• The New York Times, Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:45 PM

Authors of two book series for young readers have come to different conclusions about companies sponsoring mentions of their brands.

The authors of "Cathy's Book: If Found Call (650) 266-8233," a genre-bending mystery, were criticized roundly by consumer groups in 2006 when it was revealed that they had agreed to have characters wear specific makeup lines made by Cover Girl in exchange for promotional ads for the book on beinggirl.com, a Web site aimed at adolescent girls and run by Procter & Gamble. Now the book is set to come out in paperback on Monday, and all references to Cover Girl's products have been removed.

In "Mackenzie Blue," on the other hand, a new series aimed at 8-to 12-year-old girls, product placement is very much a part of the plan. Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group, which advises consumer product companies on how to sell to teenagers and pre-teens, will herself be the author of titles in the series filled with references to brands. She plans to offer the companies that make them the chance to sponsor the books.

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