Justin Roberts’ star is shining even brighter these days.

A regular performer at the Northfield Public Library’s summer Books & Stars program, Roberts is nominated for a 2011 Grammy for his seventh children’s album, Jungle Gym.

It’s the first Grammy nomination for Roberts, a Chicago-based songwriter and performer who has charmed Northfield audiences for about 10 years.  His album faces competition from four other artists or groups, including Pete Seeger and They Might Be Giants.

The winner is announced Sunday at an afternoon ceremony in Los Angeles that precedes the glitzier televised ceremony.

Speaking by phone last week during a break between tours, Roberts said he doesn’t have any visions of winning, but he’s excited to attend both ceremonies with his wife, his band members and their spouses.

“Whether or not you win, you can be Grammy nominated for the rest of your life, which is a nice feeling,” he said.

A former member of the Minneapolis indie-rock band Pimentos for Gus, Roberts began writing children’s music while working as a Montessori preschool teacher.  His first album, Great Big Sun, was released in 1998. He began touring in 2001, after the release of his second album, Yellow Bus. Along the way, he’s added a five-piece band, the Not Ready for Naptime Players. 

His music has been featured on Nick Jr. TV, he’s performed live on The Today Show, and he’s been the subject of stories in national publications including the New York Times, Newsweek and Entertainment Weekly.

Roberts rarely performs solo anymore, which is one reason his shows in Northfield are special; it’s always been just him with his guitar.

The other unique aspect about performing in Northfield, he said, is that he recognizes the faces of children and parents in the audience who have returned year after year for his concerts.

“It’s been one of those shows that I’ve done so many years in a row, I’ve gotten to see families grow up, and that’s pretty amazing,” he said.

Children’s programming librarian Kathy Ness said Roberts sings songs about the everyday life of kids in a way that’s appealing to both children and their parents.

All of his albums are available at the Northfield library for check-out for those who want to sample his music before he returns to Northfield this summer.

Ness has booked him for a July 6 show, as part of the 2011 season of Books & Stars, and she’ll be crossing her fingers when the Grammy winners are announced.

“It will be great to say, ‘Back by popular demand, Grammy-award winner Justin Roberts,’” she said.