News: Free Comic Books, Free e-reader Rentals, Wildflowers, New Zoo Animals and Godspell Auditions for NYC Kids

It's back to school this week and ironically, we have no school news this time around. Instead, we've got the scoop on new zoo animals, including one seriously coo-worthy giraffe, free comic books, toy recycling and more. Plus one scary article that struck fear into my heart about 10-year-olds and puberty, two things that definitely should not go together.

Holy comics Batman! National Free Comic Book Day is coming up on Saturday, May 5. Kids (and adults) can stop by their local comic shop to pick up free issues. Of course there are rules (you're not going to get a complimentary copy of Action Comics No. 1) so check the website for participating locations and details.

Craving an e-reader but dreading the price? You can borrow lit-filled e-readers from the Queens Central Library for up to seven days to see if you just can't live without one.

Last week we shared our favorite places to see cherry blossoms. But next month it's all about wildflowers. NYC Wildflower Week takes place May 12-19 and there are dozens of events throughout the five boroughs, including nature walks and planting workshops for children.

There’s planning ahead and then there’s casting a musical 20 years in advance. On Tuesday, April 24, aspiring Broadway performers ages 6 to 16 can audition for Godspell – Cast of 2032. Luckily the ten kids who make the final cut will get a chance to shine this decade by performing at the curtain call of the Tuesday, May 22 performance.

As a dad myself, I was happy to read about the new Bronx Fatherhood Program, which aims to help young dads ages 16 to 24 be more involved with their kids. We're all for actively engaged papas!

And here's something I wasn't happy to read as a dad... especially since I have two daughters: The Times' piece about whether puberty at 10 is the new standard.

Do you have piles of Tiggers, Doras and Thomases wasting away in a corner? Donate those outgrown toys during Earth Week; because it's way better than having them end up in a landfill—or turning your apartment into one.

Far Rockaway's Sorrentino Recreation Center in Queens is one of many spots trying to win money from Sprite and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to spruce up its basketball courts. If you want to see Sorrentino win, go to SpriteSparkParks.com, register and enter the code SPRITEPARKSVOTE. Twenty-five courts across the nation will get help from Sprite, and ten could snag up to $15,000.

Both the Prospect Park and the Bronx Zoos have new additions. Head to Brooklyn to see real Australian dingoes on the Discovery Trail. Meanwhile up in the Bronx you can oooo and awww at an adorable baby Baringo giraffe who likes to chase butterflies.

In the cynical 21st century we rarely call any politician a hero, but Newark mayor Cory Booker changed all that when he rescued his neighbor from her burning home last week. Maybe he'll end up with his own comic book someday!