Most local libraries host a children's reading hour. Collinsfort Village supports and advocates this activity as a great way to introduce children to the joys and advantages of reading. "It doesn't take a griffin to turn a library into a place of wonder for children," author Joe Ekaitis tells us. "Every child's book has three creators: the author, the illustrator, and that special person who reads the story to a child. Children who are exposed to the joys of books are more likely to share that joy when they grow up." One of the climactic moments of Collinsfort Village is staged during a children's reading hour — when the majestic Dorian is introduced to the children of Collinsfort Village. "When an adult reads out loud to children and takes the time to really make that story come alive, they become bigger than life in each child's eyes." Griff's literary talent and his rapport with the children at the library reflect the tremendous value reading has for our youth.

Collinsfort Village mixes history with a story of wonder and awe that teaches about an important moment in aviation history and one of the world's most celebrated mysteries — the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. The stage is set by Griff, whose writings about knights, griffins, and dragons soaring in the skies build on the dreams of children who see flight as freedom and delight. Author Joe Ekaitis reminds us that "children want to fly. They don't just dream about it or fantasize about it. They WANT it. Who crowds in front of the windows on glass elevators or aerial tramways like the one we have in Palm Springs? Who always wants the window seat on an airplane? What does a child say when you're giving him a push on a swing? 'Higher! Make me go higher!'" This fascination with flight is used to establish one of the crises in Collinsfort Village with the introduction of Dorian, a dragon who won't fly due to a traumatic experience that occurred years earlier. "We can't let something in the past keep us from being who we are. Others notice when you're not yourself," continues Ekaitis.

In Collinsfort Village we find a far too common problem: why is one child popular and another not? Lovable and always popular Bear takes the role of the insider, someone who easily makes friends and is involved in every activity. Twenty-foot Griff takes the role of the outsider — an intelligent and often reserved character who observes the comradeship of Bear and his friends and wonders why he can't enjoy that himself. "Griff falls into the trap we all find ourselves in from time to time," author Joe Ekaitis reminds us. "We mistake popularity for appreciation. But they're not the same thing, nor is one a substitute for the other." Griff's adventures while trying to be popular are a funny if poignant reflection of the problems encountered by many of our children — they tend to concentrate too much on being popular. Griff learns the lessons that all children must learn: that we often have friends we don't immediately appreciate, that our talents are of great value to others, and that self-confidence is an important part of true friendship.

Our modern society has brought the wonder and variety of the world to our children's fingertips, but this can cause as much confusion as it can broaden the mind. How should children react when they encounter the behavior, rituals, activities, and beliefs of other cultures? Author Joe Ekaitis reflects on this problem in Collinsfort Village. "In the story, Griff is given raw shark to eat — something the sophisticated griffin hasn't done in hundreds of years, and he doesn't like it. This isn't an uncommon reaction; after all, what would be the reaction of some children to Sushi? Yuck! But what's raw fish to you is someone else's treat." Griff experiences culture shock throughout the story as he deals with meeting new friends, learning new games, fame, and the behavior of his own past.

Griff, Bear, and Dorian are powerful creatures who could take what they want from life through brute force — but they don't. "Power isn't something you use without regard for others," author Joe Ekaitis maintains. "Respect must be earned, not assumed due to strength — which would be bullying." The characters from Collinsfort Village were written to show courtesy and citizenship without resorting to preachy didacticism. "Children learn more from example than from being told what to do. They also know when they're being lectured, even when disguised in a story." Part of the story's intent is to provide positive role models who respect other people. "Children today are growing up on a steady diet of negative imagery — especially negative masculine imagery. Husbands, fathers and male siblings are often the dumbest people on TV. There's a lot more to masculinity than these inaccurate stereotypes."

Publishing successful children's books is much harder today than in the past. The big children's book publishers flourished between the 1950s and 1970s. Since that time they have merged with media conglomerates and editorial standards have changed. Modern stories and characters have become as disposable as last season's Saturday morning cartoons. The major publishers release fewer books by unknown authors each year, and even the most respected authors are told that their work is not as commercial as in the past. "Jane Yolen has over 350 books listed on Amazon.com," author Joe Ekaitis tells us, "but if you visit her website (www.janeyolen.com) and read her journal, you'll see that she's still collecting rejection letters. Editorial emphasis has shifted from 'Is this a good book?' to 'Is this a guaranteed blockbuster?'" The result is greater interest in poor books by celebrity authors than good books by unknown authors — all because the celebrity author's fame can sell more books. Independent publishers like WindRiver Publishing have become the new home for original works featuring characters that readers will want as friends for life. "Children's books survived the videogame era of the 1980s and will survive iPods, cell phones, and other distractions. When parents want to give their children flights of true imagination, they'll find what they want from adventurous independent publishers — where even authors with impressive backlists are finding a home."