The Hatmaker’s Sign is a picture book tells the tale of Ben Franklin consoling Thomas Jefferson during an editing debate that came about after he submitted his draft of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson wrote this great document he was proud of and the Continental Congress offered many suggestions for improvement. He took this to heart, and Franklin tried to reassure Jefferson, which resulted in him telling a story of a hat maker getting a sign made for his new shop.

On his way to the sign maker the hat maker is stopped several times and offered advice on changing the sign. The moral of the story is that "No matter what you write, or how well you write it, if the public is going to read it, you can be sure they will want to change it." Ben Franklin, being the master story teller that he was, used the tale to console Jefferson during an important historical event.

For more Franklin facts, fun and events, see here.

Charles R. Smith Jr. tells the story of the first African American heavy weight Champion, Jack Johnson in verse. From his early days as a child who was bullied in school, to his climb to fame after knocking out Jim Jefferies in fifteen minutes shattering the color lines and paving the way for people of color in boxing.

Pond at Black Pond Woods

Thursday, June 16 | 7:00-8:30 p.m. | 1831 Traver Road | All Ages

Meet at the Project Grow Garden of the Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road and join a naturalist from Natural Area Preservation (City of Ann Arbor) on a nature walk. Learn about native plants and trees, ecological restoration, and responsible use of public lands, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks.

Black Pond Woods is named for a small, vernal pond whose basin was carved by receding glaciers. Tannins and humic acids from leaf litter cause the water color to be dark brown, thus giving rise to the name “Black Pond.” This pond provides favorable conditions for frogs and salamanders. The land around the pond includes an oak-hickory forest, a savanna, and a wet meadow.

swimming baby by tomeppy, Flickr.com
If our scorching 90-degree weather is any indication, summer is finally here! Before packing up to hit the beach, make sure to check out some of our awesome youth magazines.

For Parents:
American Baby -- Stroller reviews, tips for new dads and a guide for teaching your tot to swim.

For Kids:
Nintendo Power -- Check out Sonic Generations for the 3DS, plus an advance look at Mega Man Legends 3!

Sports Illustrated Kids -- Learn more about the Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto and the Brazilian world cup star Marta. Also in this issue, a profile of the US women's world cup team, and "10 Ways to Make Sports More Awesome."

For Teens:
Justine -- College advice, a great list of books for summer reading, and a look at actor Grey Damon - leading man of new series "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" (based on these books).

Lucky -- A talk with actress and teen book author Lauren Conrad, and style advice from actress Rose Byrne.

Thrasher -- It's "The Interview Issue," and you will not believe how many interviews they managed to cram into this magazine: Aaron Homoki, Cody McEntire, Ben Hatchell and Daniel Lutheran are only the merest sampling of what Thrasher has to offer.

WWE Magazine -- An interview with John Cena, and 50 things to do this summer.

Join us at the Malletts Creek Branch every Saturday morning at 10:00. A friendly AADL storyteller will read several stories that kids of all ages will enjoy. Bring the whole family for an entertaining start to the weekend.

Grab your quill pen and parchment, and get ready to enroll in the Ann Arbor District Library Spy School! Learn how to craft a pot of invisible ink from household ingredients and use invisible ink antidotes to reveal secret messages as we travel back into the exciting world of spies from the American Revolution. Track down a spy gang, draw a hidden treasure map, and write mysterious letters using simple ingredients and kid-friendly recipes. It's science, it's history, and it's a lot of imagination! This program is geared toward children grades K-5. No registration required; all supplies provided.

When: Monday June 20th, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Where: Traverwood Branch Program RoomInvisibleInkSpy Letter

Pippa with Pink Hat
Memorial Day is right around the corner! If constant rain prevents you from hitting the pool, at least you will be able to read some great new youth and teen magazines! Or, hey, you could also read them at the pool...

Kids:
Owl Magazine celebrates their 35th birthday by giving you presents! You can win a retro owl t-shirt, and also bake an owl-shaped caked. Cuuute! Also inside are "Animal All Stars" and "10 Things You Didn't Know About Water."

Teens:
Transworld Skateboarding welcomes the "New Breed" of up-and-coming skateboard virtuosos and has fun interviewing Julian Davidson, Felipe Gustavo and Theotis Beasley, as well as oodles more.

Us Weekly shares the diet and exercise secrets of the stars in the "Hot Bodies" issue. You can also read the latest gossip about Leonardo DiCaprio's love life and Pippa Middleton, the sister of the new Duchess of Cambridge.

Of course, we have plenty more great magazines to read while working on your tan! Come on down and check some out, before Memorial Day Weekend!

The story of a potter who turned mud into beautiful clay pots and inscribed them with poetry is told by Laban Carrick Hill. What is even more remarkable, is that Dave the Potter was a slave. Simple lines in short stanza’s contrasted against deep earth tone illustrations by Bryan Collier bring the beauty of Dave’s craftsmanship to life in the Caldecott Honor book.

We have another cozy reading time with a READ dog coming right up on Saturday, May 28th at 10 am. All beginning readers or listeners are invited to snuggle up with Annie. Maybe you'll want to grab a good dog story like Be Gentle with the Dog, Dear.

One of my favorite children’s authors wrote a great book about Ben Franklin that is fun to browse or read straight through and a perfect companion to the library’s exhibit. In Ben Franklin’s Almanac, Candace Fleming reminds us that Ben rose each morning and asked himself this question. “What good shall I do today?” Thank goodness for all of us that Ben Franklin lived to be 84 years old!