CHECK IT OUT:Newport library’s summer reading program begins Saturday

On Saturday, June 23, at 10 a.m., the Newport Beach Public Library kicks off its 2007 summer reading program.

All ages are invited to join in reading for fun, winning prizes and participating in fantastic programming. It’s all free, with performances beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Hear Brother Yusef sing the blues at the Central Library, see Annie Banannie twist balloons along with tales at the Balboa Branch or discover science secrets with Claire and Monte Montgomery at the Crean Mariners Branch.

New weekly children’s programming features magic, music, storytelling, live animals and more. Sign up at any library or visit www.newportkids.org for more information.

Children’s series books are perfect for summer reading to get kids get hooked on characters or situations and foster learning to read for fun. Here are some new and classic series suggestions for kids to enjoy without having a due date for testing or a report to write. Expect enthusiastic discussions from your young fry about these kid-friendly tales.

“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling: Harry’s final, seventh year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry will be released in July. This spellbinding series of books featuring fully-realized characters, imaginary animals and fascinating settings is perfect for animated discussions among parents and their children.

Don’t be surprised to find the kids reaching for the dictionary on their own initiative.

Extra bonus: These titles are also available on audio CD and books-on-cassettes for not-to-be-missed, reading-out-loud sessions in the car while traveling on family vacations. Award-winning narrator Jim Dale will quell “are we there yet?” comments while the miles fly by.

“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares: As four teenage best girlfriends share one pair of magical jeans, each one changes her attitudes toward challenging summer experiences. Found in the young-adult section of the second-floor Teen Center in the library, books about friendships are always popular.

“Magic Tree House” by Mary Pope Osborne: The intrepid team of 8-year-old Jack and younger sister Annie find a magic tree house that transports them to mysterious and far-away places and eras. Kids learn about historical experiences, animal habitats, exotic locations, famous people and myriad other topics while having fun reading. Selections from this series are also available on audio recordings.

“Junie B. Jones” by Barbara Park: Kindergarten class has never been so fun! Follow Junie through the trials, tribulations and plain mix-ups of life as the youngest eyes see it. This is a “First Stepping Stone Book” series and appropriate for beginning readers.

“Warriors: The New Prophecy” by Erin W. Hunter: A new fantasy series featuring cats as protagonists will have young readers clamoring for more. Working in clans, the cats journey on dangerous missions and reveal mysterious prophecies affecting their and other cats’ tribes.

“Septimus Heap” by Angie Sage and Mark Zug: Thrill to the new fantasy adventures of Princess Jenna revolving around wizards, magic and puzzling family relationships. Pursued by evil agents, Jenna has secrets to uncover and missions to accomplish.

“Alex Rider Adventures” by Anthony Horowitz: Also in the Teen Center, find Alex Rider, an international, 14-year-old spy working for British M16. Espionage, assassins, nuclear missiles and spectacular incidents populate the dramatic world of travel and intrigue.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” by Rick Riordan: Greek mythology is the basis for fast-paced, fantasy juvenile fiction. Percy’s mom tells him the truth about his origins after his boarding school experiences prove more harrowing every day. Travel across a reimagined United States with Percy on a quest to prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

“The Clique” by Lisi Harrison: Octavian Country Day School sees its share of “mean girl” behavior through cliques, rivalries and changing allegiances. This heavily requested series explores real-life situations set in New York’s Westchester County. Bets about wardrobes, boys, exchange students and more lend credence to the depiction of middle school experiences. “Clique” books are in the Teen Center.