Kids Blog

Python For Kids.

This is the computer programming manual you must have! Python for kids introduces the basics of the Python programming language (not the snake), covering how to use data structures, organize and reuse code, draw shapes and patterns with turtle, and create games and animations with tkinter. The best thing about the manual is that the new terms are defined; code is colored, dissected, and explained and quirky, full-color illustrations keep things on the lighter side. Also comes complete with  programming puzzles designed to stretch your brain and strengthen your understanding. Great resource for kids aged 10 years and over.

National Geographic Kids Infopedia 2013.

Check out this new and updated edition of National Geographic Kids Infopedia that promises you will have fun, get smarter and dares you to explore at the same time! This guide is packed with fun facts, games and incredible photos. Also find out fascinating information, like some frogs glow in the dark when they eat fireflies and Australia’s great barrier reef is the biggest living structure on earth.

Maths Puzzles and Games for ages 7 – 9.

Having trouble with your maths homework? This book is here to help kids ages 7 to 9 years do well and excel in maths. Enclosed with this book is a CD ROM with puzzles and games designed to get kids using their maths without even realizing it, addresses the need for children to learn number facts and develop their skills in using and applying mathematics.

Information Everywhere.

Want to see the world as you’ve never seen it before? If you’ve got a question, this book has the answer. This  illustrated overview of the physical world  uses infographics and provides facts and information on the connections between the Earth, people, power, and industry. Each page is crammed with up-to-the-minute facts, stats and graphics to give a fascinating snapshot of our planet and what makes it tick.

The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia.

This encyclopedia is a treasure-trove of human experience and the perfect research tool for all the family. Comes complete with illuminating photographs, lavish artwork and provides essential guidance that will replace hours of unguided web research. Great to use for history assignments and homework.

Moshi Monster Character Encyclopedia.

The Moshlings are back in this cool and exciting character encyclopedia! Read all about more that 200 of the wackiest, weirdest and cutest monsters you could ever imagine. You will also learn about each character and the gloopendous world they live in, along with monsterific facts. Great for anyone a fan of Pokemon and Digimon.

Avoid being Sir Isaac Newtown!

Sir Isaac Newtown was one of the greatest scientists who ever lived. But he didn’t have it easy; he survived plague, civil war and poverty to become a Professor of Mathematics at 26!  He went on to live an amazing life and make many important discoveries that changed science forever.

Awesome Adventures at the Smithsonian

This is the official guide to the Smithsonian Institution, which is not just one but a collection of museums mostly located in Washington D.C.  There are exhibitions on everything, from human flight (The National Air and Space Museum) to the origins of human life (  National Museum of Natural History.) While this would be a great book to take on a trip to the U.S.A, it’s really interesting to read in its own right.

ANZAC Day The New Zealand story : what it is and why it matters

This is an important book about New Zealand’s role in World War I. Although it does talk about Gallipoli, it also mentions other places that New Zealanders fought, such as the Western front.  The Maori and Pacific Island soldiers who fought are also discussed. The book also looks at what happened after the war; what life for the soldiers who came back was like, how the dead were memorialised and the first ANZAC day services.

Dogs: a very peculiar history

This is a great little book will tell you all about the history of dogs,  from the wild dogs that our ancestors domesticated to the pampered pooches of today’s top celebrities. Not only will this book tell you the history of dogs, it also explains their doggy behaviors and quirks.  Also included are stories about heroic dogs, fictional dogs and movie star dogs! Basically this is a great book for you canine lovers. However, if you’re more of a cat person, there’s also Cats: A very peculiar history. 

The Book of Blood

A lot less gruesome than its name suggests, this book will tell you everything you need or want to know about blood. As well as looking at the science of blood, this book also takes a look at what people in the past thought about blood (and how it worked) and how that changed over time.  There’s also some really interesting sections on bloodsuckers, from the real ones, like mosquitoes to the fictional, like vampires.  It’s a well written book with great pictures and lots of interesting information.

The Arab-Israeli conflict

The Arab-Israeli conflict is one of the most contentious issues of our time and sometimes it’s hard to know what to think. This book lays out the history of the conflict and how it’s shaped international relationships.

Medicine through the Ages: Modern, Renaissance, Medieval and Industrial Age

These are some really fantastic books about how medicine changed and developed over time.  They’re extremely informative, and filled with great (if gory!) illustrations.  They’re a bit more serious than books like the Horrible Histories, but they’re still very interesting and worth a read.

The Ultimate Moshlings Collector’s Guide.

Move over Pokemon, there are very cute, cool and collectible creatures  to catch! Check out this new and amazing guide book on the Moshlings! Monstro City’s top Moshling collector, Buster Bumblechops, shares his tips on collecting all the little Moshlings roaming wild in the world of Moshi Monsters! Buster is the ultimate collector and this awesome book is packed full of his stories from years of Moshlings tracking. Find out how to plant the right seeds to attract Moshlings, and how to keep them entertained once you have adopted them! As well as Buster Bumblechop’s collector’s notes the guide contains extracts from his diary plus an exclusive extra Moshling (available only with this guide). Great for anyone a fan of Pokemon and Digimon.

Spellbound: Tales of Enchantment from Ancient Ireland.

If you are bored with Fairy tales and Greek mythology, why not try out Irish Folk Tales? This book is a wonderful treasure that holds a collection of seven stories from Ancient Ireland linked by themes of magic and enchantment that are that will make you spellbound! Great for kids aged 6 to 9 years, who love adventure, romance and the occasional nasty shock.

Horrible Histories: The Beastly Best Bits – The executioner’s cut.

Well, Terry Deary has done it again! More horrible histories for your viewing and reading pleasure… with all the nasty bits left in. Read all about the awful Egyptians, the Rotten Romans, the vile Victorians and the woeful Second War World. The beastly Best Bits is a wicked history of the world collected by Terry Derry from twenty years of Horrible Histories Books.

The Fairy-Tale Princess : Seven Classic Stories from the Enchanted Forrest.

This beautiful collection of seven classic fairytales is organized around the theme of the fairytale princess. Su Blackwell’s paper sculptures evoke a magical world of beauty and mischief are accompanied by Wendy Jones’ lyrical retellings of the stories. I really liked how each fairy tale emerged from the pages through a series of intricate paper sculptures cut from the pages of  each of the fairytales. A great book for girls and anyone a fan of fairy tales.

Follow, Follow: A book of reverso poems.

Imagine fairy tales upended. / Upended fairy tales? Imagine!

In the mood for some reverso poems? This book is a  collection of short poems called reversos. First you read the poems from top to bottom, then when you reverse the lines and read from the bottom to top, they provide new perspectives on the fairy tale characters they feature. A fantastic book that plays with language and fairy tales to create a celebration of sight, sound and story.

Just Joking 2 : 300 hilarious jokes about everything, including tongue twisters, riddles, and more.

This book is the book you must read if you wish to master all the silly jokes known to kids, which includes knock-knocks, tongue twisters, riddles, traditional question and answer jokes and much more! Just Joking 2 comes complete with  colorful photos of laughing animals, including amazing facts about each animal featured, funny people, and other colorful photos are paired with each joke, which is gurenteed to add  an extra laugh on each page.

New books! Grab them before they all run out the door!

Do you Know Dewey? Exploring the Dewey Decimal System.

This is a fun, informative book about the Dewey decimal system the young reader will enjoy.  The ultimate resource that all kids, parents, teachers and librarian must have!

Caring For your Turtle.

Did you know that turtles are cold blooded animals and  don’t have teeth? These were facts that you can read about in this new book: Caring for your turtle. A great resource for young children to have that goes through all the basics of how to care for your turtle. You will also learn which turtle breeds make good pets.

First Aid Basics.

A great resource for young children that takes you through all the basics of first aid. Comes complete with color photos and simple text describe first aid for cuts, bee stings, choking, and other medical issues. Also includes note to parents and teachers.

The Quick Expert’s Guide to Building a Website.

Here’s another awesome read from the Quick Expert’s Guides, focusing on how to build a website. Great for ‘tweens’ who are interested in  learn how to create your very own, personal, fantastic website from scratch, how to master HTML programming, embed content galore and get the scoop on how to keep your click rates sky-high.

You may also like The Quick Experts Guide to Starting your own business. Also check out last month’s blog post on Skills that every kid should know.

Extraordinary Animals.

Extraordinary Animals looks at some of the most incredible animals on the planet. This is the book to read if you want to read about the ugliest fish alive, poisonous frogs and naked rats. This book is also full of fascinating facts like the hag fish eats its prey from the inside out, the giant salamander is the size of a dog and the bee hummingbird is so small that it is light as a few grains of rice.

I Wonder Why Soap Makes Bubbles.

Why does soap make bubbles? What force stops us from slipping over? Can liquids change shape? You will find all the answers to all these tricky questions in this new and exciting read! This book is full of colorful and surprising information that will set thousands of young minds buzzing full of information that gives children a perfect introduction to science, featuring rainbows, fizzy drinks, musical instruments and much, much more.

For more help on big questions and amazing answers, check out Any Questions and Many Answers.

Little Cakes and cookies to bake

According to the author “little cakes are easier to make than big cakes, because you are handling smaller quantities.” This makes the book perfect for the beginner baker. All the recipes have great illustrations  that take you through the stages of baking step by step. There are lots of different yummy recipes to try, and they’re all a bit different to what you might find in your average baking book! A mouthwatering read for all the aspiring bakers.

Half-Hour hungries

For something a little more substantial, you might want to check this awesome book. Its focus is on dishes that are quick, healthy and tasty.  Whip up a Knickerbocker  Glory,  chicken satay skewers, nacho flavoured popcorn or a Mont Blanc. All these sound complicated and fancy , but the recipes are easy to follow. There are plenty of delicious choices, and perhaps after you see how simple everything is to make, you’ll never want to eat take out again.

Have fun with Arts and Crafts: animals

Winter is coming and so is the rainy weather. Beat the ‘stuck-inside-on-a-weekend-blues’ with these great craft projects. My favourite projects are the bendy monkeys made from pipe cleaners and pompoms, and the cute cake-pop piglets! You can make most of these projects with things you’ll probably already have around the house, so you won’t have to brave the rain to head out for crafting supplies. They’re fun and easy projects and you probably won’t need an adult hanging over your shoulder, interrupting your crafting time.

Tricks: rad stunts and sneaky pranks

This book is aimed at kids but any adult would be proud to know some of these tricks.  But ‘tricks’ doesn’t quite do the book justice; there’s plenty of skills and things to make.  These range from the simple (walk on your hands!) to the complex (booby trap a bathroom).  There are also some great pranks. Something fun to fill up your days when the weather turns.

Print it!

Bored with your wardrobe or your decor? How about customising a boring t-shirt with a rainbow print of your favourite animal? Or making some personalised stationary. The rainbow sneakers are awesome, too! This is a great book for beginner crafters, but make sure you put plenty of paper down before you rip into the paint.

The Lego adventure book

A must read for any Lego fanatic, this book will take you through different and amazing ways to make Lego models.  This book is made from the contributions of the best Lego builders in the world, and it really shows! No matter your favourite setting -Steampunk, medieval or science fiction- there’s something cool for you to make.  The builder also talks about how they come up with their ideas and share a few techniques for you to use in your own building.

1001 inventions and awesome facts from Muslim Civilisation

The Muslim faith is in the news a lot these days; this book will give a different perspective on what Muslims have contributed to the world civilisation  . While much of Europe was still in the Dark Ages, Muslims had started making great leaps in medicine, astronomy, cartography and the decorative arts.  For example, the first atlas was completed by Al-Idrisi in 1154. It showed most of North Africa, Asia and Europe. A 10th century Muslim surgeon, Al-Zahrawi, is considered to be “the father of modern surgery.” He completed a book called  Kitab al-Tasrif in the year 1000, which was a major influence on the development of medicine all over the world. The first example of female surgeons was found in a later Muslim book on medicine.  This is an extremely interesting book that has something to teach everyone.

What’s for lunch?How schoolchildren eat around the world

Not every kid in the world goes to school with vegemite sammies and a packet of crisps! This book not only shows what different cultures feed kids at lunch (the French meal looks particularly yummy!) but contains important information about the social context and ecological cost of what they’re eating.  It also talks about different movements in the world to make sure that everyone gets enough healthy food to eat.  It’s also a valuable eye opener for those who think that ham sandwiches are the worst thing you can get in your lunch box.

Crafts from the past

This is a great series of books that looks at the crafts of different ancient cultures. But they will also teach you how the Romans, the Greeks, the Ancient Indians, the Aztecs and the Ancient Egyptians worked, played, ate, what they believed in and how they entertained themselves.  They’re more than simple craft books (although the projects are really interesting and relatively simple to make) they are excellent resources for your history project on the ancient world. Or just to enjoy learning something new about the different cultures of the past.

World atlas of dinosaurs

Taking step further back into the world’s history, this book will guide you through which dinosaurs lived where and in what sort of habitat. New Zealand, for example, has more marine fossils, because large parts of it were still underwater during the time of the dinosaurs.  It also discusses significant sites where many dinosaur fossils have been found. It’s not a dry or boring book; there’s lots of awesome illustrations and fascinating facts to keep you reading.

How to change the world with a ball of string

“History makes it look as though everyone knew what they were doing all along. In fact, it wasn’t like that at all. Stuff happened by accident or had the opposite result from what was intended…” This is a great book for those who like history but may not like the gore of the horrible histories books. It’s just as interesting, as it talks about all the odd connections or coincidences or actions that may seem improbable but had an enormous effect on civilisation.  For example, did you know that the Black Death made life a lot better for the surviving peasants? There were so few left that Lords had to pay them to work in the fields. Wages and the standard of living got a little better, but this event shaped the modern economic system.  Other intriguing sections include “Lose an empire…over a cup of tea,” and my personal favourite, “Base a philosophy on beans.” This is definitely worth a read if you’re interested in history.

I wonder why Columbus crossed the Ocean

This is a great book for younger readers on the same subject: the whys and whats and hows of the history of exploration. From the earliest explorers to the space race, this book will give you a good basic understanding of how people explored the world around them.  It’s not just about Western explorers, either: people mentioned include the Arab traveller, Ibin Battuta who’s journey lasted 24 years and the amazing Chinese explorer Zheng He.

Learn to draw enchanted Princesses

Anyone who who wants to draw Disney princesses  (and other Disney heroines!) can’t go past this awesome book. It takes you step by step through how to draw all them all, from Snow White and Sleeping Beauty to Tiana and Rapunzel.  It’s pretty detailed: first it teaches you how to draw their basic figure, then their face and after you’ve mastered those you can work on action poses and facial expressions. It also teaches you how to draw them at different stages, as well, like Tiana as a frog and Mulan as a soldier.  This is a great book for more advanced artists.

Draw Animals

This is a great general art book on how to draw realistic pictures of your favourite animals.  But this book doesn’t just stick to your boring cows and cats and dogs; it also features pre-historic creatures,  such as the Indricotherium (try saying that three times fast!) and the creatures of legend, such as the Gryphon and the Hydra. Another book for the more advanced artist, but don’t let that scare you off! Practice makes perfect, after all.

13 Art Illusions Children should know

Do you know what tromp l’oeil is? Or atmospheric perspective? From the very earliest paintings, clever artists have used all sorts of tricks to fool the viewer into seeing the painting in a different way. This book will reveal all these tricks and how they were created. It takes you on a journey through time, showing you how artists got cleverer and cleverer at fooling the eye. It will teach you something new and perhaps you can introduce some of these concepts to your own art work.

Xtreme Illusions

This book is on the same subject but focuses more on the modern types of optical illusions. It doesn’t focus on the history or the more technical aspects of how these illusions are created, but it’s a fun book to read.

How to draw series

If you’d like to take your art skills to the next level, these are the books for you! Their motto is “An art school in a book” and that is true.  We’ve featured the “how to draw” series before, but these two new books( How to draw perspective and How to draw still life) are worth featuring on their own.  These books will take you through the more technical aspects of drawing without being too difficult to understand.  It will explain clearly everything from vanishing points to negative space.

Well summer’s nearly over, but fear not. Wellington City Libraries has a new range of non fiction in the Children’s collection for your enjoyment and pleasure. This month’s blog post pays tribute to fine arts and inspirational lives.

Here you will find a list of books on fine arts that can give you ideas on activities, like drawing, whether it’s drawing a picture or creating your own graphic novel; playing a musical instrument, even if it happens to be a guitar made from a cardboard box  and helping you find a hobby (or a talent).

What about reading about a celebrity who has become famous for their achievements and contribution to writing and entertainment industries, such as Music, Film and Television.  There are two new books published from the series, Inspirational Lives that focuses on influential people and key figures in the public eye. Who knows, maybe reading about their inspiring lives may inspire you to follow your creative dreams and goals.

Fine Arts Series:

More Fine Arts:

Eco-friendly crafting with kids.

Sometimes children prefer to play with household objects, like a cardboard box rather than the latest (and sometimes expensive) toy. This new and exciting read provides 35 bold, fun and colorful projects designed for preschool children up to five years old that can give you ideas on making and creating toys and games with simple household objects. Possible toys and games include making play dough, creating musical instruments, like a box guitar and invisible ink. Accompanied with easy step by step instructions and photographs showing exactly how to create this amazing and gorgeous toys and games.

Telling the story in your graphic novel.

Like graphic novels? Interested in creating your own? You can learn how to draw a  graphic novel by reading this book from the “How to draw your own graphic novel” series. This book shows you how to plan scenes that will create a sense of drama and excitement in your story and different kinds of panels to create the perfect mood.

Draw Fantasy Characters.

Now that you have Telling the story in your graphic novel to create your setting, what about adding characters into the mix? Particularly fantasy characters like an orge, goblin or a zombie?  Or perhaps musical, punk and naughty fairies? This book contains 96 pages of step by step instructions on how to draw everything from a fairy to a vampire.

Crafting and drawing not your talent? What about playing a musical instrument? Did you know playing the piano (or any instrument) is considered a fine art. Check out this new non fiction book from the Usbourne series on how to play the piano.

Very easy piano tunes.

Interested in learning the piano? This book will keep beginner pianists happily entertained while learning new skills and aquiring information about the music. You will learn to play all the songs you know so well which includes The grand old Duke from York, London Bridge is falling down and Silent Night. You can also listen to the tunes in this book on the Usbourne Quicklinks website.

Inspirational Lives.

Discover more about famous people in the Inspirational Lives series.

J.K. Rowling.

We all know her as the best selling author of the Harry Potter series, but what don’t you know? Read the latest and revised biography of J.K. Rowling and find out everything you have ever wanted to know about her:  Her childhood, her inspiration for writing and how Harry Potter came to life. You find information on tips to be a writer, an insight on how J.K. Rowling spends her day and a quiz that can show you if you have what it takes to be an author.

Simon Cowell.

The moment you’ve all been waiting for! The latest and revised biography of Simon Cowell, the man we know for his  blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults, wisecracks about contestants (and his own mother!) and dubbed Mr. Nasty on talent TV shows like American Idol is now available at Wellington City Libraries!   Read all about Simon Cowell, the global music mogul and  creator of popular television  music competition shows of The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent and find out facts and information that you never thought you knew about him, for example he once swapped his father’s handkerchief in his father’s suit pocket for his mother’s best knickers and how Michael Jackson inspired him with the idea that TV had the potential to sell music.

Move over wikihow, Wellington City Libraries has a new range of junior non fiction that provides you information where you can learn skills on the following:

How to use an iPad.

My iPad for Kids.

No doubt, the iPad is a great device… and toy. There has never been a a consumer device like the iPad that kids (and adults) are instantly and universally embraced.  However, even such a device like the iPad that could use some modifications and adjustments that could make it even more kid friendly. My iPad for Kids is here to help kids, parents  (and you!) get the most out of your iPad2, iPad 3rd or 4th generation, or iPad mini running iOS 6. Using full-colour, step-by-step tasks, My iPad for Kids provides  step-by-step instructions on various topics which includes iPad setup, customization, syncing accessing the Internet, applications and learning how to use your iPad for home, school, and just for fun! Best for ages 12 years and over.

How to start your own business.

The Quick Experts Guide to Starting your own business.

You’re never too young to start your own business. Why not start now? Part of the series, Quick Expert’s Guides this book is aimed at ‘tweens’ interested in starting their own business whether it is offering services in tidying up  gardens, ironing shirts or even designing your very own social networking site. This book includes features that break down all the  technical/scientific/complex aspects of starting your own business , inspirational case studies, activities, the do’s and don’t's of business management and a final project to test the reader’s new skills. Chapter round-ups also offer tips on key words and phrases as well as boosting self esteem and confidence, in order to walk the walk and talk the talk of a true expert.

The Glamorous Girl’s Book.
Girls, it’s time to get your glam on! This book tells you everything you need to go from being glum to glam! You will learn how to walk in high heels, make your own jewelry box, jazz up a boring hairstyle and accessorize yourself brilliantly. The ideal book for girls that will teach them to be confident, fabulous and gorgeous.
 

 
How to speak horse?!

How to Speak Horse.
Yes, believe it or not horses can talk and everyone can learn how to speak horse. But have you ever wondered how horses ‘talk’ to each other?, How do they ‘talk’ to you and how can they ‘talk’ back? This book will show you how. You will learn how horses use body language to communicate, easy groundwork exercises you can do to learn your horse’s body language and how to use your own posture and movement to ask your horse to go forward, stop, turn and follow. Also includes a dictionary of common horse body signals to help get you started.  An ideal guide for pony-mad kids that will teach you how to read body language and talk back to your equine friend.
 

 
How to know everything!

5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything.)
For someone who wants to know everything about… everything, this is the book for you. Newly published by National Geographic Kids, this book is bursting with 5.000 awesome facts about everything, including a baby whale gains 200 pounds everyday, snakes use their tongues to help them smell and that the human brain is 78% water.  There’s even two pages of facts about peanut butter and a frog that smells like peanut butter!
 

How to teach, inspire and amuse any boy and girl for hours on end.

 
This series presents Boys Miscellany and Girls Miscellany, which is full of weird, wacky and wonderful facts that are essential for every boy and girl should know. Boys Miscellany will tell you everything you need to know on how to spot a man-eating shark,  a list of superhero sidekicks, details of dangerous dolphins and tales of meat-eating plants. Girls will learn all they need to know in Girls Miscellany.  This book will teach, inspire and amuse any girl for hours on end. They will learn interesting facts and information,  including the top ten problems for cave girls, superpowers every girl should have, how to confuse a pigeon and  which woman has the longest legs in the world.
You will also like The Dangerous Book for Boys and The Daring Book for Girls.
 

How to get these awesome new books? Pop on down to your local library!

Star Wars origami : 36 amazing paper-folding projects from a galaxy far, far away

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…someone decided to make a book for people who love both Star Wars and origami. Make your favourite characters and ships and monsters from all six films. This book is probably better for those who have some basic origami skills already, but take out a few more of our origami books and you’ll be good enough to tackle these great paper sculptures.

Pixar Character Encyclopedia

Pixar makes great movies, there’s no doubt about that! Now you can get the inside scoop on all of your favourite characters, from Woody the Cowboy to Merida, the rebellious Scottish princess. It also covers the ‘smaller’ characters who you might have missed the first time around.

How they croaked: awful ends of the awfully famous

This talks about the lives and especially the ends of the lives of the great and good and not so good. Scientists, royalty, composers and explorers all feature, with special attention paid to the medical facts behind each person’s death.

The skull in the rock: how a scientist, a boy and Google Earth opened a new window on human origins

This is one of the most interesting books on paleontology that we have in the library. It begins with the nine year old Matthew,  finding a fossil while on an expedition with his Dad, the famous paleontologist, Lee Berger.  Or does it? Professor Berger was using the Google Earth app to look at fossil rich areas in a whole new way, and noticed there was an area that might need a second look…this book is as much about the processes of paleontology as it is about this very important find. A must read for those interested in paleontology, the origins of mankind and how new technology can help us take a different look at the past.

 The Impossible Rescue

Most New Zealanders know about the extraordinary feat of endurance that Ernest Shackleton undertook to survive the Antarctic wastelands.   The Impossible Rescue is a similar story from the polar (get it?) end of the world.  Three hundred American whalers were trapped in the Arctic after their ships had been trapped by ice. This book tells the story of the small group who set out to help them.

From mud huts to skyscrapers: architecture for children

This is one of the best books about architecture that we’ve got in the library. Using simple language and great illustrations, it takes you through the history of the main types of mostly Western architecture, talking about the unique features of each one. It’s a brilliant introduction to the way buildings have changed over time.