French painter, Paul Gauguin was born today, June 7th, in 1848.  Before his career in painting, he was a stockbroker in Paris. At the age of 35, he decided to devote his life to painting and eventually moved to several places, including Tahiti. Much of his art is remembered for containing broad, flat tones, and bold colors and he is regarded as a highly influential founder of modern art.

"Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who knows what it means to be human . . . the third graphic novel in the breakout, all-ages series is a charming story of understanding and acceptance, where Owly learns that everyone is special and it's okay to be different."

School's almost out!  Are you looking for something fun to do with your kids this summer?  Why not try some activity books to help keep their summer exciting?  Here are some suggestions: Summer fun!:  60 activities for a kid-perfect summer, Summer activities, Summer smarts for cool kids: over 150 fantastic and fun learning activities to help kids beat the summer blahs, The vacation activity book

Gustafer Yellowgold has arrived at the Canton Public Library. Who is Gustafer? He's a creature that moved to Minnesota from the Sun. He has a pet Eel and a Pterodactyl best friend. And in his free time he jumps on cakes and punches cheese. The DVDs in this collection include stunning artwork and original songs and are for ages 3 and up. Of course, if you can't wait to check out the DVDs, the creator of Gustafer Yellowgold will be at the Barnes and Noble in Rochester Hills next Friday, June 12th. Gustafer's website also includes short songs and fun games to play.

Summer is almost here and with warmer and warmer nights it’s the perfect time to go stargazing! Come into the Children’s room to check out our display of stargazing books including field guides and more:

Constellations

Glow-in-the-dark constellations: a field guide for young stargazers by C.E. Thompson; illustrated by Randy Chewning

All the stars in the sky: Native stories from the heavens by C.J. Taylor

Looking for a fun and educational website for your toddler? Why not give Lil' Fingers a try? This website features materials like simple games, short online stories, and coloring sheets. It's completely free, so check it out if you'd like something new to do with your kids.

Katie loves art and adventure. One day, on a visit to a museum, she finds herself stepping into a painting by Paul Cezanne. On another day, she hangs out with Mona Lisa. Check out these books by James Mayhew and explore the world of art through Katie's eyes. There is something for all ages in these books. Young children will enjoy the shapes, the colors and the movement of turning pages. Older kids will appreciate the story, Katie's curiosity and the beautiful paintings. It may even inspire them to learn how to paint!

• Katie and the Mona Lisa
• Katie and the Sunflowers
• Katie Meets the Impressionists
• Katie's Sunday Afternoon

Little Pea loves spinach but hates the fact that he has to eat five whole pieces of candy (for dinner) before he can have any spinach (for dessert). Little Pea is a very funny story that children will delight in reading over and over, especially the picky eaters. If you like Little Pea, be sure to check out some of our other books by Amy Krouse Rosenthal:

• Little Hoot (same style as Little Pea)
• Duck!

Looking for some fun ways to spend a day? Well, why not spend it exploring our own great state of Michigan? Fun With The Family In Michigan: Hundreds of Ideas For Day Trips With The Kids offers up wonderful suggestions for day trips all over the state. Pick up a copy and see all that Michigan has to offer!

vs.    Welcome to Stanley Cup 2009 Hockey Fans!!! Can you believe our luck as we once again have a match-up between the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Blubbbb. Blubbbb.

Question: How many species of fish are there in the world?

Aswer:  According to scientists, there are 20,000 - 40,000 species of fish swimming around out there!

Did you know that?  I sure have a lot of friends!!
 
To answer me just click on  add new comment at the bottom of the page. 

Thanks!
Your friend,
Nemo

P.S. Wave at me when you go by!!

Blubbbb. Blubbbb.

Create some fun cards to share with your family and friends. Register online today!
Ages: Tweens (5th and 6th graders)
Program Date: Thursday, June 4 at 7pm.

The Walt Disney Studios has recently begun releasing a new line of DVDs called the Walt Disney Animation Collection Classic Short Films. Included in this series is the Three Little Pigs, Mickey and the Beanstalk, The Reluctant Dragon and the Tortoise and the Hare.

As part of our ongoing effort to make Canton Library an environmentally friendly building, our Housekeeping staff will be trained and certified in "green" cleaning procedures. It doesn't cost more to use safe effective cleaning products and procedures. In fact, in most cases, it costs less. The benefits are obvious. You get a clean , healthy building without using the products which are harmful to our environment. Using "green"  cleaning products is also much healthier for our Housekeeping staff. There is a wealth of information about "green buildings" available from the U.S. Green Building Council website.  We are also changing over our hand soap to a foaming cleanser and will be installing roll towel dispensers in our restrooms.

Are you fantasizing about what you will read for fun when school finally ends? Why not escape into a realm where dragons are real and dreams come true? Here is a magical link to such adventures.

Here is a fun way to welcome summer, adopt a pet! Don't worry about pet care, the library has lots of materials on the subject. If you are ready to get a new pet, visit the Michigan Humane Society in Westland or the Humane Society of Huron Valley on Cherry Hill Road in Ann Arbor. Either place will provide adoption counseling. Get ready for your new pet by making a pet toy with the help of Step-by-Step Crafts for Gifts by Kathy Ross.

Tweens, don't forget to sign up for June's Tween Book & Pizza Club! This month we're reading David Lubar's Flip, a funny story about kids who discover alien disks that let them transform into legendary people from the past. We're meeting on Saturday, June 6, from 1-2pm and I can't wait to hear what you think!