Award-winning author Michael Pollan's latest book In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto takes a stab at the overabundance of processed foods lining supermarket shelves, referring to them as "edible food-like substances" pretending to be food. Pollan makes a strong case for going back to basics when it comes to the food Americans ought to eat: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Pollan suggests we shouldn't eat foods our great-grandmothers wouldn't recognize. In other words, meals should be prepared with whole, unprocessed foods that are mostly fruits and vegetables.

Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning But Simple Designs by Kate Haxell includes instructions for making and embellishing twenty unique and appealing toys. The entire collection has a vintage aesthetic that will make these treasures seem like they've been in your family for years. The dog beanbag is my favorite.

What's the longest word in the world? Smiles. Between the first and last S is...a mile! Ha-ha!
Want to read some more silly riddles about the alphabet? Then pick up a copy of Alphabet Soup. After you read this book, you can tell the riddles to some of your family or friends and try to stump them. There's nothing better than sharing a laugh, so read these riddles to spread some giggles!

Hey sports fans! Join us next week, July 12-14, 2009, in beautiful Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis, MO. for the 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game! This the the game that showcases the best of the best from the American and National Leauges braving the heat to swing their bats in the ever-popular Home Run Derby and of course at the plate when they send their high fly balls over the left field fence in an attempt to bring victory to their team. For more information check out ESPN.com for all your sporting needs, highlights, and updates. Go American League!! (Home of our Detroit Tigers, afterall!)

The puppets have been temporarily removed from circulation and will be returned as soon as possible.  We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

The Aug/09 edition of CR offers valuable comments on many kitchen appliances.  If you are "redoing" your present kitchen or just upgrading certain items...Consumer Reports is a good first step.  CR is available on the Adult magazine shelf, at the Adult Reference desk and the "magazine express" spinners

Have you ever wondered what your grandmother or great-grandmother would have worn when she was young? Well, wonder no more. Visit the Canton Historical Museum from June 20th through August 31st to see special occasion dresses from the late 1800s to the 1950s. The Canton Historical Museum is located on the corner of Canton Center Road and Heritage Park Drive. For more information visit their website.

Candy for the brain? You got it...Braincandy is a great series of DVDs for kids 6 months to 4 years old. They'll be introduced to different concepts like sense of smell, taste, hearing, and touch. And don't forget to check out Eyecandy, which is part of the Braincandy series, too, and is all about the sense of - you guessed it - sight! Pick up a few and start feeding your kids some sweet stuff for the brain!

In today's Detroit News/Free Press, it's that time of year when colleges in the state are considering how much to raise their tuition for the upcoming fall semester. There's less government aid for schools so families are faced with paying more and doing less. The Library has the latest financial aid books to help students find funding sources such as Get Free Cash for College.

Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Inkheart, Spiderwick Chronicles.  Most people know that these recent movies are based on books.  But Children's novels have been providing sources for movies for many years.

College students and parents of elementary, middle and high school students can pick up copies of the Eduguide: Your roadmap to student success in the library's lobby brochure rack. Separate editions, geared to each educational level, offer tips on both helping students succeed in their current scholastic careers and preparing them for the next step on their academic ladder.