Thisissand.com is a fun website that turns your computer screen into a sand box. You're taken to what is initially a blank screen with a tiny gray box in the left hand corner. Hold down the mouse to see what happens. Then click on the little gray box for more directions. You can use this website to make incredible designs like the one on the right. Let your creative juices flow and have fun! Don't forget to check out the gallery to see others amazing artwork.

The wondrous journals of Dr. Wendell Wiggins: describing the most curious, fascinating, sometimes-gruesome, and seemingly impossible creatures that roamed the world before us by Lesley M.M. Blume ; illustrated by David Foote. If you don't know what a paleozoologist is, then read this extremely informative and entertaining work by Dr. Wiggin. It reveals the secrets of the very ancient earth and long-extinct plant, animal, and humanoid species. Wiggins provides detailed sketches and descriptions of such bizarre creatures as: Thunder Vulcusts, "Land" Whales, Bunny Fluffs, Cloud-Dwelling Hummingbird People, and Hapless Vampire Glow Bats.

The 2012 London Olympics by Nick Hunter — Last night, sadly, was the closing ceremonies for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. It was such a spectacle to watch and I have to admit, I may be going through Olympic withdrawal. Are you? Have no fear! We have great books on London, Brazil (where Rio de Janeiro will be the host of the 2016 Summer Games), and the Olympics. Have fun reading and reliving all your favorite things about this year's Summer Games!

Canton is very proud of Olympic Gold Medal Winner Allison Schmitt, who won gold, silver and bronze medals in swimming at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. If you would like to help celebrate this hometown champion there will be a celebration rally on Tuesday, August 14 at 6:00 PM at Heritage Park Amphitheater. Congratulations Allison!
[Allison Schmitt by Jdalasica is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

On Wednesday, September 5 from 7:00-7:45 PM, Thirupu Siva will teach children five-nine years old the basic asanas building up to intermediate poses. If attending, please wear loose fitted clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel on which to learn. Registration for this program begins on August 24 at 9:00 AM.

[Vrksasana – postura del árbol / Amineko Yoga by ((carol)) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

Every year, at this time, kids are preparing to go back to school. Here is a list of some great stories to help everyone get ready for that fun first day!

It's my school by Sally Grindley; illustrations by Margaret Chamberlain

Mr. Ouchy's first day by B.G. Hennessy; illustrated by Paul Meisel

Miss Mingo and the first day of school by Jamie Harper

Also, check out the descriptions for these LEGO creations on Flickr.

Did you know the library has a great collection of international language items for kids? Among those many items, we have some fun picture books in Spanish. Check out some of the suggestions below:

Bravo! by Ginger Foglesong Guy ; illustrated by Rene King Moreno

Floating on Mama's song = Flotando con la canciâon de mamâa by Laura Lacâamara ; illustrated by Yuyi Morales

There's still plenty of time to hit the beach this summer. Here are some great picture books full of beachy fun to read before you go.

A beach tail by Karen Lynn Williams ; illustrated by Floyd Cooper

The boy on the beach by story and pictures by Niki Daly

Mermaids Parade by Melanie Hope Greenberg

Have a long car trip planned? Looking for some fun music to entertain the whole family? Here is a list of some great car tunes everyone will love.

Mater's car tunes [sound recording]: rock and rust with songs inspired by Disney-Pixar Cars!

Wee sing in the car [sound recording] by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp

Car tunes [sound recording] by Sugar Beats

Ciao ragazzi. That's Italian for "Hi Kids". LB is at it again. He justreturned from a pretty amazing trip to Rome and Venice in Italy. You know, the birthplace of pizza and gelato. Mmmmm. Course there are lots of other neat things to do and see in Italy besides eat. You can visit things like the Coliseum and the Pantheon in Rome that were built way back in Roman times (a long long time ago — before even your grandparents were born). You can ride a gondola in Venice like LB did. Venice has more canals then streets so gondolas are special boat taxis. Looking at LB's pictures is making me hungry. I think it's time for lunch.

Hey Kids,
Why do I have a boot on my head? Well, to find out you'll have to read this great new book I found:

Squid and Octopus: friends for always by Tao Nyeu — It's about a Squid and an Octopus who are friends and the adventures they have. The stories are funny and the pictures are amazing.

Tao Nyeu, the author and illustrator, has two other really great books that you should check out. I give it two Paws Up. Way Up.

Bear Hugs,
Thorndyke

Acclaimed children's author Margaret Mahy passed away Monday. July 23, in Christchurch in her native New Zealand.  She is a recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Carnegie Medal (Britain's equivalent to our Newberry).  She authored more than 150 books, some of which you can find at Canton Public Library.