One hundred nineteen kids and parents visited the Van Alstyne Public Library last week to enjoy puppet shows and an art lesson. 

The puppet show “Not Now! Said the Cow,” was delightfully performed by Jarrod Renfro, Mollie Webster, Luke Boren and Rachel Boren.  These young people have contributed enormously to the children’s reading club this summer.

After the puppet show, the children created their own sock puppets using felt, pipe cleaners, pom-poms and googlie eyes.

Nancy Hall joined us again to teach two art lessons.  Children used torn, crumpled craft paper to decoupage a “cowhide.” They sponge painted the cow hides to simulate a tobacco stain look, then applied cows, horses, or stars using a contrasting color. 

Nancy also taught the kids how to add their personal brand to the “hide.”  Nancy Hall has an amazing talent and we are fortunate that she shares it with us.

Thank you to all the children’s library volunteers for your generous gift of time and talent.  A very special thank you goes to Sharon Hays who is not only a faithful helper but an incredible organizer with lots of creativity.  We’ll see you at the last event of the summer program on Tuesday, July 22 at 2:00.  The Creature Teacher will present live animals for your fun and learning.

Teen Council Book Reviews:  Ellen Thompson recommends Anahita’s Riddle.  Anahita, from Iraq, does not wish to have an arranged marriage, so she uses her love of riddles to let her pick a husband.  Before she picks her husband, she weaves the riddle into her marriage quilt.  Whoever solves the riddle is her husband. Ellen recommends the book to teens and high schoolers. She says the writing style is really awesome.

Justin Larkin recommends Evil Star by Anthony Horowitz.  Evil Star is the second book in the Gatekeeper series.  Matt goes to Peru only to be deceived by the only person he actually wanted to believe.  Justin recommends the book for everyone.  He says the history of Peru is embedded into the story line flawlessly.

Brandon Weaver recommends Naruto #20 by Masashi Kishimoto.  The book is about a boy that is trying to get people to suspect him.  He has a demon fox sealed inside him so many people hate him for that.  Naruto is excited about seeing Lady Tusnade bring Saskue and Kubushi back to reality.  Brandon recommends the book to any kids that like a nice action book with comedy in the mix.

The library’s photography contest has been postponed due to overwhelming children’s activities this summer.  If you are taking photos to enter in the contest, don’t stop.  We will be looking for photos of historic structures that may be endangered as our town grows.  We will also be looking for photos of Van Alstyne residents that have contributed to the colorful history of our town.  We will announce a new date soon.