Kids Blog

At the moment I’m reading a great book called Portable Ghosts by Margaret Mahy. The main character Ditta is on a mission to find the source of her friend Max’s haunted bedroom. I can’t wait to find out what happens at the end – don’t tell me if you’ve read the whole book, OK! I like ghosts stories and mysteries, so this is a great combination. What types of books do you like reading?

Did you know that if a spider could make a web where each silk strand was as thick as a pencil, its web could stop a Boeing 747 in mid flight? Spider silk is the strongest string-like protein produced by any insect on earth. Ounce for ounce, spider silk is stronger than nylon and stronger than steel. It’s even stronger than Kevlar, which is used in bulletproof vests. No wonder they are so good at catching flies! In the book How Strong is it? you can find out other interesting stuff, like comparing the woodchopping power of a shark and a chainsaw and just how many princes could climb up Rapunzel’s hair. Check it out!

 Tahi by Melanie Drewery is a neat book based on a true story about a kiwi that got caught in a trap. It tells how he survived. He actually is at the Wellington Zoo now. I went and saw him last week. I got to see the special leg they made for him. I love this book about him. It’s been nominated to win an award! If you like it you will have to vote for it at New Zealand Post Book Awards. Have you read it? Have you been to see Tahi at the zoo? Let me know what you think of the book. . . .

Vikings had their own system of writing, called Runes. The basic alphabet had 16 letters. It was called a Futhark after the first 6 letters.  The first runic inscriptions, or carvings, are from around the year 200 AD, and have an alphabet with 24 letters. Around 800 AD the alphabet was shortened to 16 letters. Runes were used to write up until the Middle Ages.  Inscriptions on stone and wood were made in normal runes. There was another version of the alphabet for everyday messages on wood or bone.   Bills, accounts, and love messages were written in runes on sticks. Everyday objects, like combs, would have their owner’s name written on them in runes. Vikings also celebrated bravery in battle, and the glory of those who died heroes, with memorial stones. These stones were carved with pictures, and writing in runes. The stones would be placed in public places for many people to admire. The most famous of these is the Jelling Stone, placed in Jutland, Denmark, by King Harald Bluetooth.  Find out more here.

Simpson and his donkey is a special book about a brave man who landed at Gallipoli on April 25th, 1915 to serve as a stretcher-bearer. It’s a heroic story. Well worth the read with lovely illustrations. It makes you think of the sacrifice that people have made for us. What does ANZAC Day mean to you?

Interested in finding a good book? Want to know what books other kids think are awesome? Listen to our podcast where we tell you about the Kids’ Choices for March.

Bored already? Or are you just looking for some fun these holidays? Come down to Karori Library and have some Medieval fun! There will be some great shield, sword, and medieval hat making. as well as a wonderful medieval-ish story or two told to you by your wonderful Librarian. It’s on at Ngaio and Wadestown too. Check out the days and times at the Library or on the kids website.

Are you a girl? Do you like science? (It’s okay to admit that you do!) If you answered yes to these questions you should check out http://iwaswondering.com/. It’s a sciencey site with information about female scientists and cool games. You can make your own robot and test its reactions in the robot lab, and use an online telescope and more… boys will be pretty impressed too!

 Tiger, tiger by Lynne Reid Banks, is set in Roman times where fights are held in Caesar’s bloodthirsty circus between slaves and gladiators and animals from faraway places. Two tiger cubs are caught in the jungle and transported to Rome to begin new lives in captivity. One is given by Caesar to his daughter, the other is caged below ground and taught to fight to stay alive in the circus ring. When they meet again will the brothers remember each other or have they changed too much and will their instincts as natural killers take over?

Have you ever wondered how tall you’ll grow? Well wonder no more! I had just come across a formula that will estimate what your adult height will be. You would be needing your parents’ heights as well for this one. Here’s how it works:

For boys:

Add your parents’ heights together then divide by two and add 3 inches or 7.62 for cms.

For Girls:

Add your parents’ heights, divide by two and subract 3 inches or 7.62 for cms.

Pretty cool isn’t it! Try it and wonder no more! If you’d like to know some more amazing stuff about yourself, check out Why do I have stinky feet? : and other questions kids ask about themselves at the library’s children’s non-fiction area. I had a blast reading it and found some awesome info about yawning, blushing, nose hairs and butterflies in the stomach!