Memorial Day kicked off summer celebrations all over Michigan. As the days get warmer, enjoy some of these picture books filled with great ways to spend those summer days.

Summer days and nights by Wong Herbert Yee

Now it is summer by written by Eileen Spinelli; illustrated by Mary Newell DePalma

Kitten's summer by Eugenie Fernandes

Good helpers, everyone needs one sometime. Here are some picture books to read with the kids, to show them how to be great helpers at home, in school, or in your community.

Arthur helps out by Marc Brown

The Berenstain Bears lend a helping hand by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Boswell wide awake by Alexandra Day

Are you looking for some new books to read at bedtime? Look no further! We have many, many wonderful stories to get those little ones in the sleeping mood.

Jammy dance by Rebecca Janni; pictures by Tracy Dockray

Hide-and-squeak by Heather Vogel Frederick; illustrated by C.F. Payne

Good night, Chickie by Emile Jadoul

Children, ages 4-9 with a caregiver, join us Tuesday, March 13 from 7:00-8:00 PM to celebrate all things green. We will sing some festive songs, share some lucky tales, create some golden crafts and enjoy some green treats. This St. Patrick's Day themed program is supported by Target and the Friends of the Canton Public Library and each family will receive a special St. Patrick's Day book to add to your home collection. Registration begins Tuesday, February 28, 2012.

Circles, squares, diamonds or rectangles, we have books that show all the angles. Triangles, ovals, octagons too, these books will teach them all to you!

All sorts of shapes by written by Hannah Reidy; illustrated by Emma Dodd; reading consultant, Susan Kesselring

Bear in a square by written by Stella Blackstone; illustrated by Debbie Harter

Circle dogs by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Looking for those little books perfect for little hands?

In response to parent suggestions, our board book collection has moved. If you're searching for a sturdy book just right for your exploring young child, look no further. The board books now live outside of the Purple Room. Great for those in Baby Storytime!

Celebrate National Chicken Month with a special storytime on Saturday, September 24, from 2:00-2:45 PM. Children, ages 3-6 with a caregiver, enjoy some silly chicken stories, make a chicken craft and see why the chicken crossed the road. Registration begins September 10.

Time Magazine has just revealed their list of the 100 Best Nonfiction Books. The list is comprised of their choices of the most influential nonfiction books written in English since 1923 (when Time Magazine first published), and are taken from all categories, including biorgraphy, history, politcs, health, business, sports and culture. While lists like these are always subject to debate, it is certainly a starting point for some great reading. Although the Library doesn't own every title, a majority can be found throughout our various collections:

Autobiography / Memoir

The autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein

Black boy: (American hunger): a record of childhood and youth by Richard Wright; with a forward by Edward P. Jones

Dreams from my father: a story of race and inheritance by Barack Obama

Children, ages 5 and under, and caregivers, join us Monday, June 27 at 10:00AM for a family storytime all about gardens. We will share stories of vegetables and flowers outside by the library garden (weather permitting). We will also make a beautiful craft and enjoy a special treat. Registration begins Monday, June 13.

Parents, how many times a day do you hear "Why?" or "How?" How many different ways can you answer that? Author Christopher Niemann tries to help you answer those questions with his new picture book, That's How. Here, many questions about how things work are answered in a simple, straightforward way. Kids of all ages will enjoy discovering how things work! If you are looking for more stories to answer those never ending whys and hows, check out childrens question and answer stories.

If your book group is like mine, food is a big part of every meeting. There are some wonderful cooks in my group, so when it's my turn to host I turn to these cookbooks. What's your favorite cookbook?

The cat who — cookbook by Julie Murphy & Sally Stempinski

Recipe for a book club: a monthly guide for hosting your own reading group: menus & recipes, featured authors, suggested readings, and topical questions by Mary O'Hare and Rose Storey

Kids, press the yellow dot on the cover of this book, follow the instructions within, and embark upon a magical journey! Each page of this surprising book will tell you to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and then discover what will happen next! Press Here is great for large groups like storytime, or fun for just one. It is a fantastic "interactive" book; as good, if not better than any new app you can download! We here at CPL give it two BIG thumbs up!

Hey kids, have you lost a tooth recently? Ever wondered how the tooth fairy came to visit you? Now you can go on an adventure with April and Esme Tooth Fairies to find out. April and Esme get a special request from Daniel's Grandma to make their first ever "tooth visit" on the title page of this book. Discover what it takes to be a tooth fairy and what they do if the child begins to wake up. If you liked April and Esme, you may enjoy our other tooth fairy adventures.

Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2, International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books. This years theme, The Book Remembers, comes from Estonia. ICBD promotes the idea that children's books can help children learn about people from other countries, learn to appreciate and respect other cultures, and learn to get along with others. Here are some of the great books available to help you celebrate the day:

Global babies

Ten little fingers and ten little toes by Mem Fox; illustrations by Helen Oxenbury

Little Black Crow follows a young boy as he watches a bird fly through skies that alternate from stormy to sunny, cold to warm. He wonders, "Little black crow, where do you go?" This question is followed by other questions about family, friends, love, and fear. Will Boy and Crow be friends? Check it out to find out. You can always check out some other bird adventures too!

If you love the Pigeon books, or have your own Knuffle Bunny, you will enjoy this night of fun with Mo Willems books. Kids ages 5-8 are invited to join in the fun Wednesday, February 23 at 7:00PM. We will read some classic Mo Willems stories and create a "Mo" inspired craft. Registration is now open.

Why is it important to read to your baby? You may think your baby is too young to truly benefit from being read to, but in reality, it's never too early to start. This article, Reading Books to Babies, outlines why every parent should make books a priority with their babies, and offers suggestions for how, when, and what to read. By starting a love of books at a young age, you will help pave the way for your child to become a reader for life.