School Holidays: Art Through the Ages | Toi Puta Noa i Ngā Tau​

The School Holidays are just around the corner! During the holidays, we are inviting you to explore the world through the power of art in Art Through the Ages | Toi Puta Noa i Ngā Tau.

From the 23rd of September to the 8th of October, learn how to paint like Michelangelo, decorate medieval manuscripts, master the art of the woodblock print, and create your own miniature masterpiece at the library!

Visit this page to see the whole calendar, or read on to find out more about what’s coming up at your local library or community centre!

" "

What will be your masterpiece?


Illuminating Medieval Manuscripts​

" "

Get up-close and personal with extremely old and rare items from our Rare Books collection – some from the 1400s!

Rare Books Librarian Gábor Tóth will share the history and technique of manuscript illumination, or hand-drawn decoration. Then, in a found poetry workshop, create and decorate your own ‘manuscript’ in medieval style.

Ages 10+ with their caregivers, if under 14.

Spaces are limited, find out how to register with the links below:


Create a Miniature Masterpiece​

Display your work of art in our itty bitty exhibition!​

Tamariki can join us at the library to paint their masterpiece onto a miniature (10cm x 10cm) canvas. Afterwards, the hosting library will set up a ‘tiny canvas’ exhibition of the paintings, complete with museum-style display cards.

Recommended for tamariki 5+ with their caregivers.

Register online with the following links:

While stocks last, Johnsonville Library will also have some take home kits for tamariki to bring back for a big exhibition!

" "Weave a Pocket full of Stars: Raranga Papercrafts

Join us to learn a little bit about the history of raranga, kete weaving, and basket weaving more generally. Then, tamariki will have the chance to weave their own kete, adapting raranga techniques to materials that can easily be found at home or in our libraries, like coloured paper and cardboard.

For ages 5+ with their caregivers.​ No registrations required.

 

Paint Like Michelangelo

Travel back in time to learn about Renaissance Italian art! Then lying on your back, apply those techniques and paint the underside of library desks and tables. We will supply all the tools, simply bring along your enthusiasm and artful eye!

For ages 8+ with their caregivers.

Register online with the following links:


" "Traditional Chinese Painting

Join us at the library to learn about and try your hand at traditional Chinese painting. Our expert will share his traditions and techniques with you, then you can try your hand at creating your own artwork.

Ages 8+ with their caregivers.

Register online with the following links:


Festival of Ultrawild Design

Join maverick inventor Steve Mushin for an hilarious design and drawing workshop exploring ludicrous sounding, scientifically possible ideas to rewild the world!

Skills explored: design sketching, 3D drawing, perspective drawing, brainstorming ridiculously wild ideas, eco city design thinking, and storyboarding. Each workshop will be a little different!

For young people who love drawing and inventing!

Recommended for Ages 9-15.

Register online with the following links:


" "

Framed: Make a Popsicle ​Stick Photo Frame

Bring along a photo or picture! Then, make and decorate a photo frame out of popsicle sticks to put your photo in. You can also draw your own masterpiece to put in your frame!

For ages 5–10 with their caregivers.

For Tawa and Johnsonville events, please register in advance. For other sites, no registration is required.

That Suspicious Sculpture: an Introduction to Dungeons and Dragons

Join us for an introduction to the world of Dungeons and Dragons. We’ll provide the Dungeon Master, pre-made characters, dice, books, gear, and knowledge – all you need is enthusiasm! This session is intended to introduce new and novice players to Dungeons and Dragons & tabletop roleplaying games through a Level 1 adventure, learning the game from our experienced librarians in a friendly environment.

Suitable for ages 13+ 

Register online with the following links:


" " The Great Wave: Japanese Woodblock Printing Workshop​

Discover the practice and style of Japanese woodblock prints and create a classic print of your own.

Make your own spin on classic pieces of art by choosing what colours to print, a twist on the tradition of colouring in.

For ages 8+ with their caregivers.​

Spaces are limited, find out how to register with the links below:


LEGO® Creations – The Art of Architecture

Come down to the library and get creative in these free-build sessions with our extensive LEGO® collections. Let’s build – let’s explore – let’s create a LEGO® masterpiece building inspired by a range of local and global designs.

Recommended for ages 5+ Children under the age of 14 should be accompanied by a caregiver.

More holiday LEGO® Sessions for the whole family! 

Playdough sculpture spectacular!

Come along and create marvellous sculptures with our homemade library recipe playdough.

All supplies provided, there will be sticks, eyes and other craft materials to create truly magnificent sculptures!

Recommended for children aged 5-10.

Register online with the following link:

" "

Whānau Films

Come join us for a family movie! Movies chosen will have a G or PG rating and are suitable for families with young children. Contact the library branch to find out which movie is screening.

This family-friendly event is suitable for children of all ages accompanied by their caregivers.

Chinese Language Week 2023 (English)

Read this post in Simplified Chinese!

Read this post in Traditional Chinese!

Da Jia Hao! Neih Hou! 大家好! 你好! This year, we are going to observe Chinese Language Week, a celebration that aims to raise the profile of Chinese languages in New Zealand, from the 17th of September to 23rd of September! Chinese languages are beautiful and special languages. The Chinese characters not only tell you how to say a word, but also show you its meaning. Even more incredible, is the history of written Chinese languages can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (1766 – 1122BC). It is one of the oldest written languages in the world.

There are 302 dialects in the Chinese language, and different places have their own mother tongue. For example, you will hear Shanghainese in Shanghai, or Sichuanese in Sichuan. Most people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, and in Taiwan, people use Taigi. If you go to Malaysia or Singapore, you’ll find people who speak Hokkien, Cantonese and Hakka! Here in New Zealand, most Chinese speakers use Yue or Cantonese, followed by Mandarin.

Chinese characters can be divided into Simplified Chinese characters and Traditional Chinese characters. Simplified Chinese characters were developed from Traditional Chinese characters. Simplified Chinese is written from left to right, just like English script. However, Traditional Chinese is written from right to left, and it should be read from top to bottom. Today, Simplified Chinese characters are widely used in China, Malaysia, Singapore, while Traditional Chinese characters are primarily used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.


Library Events

Mandarin Storytime – 10.30 – 11.00am, Sunday 17 September

Te Awe Library, 29B Brandon Street, Wellington. 

To celebrate Chinese Language Week we have a special preschool storytime in Mandarin – we’d love to see you there!

Pre School-Storytime in Mandarin – 10.30 – 11.00am, Wednesday 20 September

Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown.

Fun stories, ancient poetry, songs and rhymes for children aged 4-8 years old with their caregivers.

Children’s Storytime in English and Mandarin – 11.00 – 12.00pm, Saturday 23 September

Karori Library, 247 Karori Road, Karori.

We are happy to announce a Chinese Storytime to celebrate Chinese Language Week of 2023. The session will be in Mandarin and English!

Get ready for engaging storytelling, ancient Chinese Tang poems, exciting songs that will entertain the whole whānau.

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop – 2.00 – 3.00pm, Saturday 23 September

Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown.

Come and experience Chinese Calligraphy. Grind your own ink and use writing brushes for the first time. Let’s learn together.

Trilingual Storytime – 10.30 – 11.00am, Monday 25 September

Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library, 158 Main Road (Cnr Cambridge Street & Main Road), Tawa.

Celebrate Chinese Language Week with a special storytime in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Recommended for children aged 2+ years with their caregivers.

Trilingual Storytime – 10.30 – 11.00am, Tuesday 26 September

Johnsonville Library, 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville.

Celebrate Chinese Language Week with a special storytime in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Recommended for children aged 2+ years with their caregivers.

Traditional Chinese Painting ​ 国画体验 – 10.30 – 11.30am, Thursday 28 September

Johnsonville Library, 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville

Join us at the library to learn about and try your hand at traditional Chinese painting. Our expert will share his traditions and techniques with you, then you can try creating your own artwork! Recommended for children aged 8+ with their caregivers.

Traditional Chinese Painting ​ 国画体验 – 12.30 – 1.30pm, Thursday 28 September

Karori Library, 247 Karori Road, Karori

Join us at the library to learn about and try your hand at traditional Chinese painting. Our expert will share his traditions and techniques with you, then you can try creating your own artwork! Recommended for children aged 8+ with their caregivers.

Traditional Chinese Painting ​ 国画体验 – 3.00 – 4.00pm, Thursday 28 September

Te Awe Library, 29b Brandon Street, Wellington Central

Join us at the library to learn about and try your hand at traditional Chinese painting. Our expert will share his traditions and techniques with you, then you can try creating your own artwork! Recommended for children aged 8+ with their caregivers.


Books in English

To celebrate Chinese Language Week, do not forget to check our children’s collection. We have a wide range of books in the junior fiction and non-fiction section and picture books introducing Chinese customs and culture:

Dim sum, here we come / Lam, Maple
“Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can’t wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I’m going to eat lots of shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, egg tarts, and my favourite–char siu buns. We will have to order enough for us all to share. So what are you waiting for? Dim sum, here we come!” (Catalogue)

Cang Jie : the inventor of Chinese characters / Li, Jian
“In ancient times under the reign of Yellow Emperor (about 2500 B.C.), people kept records by piling stones and tying knots. One day, Cang Jie, a historical official who tied knots to keep records under Yellow Emperor, unexpectedly made a big mistake. Feeling very guilty, he was determined to find out a better way for keeping records. […] In this multicultural children’s story, kids will find out that there is a story behind every Chinese character. Children will also learn about basic Chinese characters and how to make them.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The Anchor book of Chinese poetry
“Unmatched in scope and literary quality, this landmark anthology spans three thousand years, bringing together more than six hundred poems by more than one hundred thirty poets, in translations-many new and exclusive to the book-by an array of distinguished translators. Here is the grand sweep of Chinese poetry, from the Book of Songs-ancient folk songs said to have been collected by Confucius himself-and Laozi’s Dao De Jing to the vividly pictorial verse of Wang Wei, the romanticism of Li Po, the technical brilliance of Tu Fu, and all the way up to the twentieth-century poetry of Mao Zedong and the post–Cultural Revolution verse of the Misty poets. […] The Anchor Book of Chinese Poetry captures with impressive range and depth the essence of China’s illustrious poetic tradition.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

All about China : stories, songs, crafts and games for kids / Branscombe, Allison
“Take the whole family on a whirlwind tour of Chinese culture and history with this award-winning, delightfully illustrated book complete with stories, activities, and games. This Chinese children’s book is perfect for educators and parents wishing to teach kids about this fascinating Asian country. Travel from the stone age through the dynasties to the present day with songs and crafts for kids that will educate them about Chinese language and the Chinese way of life.” (Catalogue)

Let’s make dumplings! : a comic book cookbook / Amano, Hugh
“Includes dumpling history and lore, this comic book cookbook invites readers to explore the big little world of Asian dumplings and proves that intricate folding styles and flavourful fillings are achievable in the home kitchen.” (Catalogue)

Chinese / Dickmann, Nancy
“This book takes a light-hearted look at the characters and creatures from the Chinese mythological stories. These myths come from different cultural groups, and they include stories about how the world came to be, as well as folk tales and stories with a religious message. The stories are full of gods, monsters, animals, ghosts and nature spirits. The book is structured as a ‘Who’s Who’ of the culture’s myths and legends and has a gossipy, informal tone, allowing the characters’ personalities to come through.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Chinese children’s favorite stories / Yip, Mingmei
“A collection of children’s legends and tales from China. This volume of beloved Chinese stories contains a delightful selection from the rich store of Chinese folklore and legend. Discover the many delightful animal characters as well as Chang-E, the famous Eight Immortals, and Guan Yin, goddess of compassion. Retold for an international audience, the beautifully illustrated stories will give children aged six to ten in other countries a glimpse into both the tradition and culture of China.” (Catalogue)


Books in Mandarin

We also have a good amount of books in Mandarin that can let you practice your Mandarin! Check out some of our favourites below, or visit the catalogue to find more children’s books in Chinese languages!

First words. Mandarin / Mansfield, Andy
“Bring the Mandarin language to life with this beautifully illustrated children’s book from Lonely Planet Kids, an imprint of Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel guide and phrasebook publisher. Perfect for the whole family, First Words Mandarin features 100 words to use while travelling, from food and transport, to animals and weather. Each word is accompanied with a bold illustration and a simple pronunciation guide to make the vocabulary fun and easy to learn.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The little monkey king’s journey = Xiao Wukong / Li, Jian
“Long, long ago, a little Monkey was born from an old magic stone which suddenly cracked open after lying in the sunlight and moonlight for thousands of years. Although he was an orphan, the Little Monkey was extremely talented. Fortunately, the Monkey King in the mountain adopted him. […] During his journey, with the help from the Immortal Turtle, the Phoenix, the Dragon King and the Immortal, the Little Monkey gained a powerful body. Could he eventually save the life of the Monkey King?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xia tian de cai hong = Summertime rainbow / Yang, Belle
“In this story presented in both English and Chinese, bunnies hop through the meadow on a beautiful summer day, spotting blue sky, white clouds, yummy green grass, and other colorful sights.” (Catalogue)

Home for Chinese New Year : a story told in English and Chinese / Wei, Jie
“The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions. This Chinese children’s story tells a delightful trip with lots of cultural details along the way! Jia Jun’s Dad worked out of town all year around. Now it’s time for him to come home. He took a train, bus, three-wheeled motorcycle, ferry-boat and even walked for many miles. He finally made it home and had a reunion dinner with his family on New Year’s Eve. […] In a few days, Dad was ready to head back to work, but it was certain that Dad would be home again next year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xiao lao shu yu jin zhong zi = The little rat and the golden seed : a story in English and Chinese / Li, Jian
“Age range 5+ Learn how the clever Little Rat earned his place as one of the Chinese Zodiac Animals. This adorable Chinese-English bilingual children’s book tells the story of the Little Rat and the Grandpa — unlikely allies who embark on an adventure to find a golden seed. They encounter rough seas, fierce guards and tall mountains, but — in the end — bring home a golden rice seed and save the village from going hungry.” (Catalogue)


Start your own Chinese language adventure at the library today!

– Thanks to Wei Jing, Kirk & Isabel for creating this blog post

Chinese Language Week 2023 (Traditional Chinese Script)

Read this post in English!

Read this post in Simplified Chinese!

大家好!你好!我們將在即將到來的9月17日至23日慶祝紐西蘭中文週。舉辦紐西蘭中文週的目的是為了推廣中文學習。中文是一門優美獨特語言,而中文的特別之處在於,中文文字不止傳達了其發音,同時也承載了其涵義。更酷的是,中文的起源可追溯至商朝時期,大約公元前1766至1122年,為世界上最古老的語言之一。  

中文涵蓋了共302門的方言,而不同的地區會有不同的母語。舉例來說,在上海你會聽到上海話,在四川則有四川話。在香港,大家以粵語為主,台灣人則會說台語。如果你有機會到訪馬來西亞或新加坡,你會遇到會說廣東話,福建話,或客家話的華人。在紐西蘭,大部分的華裔都說廣東話,其次則是普通話。  

此外,漢字(中文字)還可以分為簡體字和繁體字。簡體字是從繁體字演化而來,閱讀方式就和閱讀英語一樣,從左到右。而繁體字則相反,排版通常為豎排排版,閱讀方式從右到左,從上到下。如今,中國,馬來西亞和新加坡以簡體字為主;而繁體字則見於台灣,香港和澳門。 

圖書館活動  

為了慶祝中文週,威靈頓圖書館舉辦了各式各樣的活動,歡迎大家一起來參加! 

普通話故事會 – 早上10.30至11.00,9月17日,星期日  

提亞威圖書館 Te Awe Library, 29B Brandon Street, Wellington.  

為慶祝中文週,提亞威圖書館將舉辦特別的普通話故事會。我們的故事會將包括有趣和好玩的故事及詩詞韻律。建議2歲以上的兒童及其看護人參加。

普通話故事會 – 早上10.30至11.00, 9月20日,星期三  

Newtown圖書館 Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown. 

在Newtown圖書館慶祝紐西蘭中文週。讓4-8歲的華裔兒童及家長體驗中文文化的魅力!其他中文與方言者歡迎!  

雙語故事會 – 早上11.00至下午12.00,9月23日,星期六  

Karori卡羅里圖書館 Karori Library, 247 Karori Road, Karori. 

在Karori圖書館,將有慶祝紐西蘭中文週的活動。活動內容有講故事、唐詩朗誦及展現中文流行樂與童謠,讓4-8歲的華裔兒童及家長體驗中文文化的魅力!其他中文與方言者歡迎!  

書法工坊 – 下午2.00至3.00,9月23日,星期六  

Newtown圖書館 Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown. 

在Newtown圖書館慶祝紐西蘭中文週。一起嘗試研墨執筆,體驗中國書法。

三語故事會 – 早上10.30至11.00,9月25日,星期一  

Tawa圖書館 Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library, 158 Main Road (Cnr Cambridge Street & Main Road), Tawa. 

為慶祝中文週,我們將舉辦特別的粵語、普通話和英語的三語故事會。建議2歲以上的兒童及其看護人參加。

三語故事會 – 早上10.30至11.00,9月26日,星期二

Waitohi強生威爾遜圖書館 Johnsonville Library, 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville.

為慶祝中文週,我們將舉辦特別的粵語、普通話和英語的三語故事會。建議2歲以上的兒童及其看護人參加。

書籍  

同時,大家也別忘了到圖書館借閱我們的兒童讀物。在我們的藏書裡,有一系列關於中華文化的書籍:

Dim sum, here we come / Lam, Maple
“Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can’t wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I’m going to eat lots of shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, egg tarts, and my favorite–char siu buns. We will have to order enough for us all to share. So what are you waiting for? Dim sum, here we come!” (Catalogue)

Cang Jie : the inventor of Chinese characters / Li, Jian
“In ancient times under the reign of Yellow Emperor (about 2500 B.C.), people kept records by piling stones and tying knots. One day, Cang Jie, a historical official who tied knots to keep records under Yellow Emperor, unexpectedly made a big mistake. Feeling very guilty, he was determined to find out a better way for keeping records. […] In this multicultural children’s story, kids will find out that there is a story behind every Chinese character. Children will also learn about basic Chinese characters and how to make them.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The Anchor book of Chinese poetry
“Unmatched in scope and literary quality, this landmark anthology spans three thousand years, bringing together more than six hundred poems by more than one hundred thirty poets, in translations-many new and exclusive to the book-by an array of distinguished translators. Here is the grand sweep of Chinese poetry, from the Book of Songs-ancient folk songs said to have been collected by Confucius himself-and Laozi’s Dao De Jing to the vividly pictorial verse of Wang Wei, the romanticism of Li Po, the technical brilliance of Tu Fu, and all the way up to the twentieth-century poetry of Mao Zedong and the post–Cultural Revolution verse of the Misty poets. […] The Anchor Book of Chinese Poetry captures with impressive range and depth the essence of China’s illustrious poetic tradition.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

All about China : stories, songs, crafts and games for kids / Branscombe, Allison
“Take the whole family on a whirlwind tour of Chinese culture and history with this award-winning, delightfully illustrated book complete with stories, activities, and games. This Chinese children’s book is perfect for educators and parents wishing to teach kids about this fascinating Asian country. Travel from the stone age through the dynasties to the present day with songs and crafts for kids that will educate them about Chinese language and the Chinese way of life.” (Catalogue)

Let’s make dumplings! : a comic book cookbook / Amano, Hugh
“Includes dumpling history and lore, this comic book cookbook invites readers to explore the big little world of Asian dumplings and proves that intricate folding styles and flavourful fillings are achievable in the home kitchen.” (Catalogue)

Chinese / Dickmann, Nancy
“This book takes a light-hearted look at the characters and creatures from the Chinese mythological stories. These myths come from different cultural groups, and they include stories about how the world came to be, as well as folk tales and stories with a religious message. The stories are full of gods, monsters, animals, ghosts and nature spirits. The book is structured as a ‘Who’s Who’ of the culture’s myths and legends and has a gossipy, informal tone, allowing the characters’ personalities to come through.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Chinese children’s favorite stories / Yip, Mingmei
“A collection of children’s legends and tales from China. This volume of beloved Chinese stories contains a delightful selection from the rich store of Chinese folklore and legend. Discover the many delightful animal characters as well as Chang-E, the famous Eight Immortals, and Guan Yin, goddess of compassion. Retold for an international audience, the beautifully illustrated stories will give children aged six to ten in other countries a glimpse into both the tradition and culture of China. – Publisher.” (Catalogue)

此外,我們也有不少中文書籍,能夠讓你從今天就能開始練習你的普通話哦!

First words. Mandarin / Mansfield, Andy
“Bring the Mandarin language to life with this beautifully illustrated children’s book from Lonely Planet Kids, an imprint of Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel guide and phrasebook publisher. Perfect for the whole family, First Words Mandarin features 100 words to use while travelling, from food and transport, to animals and weather. Each word is accompanied with a bold illustration and a simple pronunciation guide to make the vocabulary fun and easy to learn.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The little monkey king’s journey = Xiao Wukong / Li, Jian
“Long long ago, a little Monkey was born from an old magic stone which suddenly cracked open after lying in the sunlight and moonlight for thousands of years. Although he was an orphan, the Little Monkey was extremely talented. Fortunately, the Monkey King in the mountain adopted him. […] During his journey, with the help from the Immortal Turtle, the Phoenix, the Dragon King and the Immortal, the Little Monkey gained a powerful body. Could he eventually save the life of the Monkey King?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xia tian de cai hong = Summertime rainbow / Yang, Belle
“In this story presented in both English and Chinese, bunnies hop through the meadow on a beautiful summer day, spotting blue sky, white clouds, yummy green grass, and other colorful sights.” (Catalogue)

Home for Chinese New Year : a story told in English and Chinese / Wei, Jie
“The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions. This Chinese children’s story tells a delightful trip with lots of cultural details along the way! Jia Jun’s Dad worked out of town all year around. Now it’s time for him to come home. He took a train, bus, three-wheeled motorcycle, ferry-boat and even walked for many miles. He finally made it home and had a reunion dinner with his family on New Year’s Eve. […] In a few days, Dad was ready to head back to work, but it was certain that Dad would be home again next year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xiao lao shu yu jin zhong zi = The little rat and the golden seed : a story in English and Chinese / Li, Jian
“Age range 5+ Learn how the clever Little Rat earned his place as one of the Chinese Zodiac Animals.This adorable Chinese-English bilingual children’s book tells the story of the Little Rat and the Grandpa — unlikely allies who embark on an adventure to find a golden seed. They encounter rough seas, fierce guards and tall mountains, but — in the end — bring home a golden rice seed and save the village from going hungry.” (Catalogue)

更多關於我們的圖書館中文書籍您可以點擊這裡 

那今天的分享就到這裡結束咯, 就從今天開始屬於你的中文學習旅程吧!

Chinese Language Week 2023 (Simplified Chinese Script)

Read this post in English!

Read this post in Traditional Chinese!

大家好!你好!我们将在即将到来的9月17日至23日庆祝新西兰中文周。举办新西兰中文周的目的是为了推广中文学习。中文是一门优美独特语言,而中文的特别之处在于,中文文字不止传达了其发音,同时也承载了其涵义。更酷的是,中文的起源可追溯至商朝时期,大约公元前1766至1122年,为世界上最古老的语言之一。 

中文涵盖了共302门的方言,而不同的地区会有不同的母语。举例来说,在上海你会听到上海话,在四川则有四川话。在香港,大家以粤语为主,台湾人则会说台语。如果你有机会到访马来西亚或新加坡,你会遇到会说广东话,福建话,或客家话的华人。在新西兰,大部分的华裔都说广东话,其次则是普通话。 

此外,汉字(中文字)还可以分为简体字和繁体字。简体字是从繁体字演化而来,阅读方式就和阅读英语一样,从左到右。而繁体字则相反,排版通常为竖排排版,阅读方式从右到左,从上到下。如今,中国,马来西亚和新加坡以简体字为主;而繁体字则见于台湾,香港和澳门。 

图书馆活动 

为了庆祝中文周,惠灵顿图书馆举办了各式各样的活动,欢迎大家一起来参加! 

普通话故事会 – 早上10.30至11.00,9月17日,星期日 

提亚威图书馆 Te Awe Library, 29B Brandon Street, Wellington. 

为庆祝中文周,提亚威图书馆将举办特别的普通话故事会。我们的故事会将包括有趣和好玩的故事及诗词韵律。建议2岁以上的儿童及其看护人参加。 

普通话故事会 – 早上10.30至11.00, 9月20日,星期三 

Newtown图书馆 Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown.

在Newtown图书馆庆祝新西兰中文周。让4-8岁的华裔儿童及家长体验中文文化的魅力!其他中文与方言者欢迎! 

双语故事会 – 早上11.00至下午12.00,9月23日,星期六 

Karori卡罗里图书馆 Karori Library, 247 Karori Road, Karori.

在Karori图书馆,将有庆祝新西兰中文周的活动。活动内容有讲故事、唐诗朗诵及展现中文流行乐与童谣,让4-8岁的华裔儿童及家长体验中文文化的魅力!其他中文与方言者欢迎! 

书法工坊 – 下午2.00至3.00,9月23日,星期六 

Newtown图书馆 Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown.

在Newtown图书馆庆祝新西兰中文周。一起尝试研墨执笔,体验中国书法。 

三语故事会 – 早上10.30至11.00,9月25日,星期一 

Tawa图书馆 Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library, 158 Main Road (Cnr Cambridge Street & Main Road), Tawa.

为庆祝中文周,我们将举办特别的粤语、普通话和英语的三语故事会。建议2岁以上的儿童及其看护人参加。 

三语故事会 – 早上10.30至11.00,9月26日,星期二 

Waitohi强生威尔逊图书馆 Johnsonville Library, 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville.

为庆祝中文周,我们将举办特别的粤语、普通话和英语的三语故事会。建议2岁以上的儿童及其看护人参加。 

书籍 

同时,大家也别忘了到图书馆借阅我们的儿童读物。在我们的藏书里,有一系列关于中华文化的书籍:

Dim sum, here we come / Lam, Maple
“Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can’t wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I’m going to eat lots of shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, egg tarts, and my favorite–char siu buns. We will have to order enough for us all to share. So what are you waiting for? Dim sum, here we come!” (Catalogue)

Cang Jie : the inventor of Chinese characters / Li, Jian
“In ancient times under the reign of Yellow Emperor (about 2500 B.C.), people kept records by piling stones and tying knots. One day, Cang Jie, a historical official who tied knots to keep records under Yellow Emperor, unexpectedly made a big mistake. Feeling very guilty, he was determined to find out a better way for keeping records. […] In this multicultural children’s story, kids will find out that there is a story behind every Chinese character. Children will also learn about basic Chinese characters and how to make them.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The Anchor book of Chinese poetry
“Unmatched in scope and literary quality, this landmark anthology spans three thousand years, bringing together more than six hundred poems by more than one hundred thirty poets, in translations-many new and exclusive to the book-by an array of distinguished translators. Here is the grand sweep of Chinese poetry, from the Book of Songs-ancient folk songs said to have been collected by Confucius himself-and Laozi’s Dao De Jing to the vividly pictorial verse of Wang Wei, the romanticism of Li Po, the technical brilliance of Tu Fu, and all the way up to the twentieth-century poetry of Mao Zedong and the post–Cultural Revolution verse of the Misty poets. […] The Anchor Book of Chinese Poetry captures with impressive range and depth the essence of China’s illustrious poetic tradition.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

All about China : stories, songs, crafts and games for kids / Branscombe, Allison
“Take the whole family on a whirlwind tour of Chinese culture and history with this award-winning, delightfully illustrated book complete with stories, activities, and games. This Chinese children’s book is perfect for educators and parents wishing to teach kids about this fascinating Asian country. Travel from the stone age through the dynasties to the present day with songs and crafts for kids that will educate them about Chinese language and the Chinese way of life.” (Catalogue)

Let’s make dumplings! : a comic book cookbook / Amano, Hugh
“Includes dumpling history and lore, this comic book cookbook invites readers to explore the big little world of Asian dumplings and proves that intricate folding styles and flavourful fillings are achievable in the home kitchen.” (Catalogue)

Chinese / Dickmann, Nancy
“This book takes a light-hearted look at the characters and creatures from the Chinese mythological stories. These myths come from different cultural groups, and they include stories about how the world came to be, as well as folk tales and stories with a religious message. The stories are full of gods, monsters, animals, ghosts and nature spirits. The book is structured as a ‘Who’s Who’ of the culture’s myths and legends and has a gossipy, informal tone, allowing the characters’ personalities to come through.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Chinese children’s favorite stories / Yip, Mingmei
“A collection of children’s legends and tales from China. This volume of beloved Chinese stories contains a delightful selection from the rich store of Chinese folklore and legend. Discover the many delightful animal characters as well as Chang-E, the famous Eight Immortals, and Guan Yin, goddess of compassion. Retold for an international audience, the beautifully illustrated stories will give children aged six to ten in other countries a glimpse into both the tradition and culture of China.” (Catalogue)

此外,我们也有不少中文书籍,能够让你从今天就能开始练习你的普通话哦!

First words. Mandarin / Mansfield, Andy
“Bring the Mandarin language to life with this beautifully illustrated children’s book from Lonely Planet Kids, an imprint of Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel guide and phrasebook publisher. Perfect for the whole family, First Words Mandarin features 100 words to use while travelling, from food and transport, to animals and weather. Each word is accompanied with a bold illustration and a simple pronunciation guide to make the vocabulary fun and easy to learn.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The little monkey king’s journey = Xiao Wukong / Li, Jian
“Long long ago, a little Monkey was born from an old magic stone which suddenly cracked open after lying in the sunlight and moonlight for thousands of years. Although he was an orphan, the Little Monkey was extremely talented. Fortunately, the Monkey King in the mountain adopted him. […] During his journey, with the help from the Immortal Turtle, the Phoenix, the Dragon King and the Immortal, the Little Monkey gained a powerful body. Could he eventually save the life of the Monkey King?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xia tian de cai hong = Summertime rainbow / Yang, Belle
“In this story presented in both English and Chinese, bunnies hop through the meadow on a beautiful summer day, spotting blue sky, white clouds, yummy green grass, and other colorful sights.” (Catalogue)

Home for Chinese New Year : a story told in English and Chinese / Wei, Jie
“The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions. This Chinese children’s story tells a delightful trip with lots of cultural details along the way! Jia Jun’s Dad worked out of town all year around. Now it’s time for him to come home. He took a train, bus, three-wheeled motorcycle, ferry-boat and even walked for many miles. He finally made it home and had a reunion dinner with his family on New Year’s Eve. […] In a few days, Dad was ready to head back to work, but it was certain that Dad would be home again next year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xiao lao shu yu jin zhong zi = The little rat and the golden seed : a story in English and Chinese / Li, Jian
“Age range 5+ Learn how the clever Little Rat earned his place as one of the Chinese Zodiac Animals.This adorable Chinese-English bilingual children’s book tells the story of the Little Rat and the Grandpa — unlikely allies who embark on an adventure to find a golden seed. They encounter rough seas, fierce guards and tall mountains, but — in the end — bring home a golden rice seed and save the village from going hungry.” (Catalogue)

更多关于我们的图书馆中文书籍您可以点击这里

那今天的分享就到这里结束咯, 就从今天开始属于你的中文学习旅程吧!

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2023

Nau mai ki te Wiki o Te Reo Māori!

Welcome to Māori Language Week!

Today we will be sharing a few ways that you can kōrero (speak), waiata (sing) and pānui (read) in Te Reo Māori with Wellington City Libraries, Te Matapihi ki te o Ao Nui.

Click the button below to get more celebration ideas from  Te Rangaihi Reo Māori, the Māori Language Movement! You can sign up for updates and opportunities to get inspired and learn more. Be sure to register to take part in the Māori Language Moment on Thursday 14 September! Symbol of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

Here’s a few of our special Wellington City Libraries events for the whole whānau this week, but you can read a full list of events over on our news blog!

Nohinohi Reorua 

This week, join us for extra special sessions of our bilingual programme Nohinohi Reorua.

Nohinohi Reorua: whāngaia tō Tama Toa ki te pānui pukapuka! E toru tekau meneti pakiwaitara, rotarota, waiata hoki i roto i te reo Māori me te reo Ingarihi, nō ngā kōhungahunga me ō rātou mātua kaitiaki.

Get your superhero hooked on books with our special bilingual storytimes! Featuring stories, rhymes, and songs in te reo Māori and English, these 30-minute sessions are open to anyone, whether you’re fluent in te reo Māori or just starting out.

Recommended for tamariki aged 2-6 with their caregivers.

Taniwha Tinker Time (STEAM-based play)Taniwha Tinker Time (STEAM-based play)

This week, we have special Tinker Times at the ARTS stage of our STEAM journey, and we’ll be exploring collage… with a Te Reo twist! We will kōrero and learn more about the taniwha in this week’s special session of Tinker Time. This is an event for older preschoolers.

Recommended for children aged 2 – 5 years with their caregivers.

More special events!   

CRAFTerschool Te Ao Māori Special – Tuesday 12 September, 3:30-4:30pm — Waitohi | Johnsonville Library 

Enjoy a te Ao Māori focus on today’s craft activities for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori!  All tamariki are welcome with their mātua (parents) or kaitiaki (caregiver).

CRAFTerschool is a free art and craft session aimed at school aged children. Join us for a different project every week during term time! Crafting starts at 3.30pm, please arrive by 4pm so you have time to complete the craft.

  • Suitable for children age 5+
  • Caregivers must remain onsite during sessions

Te Reo Baby Rock and Rhyme – Wednesday 13 September, 10:30-11am — Waitohi | Johnsonville Library

Nau mai hoki mai. Join us in Waitohi Library for a special morning celebrating te reo Māori for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. A fun and free programme for parents and caregivers to interact with their pēpē through waiata, huariti, and pukapuka.

Recommended for children aged 0 – 2 years and their caregivers.

Kēmu, Kai, Kōrero, Saturday, 16 September 2023, 11am-12pm— Waitohi | Johnsonville Library

Join us for an hour of fun and sharing as part of Celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori . Let’s learn and build our te reo Māori skills together. Wherever you are in your te reo journey, come to this event for a friendly kōrero and kai!

FREE, no bookings required!

Award Winning Pukapuka in Te Reo Māori 

Last month, we celebrated the 2023 NZCYA Book Awards, so we thought we could take a moment this week to look back on the last five books that won the Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Reo Māori.

2023 Winner

Kua whetūrangitia a koro / Te Paa, Brianne

“A young boy learns about the customs around celebrating Matariki from his grandfather. They watch the stars from the top of a mountain, prepare their offering of food for the gods, and the boy learns about Te Waka o Rangi and the tradition of calling out the names of loved ones who have passed away so that they can become stars. Just before Matariki the following year, the boy’s Koro suddenly dies. The boy gathers and prepares the food offering and asks each family member to come with him up the mountain when Matariki is due to rise, but they all make excuses, and he is disheartened. But when he tells them what Koro taught him, they all climb the mountain before sunrise, follow the rituals Koro carried out and call out Koro’s name so that he can become a star”–Publisher information. (Catalogue).


2022 Winner

I waho, i te moana / Morrison, Yvonne
“Out in the moana, underneath the sparkling sun, lived a mother sea lion and her little pup one … A playful retelling of the much-loved traditional story, Over in the Meadow. This companion title to Morrison’s Down in the Forest features fascinating and lovable creatures from the seas that surround these islands of ours”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)

 


2021 Winner

Ngake me Whātaitai / Ngaia, Ben
“A traditional story told in te reo Māori from the perspective of the Kāhui Maunga people about Ngake and Whātaitai. These two taniwha inhabited Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington Harbour, long before the ancestral migrations. The story tells how the shape and landscape of Wellington, its harbour and the Lower Hutt area came about because of the actions of Ngake and Whātaitai”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)


2020 Winner

Tio Tiamu / Kurahau
“Gentle, clever Toe Jam grows to be huge, and this causes a problem because his feet smell. The bigger he gets the worse the smell. Toe Jam is kind, but the people tease him and avoid him, and finally, they make him leave and live far away. Toe Jam never loses his kind heart, and when there are floods, wild winds and droughts, he returns to help his people. But afterwards, the people always send him away again. Until, one day, when Toe Jam saves the people from an eruption, they finally see Toe Jam’s goodness”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)


2019 Winner

Te Haka a Tānerore / Kahukiwa, Reina
“A story about the first haka. Long ago, a boy named Tanerore loved to dance every day. See what happens when Tanerore dances his special dance for his mother.” (Adapted from catalogue)
Kia kaha Te Reo Māori! 

 

 

Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2023 | Tonga Language Week 2023

Mālō e lelei kaungāme’a, and welcome to Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2023 | Tonga Language Week 2023! The Tongan language is spoken by nearly 190,000 people around the world — including about 100,000 across the 45 inhabited islands of Tonga, and over 35,000 here in Aotearoa! Tongan people are a very important part of our whānau in Aotearoa, with over 82,000 people of Tongan descent living here, nearly 3,300 of whom live here in Wellington. (Source: 2018 Census)

This year, the theme for Uike Lea Faka-Tonga is:

‘E tu’uloa ‘a e Lea faka-Tonga ‘o ka lea-aki ‘i ‘api, siasi (lotu), mo e nofo-‘a-kāinga | The Tongan Language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community

Help us celebrate this special time for the community by learning more about the unique culture, language and history of Tonga and the Tongan people through the books and other resources below!


Celebrating the Life of Emeli Sione

A photo of Emeli Sione wearing a floral headdress, holding the English and Tongan versions of her book 'A New Dawn.' Above is the following text: "Emeli Loulu Aholelei Sione. Sunrise 01.07.74. Sunset 22.08.23."

Image courtesy of Dahlia Malaeulu, Mila’s Books.

Before we share our wonderful pukapuka in the lea faka-Tonga with you all, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the life of Emeli Sione, who passed away in August 2023. Emeli was the bestselling author of A New Dawn (in lea faka-Tonga, Ko e Pongipongi Fo’ou), which was shortlisted for the Elsie Locke Non-fiction Award at this year’s Children’s Book Awards, and has also been shortlisted in the Ngaio Marsh Book Awards, but she also acted as author, editor, translator, advisor, and advocate for many other books in the Tongan language and about Tongan people and culture.

Emeli was a founding member of Mila’s Books based in Moera, Lower Hutt, one of the most significant publishers of children’s books in Pasifika languages in Aotearoa, and the only publishing company in New Zealand that works with an all-Pasifika team of authors, illustrators and editors. Through her work as an author and editor at Mila’s Books, and previously with the Ministry of Education, Emeli’s contribution to Pasifika literature, and Tongan children’s books in particular, can’t be overstated. This month, Mila’s Books are releasing 12 books in Tongan that Emeli worked on as part of the Tongan My Pasifika series — we can’t wait to have these books in our libraries for everyone to enjoy!

A New Dawn by Emeli Sione, published by Mila’s Books

Ko e Pongipongi Fo’ou by Emeli Sione, published by Mila’s Books



Lea Faka-Tonga at the Library

Check out some of our favourite books from the children’s section from and about Tonga, and in lea faka-Tonga:

Tonga / Toumu’a, Ruth
“The islands of Tonga are full of rich history and culture. Describes the history, customs, geography, and culture of the people who live there, and provides authentic vocabulary words for an immersive experience. Includes a glossary, index, and bibliography for further reading.”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Tongan heroes / Riley, David
“Tongan heroes presents inspirational stories of achievers who have Tongan ancestry. It includes: Legends like Aho’eitu, Hina and Seketoa, historical figures such as Queen Salote Tupou III, Pita Vi and Professor Futa Helu, contemporary heroes like Jonah Lomu, Captain Kamelia Zarka, Filipe Tohi, The Jets, Manu Vatuvei, Dr Viliami Tangi and Valerie Adams. Readers will be inspired as they discover the challenges these figures faced and overcame, to become some of the world’s best in their chosen fields.” (Catalogue)

The worm and the whale / Halapua, Lisala
“Worms, yams and humpback whales tangle in a heart warming Tongan fable”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

How Tonga got its name = Ko e founga hono ma’u ‘e Tonga ‘a hono hingoa / Riley, David
“Maui threw his line and hook into the ocean. He felt the hook catch onto something huge and heavy. “Wow, it’s beautiful!” Maui said. What amazing sight did Maui see in the ocean that day?” (Catalogue)

Rise of the To’a / Tatafu, ‘Alisi
“Describes the culture behind the Tongan national rugby league team, Kau To’a, Mate Ma’a Tonga, MMT, and features profiles on each of the players. Also tells the fictional story of Toko, who overcomes his fears and grows in self confidence.” (Catalogue)

Learning Tongan through bathtime / Sanerivi, Deborah
“Follow along with these children as their mother names each of their amazing body parts after fun in the mud. Join them as they go through their bath and bed time routines. Sentences are written in Tongan with their English translations.” (Publisher description)

The eleventh sheep = ko e sipi hono tahataha / Mewburn, Kyle
“When the eleventh sheep falls out of Sian’s dreams and into the real world, Sian is excited to have a new friend. Every day they play together, and at night Sian falls straight asleep with her arms around her woolly friend. But she can tell the eleventh sheep is homesick”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Ko fé ho ihu? = where is your nose / Piliu, Annabel
“An early learning primer for the Tongan language.” (Catalogue)

‘Oku ou lava ‘o tohi : I can write / Lovatt Davis, F. M.
“Photographs and text introduce a range of places where children can write.” (Catalogue)

Also, visit this link to find even more books in lea faka-Tonga at your local library.


More Resources

Check out the following websites to learn more about the islands of Tonga and this beautiful country’s culture, language and history:

What Comes Next? A Series of Unfortunate Events

Finding new pukapuka for your tamariki can be a challenge, especially when they can get through a big series in just a couple of weeks. Well, the library is here to help! In our series “What Comes Next?” we try and tackle the tricky challenge of helping you find the next book after a great series. If you haven’t seen our blog from last month on Ranger’s Apprentice, then be sure to check it out if your tamaiti loves fantasy or archery! This month we are focusing on the delightfully dreary Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, with humorous recommendations for those who enjoyed the series.

A Series of Unfortunate Events has delighted children with the Baudelaires woeful escapades for well over two decades now and the series has only grown in popularity following the Netflix adaptation. While no one is quite like Lemony Snicket, we’ve put together our best picks for tamariki who loved this series.

Younger Kids:

Luckily for tamariki there are heaps of excellent books which lean into the darker side while remaining humorous and fun. The Spiderwick Chronicles are a great fit for tamariki who like fantasy with just a little bit of scary, and so is the hilarious Floodseries by Colin Thompson. Chris Riddell brings us a gothic mystery complete with a ghostly mouse in Goth Girl, and if you found yourself rooting for the villain, then check out The Crims by Kate Davies which features a whole family of criminals.

The field guide / DiTerlizzi, Tony
“When the Grace children go to stay at their Great Aunt Lucinda’s worn Victorian house, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and begin to have some unusual experiences. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.” (Catalogue)
Neighbours / Thompson, Colin
“Nerlin and Mordonna Flood have seven children, most of whom were made in a cellar, using incredible mystical powers. Betty is a normal little girl – but she’s a useless witch. Her attempts at magic often go wrong, with unexpected yet welcome results. When the next-door neighbours rob the Floods, they find out what the Floods do to bad neighbours” (Adapted from catalogue)
Goth Girl and the ghost of a mouse / Riddell, Chris
“A deliciously dark offering from the award-winning author-illustrator of the Ottoline books” (Catalogue)
The Crims / Davies, Kate
“When her notoriously inept family of criminals is wrongly accused, Imogen, the only truly skilled criminal, uses her skills to clear their names.” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

For the older ones who want that dark-humor vibe after reading or rereading A Series of Unfortunate Events we have got you covered. Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy is another fantasy with darker vibes that older kids are sure to love, and Ms Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is perfect for older kids who love a bit of mystery. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman has been on my TBR for ages, and if you ever need to laugh about doomsday then look no further than this excellent book. And if you want even more Neil Gaiman then check out The Graveyard Book which features another child in unfortunate circumstances, raised by ghosts in a graveyard after the murder of his parents.

Skulduggery Pleasant / Landy, Derek
“When twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her weird uncle’s estate, she must join forces with Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton mage, to save the world from the Faceless Ones.” (Catalogue)
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children / Riggs, Ransom
“After a family tragedy, Jacob feels compelled to explore an abandoned orphanage on an island off the coast of Wales, discovering disturbing facts about the children who were kept there.” (Catalogue)

 

 


Good omens : the nice and accurate prophecies of Agnes Nutter, witch / Pratchett, Terry
“According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch – the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. People have been predicting the end of the world almost from its very beginning, so it’s only natural to be sceptical when a new date is set for Judgement Day. But one fast-living demon and a somewhat fussy angel would quite like the Rapture not to happen.” (Adapted from catalogue)


The graveyard book / Gaiman, Neil
“After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.” (Catalogue)

We hope you’ve enjoyed these recommendations, we certainly had fun diving into the dark and twisty humour that Lemony Snicket does so well! Catch you again next time for recommendations on a classic children’s series which centres cuddly creatures that you might just have at home.

Bodies are Weird! Books About Bodies

Bodies are weird, aren’t they?  Squishy, bony, stretchy, hairy, cuddly, bumpy, leaky, smelly, wiggly, lanky, hungry, wobbly, achy, fidgety, smooth, sometimes even embarrassing – there are endless different things our bodies can do and look like.  There is no wrong way to have a body, but sometimes you just want to know more about what bodies do and look like.  Bodies are endlessly fascinating, and luckily we have many, many books that you can read to learn more about them.  We’ve selected some of our favourite new body books below that you might like to try.

Any body : a comic compendium of important facts & feelings about our bodies / Gathen, Katharine von der
“We live in our bodies for life, so it’s a good idea to understand them. Any Body looks from the outside and the inside, answering questions about our bodies and how we feel about them. It includes interesting facts about skin, hair, and body functions alongside the questions that may affect us from puberty and beyond – gender identity, beauty, self-confidence, how other people react and relate to us, and how they make us feel. This compendium allows us to get to know and feel at home in our bodies – and have a giggle about them too.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

I am not a label / Burnell, Cerrie
“From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them. These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges which have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sport, science, maths, art, breakdance or the world of pop. Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable people.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

You & your amazing brain : a book of brains and how they work / Gifford, Clive
“Brains are fascinating! Why can’t you tickle yourself? Why do adults like foods they hated as children? How do some sneaky creatures have the ability to take over the brains of other species?  You will discover: What the different parts of the brain are and how they work; how memories, speech and sleep work; how the human brain develops from birth to adulthood; how your brain changes when you become a teenager, and how to understand these changes; how the brains of other creatures match up to ours.  And most of all how every brain works in its own special way.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Every body : a first conversation about bodies / Madison, Megan
“Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and imagery to introduce the concept of body positivity. This book serves to celebrate the uniqueness of your body and all bodies, and address the unfair rules and ideas that currently exist about bodies. It ends with motivational action points for making the world more fair for all!” (Adapted from 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)

Every body is a rainbow : a kid’s guide to bodies across the gender spectrum / Carter, Caroline
“Every child has an amazing body that is all their own! Each one is a unique shape, size, and color and has a unique mix of parts, identities, and expressions. Every Body is a Rainbow: A Kid’s Guide to Bodies Across the Gender Spectrum celebrates the vast rainbow of bodies and identities—from non-binary, to intersex, to multiple genders and expressions—and shows readers that everybody is beautifully diverse and has value. This book is for kids and families of ALL genders, abilities, and expressions who want to understand themselves and learn more about the amazing bodies across the gender spectrum!” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Embrace your body / Brumfitt, Taryn
“Based on the #1 hit children’s song, this picture book encourages everyone to love who they are, inside and out. Taryn Brumfitt is the fiercely passionate thought leader behind the Body Image Movement and director of Embrace the documentary. She is determined to inspire everyBODY to celebrate their body, regardless of size, colour, ethnicity, gender or ability.” (Catalogue)

My body’s changing : a boy’s guide to growing up / Ganeri, Anita
“Growing up is an exciting time, but it can also feel scary. During puberty, your body changes on the outside and on the inside. You might have noticed some of these changes already, or they might not have started happening to you yet. This book explains what happens during puberty, and provides some friendly reassurance and advice.” (Catalogue)

Puberty is gross but also really awesome / Loveless, Gina
“Puberty… is pretty gross for pretty much everyone. It’s a smelly, hairy, sticky, and (worst of all) totally confusing time! But did you know there’s a lot about puberty that makes it REALLY AWESOME? Get the whole picture with this honest, humorous, and empowering survival guide to the tween years. It’s packed with straighforward illustrations, easy-to-understand scientific information, interesting studies, and tips from experts, covering everything from breast development and gender identity to acne and mental health.” (Catalogue)

My period / Hill, Milli
“The one stop guide to getting your period. Getting your first period can be exciting – but there are a lot of questions you might be too embarrassed to ask. Like how much will I bleed? Does it hurt? How can I prepare? And what’s the point of a period anyway? Separating the fact from the fiction, Milli Hill answers everything you need to know – from menstrual cups and period pants, to cramps and hormones. She’ll explain how incredible your body is, what is actually going on each month and why. With guidance on choosing period products, charting your cycles and preparing a first period kit, alongside profiles of ‘cycle superstars’, such as Amika George, who are working to end period poverty and start open conversations around periods, this book is the complete guide to getting your period.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

New Programme: Cuentacuentos – Storytimes in Spanish

Buenas noticias! We are happy to announce a new programme called Cuentacuentos! These storytimes are delivered entirely in Spanish!

This is a perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish, so get ready for engaging storytelling and exciting activities that will entertain the whole whānau.

Starting from 2nd September, join us at Te Māhanga, Karori Library on the first Saturday of the month at 11am. Mark your calendar!

Books in Spanish

Whether you are a beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, we have got you covered! Wellington City Libraries are proud to offer a compelling collection of Spanish language materials, from books and magazines to language learning resources.

Follow the catalogue links to reserve the books you would like to the library branch of your choice! We have Spanish language books for young people and learners available at all of our library branches. The largest Spanish collections for young people are available at Karori Library, Johnsonville Library, Kilbirnie Library and Te Awe Brandon Library in the CBD.

For adult readers, we have large Spanish collections at Arapaki Manners Library, Johnsonville Library and Karori Library, with even more available to reserve!

Do you want to practice some phrases, read a story in Spanish? Check out these titles and get ready to say “estoy listo.”

First words

First words in Spanish / Grée, Alain
“Help your child to learn their first words in Spanish with this beautifully presented, interactive learning resource. Shown alongside colourful and appealing illustrations, the words are grouped into child-friendly themes such as colours, numbers, animals, food, holidays and shopping…” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Spanish
“Get the whole family prepared for and excited about an upcoming trip by learning 100 travel-relevant Spanish words – from food and transport, to animals and weather… The perfect first step in learning the Spanish language and encouraging children to be curious about the world around them.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Animales
“This illustrated book for little children stimulates learning the names of animals.” (Catalogue)

Chapter books

Diario del wimpy kid : Un renacuajo / Kinney, Jeff
“Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily, hope just to survive, but when Rowley grows more popular, Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship.” (Catalogue)

Hombre Perro y Supergatito / Pilkey, Dav
“Hombre Perro está de regreso, ¡y esta vez lo acompaña un compinche felino! El dúo tendrá que salir al rescate de una glamorosa estrella de cine desaparecida. ¡Una aventura perfecta para Hombre Perro y Supergatito! When a new sitter arrives and a movie star goes missing, Dog Man and Cat Kid investigate…” (Catalogue)

All-time Classics

Un pez, dos peces, pez rojo, pez azul / Seuss
“A story-poem about the activities of such unusual animals as the Nook, Wump, Yink, Yop, Gack, and the Zeds.” (Catalogue)

Donde viven los monstruos / Sendak, Maurice
“A naughty little boy, sent to bed without his supper, sails to the land of the wild things where he becomes their king.” (Catalogue)

Originally in Spanish

A veces el bosque.. / Nogués Otero, Alex
“A veces el bosque canta y es canció n. Otras, duerme. A veces el bosque sueñ a con fuego o inventa la lluvia y los paraguas. El bosque a veces bromea. A veces, imagina que eres un gigante.Un libro para leer en la corteza de los á rboles y en los misterios de tu mirada.” (Catalogue)

Gilda : la oveja gigante / Urberuaga, Emilio
“Gilda, la oveja gigante, tiene que escapar de la montaña en la que vive. Al llegar a la gran ciudad vivirá una increíble aventura. Pero, ¿encontrará Gilda un nuevo hogar?” (Catalogue)

Gustavo : el fantasmita timido / Drago, Flavia Z
“Conoce a Gustavo. Él es un fantasma y como a cualquier ser paranormal le encanta hacer lo que le es normal: atravesar paredes, hacer volar objetos y brillar en la oscuridad. También le encanta tocar el violín. Pero Gustavo tiene un problema. Él es muy, muy tímido, y aunque su deseo más grande es tener amigos, nunca se ha atrevido a hablarle a ninguno de los monstruos en su pueblito. Con el Día de Muertos cerca, ¿se atreverá Gustavo a dejar que lo vean?” This picture book is about finding the courage to make friends.” (Catalougue).

Ready for your language adventure?  ¡nos vemos en la biblioteca!

Tūmanako 2023: Local Youth for Global Peace

Tūmanako – Children’s Art. Works for Peace is here in 2023! 

This annual event gives tamariki/children and taiohi/young people (under 18) the opportunity to express their creativity and share their aspirations for a peaceful, inclusive, and nuclear-free world. Tūmanako means “Hope.” This is the eighth year of Tūmanako, with this year’s special theme being “one seed of thought grows the forest of peace.” 

The exhibition will be hosted at the Waitohi Hub on the lower ground of Johnsonville Library from the 11th to the 31st of August.

To encourage our younger tamariki to start thinking about peace and what it means to them, Johnsonville Library is inviting preschool groups to visit the Tūmanako and create their own artworks in response to what they see. The library will provide paper and art supplies and would like to keep your artworks to display in the children’s area over the month of September. To book a time to visit the library or for more information, please contact us at johnsonvile.library@wcc.govt.nz.

To celebrate Tūmanako 2023, and in remembrance of Hiroshima Day, here are some books to help inform us, and help us develop our aspirations for a peaceful future.

Syndetics book coverPeace warriors / Raymond Huber (2015)

This book tells the heroic stories of brave New Zealander’s and people around the world who used non-violent resistance to pursue paths of peace. One of the stories is of Archibald Baxter, who refused to fight in World War 1 because he did not believe in killing. He faced brutal punishment and rejection for his courageous choice.

Sadako and the thousand paper cranes / Coerr, Eleanor
This historical novel is based on the Sasaki Sadako, a Japanese girl who became a victim of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima by the United States. Sadako worked to fold one thousand paper canes in an attempt to achieve a legend that by doing so, a person could be healed. Sadako’s life has inspired stories and songs.


Book: 'The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki'. Cover image.

The complete story of Sadako Sasaki : and the thousand paper cranes / Dicicco, Sue
“In this book, author Sue DiCicco and Sadako’s older brother Masahiro tell her complete story in English for the first time–how Sadako’s courage throughout her illness inspired family and friends, and how she became a symbol of all people, especially children, who suffer from the impact of war… Proceeds from this book are shared equally between The Sadako Legacy NPO and The Peace Crane Project.” (Abridged from publisher’s description)

People of peace : 40 inspiring icons / Mirza, Sandrine
” Dreamers… Leaders… And fighters for our rights. Here are 40 globally recognisable people of peace! ” (Adapted from catalogue)
Syndetics book coverMaumahara ki tērā Nōema / nā Jennifer Beck rāua ko Lindy Fisher ; nā Kawata Teepa i whakamāori.

“It’s almost Guy Fawkes Night, and at the school speech competition Andy talks about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children cheer excitedly, thinking Andy will win the contest. But then, Aroha gets up, wearing a white feather in her hair, and tells the story of another fifth of November and the invasion of Parihaka in 1881.” (Syndetics summary)
Syndetics book coverRemember that November / written by Jennifer Beck ; illustrated by Lindy Fisher.
“It’s almost Guy Fawkes Night, and at the school speech competition Andy talks about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children cheer excitedly, thinking Andy will win the contest. But then, Aroha gets up, wearing a white feather in her hair, and tells the story of another fifth of November and the invasion of Parihaka in 1881.” (Syndetics summary)
Peace and me / Winter, Ali
“An illustrated collection of inspirational ideas about peace based on the lives of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates of the 20th and 21st centuries. Includes: Jean Henry Dunant, Fridtjof Nansen, Jane Addams, John Boyd Orr of Brechin, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Nelson Mandela, Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, Malala Yousafzai.” (Catalogue)

Peace, power & politics : how New Zealand became nuclear free / Leadbeater, Maire

Older tamariki might find this pukapuka great for research!

“This is a story of how ordinary people created a movement that changed New Zealand’s foreign policy and our identity as a nation…In this country nuclear disarmament has become part of our communal psyche to a greater extent than in any other western-aligned nation… Peace activism is an ongoing story”- (Abridged from Publisher)

Green lizards vs red rectangles / Antony, Steve

“A brave and thought-provoking picture book about war and peace. The green lizards and the red rectangles are at war. But why? They fight and fight and fight – can they find a way to live peacefully side by side despite their differences? The perfect platform to start conversations about the futility of war, this brave and brilliant story is visually stunning and full of clever details to pour over.” (Adapted from catalogue)