Readers who have followed this fast-paced series will care about the sympathetic, resourceful Gregor as he struggles to do the right thing, sometimes at odds with his family and himself while dealing with ethical and political issues of a kingdom at war. Exciting and satisfying as this final installment is, an understanding of previous action and characters is essential. So be sure to read the Underland Chronicles in order, beginning with "Gregor the Overlander."