Meet the authors of the 39 Clues!

Monday, May 24th!

Mark your calendars because the authors of the "39 Clues" books are coming the Barnes & Noble in Huntington Station! At 6:00pm, you'll have your chance to meet four of the award-winning authors: Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Jude Watson, and Peter Lerangis.

Bracelets for the event will be distributed Sunday, May 23rd at 10:00am. For more information, you can contact the store at 631-421-9886.

It should be exciting!

If you haven't read any of the 39 Clues books, click here to put a copy of the first one (Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan) on hold!

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical

Can you imagine Mo Willems' book, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale as a musical? Well, someone did!
The Kennedy Center in Washingont DC, has performances of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, and the people have spoken: It's good!

If you haven't read the Knuffly Bunny book, the story takes place in Brooklyn, "where Dad accepts the daunting task of taking his toddler daughter, Trixie, with him to the Laundromat... With all the excitement of putting the clothes in the machine, they unknowingly toss Trixie’s beloved stuffed animal, Knuffle (pronounced KA-nuff-ul) Bunny, in there, too. On their way home, Dad, who cannot interpret Trixie’s toddler babble, doesn’t know why Trixie is so upset, but once they get there, Mom immediately understands Trixie’s cries of anguish. They run back to the Laundromat where Dad heroically saves Knuffle Bunny and Trixie is inspired to say her first words."

This play's got humor, dancing, and songs (such as "Tricky with Trixie"). The script and lyrics are by Mo Willems and the music by Michael Silversher. It's directed by Rosemary Newcott, and recommended for ages 4 and up.

The show will be on a national tour beginning in October 2010 and running though May 2011. The first stop will be in Washingtonton DC. More info on the tour will be announced here.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening Date

Big news!!! Universal Studios has unveiled the opening date of their new and very much anticipated theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

The park, which is part of Universal's Islands of Adventure, will officially be opening their towering castle gates on...

June 18th!!!!

But! If you're really, super, extra excited and you just canNOT wait until June 18th, the attraction will be open beginning May 28th for park guests who buy a special Harry Potter Travel Package (which are still available here under "tickets and vacation".)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide its visitors the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the magical world of Harry Potter. Guests will be able to visit iconic locations found in the books and movies, including Dumbledore's Office, the Defence Agency Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor common room.

Rides will include the Dragon Challenge and the Flight of the Hippogriff.

About the park, J.K. Rowling says, “The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.”

Hey, if J.K. Rowling isn't disappointed, how can any of us be?

Where The Wild Things Are Screening!

Last Wednesday was the Where The Wild Things Are private screening in NYC, and I had the opportunity to attend, along with fellow children's librarian, Nadine of the Sysosset Public Library. We were so excited; we planned and talked about it for weeks, and when we got there, it was all we had hoped for! Both before and after the movie, we got to take part in a Q&A with bunch of people from the cast and crew (and by "take part," I mean "listen to."), including Max Records (who plays Max), author Dave Eggers, director Spike Jonze (who also touched my camera!!!), comedian John Hodgeman (PC!), and musician Karen O. from the Yeah Yeah Yeah's who composed the soundtrack. Following the movie and the Q&A was a reception, just a few blocks away, where we got to do a bit of mingling with the stars. Here are some pictures of the exciting event.

It was so much fun and the movie was awesome; beautifully written and directed and PERFECTLY adapted; touching and fun at the same time. Some people say it's not for kids, but I disagree. If you haven't seen it yet, I think it's fine for younger children, but I absolutely agree that adults, teens, and older kids will get more out of its deeper meanings and darker undertones, and will probably be able to draw more parallels to real life. But no matter what age you are, I'd definitely recommend seeing this movie! It was one of the best I've seen EVER.

And don't forget to check out Maurice Sendak's book, the original Where The Wild Things Are. Reserve it here. Or if you want you can reserve the movie's soundtrack here!

-Ms. Laura, Children's Librarian

Exciting Things Coming Up!

Artist Reception With William Low <---Click here to sign up!

@ the Main Branch
Sunday, March 1
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Grades K-6 (Parents welcome!)
Be a part of this special reception with local artist and award winning illustrator and author, William Low! Mr. Low will talk to the children about his books and life as an artist and you view his original artwork on display in the Art Gallery. You will even get a sneak preview of his newest book, Machines Go to Work. Refreshments will be served for this exclusive occasion!

Movie Time! <---Click there to sign up!
@ the Main Branch

Thursday, February 19

1:00 pm

Age 4 - 6th grade

Main Auditorium

We're showing Igor (Rated PG, 87 minutes)

Movie Time! <---Click there to sign up!
@ the Station Branch
Wednesday, February 18
2:00 pm
Age 4 - 6th grade
Station Branch Community Room
We're showing Open Season 2 (Rated G, 76 minutes)