Art Seen Festival took place June 1 through June 2. Midland community joined to paint the mural that will be put up on Pizza Sam's building.

Midland Art Fair welcomed 110 different artists from all over the state. For many guests, the fair is a family tradition.

Books Make Good Friends written by Jane Mount is a delightful picture book about books! Children, mothers and dads and grandparents will all be able to find book titles that they have loved over the years. Young Lotti, who is the storyteller, wants only to read alone. Soon she finds out how wonderful reading can be when others are also involved. The illustrations are special. (Chronicle Books) 2023.

Island of Whispers is written gorgeously by Frances Hardinge and beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett. It is a stunning story about a young boy named Milo who must take on his father’s duties as the Ferryman when his father dies suddenly. The story is full of spirits, magic, ghosts, and fairytales! I suggest it for serious readers 12 years of age and up (Two Hoots/an imprint of Pan Macmillan) 2023.

ZILOT and Other Important Rhymes written by Bob Odenkirk and illustrated by Erin Odenkirk is a cute, clever, creative book of over 70 rhymes for the ears and eyes of children six years of age and up. The illustrations are alive with sounds and actions. (Little, Brown and Company) 2023.

As The Seas Rise: Nicole Hernandez Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice is an interesting picture book biography. The pictures are beautiful, and the story is important. It is well told and illustrated by Angela Quezada Padron. (Atheneum/ Simon and Schuster)2024.

Grandma’s Hair is Ankle Length written by Adriana Camacho-Church and illustrated by Carmen Lop is a beautiful picture book told in both English and Spanish. The story is lovely, and the illustrations are fascinating. It is well designed for readers 4-8 years of age. (Pinata Books/ Arte Publico Press/ 2024.

My Thoughts Have Wings written by Maggie Smith and illustrated by Leanne Hatch is softly told in both words and pictures. A little girl has trouble sleeping as her mind keeps her awake. Mom reminds her that her mind is a beautiful place and that is why some thoughts stay awhile.This book is perfect for children 4-8 years of age (Balzer and Bray/Harper Collins) 2024.

K is in Trouble written, designed, and illustrated by Gary Clement is a wonderfully fascinating graphic novel. A young boy named K seems to have one problem after another as he tries to deal with very difficult adults at home, at school and in the neighborhood. It is perfect for readers 8-12 years of age. (Little, Brown and Company) 2024.

Play production and workshops line up with mass shooting's 25th anniversary.