Yikes! It sure has been a windy day today! You know, with winds like these, it's the perfect day to fly a kite. Have you ever flown a kite before? You need lots of wide open space so you don't get your kite stuck in a tree. Trust me, I know! Don't have a kite, but still want to read some stories about them? Try some of the books in our Readers section. How about The Berenstain Bears and the Big Red Kite? Or, find out what happens when Curious George Flies a Kite.

The weather is getting warmer and children are eager to play outside.  Their curiosity often leads them to investigate all the little critters crawling about, and sometimes a bug or two might even make its way home with them.  Then what do you do?  The Animal Planet Pet Care series has a book Bugs as Pets which tells you how to house and properly care for your new "pet". 

Interested in communicating with your baby through sign language? The library has many DVDs in the Parenting section that can help. Give them a try, and soon you and your baby will be talking with your hands. Here are a few to get you started:

Baby Signs: Welcome to the Baby Signs Program
Baby Signs: My Pet Signs
My Baby Can Talk

If you are considering a new addition to your family, the library is a great place to start. We have many books available to help you select a pet for your family. The Animal Planet Pet Care series has books on dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, fish and even bugs as pets!

Just in time for Earth Day, the first release from the Disneynature series opens today.

Parents, looking for some fun titles to encourage your little one to start using the potty? Check out some of these humorous picture books, and good luck!

Everyone poops by Taro Gomi; translated by Amanda Mayer Stinchecum

Have you seen my potty? by Mij Kelly

The princess and the potty by Wendy Cheyette Lewison; illustrated by Rick Brown

Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night? If so, you're not alone. In fact, more than 25% of adults have had symptoms of insomnia at some time, and less than 10% have chronic insomnia. There are many remedies to help you get a good night's sleep and feel refreshed during the day. Explore our collection of materials on insomnia. You can also learn about other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, and sleep apnea. Sweet dreams!

Get crafty with help from these books. These craft projects with They Might Be Giants playing in the background could lead to a very fun rainy day!

Nature's art box: from t-shirts to twig baskets, 65 cool projects for crafty kids to make with natural materials you can find anywhere by written by Laura C. Martin; with drawings by David Cain

Crafty kids: fun projects for you and your toddler by Rosie Hankin

Sun-Proof your skin.  Spring is here. Before summer heats up, protect yourself and your skin with sunscreen. Remember your sunglasses and hat! For more tips check Sun Protection for Life.

Super Saturdays are for families with children ages 3-6 years old can come to the library on Saturdays for 30 minutes of fun activities.  Registration not required.
Program Dates & Time: Saturdays in April, 11:00 - 11:30 AM

Poetry is celebrated during National Poetry Month each April, but it's good reading all year long. This collection is especially designed for children, including kids who might want to write their own poetry, but aren't sure how to start. We have the answer.

Books of Poems

Wham!

If you love to surround yourself in silliness and hang out with crazy characters that have more character than a next door neighbor with a llama, check out Roald Dahl's book Vile Verses! It's poetry for those of us who are still hanging out with Oopa-Loompas and never got off the Great Glass Elevator. Enjoy!

'Jazz: a primarily American musical art form which originated in the early 20th century'.  Trying to define jazz beyond this becomes more difficult as the very nature of jazz is innovation. The musician, the instrument, the mood all impact what notes are played/heard.   Someone once said of jazz 'you'll know it when you hear it.'   Detroit's celebrating and a calendar of Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) celebrations is available at Key of G.  For more information about JAM checkout The Smithsonian's webpage.

Have you ever noticed the current state of the world and wondered...WHY?  Visit Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonist Index for a different view of today's events.

Running out of things to do on Spring Break? Besides your favorite programs at the library, there are many places to go and things to see in the Metro Detroit Area. You can access many attractions through the library’s Museum Adventure Pass program, explore Michigan recreation online, sift through Everything Canton for fun activities, or find books filled with things to do!

Hey 5^th & 6^th graders – I hope you can join us for our next Tween Book and Pizza Club on Saturday, May 2, from 1-2pm. This month we’re reading Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight. Registration begins this Saturday (April 18) at 9am, so sign up and come pick up a copy of the book at the main children’s reference desk. Hope to see you soon!

Even children's television is getting their green on.   Familiar characters like Handy Manny,  Elmo, and the Schoolhouse Rock gang are helping kids learn to be environmentally conscious.  Check one out today!

With so many ponds nearby, I've been noticing a lot of ducks waddling around outside the library. Ducks are such nice birds — sometimes I like to feed them bread! I like reading about ducks, too. What about you? The library has lots of great books in our Readers section all about ducks! Try:

Ducks in muck by Lori Haskins ; illustrated by Valeria Petrone

Lucky duck by written by Ellen Weiss ; illustrated by Brian Lies