HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUR KIDS TO QUALITY CHILDREN’S LITERATURE : Reading by 9 : Fantasy Novels for The End of Summer

THE BOOK OF THREE By Lloyd Alexander; Henry Holt: 224 pp., $17.95

This book, the first of the “Prydain Chronicles,” offers a blend of mythology and Welsh legend and describes exciting adventures and great battles between good and evil in the kingdom of Prydain. Central characters include Taran, an assistant pig-keeper and would-be hero, and Princess Eilonwy, a heroine who must learn to be a lady. (Ages 9 to 12.)

THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD By Lynne Reid Banks; avon: 224 pp., $4.99

The plastic Indian that Omri’s brother gives him for his birthday at first seems a second-rate gift. But when Omri unlocks an old cupboard with a magical key, and then shuts the Indian inside, the toy comes alive. This book examines the moral implications--not to mention the physical challenges--of being responsible for miniature, breathing things. (Ages 9 to 12.)

THE DARK IS RISING By Susan Cooper; Illustrated by Alan E. Cober; Aladdin Paperbacks: 224 pp., $2.99

Children battle evil forces in this riveting and elegantly written fantasy. Eleven-year-old Will embarks on a century-transcending quest for six magical signs that will aid him and other chosen people in the battle between light and darkness. This book is the second in a five-part series, the first of which is “Over Sea, Under Stone.” (Ages 9 to 12.)

HALF MAGIC By Edward Eager; Illustrated by N. M. Bodecker; Harcourt Brace: 192 pp., $6

Four children trying to while away their boring summer vacation come upon what appears to be an ordinary nickel, but which turns out to be a magical coin that makes everything they wish come true--by half. The results are surprising. (Ages 8 to 12.)

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH By Norton Juster; Illustrated by Jules Feiffer Random House: 256 pp., $4.99

Milo finds the world around him so very dull--until a mysterious box arrives one day, containing a toy tollbooth. Milo yawns, gets in his toy car, and drives it through the tollbooth, entering a magical world of words and numbers. For sense and sanity to be restored to this disjointed world, Milo must rescue the banished princesses Rhyme and Reason. (Ages 9-12)