Posthuman Blues

I've been asked to read to a group of eight-year-old children. I initially dismissed the invitation with a sneer of lofty disdain.

Then I thought again and decided a choice excerpt from Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" would be just the thing.

Now I'm thinking I need to take a look through Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles," which, aside from not being significantly beyond the kids' "reading level" (I'm convinced adults -- particularly teachers -- underestimate the intelligence of children, probably as a way of masking their own cerebral impotence), has the potential to actually entertain.

Any suggestions? I've always liked "There Will Come Soft Rains."