Easter Holiday Closing
The Library will be closed on Sunday, March 31st for the Easter holiday. We will reopen on Monday, April 1st at 9:00 a.m.
Kids
Welcome to Kid City!
This page is dedicated to kids from birth to 8th grade. Our website is an extension of the great resources we offer in person at Kid City. Browse the calendar to see all the upcoming events for kids of all ages. Use the Recommendations for Kids tile to see our newest book suggestions from staff. If you need more personalized book recommendations please use Book Picks for Kids tile. Have a look at the Reading Challenges Tile to make sure your child is signed up for all current reading programs.
We hope you will come check out your Library and discover, engage, and explore our many play-based educational features. Our welcoming staff will assist you with registration, book recommendations, or a take- home craft. Kid City provides a space for you and your child to blast off into a world of fun.
Staff Picks for Kids
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Who's Afraid of the Light?
Fergus lives down in the deepest, darkest sea and is scared of just one thing ... the light! Fresh and funny narrative non-fiction from the award-winning Anna McGregor.
From award-winning creator Anna McGregor (author of Anemone is Not the Enemy) comes this hilarious tale of the deepest of sea creatures. Seamlessly combining humor, narrative, and non-fiction, McGregor introduces young readers to the wonders of the ocean's 'midnight zone', where no sunlight at all is able to penetrate. We meet Fergus as he hides from a parade of sea-creatures that use bioluminescence to find their way in the dark. At least, we think he is hiding ... or is it something else entirely?
This book is ideal for:
- Educators and librarians looking for humorous stories to use as a launching pad for further non-fiction investigation into the ocean environment;
- Parents and carers looking to combine narrative and non-fiction to entertain and educate their children simultaneously;
- Kids who just want funny books!
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This Is Not a Drill
Told through text messages, this timely story explores the real dangers kids face with humor, insight, and a ton of heart.
Ava is having a really bad day. Her parents are getting divorced. She just had a big argument with her two best friends. And she forgot to charge her phone... again.
To top it all off, while she is hiding out in the bathroom over lunch, the alarm goes off for a lockdown drill. Ava knows the rules. She has to get herself into a classroom, turn the ringer off on her phone, lock the door, and cover the windows. But all of the rooms have already been locked from the inside and there is no one in the halls.
Pretty soon she realizes there is an intruder in the building. This isn't a drill.
From the author of From Me to Youand House Arrest, comes this timely that explores both the effect of school lockdown drills and the relatable struggles of modern middle grade friendship.
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MapMaker
From Lisa Moore Ramée, author of the Walter Honor Award-winning A Good Kind of Trouble, comes her debut middle grade fantasy--an absorbing, imaginative adventure about a Black boy who has the magical ability to bring maps to life. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and A Tale of Magic.
When Walt and his family relocate to Blackbird Bay, Walt thinks it's the most boring place on earth. While his twin sister, Van, likes to spend her time skateboarding, Walt prefers to hide out in his room and work on his beloved map world, Djaruba. But shortly after their arrival, Walt discovers something extraordinary: He has the ability to make maps come to life.
Suddenly his new hometown doesn't seem so boring after all. And when a magical heirloom leaves Walt, his new friend Dylan, and Van stranded in the fantastical world that Walt created, he'll need to harness his new power to get them home.
But things are changing. People have gone missing, and it's clear that a malevolent rival to the kingdom--a fellow mapmaker--has nefarious plans for Walt. If he's not stopped soon, Djaruba could become nothing but a shadow of itself or, worse, gone forever. And if a mapmaker can destroy one world, could Earth be next?
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The Leaf Thief
Perfect for fans of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, The Leaf Thief is a funny picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons.
Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree--red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends.
With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of autumn is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a leaf thief afoot, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change--both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic.
Pick up The Leaf Thief if you are looking for:
A classic read for ages 4 and up
Back to school books, ideal for your classroom, homeschool curriculum, and more!
Seasonal and educational stories about the changing seasons
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I See Sea Food
Meet some of the wackiest creatures under the sea--creatures that look like food--through eye-catching photos and engaging text. This funny, informative book introduces readers to the egg yolk jellyfish, the lettuce sea slug, the chocolate chip sea star, and many more! Accessible text and engaging photos make this a very fun read.
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You Are a Reader! / You Are a Writer!
Two rhyming books in one that inspire and encourage children who are learning to read and write.
You are a Reader! / You are a Writer! is a book made to be read twice, once from the front and once from the back. Read one way, children will see all the joys that reading can bring--flip it over and they'll be inspired by the imaginative possibilities of writing!
With a jaunty rhyme that’s great for reading aloud and a diverse cast of characters at various stages of reading and writing, there is something for everyone here. Learning to read? Scan, sound, simmer, think. You can guzzle words and ink. You might stumble, you might sigh. But readers practice, grow, and fly! Learning to write? Wake, watch, wonder, plot. You can weave with words and thoughts. Still staring at an empty page? Every writer knows that stage. Ask "What if?" Change your view. Try a pen--or stick--that's new. But writers read and draft, and fly!
Throughout the book are suggestions for where to find inspiration for reading and writing and different ways to move on if you are discouraged. Christine Davenier's energetic illustrations add to the fun in this true celebration of what it means to be a reader and a writer, no matter how accomplished you are or aren't.
Praise for Snowy Race
"A girl gets to ride on her dad's giant snowplow in this delightful rhyming tale. They race through the heavy snow, but it's not clear where they're going until they arrive at the train station. . . Prince's (What Do Wheels Do All Day?) text is intriguingly spare, letting Davenier's (The First Thing My Mama Told Me) softly exuberant wintertime scenes shine." --The New York Times
Rhyming, minimal text coupled with fetching illustrations by Davenier expertly convey the exhilarating drama of entering into a snowstorm as well as the comfy feelings of being in a warm house while the weather is frightful. --School Library Journal
A winning, winter race. --Kirkus Reviews -
The Biggest Roller Coaster
Siblings Fritz and Franny have fun trying all the rides at the amusement park in this early reader from Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler!
Pick a Book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!Get ready to ride! Fox siblings Fritz and Franny -- and their faithful dog, Fred -- are spending the day at the amusement park. After sizing up the tallest, fastest, and loudest rides they can find, these foxes come together on the perfect coaster. Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler's easy-to-read text and humor-filled, full-color artwork will have young readers everywhere laughing out loud!
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I Am the Longest Dog
From the co-author of the hilarious national bestseller All My Friends Are Dead comes a very tall tale about a very long dog--with a very big surprise at the tail-end! Lucy is the world's longest dog, but just how long is she? Like, are we talking pretty long? Or super-crazy number-one-record-breaking BANANAS long? See for yourself in this hilarious picture book by best-selling author-illustrator Avery Monsen. (Warning: the dog is very long.)
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Front Desk
Four starred reviews and over ten best-of-year lists!* Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!* Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewMia Tang has a lot of secrets.Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
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The Maze Runner
Perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games, this special movie tie-in edition of the first book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series, The Maze Runner, features an eight-page full-color insert with photos from the film. The Maze Runner movie and its sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, feature the star of MTV's Teen Wolf, Dylan O'Brien, as Thomas; Kaya Scodelario as Teresa; Aml Ameen as Alby; Will Poulter as Gally; and Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Newt! And look for James Dashner's newest novels, The Eye of Minds and The Rule of Thoughts, the first two books in the Mortality Doctrine series.
If you ain't scared, you ain't human.
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.
Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.
Everything is going to change.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
Remember. Survive. Run.
Praise for the Maze Runner series:
A #1 New York Times Bestselling Series
A USA Today Bestseller
A Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of the Year
An ALA-YASLA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick
"[A] mysterious survival saga that passionate fans describe as a fusion of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and Lost."--EW.com
"Wonderful action writing--fast-paced...but smart and well observed."--Newsday
"[A] nail-biting must-read."--Seventeen.com
"Breathless, cinematic action."--Publishers Weekly
"Heart pounding to the very last moment."--Kirkus Reviews
"Exclamation-worthy."--Romantic Times
[STAR] "James Dashner's illuminating prequel [The Kill Order] will thrill fans of this Maze Runner [series] and prove just as exciting for readers new to the series."--Shelf Awareness, Starred
"Take a deep breath before you start any James Dashner book."-Deseret News -
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
In this hilarious tale of justice gone awry, poor Alexander T. Wolf has been framed and wants to let the truth be known. "Witty illustrations get right to the meat of the matter. . . . A tasty treat".--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. Full color.
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Charlotte's Web
Sixty years ago, on October 15, 1952, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web was published. It's gone on to become one of the most beloved children's books of all time. To celebrate this milestone, the renowned Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo has written a heartfelt and poignant tribute to the book that is itself a beautiful translation of White's own view of the world—of the joy he took in the change of seasons, in farm life, in the miracles of life and death, and, in short, the glory of everything.
We are proud to include Kate DiCamillo's foreword in the 60th anniversary editions of this cherished classic.
Charlotte's Web is the story of a little girl named Fern who loved a little pig named Wilbur—and of Wilbur's dear friend Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider who lived with Wilbur in the barn.
With the help of Templeton, the rat who never did anything for anybody unless there was something in it for him, and by a wonderfully clever plan of her own, Charlotte saved the life of Wilbur, who by this time had grown up to quite a pig.
How all this comes about is Mr. White's story. It is a story of the magic of childhood on the farm. The thousands of children who loved Stuart Little, the heroic little city mouse, will be entranced with Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and Fern, the little girl who understood their language.
The forty-seven black-and-white drawings by Garth Williams have all the wonderful detail and warmhearted appeal that children love in his work. Incomparably matched to E.B. White's marvelous story, they speak to each new generation, softly and irresistibly.
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The Amulet of Samarkand
Nathaniel is a magician's apprentice, taking his first lessons in the arts of magic. But when a devious hot-shot wizard named Simon Lovelace ruthlessly humiliates Nathaniel in front of his elders, Nathaniel decides to kick up his education a few notches and show Lovelace who's boss. With revenge on his mind, he summons the powerful djinni, Bartimaeus. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling him are two different things entirely, and when Nathaniel sends the djinni out to steal Lovelace's greatest treasure, the Amulet of Samarkand, he finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of magical espionage, murder, and rebellion.
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Naptastrophe!
From the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo.
From the creator of Punk Farm and the acclaimed Lunch Lady graphic novel series comes a hilarious romp about one little girl's insistence that she does NOT need a nap.
It's a tale as old as time--naptime, that is.
Lucy is not tired, not tired, NOT tired.
She is not going to nap today.
Lucy is an expert at staying awake.
But when running errands with her dad, it's suddenly way too LOUD. The lights in the store are way too bright.
It's . . . a naptastrophe!
With vibrant, charming illustrations and a relatable main character, this hilarious story is the perfect reminder to parents and kids that you only miss out on the fun when you skip your nap!
Praise for Punk Farm:
"Never have 'Old MacDonald' and 'The Wheels on the Bus' seemed so hip." --NPR
"Laugh-out-loud funny. . . . Fans will definitely want a return engagement. Rock on!" --Kirkus, starred review -
Holes
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER - NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER
Dig deep in this award-winning, modern classic that will remind readers that adventure is right around the corner--or just under your feet!
Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. But there are an awful lot of holes.It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment--and redemption.
A smart jigsaw puzzle of a novel. --New York Times
*Includes a double bonus: an excerpt from Small Steps, the follow-up to Holes, as well as an excerpt from the New York Times bestseller Fuzzy Mud.
Seasonal Books
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This Is Not a Unicorn!
Get ready for a magical and hilarious adventure about the most fantastic unicorn EVER!
This book is NOT about a unicorn! Well . . . OK, maybe it is! But THIS unicorn has a horn that can turn into the most incredible things - a magic wand, a helicopter, even a space rocket! Join the hilarious adventure and prepare to be amazed by your brilliant new friend.
With wonderful wordplay and a funny and sweet friendship at its heart, this is NOT a unicorn book to be missed!
This fabulously funny story has tons of appeal for all children -- watch out for rockets, rainbows, helicopters, massive fish, ice cream sundaes, and magical adventures. -
How to Catch a Garden Fairy
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling series comes a new springtime adventure perfect for Easter—do YOU have the magic touch needed to catch a Garden Fairy?
When the How to Catch Kids stumble upon a trail of glitter and the entrance to an enchanted garden, they decide that they have to explore! Hoping to find the resident Garden Fairy to learn about her magical realm, our heroes set off on a whirlwind adventure through this larger-than-life garden. Young readers, parents, and educators alike will laugh along as the Garden Fairy dodges ridiculous STEAM traps and hilarious plans, and even interacts with some surprise How to Catch friends!
Perfect for kids ages 4-10, this funny picture book makes a delightful Easter basket stuffer, classroom, summertime, or bedtime read-aloud, and graduation or birthday gift!
In the garden lives a legend filled with magic, wit, and fun,
So grab your friends and set your traps, and catch this fairy before the day's done!
Also in the How to Catch Series:
- How to Catch a Mermaid
- How to Catch a Unicorn
- How to Catch the Tooth Fairy
- How to Catch the Easter Bunny
- How to Catch a Dinosaur
- and more!
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Sprout Branches Out
Discover the unbe-leaf-ably adorable story of a young plant with mulch to learn in this feel-good tale perfect for fans of The Bad Seed and Grumpy Monkey.
Sprout the plant lives on a small porch, in a little town. She’s only been able to grow two leaves and knows exactly why. Home is just not enough for her – she needs to venture out to the wild woods, the wise forest, and the lush jungle to find what she needs to thrive.
But once she’s out in the world, Sprout quickly learns that what she really needs may not be what she thought at all . . .
Meet a budding new picture book character with roots in this hilarious and heartfelt adventure about growing up, taking risks, and finding home again. -
Spring Crafts Across Cultures
Spring is a season of celebration! Join the fun with twelve festive crafts that celebrate holidays from around the world. Create a colorful wall hanging for the Hindu holiday Holi. Plant a garden to commemorate Earth Day. It's always the season for crafting!
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Abracadabra, It's Spring!
Sun shines on a patch of snow.
Hocus pocus!
Where did it go?
Winter turns to spring in this lyrical book that celebrates the magic of nature and the changing seasons. Eleven gatefolds open to re-create the excitement and surprise of spring’s arrival, revealing what happens when snow melts, trees bud, flowers bloom, birds arrive, and eggs and cocoons hatch. Finally, it’s warm enough to pack away winter clothes and go out and play! -
How to Trap a Leprechaun
Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he’ll grant you a wish. But, be careful! Leprechauns are full of trickery. To catch one, you’ll need to be clever in crafting your trap. Grab some glitter and glue and get prepared for your wily holiday visitors!
On the night before St. Patrick’s Day, leprechauns show up to steal your treasures and then disappear as quickly as they came. However, if you’re careful you might be able to catch one and then he’ll grant you a wish. You’ll have to be sneaky and set just the right trap to trap a leprechaun.
Sue Fliess’s read-aloud text and Emma Randall’s whimsical illustrations will provide much fun for young readers eager to catch their very own leprechaun! But beware: leprechauns may leave you with nothing but a cardboard box and a shoe or two. -
Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase
New York Times bestselling author and artist James Dean takes us on a St. Patrick's Day adventure with Pete the Cat as Pete discovers how lucky he actually is!
It's St. Patrick's Day, and it's also the grand opening of Pete the Cat's leprechaun catching business. Pete gears up to trap a leprechaun for his friends! But catching a leprechaun is never easy—especially if it’s Clover, who's full of tricks.
Will luck be on Pete’s side? Or will Pete learn luck is actually something earned?
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St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come!
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a collection of funny and festive poems from the author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Grab a shamrock and start searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, because it's time for St. Patrick's Day! From wearing celebratory green clothing to trying out some Irish dancing, these sweet poems — plus a page of stickers! — from best-selling author D. J. Steinberg are the perfect way to embrace some St. Paddy's luck and fun! -
Peter Easter Frog
In this hilarious picture book, a group of basket-bearing, egg-delivering animal friends give the Easter Bunny a run for his money—led by Peter Easter Frog!
Here comes Peter Easter Frog, hopping down his favorite log. Hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its—wait. Easter FROG?
Peter Easter Frog loves, loves, LOVES Easter, and sharing is caring, AND he’s just as good a hopper as any ol’ rabbit, so he decides to pass out some of his own Easter eggs. Why should Bunny have all the fun, anyway? Turtle, Cow, Dog, and Chipmunk all agree. But what happens when the Easter Bunny finds out? -
The Golden Egg
Little Duck is hunting for a very special Easter egg. She searches high and low with the help of her forest friends, but where will they find the golden egg? Children will be delighted by this fun Easter egg hunt as they discover colorful foil-stamped surprises hidden under gatefold flaps on each page. Accompanied by beautiful watercolor illustrations, this simple rhyming story and hide-and-seek game is the perfect addition to any Easter basket.
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Easter Starring Egg!
Others may get picked first at the Easter egg hunt, but Egg has sparkle on the outside, confidence on the inside, and the patience to wait for his perfect kid. This glittery, rhyming book includes sheets of egg-decorating stickers.
The big Easter egg hunt may be a time to hide, but Egg wants to stand out! Bedazzled in glitter, and fancied up for his big rendezvous with the perfect kid, Egg knows deep down in his yolk that a special friendship is about to be hatched with the kid who will see him for him. This perfect Easter basket stuffer features rhyming text, colorful illustrations, and a sparkly cover.
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Dino-Easter
As winter snow melts into spring, froggies croak and robins sing. Soon there'll be a holiday . . .Dino-Easter's on its way!
Celebrate with the dinos as they gather flowers for a spring bouquet, throw an egg painting party, pet newborn farm animals, visit a chocolate factory, and join an Easter parade with Peter Clobbertail. At last it's time for the egg hunt. Will Raptor finally get to eat his treats?
Dinosaurs big and small gather to decorate, eat, and even compete in party festivities like only prehistoric carnivores and herbivores would. Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott—creators of the enormously popular Dino-Sports picture books—team up to create celebrations of epic proportions!
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Pick a Perfect Egg
Pick a perfect egg with care—
Choose a white one nestled there.
Gather more and softly stack them.
Just be cautious not to crack them!
Pairing Jarvis’s joyous illustrations with Patricia Toht’s wonderfully rhythmic text, this holiday ode hops through a busy springtime day all the way to Easter Sunday. From the farm where you’ve carefully selected your eggs—eggs perfect for drawing on with crayon, for plopping into dyes and bejeweling—follow along as preparations continue for the much-awaited festivities. Then on Sunday, open your door and search for eggs of a different kind, filled with foil-wrapped chocolate, spinning tops, and jelly beans. This cheerful Easter-time read-aloud captures all the excitement of the holiday and is sure to become part of a new treasured tradition. -
The Three Little Superpigs and the Great Easter Egg Hunt
Join the Three Little Superpigs on a springtime adventure in Fairyland!
Fairyland's annual Easter Egg hunt is underway, and the Three Little Superpigs are out to collect them all. But once the hunt has ended, these greedy little pigs want more!Then they hear about a goose that lays giant golden chocolate eggs. If the Superpigs climb to the top of a beanstalk and rescue the golden goose, the chocolate eggs can be theirs! But there's a big bad enemy at the top of the beanstalk, and it's up to the Superpigs to save the day.
This hilarious holiday tale continues the exciting Fairyland adventures of the Three Little Superpigs!
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The Easter Surprise
Fern the bunny wakes up one morning to a surprise: the squirrels have discovered a beautifully decorated egg in their tree! And it's not just the squirrels--Mo the kitten, the goslings, the puppies, and even the lambs have all found special eggs hidden around the farm. As the baby animals follow clues from one egg to the next, Fern thinks she sees two soft, pointy ears peeking out above the grass. Then she notices a fluffy tail disappearing behind the barn. Then she spots long whiskers twitching among the flowers! Someone is watching, and the animal friends will have to solve their Easter mystery together to find out who.
Upcoming Events
Take & Make Craft- Paper Weaving Bunny
Take & Make Craft- 3D Easter Basket
Celebrate Spring Drop in Craft
Take & Make Craft- Spring Gnome
Preschool Art Show
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