Miracle Seeds, Unicorns and Greedy Peas – New Kids Books in the Collection

There is so much to read, learn and enjoy in the latest bunch of books added to our collection.  You can find out why seals are jerks, or what happens when a greedy pea eats all the food.  Read about a cake-baking inflatable donut or some eerie stories that will make you tremble.  Maybe you’d prefer unicorns, tuatara or seashells.  Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find something fascinating in this selection.

Picture books

The princess and the (greedy) pea / Hodgkinson, Leigh
“We all know ‘There was an old lady who swallowed a fly’. But have you heard the one about the greedy pea who swallowed a sprout? And slurped up the soup… gobbled the cake… and drank all the tea… And made one particular princess very… grumpy.” (Catalogue)

What you need to be warm / Gaiman, Neil
“During the coldest season, when the world feels scary, what do you remember about being warm? Baked potatoes. Trust. A kettle on the stove. Blankets. A smile. And, most of all, the reassurance that you belong.” (Catalogue)

Seals are jerks / Chapman, Jared
“Seals are Lorelei’s favorite animal: they’re so cute and cuddly and best buddies with penguins. Well… that’s what she thought before learning the ugly truth — some seals EAT penguins! She doesn’t want to believe it at first, but she drags Penguin, the classroom guest, and seal whistleblower, to Antarctica to prove Penguin wrong and confront Seal face-to-face. And Seal finally reveals the truth.” (Catalogue)

Too much! : an overwhelming day / Gutiérrez, Jolene
“Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming. Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, Jolene Gutiérrez’s compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves. Joined by Angel Chang’s beautiful illustrations, young readers will learn that it’s OK if some days are too much.” (Catalogue)

Comic Books

The miracle seed / Lemelman, Martin
“The thrilling true story of an ancient plant, wonderfully reborn in the modern era through the hard work of two female scientists. Thousands of years ago, in a time of rebellion, the Jewish people fought against their Roman rulers. The brutal Emperor Titus ordered the destruction of everything precious to the Jews: towns, villages, even their beloved Judean date palm trees. Centuries passed. The Jewish people were scattered, and the Judean date palm faded into extinction. Then, in 1963, a team of archaeologists uncovered two-thousand-year-old date palm seeds at the ruined fortress of Masada. For another forty years the seeds waited–until 2004, when Israeli scientist Dr. Sarah Sallon had a big, courageous idea. What if those ancient seeds could bring the Judean date palm back to life? Dr. Sallon recruited her friend Dr. Elaine Solowey, and their amazing experiment began…” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Eerie tales from the school of screams / Annable, Graham
“School is tough. School is scary. School is EERIE. No one knows this better than Davis and Emily. But they’re not scared of school because of tough tests or merciless vice-principals. No, they’re scared because their teacher wants her students to present the class with the spookiest, most chilling stories they can think of. Are you ready to stare down “The Face in the Forest”? Do you think you can handle the truth behind “The Village that Vanished?” Lock the doors, turn on all the lights, and arm yourself with candy– you’ll need all the help you can get to face these nightmares.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The Inflatables in Snack to the future / Garrod, Beth
“Determined to turn Lynn’s frown upside down on her birthday, Donut attempts to bake the best cake EVER, but when his secret recipe accidentally sends the inflata-gang and bouncy BFFs time traveling, they must face some fearsome foes to get back home.” (Catalogue)

Chapter Books

Project F / DuPrau, Jeanne
“WELCOME TO THE FUTURE. There are no cars, planes, television, or smart phones. Climate change wreaked havoc on Earth hundreds of years ago, and now people live a simpler life. Then thirteen-year-old Keith uncovers a secret. It’s a mysterious mission known only as Project F. It’s advanced, it’s scientific, and it’s going to change the world. It’s exactly the kind of adventure Keith has always longed to be a part of. And what is adventure without a little danger, right? But how much danger is Keith willing to risk? For himself? For his family? For his community? For the entire world…?” (Catalogue)

Green / Gino, Alex
“Crushes are confusing. Green is very lucky. They’ve got a supportive dad, friendly neighbors, and good friends. They’ve figured out a lot of things…but they can’t figure out what to do about Ronnie. Ronnie’s a boy who’s been in Green’s class for awhile. He’s sweet. Funny. And lately Green’s heart has raced a little faster whenever he’s around. Green is pretty sure about their own feelings, but when it comes to how Ronnie feels, they have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA. When Green doesn’t get a part in the school musical — a very untraditional version of The Wizard of Oz — they join the crew to work alongside Ronnie. Is this a good idea? Green’s about to find out…” (Catalogue)

Neon and the unicorn hunters / Pounder, Sibéal
“Now a fully-fledged unicorn (no, not the horse kind, the ultra-powerful human-looking kind), Neon Gallup is LOVING her secret double life in the extraordinary UNIverse, creating goo-powered magic and going on adventures with her unicorn friends. Little does she know that she has been spotted opening a portal by none other than the neighbourhood unicorn hunter, Priscilla. Now that she’s seen Neon’s portal opener, Priscilla is determined to steal it and destroy unicorns once and for all. With the unicorn hunters closing in on all sides, will Neon discover the sinister plot in time to save the day once again?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Cut loose / Stroker, Ali
“Thirteen-year-old Nat jumps at the chance to participate in the middle school regional theatre competition where the winner gets to perform on Broadway, but when stressful rehearsals negatively impact her friendships, she starts to wonder if it is worth doing theatre at all.” (Catalogue)

Non-Fiction

A shell is cozy / Aston, Dianna Hutts
“From the acclaimed duo Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long comes this gorgeous look at the fascinating world of shells. From land snails to freshwater mussels, giant clams to tiny, an incredible array of shells are showcased in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book will spark the imaginations of children in classroom reading circles as well as on parents’ laps.” (Catalogue)

What is war / Altarriba, Eduard
“What is War? is a book designed to offer a simple answer to all the questions kids might ask when hearing about war and conflict. Why do countries or different ideological groups fight? What are the key points between different types of conflict? Is there such a thing as a just war? What are the tools used to wage war, from weapons to propaganda? How can we end wars, and who are the real winners and losers? This book tells the reader through clear explanations punctuated by historical and contemporary examples what war is and how it can be prevented.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Tuatara : a living treasure / Furze, Katie
“Meet Tuatara, ancient wonder, wildlife treasure … and survivor! Blinking, she pulls her scaly body into the light. She’s as long as a finger, and with the row of spines on her back she looks like a baby dragon. Tuatara are survivors of an ancient era and sometimes referred to as living wonders – their closest relatives died out during the time of the dinosaurs 60 million years ago!” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The world of Studio Ghibli / Leader, Michael
“Welcome to the world of Studio Ghibli, a place where you can learn to fly on the slightest breeze and where monsters are never what they seem. Whether you dream of riding on a dragon’s back like Chihiro, catching the Catbus with Mei or living in a moving castle with the wizard Howl, this book will show you Studio Ghibli’s most beloved characters and films. Why not dress up with Kiki and Pazu, cook ramen with Ponyo or make your very own animated soot sprite? What are you waiting for? The magic is just a train ride away.” (Catalogue)

For more new books in the collection, go to: What’s new / February 2024 (wcl.govt.nz)

Cheese, Cryptids, Crime and Cooking – New Kids Books in the Collection

It’s a new year, and we have some amazing and exciting new books in our collection for kids. Among many other new titles available this month, get your teeth into a cheesy picture book, explore the world of cryptids in a new comic, or delve into crime or learn to cook! Take a look at some of our suggestions below.

Picture Books

The Big Cheese / John, Jory
“The Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best?” (Catalogue)

Look / Woodcock, Fiona
“A brother and sister spend an exciting day at the zoo where they find balloons, baboons, kangaroos, and more. Told entirely through illustrations and single words containing a double “O”.” (Catalogue)

Geoffrey gets the jitters / Shireen, Nadia
“Geoffrey’s got the jitters! It started last night when he was thinking about school – a funny, wiggly feeling in his tummy that grew and grew. But when Geoffrey’s tummy jitters started talking to him – that’s when he knew they were out of control. Geoffrey had to do something.” (Catalogue)

When grandpa wore a tutu / McMillan, Dawn
“Back in the day, Grandpa was a dairy farmer who milked cows while dreaming of dancing ballet. His dream comes true when the local farmers put on a performance of Swan Lake at the country hall and Grandma sews him a tutu ready for his starring role. Together with his farmer friends, they dance up a storm, wearing a variety of unusual footwear, including Grandpa in his gumboots!” (Adapted from Catalogue)


Comics

Cryptid kids [1] : the Bawk-ness Monster / Goetter, Sara
“Before she moves away to a new city, Penny wants to prove that she was truly saved from drowning by the Bawk-ness Monster but instead must rescue kidnapped cryptids from an evil collector along with Luc and K.” (Catalogue)

Duel / Bagley, Jessixa
“Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). They’ve only got one thing in common: fencing. Oh, and they’re sisters. They never got along super well, but ever since their dad died, it seems like they’re always at each other’s throats. When GiGi humiliates Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges GiGi to a duel with high sisterly stakes. But after their scene in the cafeteria, both girls are on thin ice with the principal and their mom…” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Things in the basement / Hatke, Ben
“It was supposed to just be a normal basement – some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they’ve moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he’s never seen before. Turns out that the basement of his house is enormous. In fact, there is a whole world down there. As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom… and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.” (Catalogue)

Mabuhay / Sterling, Zack
“First-generation Filipino siblings, JJ and Althea, struggle to belong at school. JJ wants to fit in with the crowd, while Althea wants to be accepted as she is. But between the leftover Filipino food their mom packs for their lunches to having a last name that nobody can pronounce, any sense of belonging seems like a long shot. But when witches, ogres, and other creatures from those same stories appear in their town and threaten their family, JJ and Althea realize that the myths their parents have always told them may be more real than they’d suspected. Can JJ and Althea embrace who they really are and save their family?” (Adapted from Catalogue)


Chapter Books

The after school crime club / Webster, Hayley
“Willow has always felt like an outsider at school, but she and her Nanna were so alike that she never felt alone. Now Nanna is gone and Willow is adrift. So when a group of girls offer her friendship in exchange for “fun” stealing dares, Willow can’t say no. But as the dares escalate, she has to ask herself: How far will she go to fit in?” (Catalogue)

Stuntboy, in-between time / Reynolds, Jason
“Portico Reeves is the greatest superhero a lot of people have never heard of. He likes it that way–then no one can get in the way of him from keeping other people safe. Super safe. He’s Stuntboy. There’s been one major fail. He couldn’t save his parents from becoming Xs. Which is a word that sounds like coughing up a hairball. But don’t talk to him about the divorce, because of the hairball thing, and also, it gives Portico the frets. What’s also giving him frets is his parents living on two separate floors in their apartment building. So when Portico and new friend, Herbert, and best best friend, Zola, discover an empty apartment, unlocked, they are psyched. It’s a perfect hideout, and hangout, and it’s not half anyone’s…it’s all theirs. Problem is, that gives some Grown Up People the frets, which leads to double frets for Portico. And he’s not sure his arsenal of stunts can combat that.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Tiny the secret adventurer / Bushby, Aisha
“Tiny is a small creature with a big heart living in a school garden. Her animal neighbours don’t like her because she looks like a human. They think humans are big, noisy and messy and they’re scared. But when Frog is in danger Tiny comes to the rescue and makes friends!” (Catalogue)

Alebrijes / Higuera, Donna Barba
“For 400 years, Earth has been a barren wasteland. The few humans that survive scrape together an existence in the cruel city of Pocatel — or go it alone in the wilderness beyond, filled with wandering spirits and wyrms. 13 year-old pickpocket Leandro and his sister Gabi do what they can to forge a life in Pocatel. When Gabi is caught stealing precious fruit from the Pocatelan elite, Leando takes the fall. But his exile proves more than he ever could have imagined — far from a simple banishment, his consciousness is placed inside an ancient drone and left to fend on its own. But beyond the walls of Pocatel lie other alebrijes like Leandro who seek for a better world — as well as mutant monsters, wasteland pirates, a hidden oasis, and the truth.” (Adapted from Catalogue)


Non Fiction

David Atherton’s baking book for kids / Atherton, David
“Preheat the oven and get cracking–there are bakes to make! From snacky samosas to hot cross hedgehogs, from loaves baked in flowerpots to an ombre cake (your friends will think it came from a fancy bakery), these recipes are so delicious and easy to follow, they’ll have the reader named star baker in no time! Featuring oven-hot tips, a review of a baker’s cupboard, an equipment list, step-by-step instructions, and delightful illustrations by award-winning illustrator Harry Woodgate, this collection of mouthwatering recipes from David Atherton will bring little bakers and their loved ones together in the kitchen again and again.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Welcome to the mysteryverse / Gifford, Clive
“Science is pretty amazing, but even though we know more about our universe than ever before, there still remain lots of unanswered questions that fascinate and perplex even the greatest scientific minds. This book is a compendium of these riveting unsolved mysteries, that still have us wondering… How? What? Why? From the personal (Why do we have fingerprints? Why do we yawn?) to the fundamental (How did life begin? Is anybody out there?) to the downright funny (Why do cats sit in circles?) The colourful and arresting artwork draws readers in further to ask How? What? And Why? This riveting book will capture the imagination of curious minds young and old. Maybe they can solve some of these riddles. Or maybe, some things will remain in the Mysteryverse …” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Invisible things / Miller, Andy J
“This creatively wacky and interactive exploration of the abstract concepts of the human experience, such as feelings and thoughts, encourages readers to look past the visible and connect with the things that are not seen.” (Catalogue)

For more new items in the collection, go to: What’s new / January 2024 (wcl.govt.nz)

Dragons, Dust Storms, Delicious Food and more: New Kid’s Books in the Collection

What a delightful combination of books we have new in the collection this month!  Should you wish to read about witches and dragons, wonder what it might like to be the boss, have curiosity about food around the world or just need a bit of a giggle, we’ve got something in the new books that will satisfy your wish!  Take a look at these we’ve selected from those arriving this month…

Picture Books

Stickler loves the world / Smith, Lane
And just think of the wonders we must pass every day without even noticing!  Stickler, an original character covered in sticks and with multiple ever-changing eyes, loves its little world. With best friend Crow, it shares the wonders of all the amazing things the world has to offer. Stickler is astonished by the ordinary, such as the sun and the stars, as well as fascinated by those things in nature that are often overlooked, such as swirling seed pods falling from the sky. The two pals wander about the world, stopping to appreciate the many marvels along the way, especially its beloved sticks, each one unique.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The book that wouldn’t read / Tipene, Tim
“The boy at the centre of Tim Tipene’s striking new story doesn’t like reading, until one day in the school library he picks up The Book that Wouldn’t Read.  Suddenly the book takes on a life of its own — with sentences moving up and down, words changing colour and disappearing, and strange fonts and characters that get the reader jumping around, even burping. His appeals to the teacher and friends get hushed because ‘it’s reading time,’ and before he knows it, he’s finished the book. ‘What should I read next?'” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Doris / Jacoby, Sarah
“Doris has always reveled in the warmth of a spotlight. Her whole life, she’s danced the nights away, with friends from the only home she’s ever known. But one day, Doris twirls … out of step … until she stumbles across a whole new kind of spotlight.” (Catalogue)

Comics

School trip / Craft, Jerry
“Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are heading out on a school trip to Paris. As an aspiring artist himself, Jordan can’t wait to see all the amazing art in the famous City of Lights. But when their trusted faculty guides are replaced at the last minute, the school trip takes an unexpected – and hilarious – turn. […] Will Jordan and his friends embrace being exposed to a new language, unfamiliar food, and a different culture? Or will they all end up feeling like the ‘new kid’?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Bigfoot and Nessie : the haunting of Loch Ness Castle / Campbell, Chelsea M.
“Bigfoot and Nessie return for another adventure, and things are getting particularly eerie. This time around, the dynamic duo is visiting Nessie’s home, the underwater Loch Ness Castle, and Bigfoot couldn’t be more excited! […] Only things are not exactly what they seem: Nessie can’t get away from her overbearing momager and endless celebrity duties, and to make matters worse, there’s a ghost roaming around in the house! Can Bigfoot and Nessie confront the ghost, stand up to Nessie’s mom, and uncover the castle’s haunting secrets?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Chapter Books

The house with a dragon in it / Lake, Nick
“When Summer and her foster family are having lunch one day, a hole appears in the middle of the living room. That hole leads to a dragon and the promise of three wishes, granted by a very unusual witch. Summer wishes for popularity and plenty of money, and things are looking up . . . until she realizes that the hole in the floor is getting bigger and the witch is getting more sinister. As things begin to unravel, will Summer get her dearest most secret wish?” (Catalogue)

The boss of everyone / Wallace, Danny
“Ten-year-old Joss’s greatest ambition is to be Class Monitor at school. But she’s about to go one step further. It’s Take Your Kid to Work Day, and Joss’s dad takes her to the games company he works for. When the boss calls a meeting and tells them he’s giving his job away to the person with the best idea for a company game-changer… Joss sticks her hand up. And the next thing she knows, Joss is the boss. Joss is thrilled. Dad is horrified: he’s going to have to be on his best behaviour all the time! As Joss whips everyone into shape, maybe they can all learn a lesson or two… even Joss herself.” (Catalogue)

Dust : a novel / Bowling, Dusti
“After Avalyn nearly died from an asthma attack, her parents moved her to the clear, dry air of Clear Canyon City, Arizona. And for the last ten years, she’s been able to breathe. That is, until Adam showed up. Quiet and unkempt, Adam is an instant target for the bullies who have plagued Avalyn and her friends. As Avalyn gets to know him, she begins to suspect that the sudden, strange increase in dust storms around town are somehow connected to his emotions. She thinks his problems may be even worse at home, especially when massive black walls of dust start rolling in after the school day. Will she find a way to stand up for her new friend? Her life may just depend on it.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

No one leaves the castle / Healy, Christopher
“The Lilac. The bard songs say that she’s the world’s most fearsome bounty hunter. That there’s no criminal she can’t catch, no mystery she can’t solve. None of that is true. Yet. In reality, the Lilac is just a kid, and the bard who wrote all that is her best friend, Dulcinetta. But the Lilac has set her goals on becoming the best bounty hunter in the Thirteen Kingdoms–and when a priceless artifact goes missing from the home of famed monster hunter Baron Angbar, the Lilac and Netta are eager to apprehend the thief and make a name for themselves. But when their investigation brings them to a dinner party at Castle Angbar, and they meet the Angbar family and their servants and guests–an unsavory group of nobles, mages, and assorted creatures, each more shady than the last–the Lilac begins to wonder if the reward is worth the trouble. And that’s before the dead body is discovered…” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Non-Fiction

Beasts of the ancient world : a kids’ guide to mythical creatures, from the sphinx to the minotaur, dragons to baku / Ward, Marchella
“Uncover tales of ancient beasts, in this beautiful anthology of mythologies. This book introduces children to the thrilling mythological beasts from ancient civilizations. Discover 23 stories accompanied by beautiful, colorful illustrations. Through the incredible storytelling you can learn about fantastic creatures such as the Japanese baku, which had the power to devour nightmares, the wise Egyptian Sphynx, and the fearsome Minotaur who went head-to-head with Theseus in Greek mythology. Featured pages highlight amazing real-life photos of objects, showing how each beast was represented in art. A perfect, global introduction to the most fascinating stories about legendary creatures from ancient history…” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Chews your own tasty adventure : a cooking journey where YOU get to choose the ingredients! : vegetarian recipes from around the world / Pathmanathan, Sai
“A fun interactive cookbook which empowers children to choose and experiment with cooking – each simple recipe only has six ingredients! Join in the fun as you experiment with recipes from around the world! From cupcakes to churros and paratha to pide, chews each ingredient in an interactive game and then see which recipes you can create. Perfect for beginner cooks to start their cooking adventure, with a maximum of six key ingredients for each recipe and clear and simple instructions, but also challenges young cooks to experiment with new techniques and ingredients. Includes fun facts for each recipe and lots of top tips!” (Catalogue)

Inside the world’s wonders : see what lies within some of the greatest buildings on Earth / Gifford, Clive
“Take a tour around the world to uncover some of the planet’s most incredible landmarks and monuments – inside and out. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal to Sydney Opera House, you’ll discover these iconic structures’ secrets, learn about their history and find out why they have become ‘wonders’ of the world.” (Catalogue)

For more new kids books in the collection, go to: What’s new / November 2023 (wcl.govt.nz)

Graveyard Shakes: Kids’ Comics for Halloween!

Spooky season is upon us, and we just so happen to have you covered for some great reads from our comic and graphic novel collections.

If you like the idea of a witch who uses her cauldron to make pizza, an avenging-warrior-ghost-hog, or a girl who meets her new best friend by summoning a spirit at a seance tea party, then these are for you!

Junior Comics

Witches of Brooklyn [1] / Escabasse, Sophie
“Effie moves to Brooklyn to live with her strange aunt and soon discovers that she might be a witch.” (Catalogue)

Graveyard shakes / Terry, Laura
“When Katia runs away from her private boarding school her sister Victoria goes looking for her, accidentally stumbling into the underworld of a nearby graveyard inhabited by ghosts and a man named Nikola, who is preparing a sinister spell.” (Catalogue)
Séance tea party / Yee, Reimena
“After watching her circle of friends seemingly fade away, Lora is determined to still have fun on her own, so when a tea party leads Lora to discovering Alexa, the ghost that haunts her house, they soon become best friends.” (Catalogue)

Ghost hog / Weiser, Joey
“Truff is the ghost of a young boar, fueled by fury towards the hunter who shot her down. She has a lot to learn about her new afterlife, and thankfully the forest spirits Claude and Stanley are there to guide her! However, they soon find that her parents, along with their fellow animal villagers, have been kidnapped by the malicious mountain demon Mava! Truff wants to help, but… the hunter is finally within her grasp, and if she lets him go, she may never get her revenge! Is vengeance all that being a ghost is good for? Or is there something stronger keeping this little pig tethered to the living world?” (Catalogue)

Skull Cat. Book 1, Skull Cat and the curious castle / Shurtliff, Norman
“It’s Scully the Cat’s first day as the new garden-keeper at a spooky castle… but when everyone goes missing, is he brave enough to become a hero? Draw your sword and let’s find out! Even though the castle is an eerie place, full of dark secrets, Scully is excited to start his new job and prove himself to be a great gardener. But wait a minute… what happened to all his co-workers? Were they devoured by bloodthirsty vampires? Spooked by a love-struck ghost? Pranked by a comic-reading goblin? Enchanted by a sleepy sorcerer? Will Scully have to become the hero and uncover the truth behind Le Dark Chateau? He never signed up for this!!”– Publisher’s website.” (Catalogue)

Sorceline / Douyé, Sylvia
“For as long as she can remember, Sorceline has had a knack for the study of mythical creatures. Now a student at Professor Archibald Balzar’s prestigious school of cryptozoology, she’s eager to test her skills and earn a spot as one of Balzar’s apprentices. But for all her knowledge of gorgons, vampires, and griffins, Sorceline is mystified by her fellow humans. While she excels in her studies, she quickly clashes with her classmates, revealing her fiery temper. When one of her rivals suddenly disappears, Sorceline must set aside her anger and join the quest to find her. But the mystery only deepens, leading Sorceline on a journey far darker and more personal than she expected.” (Catalogue)

YA Comics

Unfamiliar. 1 / Newsome, Haley
“Young kitchen witch Planchette gets an incredible deal on a new house in a magical town. Turns out, there’s a reason: it’s haunted! After unsuccessfully attempting to get these unwanted ghosts to leave, she realizes the only thing to do is to help them with their problems. Along the way, she befriends a shy siren who hates being popular, a girl battling a curse, and a magically-challenged witch from a powerful coven.” (Catalogue)

Summer spirit / Holleville, Élizabeth
“Summer for Louise means sand, surf, and… the supernatural. Louise spends every summer at her grandma’s house with her older sister, cousins, and Rodin the dog. But, this year, her plans to relax and read comics on the beach are about to be turned upside down by a mischievous ghost, bored with being forced to haunt the same house. While the other girls are wrapped up in romance and teenage problems, Louise takes refuge with her new paranormal BFF, determined to escape the drama and just enjoy her summer break, something that is proving to be a lot harder than she anticipated.” (Catalogue)

The Okay Witch / Steinkellner, Emma
“Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.” (Catalogue)

Detective Fiction for Kids: Historical Heroines!

As well as classics like Nancy Drew and The Famous Five, we have some wonderful kid detectives bringing mystery and day-saving antics to our shelves! Here are some of our favourites that all happen to be set in times past, from 1700s London to 1930s Hong Kong, and are all the start of their respective series.

We have the unstoppable Deepdean duo, Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells of the Wells and Wong Detective Agency, in the Murder Most Unladylike series. This series truly gets better as it goes on, with highlights being A Spoonful of Murder and Death in the Spotlight – but individual favourites may be particular to each reader.

Drama and Danger provides a gripping read starring another detecting pair – Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle- and also offers an educational picture of 18th century London through the eyes of Black residents and real historical figures and events. We look forward to the second book in the Lizzie and Belle Mysteries!

Aggie Morton and her new friend Hector provide a charming take on some grisly crime scene investigating in The Body Under the Piano; their characters inspired by queen of crime-writing, Agatha Christie, and her fictional detective, Hercule Poirot.

Explore more from our catalogue in the list below:

Junior Fiction

The body under the piano / Jocelyn, Marthe
“A smart and charming middle-grade mystery series starring young detective Aggie Morton and her friend Hector, inspired by the imagined life of Agatha Christie as a child and her most popular creation, Hercule Poirot. For fans of Lemony Snicket and The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency. Aggie Morton lives in a small town on the coast of England in 1902. Adventurous and imaginative but deeply shy, Aggie hasn’t got much to do since the death of her beloved father . . . until the fateful day when she crosses paths with twelve-year-old Belgian immigrant Hector Perot and discovers a dead body on the floor of the Mermaid Dance Room!” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The detective’s guide to ocean travel / Greenberg, Nicki
“For as long as she can remember, Pepper Stark has wanted one thing: to join her father, the Captain, aboard the magnificent RMS Aquitania on a voyage to New York. She has never been allowed to set foot on her father’s ship, until now. From the decadent food to the star-studded passenger list, travelling First Class on Aquitania is every bit as glamorous as Pepper had imagined. And most dazzling of all is American stage sensation Perdita West, wearing the world-famous Saffron Diamond around her neck. When the priceless jewel disappears mid-voyage, Pepper unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the crime. With the Captain’s reputation at stake, Pepper and her new friends set out to solve the mystery. But finding a missing diamond isn’t so easy on Aquitania, where everyone has something to hide.” (Catalogue)

Murder most unladylike / Stevens, Robin
“Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong set up a secret detective agency at Deepdean School for Girls to solve the murder of their Science Mistress, Miss Bell.” (Catalogue)

If you enjoy the Murder Most Unladylike series, we recommend the spin-off based on Hazel Wong’s younger sister, May:

The ministry of unladylike activity / Stevens, Robin
“1940. Britain is at war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies.

Enter May Wong: courageous, stubborn, and desperate to help end the war so that she can go home to Hong Kong (and leave her annoying school, Deepdean, behind forever). May knows that she would make the perfect spy. After all, grown-ups always underestimate children like her.

When May and her friend Eric are turned away by the Ministry, they take matters into their own hands. Masquerading as evacuees, they travel to Elysium Hall, home to the wealthy Verey family – including snobby, dramatic Nuala. They suspect that one of the Vereys is passing information to Germany. If they can prove it, the Ministry will have to take them on.

But there are more secrets at Elysium Hall than May or Eric could ever have imagined.” (Catalogue)

Premeditated Myrtle : a Myrtle Hardcastle mystery / Bunce, Elizabeth C
“When twelve-year-old aspiring detective Myrtle Hardcastle learns her neighor in quiet Swinburne, England, a breeder of rare flowers, has died she is certain it was murder and that she must find the killer.” (Catalogue)

Drama and danger / Williams, J. T.
“Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solving mysteries. And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they’ve seen something suspicious on stage. Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery – and becoming best friends. But can they work out what’s going on in time to prevent a murder?”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Comics

Goldie Vance. Volume one / Larson, Hope
“Move over Nancy, Harriet, & Veronica. There’s a new sleuth on the block! Sixteen-year-old Marigold “Goldie” Vance lives at a Florida resort with her dad, who manages the place. Her mom, who divorced her dad years ago, works as a live mermaid at a club downtown. Goldie has an insatiable curiosity, which explains her dream to one day become the hotel’s in-house detective. When Charles, the current detective, encounters a case he can’t crack, he agrees to mentor Goldie in exchange for her help solving the mystery.” (Catalogue)

Enola Holmes : the graphic novels, Book one / Blasco, Serena
“Fourteen-year-old Enola Holmes wakes on her birthday to discover that her mother has disappeared from the family’s country manor, leaving only a collection of flowers and a coded message book. With Sherlock and Mycroft determined to ship her off to a boarding school, Enola escapes, displaying a cleverness that even impresses the elder Holmes. But nothing prepares her for what lies ahead.” (Catalogue)

The Loud Librarian: New Kid’s Books in the Library Collection

We have so many new books for kids in the collection this month!  All age groups have lots of new books to choose from and there are exciting new books about every subject you can dream of.  We have selected a few here to get you started:

Picture Books

The loud librarian / Beatrice, Jenna
“A little librarian with a larger-than-life voice finds her niche in this sweet, and uproarious story about being true to yourself–no SHHH required! When loud-voiced Penelope becomes student-librarian, she is determined to prove she is perfect for the job while staying true to herself.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The red jacket / Holt, Bob
“Bob loves his red jacket. The red jacket makes other seagulls notice him and even speak to him. But when a wave washes it away, will Bob lose his cool and his newfound friends, too? Bob Holt’s spare text and humorous artwork come together perfectly in this charmingly humorous tale about “fitting in,” and confidence.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Blue Bison needs a haircut / Rothman, Scott
“Blue Bison prides himself on always looking clean and neat, so when he goes for a haircut and discovers every place is closed, he is very upset, but his little sister Bubble Gum Bison and her utterly ridiculous idea saves the day.” (Catalogue)

Chapter Books

Amber Brown is not a crayon / Danziger, Paula
“Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are a great team until disaster strikes and Justin has to move away. Will be they be able to work out their recent fight before it’s too late?” (Catalogue)

The house that whispers / Thompson, Lin
“Eleven-year-old Simon and his siblings, Talia and Rose, are staying the week at Nanaleen’s century-old house. This time, though, it’s not their usual summer vacation trip. In fact, everything’s different. It’s fall, not summer. Mom and Dad are staying behind to have a “talk.” And Nanaleen’s house smells weird, plus she keeps forgetting things. And these aren’t the only things getting under Simon’s skin: He’s the only one who knows that his name is Simon, and that he and him pronouns are starting to feel right. But he’s not ready to add to the changes that are already in motion in his family.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

In the shadow of the wolf queen / Hargrave, Kiran Millwood
“Ysolda has lived her life in the shadow of the wolf queen’s tyrannical rule but, safe in her forest haven, she has never truly felt its threat. Until one day when a mysterious earthquake shakes the land and her older sister Hari vanishes in its wake. Accompanied by her loyal sea hawk, Nara, Ysolda embarks on a desperate rescue mission… she soon finds herself embroiled in a quest for a magic more powerful than she could ever have imagined.” (Abridged from catalogue)

Comics

Global / Colfer, Eoin
“Told in alternating voices, twelve-year-old Sami, from a village along the Bay of Bengal, and fourteen-year-old Yuki, from Northern Canada, strive to protect their homes from the encroaching damage brought on by climate change.” (Catalogue)

SandyPants / McGrath, Raymond
“Big and Little Blue are two lovable and lively little penguins. There are three, simply illustrated stories in the book, each one featuring two friends, Big Blue and Little Blue, nicknames Bigsies and Littles. Each story is connected by a wellbeing theme, and is designed to offer children coping strategies for navigating friendships, understanding emotional responses, and the importance of mindfulness and being yourself.” (Catalogue)

Things in the basement / Hatke, Ben
“It was supposed to just be a normal basement – some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they’ve moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he’s never seen before… As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom… and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.” (Abridged from Catalogue)

Non-fiction

Universal guide to the night sky / Harvey-Smith, Lisa
“Wherever you are in this world, whether that be in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, in the city or a remote region, this book guides you through the remarkable features of planet Earth’s starry sky. Receive a personal tour through the wonders of the universe from astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith. Explore comets and meteors, stars, planets and moons. Find galaxies and glowing gas clouds. Spot supernovae and enjoy eclipses. Learn everything you need to know about binoculars, telescopes and photographing the stars. You will never look up at the stars in the same way again.” (Catalogue)

Born reading : 20 stories of women reading their way into history / Krull, Kathleen
“Once books change their brains, girls change history. Discover the foundation of reading that empowered some of the world’s most influential women in this collection of 20 biographies.” (Catalogue)

Destination : Mars / Spray, Sally
“Learn all about planet Mars with the Space Station Academy students and their robot teacher in these fun and vibrant story-based science books for children aged 7+.” (Catalogue)

For more new kids books in the collection, go to: What’s new / October 2023 (wcl.govt.nz)

What comes next? Ranger’s Apprentice

Finding interesting new pukapuka can be a challenge, especially after your tamariki have devoured a big series in a matter of weeks. That’s where the library can help! In “What Comes Next? Wings of Fire” we looked at a series which is huge with children at the moment, and who can blame them when the series is all about dragons. This month we tackle the classic Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan and show you some of the fabulous pukapuka perfect for fans of the series.

Ranger’s Apprentice is an awesome series with lots to offer kids of all interests. The entire series has twelve books (plus two novellas), and if you haven’t read the spinoff series Brotherband or The Royal Ranger, then we would definitely recommend them. Now for the important bit, here are our recommendations for what to read next after Ranger’s Apprentice.

Younger Kids:

There is so much excellent fantasy for tamariki out there that it was difficult to pick favourites, but we’ve put together some fantastic pukapuka sure to appeal to those who loved Ranger’s Apprentice. Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda and Redwall by Brian Jacques are both classic fantasy series which have been loved by young readers for decades. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer and Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend are newer additions to children’s fantasy with interesting characters that kids will love.

Rowan of Rin / Rodda, Emily
“Rowan sets out to solve a riddle and save his home” (Catalogue)
Redwall / Jacques, Brian
“To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Brian Jacques “New York Times” bestselling first book of his Redwall saga, the book that started it all is now available in this gorgeous slipcased edition. Illustrations.” (Catalogue)
Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl / Colfer, Eoin
“No human being had ever got the better of a fairy, but twelve-year old Artemis Fowl, a criminal genius, is determined to get hold of the famous fairy gold and put his brilliant master plan into action. But these are no ordinary fairies.” (Catalogue)
Nevermoor : the trials of Morrigan Crow / Townsend, Jessica
“Morrigan Crow is cursed, doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday. But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange man named Jupiter North appears. He whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass four difficult and dangerous trials — or she’ll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Older Kids:

If you’re on the older side and looking for a great read with Ranger’s Apprentice vibes then read on! For more old-timey fantasy adventures, then adopted Kiwi classic The Hobbit, or the Beka Cooper series by Tamora Pierce are excellent choices. If you want fantasy/magic/self-discovery with a more modern setting then The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is an awesome read, as is the “utopian” Scythe by Neal Shusterman.

The Hobbit : or There and back again / Tolkien, J. R. R.
“This classic children’s tale introduces readers to the world of Lord of the Rings as well as Hobbits, eleves, dwarves and dragons. Artist Jemima Catlin’s charming and lively interpretation brings Tolkien’s beloved characters to life in a way that will entice and entertain a new generation of readers.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
The left-handed booksellers of London / Nix, Garth
“Eighteen-year-old art student Susan Arkshaw arrives in London in search of her father. However, a chance encounter with Merlin catapults her into a world of secret societies, magic, and more than a few books. Susan and Merlin become involved in an urgent task to recover the grail that is the source of the left-handed booksellers’ power, before it is used to destroy the booksellers and rouse the hordes of the mythic past.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Scythe / Shusterman, Neal
“In a world where humanity has conquered death and disease, the only way to die is to be gleaned by a scythe. Rowan and Citra have no interest in joining this world, but when they are chosen as apprentices by a scythe, they have little choice. As their training progresses, Rowan and Citra learn more about the many problems facing scythes and what they discover may have deadly consequences.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Terrier / Pierce, Tamora
“Pierce begins a new Tortall trilogy introducing Beka Cooper, an amazing young woman who lived 200 years before Pierce’s popular Alanna character. Beka grows throughout the trilogy from an eager apprentice to a capable and confident leader.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

We hope you’ve enjoyed these Ranger’s Apprentice recommendations as much as we enjoyed researching them, just remember not to joust or shoot arrows (unless it’s at targets) in real life! Catch you again next time for recommendations on a classic children’s series which follows the seriously unfortunate lives of three siblings.

What Comes Next? Wings of Fire

One of the most difficult things for parents is finding a good pukapuka for their child who has just finished an incredible series that kept them hooked for weeks (or perhaps more realistically, a few hours!) Well, the library has got you covered! Last month in our blog, What comes next? Diary of a Wimpy Kid, we looked at some comedy gold for kids and teens alike with lots of relatable characters and laugh-out-loud stories. Now, we turn to fantasy as we recommend what to read after finishing Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland.

Tui T Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series is immensely popular with tamariki — set in a fantasy world with dragons, prophecies and plenty of action, it’s easy to see why kids keep coming back for more. Wings of Fire currently has fifteen books, divided into three story arcs of five books each. There is also a super cool graphic novel adaptation of the first six books, so if you have a tamaiti who prefers comics or graphic novels, then that is a great way of introducing them to lots of awesome stories in a different format to traditional books. Anyway, let’s get to the important bit, here are our recommendations for what to read next after Wings of Fire.

Younger Kids:

If you’re looking for more awesome children’s fantasy then we have got you covered. For more pukapuka with dragons check out The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill, which is perfect for tamariki who enjoyed the graphic novel version of Wings of Fire, or How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell which is simply awesome.  If you’re after more fantasy with far less dragons, then check out The Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger or Inkheart by Cornelia Funke.

Keeper of the lost cities / Messenger, Shannon
“At age twelve, Sophie learns that the remarkable abilities that have always caused her to stand out identify her as an elf, and after being brought to Eternalia to hone her skills, discovers that she has secrets buried in her memory for which some would kill.” (Catalogue)

The Tea Dragon Society / O’Neill, Katie
“After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.” (Catalogue)

Inkheart / Funke, Cornelia
“Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can “read” fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.” (Catalogue)
How to train your dragon / Cowell, Cressida
“Chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third as he tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, by catching and training a dragon.” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

If you’re on the older side and looking for the next good thing after Wings of Fire then Eragon has dragons galore, as does the Dragonkeeper series by Aussie author Carole Wilkinson. If you want fantasy but need a break from the dragons then check out Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce (and honestly anything else by her, she’s pretty awesome) or the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman (you may recognize the first book as the inspiration for the Golden Compass film).

Eragon / Paolini, Christopher
“In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.” (Catalogue)
Tempests and slaughter : a Tortall legend / Pierce, Tamora
“Arram Draper, Varice Kingsford, and Ozorne Tasikhe forge a bond of friendship that sees them through many changes as student mages at Imperial University of Carthak.” (Catalogue)
Dragonkeeper / Wilkinson, Carole
“Ancient China, Han Dynasty. A slave girl saves the life of an ageing dragon and escapes her brutal master. Pursued by a ruthless dragon hunter, the dragon and the girl cross China carrying with them a mysterious stone that must be protected. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.” (Catalogue)

Northern lights / Pullman, Philip
“Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world…” (Catalogue)

Doing this blog has also made us think maybe we should do a whole blog post just about dragons… something for another time perhaps. Catch you next time with more pukapuka recommendations for what to read after a series featuring archers, knights and royalty on a fantastic adventure.

What’s New in the Collection for Kids – June 2023

What a bumper crop of new books we have for kids this month!  It doesn’t matter how old you are or what kind of books you like, we’ve got something for everyone this month.  From cheeky picture books to attention grabbing chapter books, entertaining comics and non-fiction full of facts.  Check out this sample of new books in the collection below…

Picture books

Starwhal / Rose, Matilda
“Everyone in Fairyland knows that Mrs. Paws is the perfect pet matchmaker! She has flying piglets, baby griffins, and even pugicorns. She has a knack of knowing what pets are right for each princess, prince, or mermaid! Millie the Mermaid loves her new pet, Starwhal, who is an adorable narwhal with the power to turn anything sparkly and shimmery! But is there enough Starwhal magic for everyone?” (Catalogue)

Nanas with no manners / Christopher, Justin
“Three nanas, who lived in the City of Seas, never said ‘thank you’ and never said ‘please’ … And when these nanas go away on holiday and find that the resort doesn’t serve their favourite chocolate nachos with cheese … uh-oh! You’d better look out, as rude nanas become hangry nanas! But will they find their manners when they find themselves in trouble …?” (Catalogue)

Who took the toilet paper / Harrop, Amy
“Pa Bear is on the toilet in the woods and – oh no! – he discovers there’s no toilet paper. The question is put out there … who is responsible for this sad state of affairs? Numerous culprits and scenarios are proposed, but in the end, Ma hands him his long shopping list to use instead … where it is plain to see that ‘toilet paper’ was at the top of the list … and it was Pa who did the shopping!” (Catalogue)

Chapter Books

The mystery of Raspberry Hill / Frantz, Eva
“The grown-ups all think she’s going to die soon — she can see it in their eyes. Still, when poor twelve-year-old Stina is sent to remote Raspberry Hill Sanatorium she can’t believe her luck. She gets to ride in a real motor car to the hospital, which looks like a magnificent castle hidden deep in the forest. But as Stina explores the long, echoey corridors of her eerie new home, she begins to suspect that the building is concealing a dark secret. Stina is determined to solve the mystery of Raspberry Hill but as she edges closer to the truth, she finds herself in terrible danger.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The naughtiest unicorn and the firework festival / Bird, Pip
“It’s time for some firework festival fun at Unicorn School! But there’s only one problem… the fireworks are missing! But – this being Unicorn School – the fireworks are very special and magical, created by mysterious creatures who live behind the Fearsome Forest. It’s time for Mira, Dave and the gang to go on an adventure, find out what is going on and make sure that the sparkling, colourful, fizzing firework fun is returned to the festival with a BANG!” (Catalogue)

Free kid to good home / Itō, Hiroshi
“In this comical twist on sibling rivalry, a girl decides she needs a new family, so she writes “free kid” on a box and waits in the street for some better parents to choose her.” (Catalogue)

Non-Fiction

Questions and answers about germs / Daynes, Katie
“What are germs? Where do they live? Why do they make us ill? And how can we get better? Get the lowdown on these sneaky, microscopic intruders, from how they infect us to how our bodies fight them off. Meet the germ detectives who have managed to track them down. And spare a thought for the zillions of other microbes who are perfectly harmless – or may even be super helpful. Using authentic kids’ questions, carefully considered answers and quirky, characterful illustrations, this book provides an excellent introduction to our invisible enemies.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Children’s encyclopedia of sharks / Martin, Claudia
“Dive into the extraordinary underwater domain of sharks with this comprehensive visual encyclopedia, packed with fascinating facts and eye-catching underwater photography. This definitive guide to the world’s most ferocious underwater predators delves into every aspect of their lives-their wide-ranging habitats, fascinating behaviors, powerful senses, and interactions with other species. Based on the latest research by marine biologists, it’s the ultimate book of facts and statistics about these amazing apex predators.” (Catalogue)

Thirty trillion cells : how your body really works / Thomas, Isabel
“Do you know what you’re made of? The answer is CELLS- about thirty TRILLION of them- all working together to form one awesome human being: YOU. The tiniest building blocks of life are crammed amongst the pages of this book, waiting to be discovered. From individual cells to complex systems, discover how your body moves, grows, breathes, senses, thinks and feels. Find out why you get butterflies in your stomach, how your brain is more complex than the most powerful computer, and that you are home to more bacteria cells than there are stars in the Milky Way.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Comics

The Green Girls / Nicoloff, Loïc
“Emma, Lily, and Fadila want to save the planet… and no one around them seems to care. Frustrated, they name themselves the Green Girls, take to social media, and launch a series of bold protests. Alongside their classmate and aspiring Green Girl Silas, the crew risks getting in trouble (and stirs some up) to raise awareness about container ship pollution, palm oil overproduction, and more environmental hazards. With a mix of livestreams, spray paint, and bungee cords, they’re out to make a difference–and get their followers to do the same.” (Catalogue)

Serafina and the black cloak : the graphic novel / Beatty, Robert
“Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There’s plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate’s maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore’s corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore’s owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak’s true identity…before all of the children vanish one by one.” (Catalogue)

The mighty bite / Hale, Nathan
“What happens when a couple of prehistoric creatures want to become internet stars? Trilobite and Amber (a walking whale) dream of fame and fortune. They don’t realize that most of the world thinks that they’re extinct. When a wandering paleo-newscaster introduces them to the world of internet videos, they hop at the chance to get behind the camera. The competition for internet fame will be fierce–Trilobite and Amber will face off against ancient sea creatures, talking cacti, floating cat heads, and more! Friendships will be tested, allies will be made, and cameras will be smashed! Our heroes will have to use all of their newfound skills when they find themselves competing in an all out video-making battle royale! With laugh-out-loud gags and outrageous, elaborate artwork, fans of Dog Man and InvestiGators have never seen anything like Nathan Hale’s The Mighty Bite!” (Catalogue)

To discover more new books for kids, go to: What’s new & Popular / June 2023 (wcl.govt.nz)

Enter the ComicFest Multiverse with Beanstack!

With ComicFest 2022 hitting the screens on Saturday 7 May, the capital’s comic book fans will be looking for ways to get hyped in advance of joining the veritable galaxy of comic creators we have lined up for the big day. You’re in luck — through our Beanstack platform, we have devised the perfect tool for anyone seeking entry to the ComicFest multiverse.

Visit our Beanstack site to start exploring the ComicFest multiverse!

What is Beanstack?

Beanstack is a digital platform and app that adds a bit of spice to our reading lives by allowing you to earn virtual badges and achievements (and sometimes real-world goodies too!) by reading and participating in activities and challenges. You can sign up for Beanstack at any time in order to:

  • Log reading books and minutes spent reading;
  • Earn reading streaks for reading on consecutive days;
  • Write, draw, or film book reviews;
  • Receive recommendations of books in our catalogue from our librarians and from other readers;
  • Engage in fun reading-related challenges and activities throughout the year to earn achievements and prizes!

While you have access to all of the above features at any time, our creative librarians are always dreaming up ideas for special Challenges to add even more flavour to your reading experience — many of you will have experienced this with the Summer Reading Adventure or View Finders challenges already!

What is the ComicFest 2022 Beanstack Challenge?

The ComicFest 2022 Beanstack Challenge is our latest offering, designed to get you immersed in the ComicFest 2022 multiverse ahead of the big day. When you sign up, you’ll be challenged to:

  • Explore the unique artistic worlds of our wonderful ComicFest creators — a star-studded cast including such greats as Tea Dragon tamer Kay O’Neill, cartoonist extraordinaire Dylan Horrocks, pro-wrestler and Sāmoan superhero Michel Mulipola, and webcomic megastar Jem Yoshioka;
  • Track down and read all of the books, webcomics, zines, and anthologies our ComicFest artists have created — be warned, this task could keep you occupied for a very long time!
  • Get geared up to submit your finest cartoonish creations for the Comicify Your Life art competition — entries are closed as of 1 May 2022 — but by all means keep on creating! We love to see your work!

Each digital badge you earn puts you in the running to win some awesome ComicFest spot prizes, all while immersing you in the amazing world of New Zealand comics and their creators. The challenge runs until Saturday 21 May, so you can keep exploring even after ComicFest 2022 is done and dusted.

How do I sign up?

Comic fans of any age can register for the ComicFest 2022 Beanstack Challenge by visiting our Beanstack site and hitting the “Register an Individual or Family” button. After that, you’ll be asked if you would like to register for the ComicFest 2022 challenge!

It’s also super easy to use Beanstack on your phone or mobile device. You just need to:

  • Download the Beanstack Tracker app (Google Play) (App Store)
  • Open the app
  • Choose ‘Library’ as the Organisation
  • Search for Wellington City Libraries
  • Touch Sign Up!

So go on and get signed up today — we can’t wait to see you there!