SKI TALES, They Learned to Ski at Monster Mountain is the first in a series of illustrated outdoor snow riding adventure books written for children and adolescents aged 4-14. Illustrator, Jerry Wilson, brings out the personalities of the characters in his action-packed style. The reader meets the diverse group of quirky neighborhood friends who have the love of snow in common. It's a "snow day," and they have the chance to learn to ski like the oldest of the group, Daron. The setting, "Monster Mountain," is a fictional resort with plenty of vertical thrills for skiers and snow-riders of every level. Trail names like "Frankenstein" and "Yeti," reflect the monster theme of the resort. To bring realism to the tale, the author draws from her personal skiing experiences and from observing ski school classes and ski racing training sessions at a local ski resort. The plot takes the reader through the experiences of this group of beginner skiers, as they learn the basics of technique and tactics, including stance, turning, and stopping. When Daron (the oldest and a somewhat experienced skier) violates the Responsibility Code, he separates from the group and a search ensues. The story encourages courteous and cautious skiing and introduces a few basic ski lessons and the concept of ski racing. The book teaches the National Ski Areas Association's "RESPONSIBILITY CODE" in a humorous and entertaining way and the Code is reprinted at the back of the book for reference. The book is an ideal gift for new skiers. It encourages their interest in learning to ski and emphasizes safety and courtesy to preserve the beauty and enjoyment of the sport for all.