Kidzone

Have you ever seen a book that looks like this?  A short chapter book biography that starts with Who Was or Who Is with a cover featuring an illustration of the subject but with an exaggeratedly humongous noggin?  I call them big-headed bios, but not just for that reason.  When you finish reading one, YOU have a big head -- one full of newfound knowledge.  The lastest release, Who Was Sally Ride?, comes out tomorrow, May 16, 2013.  Who else can you learn about

Transport yourself to beloved book realms at the Hoover Public Library's after-hours summer reading kick-off -- Booklandia on Friday, May 17, 2013, 7:00-9:00p.m.  If you came to 2011's Party with Potter and/or 2012's GeekFest, you already have a general idea of what to expect.  Like those events, Booklandia will spread throughout the library.  There will be around 50 costumed characters hosting the party, and you are welcome to dress up as your favorite book character.  If you would feel more comfortable in your everyday wear, that's great too.  There will be a "book" to help you tour Oz, Narnia, Wonka's Chocolate Factory, the City of Bones, and more.  It will also remind you to take advantage of early-bird summer reading registration.  Here's a sneak peek of all the fun.
Library Theatre = Land of Oz = Crafts with Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion.  Audience with the Great and Powerful Oz.  Game against the Wicked Witch of the West.  Meet and greet with Dorothy, Toto, and Glinda the Good.
Circulation = Picture Yourself in a Book = Photo op from The Lorax and The Hobbit
The Plaza = Narnia = Snow-filled adventure with the White Witch and Mr. Tumnus
Teen Spot = City of Bones = Steles, bloodstone necklaces, and rune tattoos (grades 6-up)
Youth Program Room = Wonka's Chocolate Factory = Sweet treats with Willy Wonka and Violet Beauregard
Picture Books = Where the Wild Things Are = Crowns and Dewayne Reynolds's balloon-animal Wild Things
Kid Zone = Series Roundup = games based on Frog & Toad, Geronimo Stilton, Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, Mercy Watson, Warriors
Roamers = Mary Poppins, Sherlock Holmes, Where's Waldo?

P.S. Booklandia also celebrates Children's Book Week!