Shoreline Music Society presents the world premiere of “Contemplating Fire,” an oratorio with music by Midland composer Robert Hart and libretto by Sharon Curcio

SPELLBOUND written by Jess Townes and illustrated by Jennifer Harney is a clever picture book for children 3-5 years of age about a little girl who is about to welcome a new brother into the family. Willow, who loves everything magical was always the center of attention, however, everything changes when little Roland is born. Willow must share the limelight as Mom and Dad and even Grandma seem spellbound by Roland. Magical wands, swirling stars and powerful rattles abound throughout this story (union square kids, 2022).

A Parliament of Owls written in delightful rhymes by Devin Scillian and colorfully illustrated by Sam Caldwell is a fun-filled picture book about the names of animals when they gather in a group. From a flutter of butterflies and a memory of elephants to a convocation of eagles and a rhumba of rattlesnakes this well-designed book will charm readers 4-8 years of age (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022).

Four people shot near Blue Bridge Sunday, Chief of Police calls it “unacceptable.”

THE CAPITOL: A Meet the Nation’s Capitol Book written and illustrated by Lindsay Ward will take young readers through a delightful tour of all the interest points such as Emancipation Hall, the lush Brumidi Corridors and the Rotunda which is graced by the gorgeous Capitol dome! All the while there is also a side story of a cat that is on the loose throughout the complex. Children 5-8 years of age will also enjoy the three children who are each meeting a family member at the Capitol where they work. (Harper/Harper Collins 2022).

Multi-million dollar effort will renovate YMCA building on Muskegon Lake

Annette Feels Free: The True Story of Annette Kellerman, World Class Swimmer, Fashion Pioneer, and Real-Life Mermaid written and illustrated by Katie Mazeika is a lively account of Annette’s contributions to the world of swimming. Annette suffered a disease when she was six years old that left her unable to walk without braces. Her father took her to a swimming pool where she found out she could move her legs just fine while in the water. Her ability to conquer her disability allowed her to develop a career that touched on many areas including fashion design and underwater ballet (Beach Lane Books/ Simon and Schuster, 2022).

This month on Central Stage, Sue Gamble welcomes Neil Mueller, Professor of Trumpet at the CMU School of Music. Dr. Mueller is joined by several of his colleagues in a program that features Three Preludes by George Gershwin, Concerto Gaucho by Kevin Walczyk and more

Bravo, Bucket Head is a delightful picture book for readers 4-8 years of age about shyness. Helen Lester’s writing and Lynn Munsinger’s illustrations are a treat. The heroine is a very shy mouse named Mousetta. She wears a bucket on her head so as not to confront others. She signs up for a class in how to be outgoing. She sees three other mice there she had mistakenly thought were not in the least bit shy by the way they looked. When a pack of prowling fox come around Bucket Head saves the day by courageously lifting the bucket off her face and leading the others in a charge against them (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ an imprint of Simon and Schuster, 2022).

YES WE WILL: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country is written by Kelly Yang and illustrated by 15 Asian and Asian American award- winning artists. The illustrations are exceptional. There is also a beginning discussion about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1863-1869 and the poor treatment of the 20,000 Chinese immigrants who risked their lives to build it.