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

Picture books about the moon are a perfect choice for bedtime reading. If you're a fan of the classic story Goodnight Moon, give these other great books a try.

And if the moon could talk by Kate Banks; pictures by Georg Hallensleben

Papa, please get the moon for me by Eric Carle

Kitten's first full moon by Kevin Henkes

Leo Dillon, award-winning illustrator, has passed away at the age of 79. Working in collaboration with his wife Diane, Dillon illustrated numerous picture books for children, including the Caldecott Medal winners Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People's Ears and Ashanti To Zulu: African Traditions. The Dillons also created illustrations for the Madeleine L'Engle novels A Wrinkle In Time and A Swiftly Tilting Planet.

Leo and Diane Dillon were also famous for their cover artwork for adult science fiction novels, winning the Hugo Award in 1971 for Best Professional Artist.

Maurice Sendak, children's book author and illustrator, has passed away at the age of 83. Best known for his Caldecott Medal-winning book Where The Wild Things Are, which was also adapted into a major motion picture in 2009, Sendak wrote and illustrated many other well-known books in his 60-year career, including Outside Over There and In The Night Kitchen.

Do you enjoy historical fiction? Do you also enjoy reading a good picture book? The library has a variety of excellent picture books that take place in the past. Let the suggestions below transport you to another time and place with their moving storylines and wonderful illustrations.

Train to Somewhere by Eve Bunting; illustrated by Ronald Himler

Mind your manners, Alice Roosevelt! by written by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Do you love looking at the illustrations in a picture book? Did you know there is an award that is given out yearly for just that? It's true! The Caldecott Winners are chosen based on their beautiful and artistic illustrations. We have an extensive collection of them in our Children's Department. Try one out today!

If you're looking for a picture book about Michigan, or one that takes place in Michigan, we have you covered. Here's a list of fun picture books from the "mitten state."

M is for mitten: the Michigan alphabet book by Annie Appleford; illustrated by Michael Monroe

Gitchi Gumee by written by Anne Margaret Lewis; illustrated by Kathleen Chaney Fritz

Rascal makes mischief on Mackinac Island by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds; illustrated by Darrin Brege

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

To wrap up our Earth Week celebrations, CPL will present a screening of the original, 1972, animated version of Dr Seuss's The Lorax. Join us on Friday, April 27 at 4:00 PM to watch the story of the greedy, truffula tree-chopping Once-lers and the brave little Lorax who speaks up for the vanishing forest. When the film is over patrons are invited to create their own truffula tree vista to brighten up their home. This program is open to families and kids of all ages.

This post is part of our Earth Day 2012 celebration.

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

Some of our most-loved picture books at the library are about our canine friends. Check out some dog tales today and discover a new favorite!

Sally goes to the vet by written and illustrated by Stephen Huneck

10 little hot dogs by John Himmelman

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

Canton Leisure Services' Village Theater wants to take you to a play. On Saturday, February 11 at 11:00 AM, The Village Theater presents Are You My Mother? based on the classic children's book by P.D. Eastman. Adapted for the stage by playwright and lyricist Greg Gunning and composer Richard DeRosa, Are You My Mother? is an enchanting musical about Baby Bird’s journey — an adventure that overflows with love, dedication, and friendship — and shows children and adults alike how loss can be turned into empowerment; and how Baby Bird ends up finding more than she is looking for. The Village Theater will be giving away two family packs of four tickets to the show. Come to the staff desk in the Children's library and enter the drawing today! Drawing takes place on February 10. Tickets will be held at the Village Theater will call box office the day of the event.

A Ball For Daisy, written and illustrated by Chris Raschka, has been awarded the 2012 Caldecott Medal. This wordless picture book tells the story of a spirited dog named Daisy and her beloved red ball. Through a turn of events, she gains a brand-new friend and realizes there can be more than one way to have fun. The brightly colored, expressive illustrations make this story an entertaining read for kids and adults alike.

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

Simms Taback, award-winning author and illustrator of the picture books Joseph Had A Little Overcoat and There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly, passed away December 25, 2011. Check out Simms Taback's official website for a complete listing of his works. Also find a list of Taback's titles owned by the library.

No two alike by Keith Baker — Snowflakes come in all shapes and sizes, with no two alike. This beautiful and simple picture book follows a pair of birds on a snowflake-filled journey through a winter landscape, where everything everywhere, from branches and leaves to forests full of trees, is unique, just like you and me!

Enjoy the snow and more winter tales!

Yes, Please! If you have ever accessed TumbleBooks through Canton Public Library, you know that they have fun interactive stories for kids. They've recently begun adding stories in iPad format. From the front page, select the red "Storybooks" button. On the next page, choose the green "iPad Books" button. There are currently only 50 books listed, but the plan is to add more soon. Happy Reading!

Bread and jam for Frances by Russell Hoban — Russell Conwell Hogan (February 4, 1925-December 13, 2011), author of a series of children's books featuring Frances, a badger and her family and friends which Mr. Hoban wrote and his wife, Lillian Hoban illustrated died on Tuesday, December 13 at his home in England. In addition to his children's books, Mr. Hogan was a well-known author of science fiction, poetry, fantasy, and fiction.

Marcel the shell with shoes on : things about me by Jenny Slate & Dean Fleischer-Camp ; paintings by Amy Lind — Marcel is a shell. He also has shoes. And just how does that work? Check out this fun, new picture book created by writer, actress and SNL alum Jenny Slate and her partner Dean Fleischer-Camp. The book is based on a short film made by the duo in 2010 that went on to win the grand jury prize at the 2011 New York Int'l Children's Film Festival. Big accomplishments for such a little creature!