Need some ideas for your family and your children on what to read this summer? Here's a quick glimpse at some book titles and recommendations from some local librarians. While you're at your library, check out the 2009 "Be Creative" summer reading program and get registered to win prizes for reading and meeting your summer reading goal!

Family & Parents Read Aloud

Just So Stories, by Rudyard Kipling
These classic stories are as to fun to read as they are to hear-they both feed the imagination and tickle the ear!  Sammy Samuelson, Garden City Library.

The Rabbit and the Turtle: Aesop's Fables, by Eric Carle
Aesop's classic tales retold with lovely illustrations by Eric Carle.  These one-page stories will provide the seeds for great conversations with kids. Sammy Samuelson, Garden City Library.

Quiet in the Garden, by Aliki
A young boy explores his backyard garden and all the creatures present there.  A delightful quiet read about nature. Dawn Kindberg, Nampa Public Library.

My Hippo Has the Hiccups and Other Poems I Totally Made Up, by Kenn Nesbitt
Nesbitt has written a collection of kid-friendly poems that will appeal to the kid in all of us, and will reconnect adults with how kids think. This book comes with an audio CD of Nesbitt reading aloud some of his funny poems. Kathryn Foley, Youth Services Librarian at Meridian Library District.

Be Glad Your Nose Is On Your Face, by Jack Prelutsky
Illustrated by Brandon Dorman this book is a collection of some of the best poems by Jack Prelutsky. If you have not read America's first Children's Poet Laureate this is your chance to be inspired! Kathryn Foley, Youth Services Librarian, Meridian Library District.

Peter and the Starcatchers, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Ever wondered how Peter Pan learned to fly?  Where did Tinkerbell come from?  Find the answers in this exciting book. Kathy Stalder, Boise Public Library.

Toys Go Out and Toy Dance Party, by Emily Jenkins
Both of these chapter books are a delight for the early elementary school level readers to devour on their own or for a family to read together.  Three toy best friends, StingRay, Lumphy, and Plastic share adventures. This book is very readable, has humor, and allows one's imagination to blossom.  Diane Matejka-Lund, Youth Services Librarian, Eagle Public Library. 

Ages 4-6

Ella the Elegant Elephant, by Carmela D'Amico
This story is both sweet and exciting, with a message about being yourself and getting along.  Beautifully illustrated and entirely unique, kids will love Ella. Sammy Samuelson, Garden City Library.

Splat the Cat, by Rob Scotton
A first day of school story, gorgeously illustrated.  Kids will choose this book for the pictures, but will read it again and again for the simple but funny story. Sammy Samuelson, Garden City Library.

Jack's Talent, by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Jack feels that he doesn't have a special talent.  But with his teacher's help, he makes a wonderful discovery. Dawn  Kindberg , Nampa Public Library.

I Love It When You Smile, by Sam McBratney
A wonderful book about a mother who just can't seem to get her grumpy little kangaroo to smile. She tries all sorts of things, silly faces, surprises and games, but nothing works. At least not until, there is a very slippery muddy mess that turns into a whole lot of fun. Kathryn Foley, Youth Services Librarian, Meridian Library District.

Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist, by Ruth Spiro
Lester Fizz is a boy who comes from a family full of artists. The only problem is, Lester is a horrible painter.  Or at least he thinks he is, until he discovers his true talent, using bubble gum as a form of art. Kathryn Foley, Youth Services Librarian, Meridian Library District.

Chester, by Mélanie Watt
Chester the cat decides that Melanie should write a book about him and not that boring mouse in her house. Kathy Stalder, Boise Public Library.

Ages 7-12

Niagara Falls, or Does It? , by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
The hilarious fourth grade follies of Hank Zipzer, self-proclaimed "world's best under achiever."  Too many foibles to list, kids will laugh and read and read and laugh. Sammy Samuelson, Garden City Library.

Elephant Run, by Roland Smith
Set in a remote Burmese elephant village with invading soldiers, prisoners of war, daring escapes, elephant rides and friendship-this tale will thrill and fascinate Sammy Samuelson, Garden City Library.

Ida B: and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World, by Katherine Hannigan
Ida B has to adjust from being homeschooled to attending public school when her mother starts dealing with breast cancer. Dawn Kindberg, Nampa Public Library.

The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart
Four very different children are chosen through a series of wacky tests.  They are sent undercover to save the world from hidden messages being embedded in our minds. Kathy Stalder, Boise Public Library.

Tom Turkey and Erik Eagle, by Sandra Calder Davidson
Here is an amusing but interesting tale of how the Founding Fathers of our country decided which bird would become the American Symbol. In a story filled with humorous arguments and competitions, a little bit of history is also learned. Kathryn Foley, Youth Services Librarian, Meridian Library District.

The Wickit Chronicles: Ely Plot, by Joan Lennon
Ever heard of talking statues? Pip, who was raised in a monastery by monks, hadn't heard of them either. That is, until he meets a living stone gargoyle name Perfect. His whole world is transformed as he travels on adventures with the gargoyle and a teenage king. First in a senes. Kathryn Foley, Youth Services Librarian, Meridian Library District.

Here are some "Be Creative" kickoff events and activities for the 2009 summer reading program.

Join us for an all-ages kickoff to Summer Reading at Boise Public Library-Main Library.  We will have activities for every age at the Main Library downtown in the Hayes Auditorium, 6:30 pm-8 pm on June 4.

Meridian Main Library "Be Creative" kickoff "Giraffes Can't Dance" puppet show, June 4 at 2pm at Cherry Lane branch and at Meridian's new SilverStone Branch at 4pm.

Puppet Show and Summer Reading Kickoff!!  Puppet show and craft at Garden City Library! It all happens on June 6, at 12:00.

Scavenger Hunt and Community Collage kicks off this year's reading program at Eagle Public Library and throughout downtown Eagle. This all ages, drop-in event is Friday June 19, 10am-4pm and Saturday June 20 from 1-4pm.