What might The Wizard, The Fairy, And The Magic Chicken read at bedtime? Perhaps:
The 500 Hats Of Bartholomew Cubbins about the day the King ordered him to remove his hat.
Big Bad Bruce the Bully of the forest who meets Roxy the Witch.
Or, The Book Of Wizard Craft when they want ideas for things to do.
And, Imagine You're A Wizard to compare skills and lifestyles =)

Langston Hughes's powerful poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers is known as the song of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes draws parallels between the African American Experience in America and the worlds rivers: "I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins." Water color Illustrations by E.B. Lewis, add an extra dimension to the eloquent verses and touch the soul.

Publishers Weekly says “TWO OF A KIND is a one-of-a-kind find!” We are lucky that Jenny and David, a husband-wife duo, have family and friends in Ann Arbor so they drop in to entertain us once in a while! So treat the family to award-winning music with lots of dancing and laughter on Sunday, March 28th at 2:00 pm at the Downtown Library.

Ahhhh....
This month's parent magazine update focuses on things that nourish the soul and body, starting with my personal favorite -- books.

Book Links magazine starts with some interesting articles on multi-platform books -- books that include online components. The popular 39 Clues series is a great example of this innovative genre, as is the Skeleton Creek series for teens. Also featured in this issue are series books that are good for reading aloud -- The Porcupine Year, Al Capone Shines My Shoes, and The Runaway Dolls for example -- and books about young artists, along the lines of Peter Reynolds' classic The Dot.

Mothering magazine has its own list of recommended books -- "visually sophisticated" picture books. Though he isn't mentioned in the article David Wiesner would be my personal recommendation in this category. This issue also features lots of other good-for-you stuff -- foods to boost the immune system, ways to foster creative play indoors and an article about celebrating your daughter's menarche in a supportive and empowering way.

PEEPS It's our 1st Annual PEEPS® Photo Contest! Preschoolers all the way up to Adults can enter a photo of a PEEPS® diorama they have created. Gift Cards to Target will be given out in six age categories. Read a little about the origin of the contest at annarbor.com. For full details, rules and guidelines click here! Have fun and celebrate spring!

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Perhaps you've tried Brainfuse for Homework Help, but did you know they offer a Writing lab? Yep, you can upload a paper or writing assignment you are working on to send to a live, on-line tutor. Tutors are available from 2:00 pm-11:00 pm every day (minus holidays). Papers can be uploaded & within 24 hours a tutor will provide you with constructive feedback about your writing. You can even include your resumé! If you just need to brush up on Language Arts you can still use the skill building portal of Brainfuse. It's fast, fun and free to work with a Brainfuse tutor !

Baby PlayGroups and Preschool Storytimes start up this week throughout the Library system. They will run for 7 weeks in a row, or through the end of April.

Toddlers who have been in Baby PlayGroups, and are aging over 2 years old, are invited to join Preschool Storytimes next. Don't worry .... you will find other babies and toddlers (they are "the younger-siblings") and still enjoy the programs too.

Fairy had a Party, and all the Friends came.
They ate Fairy Treats.
They made Fairy Crafts.
Then they played Fun Games.

Want information about space, counting, health, going to school or other topics for your preschooler? Check out Stories-to-Go. Stories-to-Go are large tote bags with books, CD’s, DVD’s, and an Activity folder. They are available at all locations of the Ann Arbor District Library. They have recently been moved to the end of the Reader section, Isle 15 at the Downtown branch. So the next time your child wants to know about pond life or shapes. Check out Stories-to-Go.

There will be hands-on digging, dating, displaying and more when the UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History joins us on Saturday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Traverwood Branch. Children aged 5 and up can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of work at a successful museum. We are delighted that one of our favorite partners is returning to educate and play!