Before Harry Potter there was Hieronymus Bosch. Both books can be found in the children’s room of your local library. "Impossible," you say, "The painting by Bosch, ‘The Garden of Delights,' has evil, sex, and torture." Are not our children today subjected to these horrors from TV, video games, and the books they read?

Perhaps there are some lessons to be learned by viewing Bosch’s art. During the 15th century in the Netherlands, Catholicism was intent on stamping out evil (witches and demons). The end of the world was predicted and people naturally wondered if there would be a heaven and hell. Fearful of yelling "The sky is falling," these thoughts are as relevant today as they were centuries before us.

Another theory is that "The Garden of Delights" is about love and marriage and was commissioned by Duke Henry III of Nassau, deputy ruler of the Netherlands. (He was married three times.) In the painting, God marries the first man and woman (Adam and Eve) and blesses them. As for the evil, that is love without marriage, love for pleasure, not as God intended.

It is obvious that Harry Potter has a cult following in the children of today. However, I would like to recommend a book that is a Newbery Honor Book, "Catherine, Called Birdy." A delightful diary of a 14 year old girl living in the year 1290. Move aside Oprah, there are other books that I and other editors can honestly recommend. I have read this book and it is great for young adults and the young at heart!

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If you’re a college student or art buff, "The Garden of Delights" is a must have.