Library plans 'Boots Day'

COEUR d'ALENE - Children's author Mary Jane Kooiman will read from her book, "Jackson and the Big Blue Boots," as part of the Preschool Storytimes, Wednesday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

The preschool program is for ages 3-5.

Spring Programs begin in the Seagraves Children's Library on the lower level of the library at 702 E. Front Ave., on Tuesday, April 6. Other children's programs include:

• Book Babies Lap-Sit: For ages newborn to 22 accompanied by a parent or other adult caregiver, Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m., and Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m.

• Tales for 2s and 3s: For ages 2 and 3, Tuesdays 11-11:30 a.m.

• LEGO Club: For ages 5-10 with building time using the library's huge LEGO collection, Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.

• Lonely Books Club: For ages 8-12. Visit the library for a reading list. Club meets Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.

Kooiman was inspired to write her book during a visit to Post Falls four years ago. After observing a boy who lived across the street she wrote a poem about the boy, actually named Jackson, on her flight home to Michigan. She subsequently worked on the poem and contacted a friend and cousin, Rick Cunningham to illustrate the book.

A retired English teacher at the Alma, Mich., High School, Kooiman has written poetry for many years. "Jackson and the Big Blue Boots," is her first children's book.