‘The Secret of Invisibility’

‘The Secret of Invisibility’ (Books)

“The Secret of Invisibility” is a twofold treasure map – the plot will ensnare younger readers with the lure of a mysterious scroll that teaches 10-year-old Thomas Wax an amazing skill, and the setting will appeal to readers of all ages, as the story unfolds right here in Lawrence.

While Thomas and his new friend, Fred Estre, have a great time sneaking around after mastering the trick of invisibility, they’re implicated in a jewelry theft ring and pursued by a dangerous, invisible enemy.

In his first published novel, author and illustrator John Ralston develops a genuine voice as a young narrator with mixed feelings about moving to a new town – what newly transplanted kid wouldn’t wish for the power of invisibility until he knows the ropes? Bits of trivia spanning science, math, history, art and literature are engaging for young readers.

As a long holiday vacation can put kids into mental autopilot, “The Secret of Invisibility” would offer a welcome, stimulating break. Available at The Raven Bookstore, 6 E. Seventh St., for $9.95.

— Christy Little

‘Better Off Ted’ (DVD)

The title is apt, because how many of us wouldn’t enjoy being in Ted Crisp’s (Jay Harrington) shoes? He’s witty, easy on the eyes and has the coolest job in the world as the head of research and development at Veridian Dynamics, which devises and creates everything from weaponized pumpkins to energy bandages using technology, brainpower and product development timetables that exist only in the land of fiction. The capacity to create pretty much anything means “Better Off Ted” can pretty much make whatever rules it needs to do whatever it wants in any given episode. Its comedic style is “Scrubs” or “Andy Richter Controls the Universe” without the daydreams, or better yet, imagine a modern-day “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.” “Ted’s” first couple of episodes jump into the anything-goes waters a little awkwardly, but once it finds its groove and lets its characters develop over multiple episodes, it’s about as smart and funny as anything else on television today. The exceptionally gifted ensemble cast (Malcolm Barrett, Jonathan Slavin, Portia de Rossi, Andrea Anders and Isabella Acres), of which any member is capable of stealing any given episode, doesn’t exactly hurt matters, either.

‘Taking Woodstock’ (DVD)

As Ang Lee’s coming-of-age comedy set during 1969 opens, Elliot (Demetri Martin) is living with his elderly parents at their Catskills El Monaco Motel, which is on the brink of a bank takeover. When the quiet, dutiful Elliot hears that a three-day music festival has had its permit denied by a nearby town, he contacts the promoter and makes the introduction to a farmer whose green, hilly property is deemed ideal for the event.

The film steadfastly remains outside the main event and its familiar muddy scrum of hippies and hangers-on. Instead, Lee stays with Elliot as he watches the world change outside his window. Even at its most uneven and unprepossessing, this quirky, self-effacing little comedy takes its place in Lee’s American oeuvre with quiet ease. Contains graphic nudity, some sexual content, drug use and language.