From Cody, Bookmans Grant: The Desert Museum's "Feathered Friends" demonstration was awesome; definitely one of the more interesting events of the summer. After talking about birds' bone structures, wings, and eating habits, they brought out a falcon, an owl, and a Macaw. When the Macaw was brought around for a closer look, he started flirting with me by doing tricks! He turned his head upside down and was lifting his wings and legs up - stuff he normally only does for treats. The representative said the Macaw has made it clear in the past that he likes brunette females.

From Valarie, Bookmans Speedway: Brenda from the Sonoran Desert Museum brought three types of birds that live in the Sonoran Desert today: Kestrel, Barn Owl, and Military Macaw. We learned that kestrels are a kind of hawk, that barn owls only weigh a pound or two at the most. Brenda fed chopped-up mouse to the birds - the kids said that was disgusting, but she said it sure isn't disgusting to the birds! They also nest in palm trees so be sure to look up at night especially. She told us barn owls are hunted by Great Horned Owls, and that they have no muscles in their eyes, which is why they can turn their heads almost all the way around. She wouldn't tell the kids the name of the Military Macaw because she wanted them to remember that it was a Military Macaw instead of just some bird named Bob (not its real name). Totally rad!

Magic Show with Michael Steele

From Kate B, Bookmans Flagstaff: Michael Steele, Flagstaff's foremost magician and yo-yo guru, held a one-hour magic show and yo-yo workshop in our Café. Unlike most magicians, Michael demonstrates how to do even the most amazing magic tricks, so families can go home and practice with their own deck of cards. He also teaches introductory yo-yo skills. As always, kids and parents alike were riveted my Michael's show!

From Kate B, Bookmans Flagstaff: Local favorite Chuck Cheesman, of Dancing with No Shoes on, got the kids clapping, dancing and singing as always. One minute the kids were pirates, the next - bumblebees! Chuck Cheesman is being hired by Bookmans to start a pilot program called MIC, or Music in the Classroom this fall. Mr. Cheesman will be bringing free music and movement to Headstart Classrooms all around Flagstaff! Contact Kate at Bookmans in Flagstaff or talk to your local Headstart administrator if you want to know more about the program. You can also check out Chuck's website at www.dancingwithnoshoeson.com.

From Audrey C, Bookmans Ina: Over thirty kids came out for our Button Mosaic Kids Summer Event. We had lots of fun making our mosaics by gluing buttons onto the pictures for spectacular pieces of art!We saw a lot of beautiful flowers, houses, and some pretty amazing dolphin mosaics. Thanks to every one who came out and joined us for this awesome event!