Get into the spirit of Halloween ’21 at the library – Part Two!

image courtesy of stuff.co.nz

Halloween has STILL arrived at the library!… and the scare fest continues on from Part One, with some fiction, picture books, and books from the eLibrary collection for a quiet (but scary!) night in. Wellington City Libraries also has some spooktacular DVDs in the collection for your viewing pleasure. AHHHWWOOOOOO!

eBooks on Overdrive!

Overdrive for Kids has an amazing collection of eBooks about Halloween and Halloween themed. Click here to view the collection.

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndetics

Fiction, Comics and Picture Books!

image courtesy of syndeticsSeven ghosts.

“Jake and the other finalists in a writing competition have been invited to a stately house for a tour like no other. As their guide leads them through grand rooms, hidden nooks and magnificent grounds, they hear the stories of seven ghosts who haunt the halls. But strange shapes and shadows follow Jake as he journeys through the house and with each tale that Jake hears, he begins to feel more uneasy. All is not as it seems and soon Jake will discover that something is very, very wrong … Old ghosts are stirred-up for Halloween in this spine-tingling, multi-narrative horror.” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsMelusine [2] : Halloween.

Melusine is a sorcerer’s apprentice, funny and dynamic, who does everything possible to become a powerful witch. Unfortunately, she’s not always successful, and very often her tricks turn against her and her friends… But tremble, poor mortals, for it’s the return of Halloween, the day of witches and the walking dead! This festival of demons must be celebrated with dignity, with great smashing of pumpkins and rotten tricks. The opportunity rises for Melusine and her friends to show what they can do… And then to start a new storm of gags and catastrophes!” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsBabymouse: monster mash.

“It was a dark and scary Halloween… This year, Babymouse is determined to have the best Halloween costume and the best Halloween party ever. Will Babymouse be the monster of her dreams? Will Felicia Furrypaws come to the party? And is that really the creature from the black lagoon living in Babymouse’s locker?” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsThe very hungry caterpillar’s creepy-crawly Halloween : a lift-the-flap book.

“Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar on his spookiest adventure yet as he explores the woods by the light of the moon. Lift the big flap on every page to discover which creatures are hiding in the woods tonight. A simple, engaging new seasonal lift-the-flap adventure with big flaps that are perfect for little hands!”(Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsWhat do werewolves do when it’s not halloween?

“But what about werewolves? Where do they go? What do they do through the year? Do they groom? Do they howl? Do they listen to jazz? Or watch movies and shed a small tear? What do werewolves do when it’s not Halloween? Perhaps they’re lurking where you least expect! Featuring vampires, witches, zombies, ghosts and skeletons, this is a SPOOKY and KOOKY Halloween treat for all to devour!” (Catalogue).


New to the collection is…

image courtesy of syndeticsThe good, the bad, and the spooky.

“Based on the New York Times bestselling picture book sensation The Bad Seed, Jory John and Pete Oswald present: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky! Includes two sticker sheets, perfect for decorating your own mini jack-o’-lantern. Halloween is the Bad Seed’s favorite holiday of the year. But what’s a seed to do when he can’t find a show-stopping costume for the big night Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course! Can he get a costume together in time Or will this seed return to his baaaaaaaaad ways Find out in this hilarious, charming, and thought-provoking continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling series.” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of Pup detectives [4] : ghosts, goblins, and ninjas!

“During a martial arts expo at Pawston Elementary, the sacred scroll of Bark-Jitsu is stolen. The pup detectives set out to crack their most puzzling case yet… because this one involves, ghosts, goblins, and a super stealthy ninja”– Provided by publisher.

Click here to view more Halloween themed books.

DVDs:

image courtesy of amazon.comThe Addams Family.

“Members of the mysterious and spooky Addams family–Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley, Wednesday, Uncle Fester and Grandma–are readily preparing for a visit from their even creepier relatives. But trouble soon arises when shady TV personality Margaux Needler realises that the Addams’ eerie hilltop mansion is standing in the way of her dream to sell all the houses in the neighbourhood.” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of amazon.comCoco.

“Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of amazon.comCoraline.

“A young girl walks through a secret door that she has found in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life, but much better. When her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents, including the Other Mother, try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of amazon.comHotel Transylvania 12 and 3.

“The Hotel Transylvania, run by Dracula, is a unique, high-end resort catering only to the finest monsters and their families. Check out The Hotel Transylvania trilogy and watch all three films back to back starting with the original film, where Dracula is preparing for an extra special weekend – his daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday – when trouble arises: a human has stumbled upon the resort for the first time ever! Even worse: the human has taken a liking to Mavis!” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of amazon.comIn the sequel, everything seems to be changing for the better at Hotel Transylvania. “Dracula’s rigid monster-only hotel policy has finally relaxed, opening up its doors to human guests. But behind closed coffins, Drac is worried that his adorable half-human, half-vampire grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing signs of being a vampire.” (Catalogue).

iage courtesy of amazon.com

In third film, A monster vacation, “The monster family embarks on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monster kind.”(Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsHarry Potter (and the philosopher’s stone) (and the chamber of secrets).

An oldie but a goodie, watch Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone and relive the magic where Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own, becoming a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards and having to battle some “enemies” along the way.

IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM

In the Chamber of Secrets, Harry finds the second year more challenging with flying cars, trees fighting back, duelling clubs  and a fifty year old secret that threatens to destroy Hogwarts.

image courtesy of amazon.comMonsters (Inc and University).

Mike Wazowski and James “Sulley”  P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. Monsters University unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

image courtesy of amazon.com

In Monsters Inc, Lovable Sulley and Mike Wazowski are the top scare team at MONSTERS, INC., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. When a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, monsters are scared silly, and it’s up to Sulley and Mike to get her back home. But Boo’s presence is more than just a mere accident. Now, Mike and Sulley have to face an enemy within their own ranks. Overall a heart-warming movie where guaranteed to scare and make you laugh.

Extra challenge… from beyond the grave!

Get into the Halloween spirit and dance your socks off zombie-style to Thriller by the late but talented Michael Jackson! Hmmm, I wonder if he would be keen to accept the vacancy of Wellington City Libraries’ library ghost?

Did you know? Wellington City Libraries’  Nao Robots, Frank and Stein, (formally known as Red and Blue) can whip out their own dance moves to to Thriller by Michael Jackson. Read more about them here.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Children’s DVDs: New Releases in October 2021

Spring is around the corner! Unfortunately not much is happening in terms or events and celebrations under Level 2. Not to worry, why not spring on down to Wellington City Libraries for some new children’s DVDs to keep you entertained, amused and give you a few laughs. So what are you waiting for? Go down to your local branch and borrow the following DVDs:

image courtesy of amazon.comRaya and the last dragon.

“Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world; it’s going to take trust as well.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comThe Croods. A new age.

“The Croods need a new place to live. So, the first prehistoric family sets off into the world in search of a safer place to call home. When they discover an idyllic walled-in paradise that meets all their needs, they think their problems are solved, except for one thing. Another family already lives there: the Bettermans.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comPeter Rabbit 2.

“The lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comTom & Jerry : the movie.

“When Jerry moves into a fine hotel on the eve of an important society wedding, the event planner hires Tom to get rid of him. Unfortunately, the battle which follows is big enough to destroy the wedding, her career, and possibly the hotel — so the sworn enemies decide to work together to save it all.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comZog and the flying doctors.

“Pearl and Gadabout are now a flying doctor trio, caring for creatures including a mermaid, a unicorn and a sneezy lion. However when bad weather forces them to land at the palace, Pearl is locked up by her uncle, the king.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comThe War with Grandpa.

“Peter is thrilled that Grandpa is coming to live with his family. That is, until Grandpa moves into Peter’s room, forcing him upstairs into the creepy attic. And though he loves his grandpa he wants his room back – so he has no choice but to declare war. With the help of his friends, Peter devises outrageous plans to make Grandpa surrender the room. But Grandpa is tougher than he looks. Rather than give in, Grandpa plans to get even.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comCruella.

“Cruella, which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.” (Catalogue).



image courtesy of amazon.comSpirit untamed : the movie.

“Spirit untamed is the next chapter in the beloved franchise full of adventure, family and friendship. Free-spirited Lucky Prescott moves to Miradero to join her estranged father. She is decidedly unimpressed with the sleepy town until she discovers a unique tie to her late mother, who was a fearless horse-riding stunt performer. She quickly forms a bond with a wild mustang named Spirit and makes two new pals who love horses as much as she does. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her friends set off on an epic journey to rescue the horse who has given her an unbreakable connection to her mother’s legacy.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comLuca.

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato (YUM!), pasta (DOUBLE YUM!) and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

New Zealand Music Month 2021

New Zealand Music Month is back again and is in its 20th year marks 20 years of celebrating and supporting the New Zealand Music industry. The theme for 2021’s NZ Music Month is: Support local. Stream local. Follow local. Buy local.image courtesy of nz music month facebook page

image courtesy of nzmusicmonth.co.nz

What is New Zealand Music Month?

May is New Zealand Music Month, which celebrates music from New Zealand, and the people who make it.

How can I celebrate? 

The NZ Music Month schedule is packed with events, awards, radio specials, online seminars and promotions. Check out the events page for more information.

You can also support your librarians, many of whom also moonlight as musicians and performers. You can also to your local library for events such as preschool storytime, Baby Rock and Rhyme and so much more! Check out what’s on for kids at your local library.

May Music Mini-fest ‘21.

At Waitohi and Tawa Libraries, It’s a musical takeover from musical LEGO and crafterschool to upbeat storytimes and pop-up performances! Check the Waitohi and Tawa Libraries calendars for more information!

Check out our books on music and musicians!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe school of music.

“Here you will go an a unique and melodious journey, which introduces aspiring musicians to all kinds of music, from classical, to country, to contemporary… and many more! Meet six musicians and learn about different instruments and genres of music, as well as basic theory for beginners, from melodies and harmonies to pitch and rhythm.” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsMusic trivia : what you never knew about rock stars, recording studios and smash-hit songs.

“Do you think you know everything there is to know about music? Think again Get the inside scoop on some surprising music industry trivia.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndetics50 things you should know about music.

“An all-encompassing introduction to the genres, musicians, instruments and musical events that have shaped the world of music. From the rock and pop of Western youth culture to the haunting sounds of traditional Mongolian throat singers, all humans in all parts of the world make music. Its harmonies affect us in a deep way and its beauty is universal. We have developed hundreds of styles of music played with all kinds of instruments, large and small. The very first instruments were simple flutes made from animal bones, but we soon developed a vast array, making all kinds of sounds. Today we can use the latest computer technology to create any sound imaginable, and musicians continue to explore the endless possibilities of music.”  (Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsLegends, icons & rebels : music that changed the world.

“A tribute to more than two dozen legendary music artists who significantly influenced the landscape of music for generations to come, from Ray Charles and Bob Dylan to Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash.” (Catalogue)


Also search our catalogue for more about music.

Watch music themed DVDs!

image courtesy of amazon.comSoul.

“Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. A misstep takes him from New York City to The Great Before, a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities before going to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human life. As Joe tries to show 22 what’s great about life, he may discover the answers to the most important questions.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of amazon.comCoco.

“Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.comTrolls and Trolls World Tour.

“When their village is invaded by the grumpy Bergens, two mismatched friends must work together in perfect harmony to save the day. Featuring hit songs performed by Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, and more. (Catalogue). In Trolls World Tour, Poppy and Branch discover that they are but one of six different Trolls tribes scattered over six different lands and devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop and Rock. A member of hard-rock royalty, Queen Barb, aided by her father King Thrash, wants to destroy all other kinds of music to let rock reign supreme. With the fate of the world at stake, Poppy and Branch set out to visit all the other lands to unify the Trolls in harmony against Queen Barb.” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsTrolls Soundtrack.

“A computer-animated film starring the shock-headed dolls that won’t stay out of style, Trolls featured the voice talents of such double threats as Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, and Gwen Stefani. Its soundtrack was executive produced by Timberlake, who also provided the original song “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” The dance-pop tune, penned by Timberlake, Max Martin, and Shellback, topped the charts in over a dozen countries in the spring of 2016 before the movie’s release that fall. ” (Catalogue)

Check out the music video, Can’t Stop the Feeling, by Justin Timberlake, from the movie soundtrack!


image courtesy of syndeticsTrolls World Tour : original motion picture soundtrack.
“Expanding the Trolls universe with the addition of new genre “lands” — encompassing pop, funk, classical, reggaeton, hip-hop, techno/electronic, country, and rock — the album follows suit, building upon the first soundtrack’s pop/dance base with fun surprises from an all-star roster.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Where can I find information about New Zealand Music, artists and bands?

ManyAnswers has a page dedicated to websites, resources and ways to search for information about New Zealand musicians and bands. The National Library also has a page dedicated to New Zealand Music, where you can explore the culture, history and uses of music in New Zealand along with famous singers (traditional and contemporary), music awards, bands and the styles of music unique to New Zealand. Wellington City Libraries also runs the Wellington Music Blog — the most comprehensive source of information about local Wellington musicians and bands you can find. Check it out!

For more information, on events and ideas on how to celebrate, visit the following websites:

NZ Music Month official website.

New Zealand Curriculum Online – New Zealand Music Month.

NZ History – New Zealand Music Month.

NZ Music Month Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page.


Enjoy!… and Happy New Zealand Music Month 2021!

Children’s DVDs: New Releases in June 2020.

Hey kids! Winter is around the corner and there will be more days spending indoors. To curb the winter’s blues… and boredom, why not head on down to your local library and rent some new DVDs added to the children’s movie collection to keep you entertained. So what are you waiting for? Go down to your local branch and borrow these DVDs!

Enjoy!

image courtsy of syndeticsPAW patrol. Robo dog rescues.

Join the PAW Patrol and their trusty Robo Dog in 7 robotic adventures, including a double-length rescue. Help the pups fix Robo Dog’s glitches and see him become the team’s PAWsome driver, pilot, and only robot rescuer! Plus, watch the pups work together to stop a giant rampaging robot!
image courtesy of syndetics

Playmobil : the movie.

When her little brother Charlie isappears into the magical universe of Playmobil, Marla ust go on a quest of a lifetime to bring him home. As she journeys across stunning new worlds, Marla teams up with some unlikely new friends–smooth-talking food truck driver Del, dashing secret agent Rex Dasher, a wholehearted robot, a fairy-godmother and more to rescue Charlie from the villainous Maximus.

image courtesy of amazon.comSpies in disguise.

Super spy Lance Sterling and scientist Walter Beckett are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave, and debonair. Walter is not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo is forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise, transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril.

image courtesy of syndeticsBlaze and the monster machines. Ninja Blaze.

Hi-Ya! Blaze and AJ discover the Ninja Training Grounds, where Ninja Master Blackbelt practices his moves with his ninja pals! Then power up with Pickle on a mission to save Crusher, and gear up with Blaze at the big Team Truck Challenge where he shows Crusher how to race fair and square. And it’s all in a Blaze work when Blaze takes on new jobs and transforms into awesome vehicles!

image courtesy of syndetics
Playing with fire.

Chaos and hilarity ensure after an old-fashioned fire superintendent and his crew find themselves in over their heads while attempting to babysit the three lively and unpredictable young children they rescued from a burning house.

image courtesy of amazon.comFrozen. II.

Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa’s powers in order to save their kingdom.

Also, why not go back to where it all began with…

Fr… Fr… Frrr…. Frozen!

image courtesy of amazon.co.ukFrozen 

You can never go wrong with Frozen. Relive the magic and musical renditions of “Let it go” in this amazing classic about family, friendship and diversity.

 

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Children’s DVDs: New Releases in October 2019.

Hey Kids!

We have 6 new DVDs added to the children’s movie collection just in time for spring.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of amazon.comAladdin.

Take a magic carpet ride with Aladdin, a street rat frees a genie from a lamp, granting all of his wishes and transforming himself into a charming prince to marry a beautiful princess. But soon, an evil sorcerer named Jafar becomes fixated on securing the lamp for his own sinister purposes.


image courtesy of amazon.comPokémon: Detective Pikachu.

It’s Pokémon as you’ve never seen it before! Lovable and all time favourite Pokémon, Pikachu gets his own movie with Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. The story begins when ace private eye Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wisecracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery.

image courtesy of amazon.comMy little pony, friendship is magic. What lies beneath.

The Young Six are studying for an upcoming exam, but Cozy Glow thinks that friendship is against her nature! A light begins to shine from the floor of the library, which leads the group to an underground cavern. The six must face their worst fears and work together to prove that they understand the nature of friendship.

Here comes the grump.

As a child Terry spent summer vacations at his groovy Grandmothers Theme park, full of awesome rides and enchanting creatures. With his grandmother gone, the theme park is threatened with closure, but magically, Terry is given the chance to save it all. He is swept away to a marvelous land full of excitement, but must save the kingdom from the grips of the evil, nasty wizard, The Grump.

The secret life of pets 2.

Terrier Max is coping with some major life changes. His owner is now married and has a toddler, Liam. Max is so worried about protecting the boy that he develops a nervous tic. On a family trip to a farm, Max and Duke encounter many creatures who elevates Max’s anxiety. Luckily, Max gets some guidance from veteran farm dog Rooster, who pushes Max to ditch his neuroses, find his inner alpha, and give Liam a little more freedom. Can Max and the gang find the courage to face their biggest fears?

image courtesy of amazon.comToy Story 4.

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called ‘Forky’ to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.


New trailer of The Lion King released!

The countdown begins to the release of the live action film, The Lion King!

Released in theatres on July 18th and 25 years since the release of the original and animated film. Just in time for the school holidays!

A new trailer has been released and overall, it is amazing!

You will get to see all the beloved characters of the film, including Mufusa, Rafiki, Scar and Simba, (as a baby, child -EEEKK! Prepare for an overload of cuteness- and an adult), and of course, lovable duo: Timon and Pumbaa!

It shows promise that this film will be even better than the original, as well as the most anticipated movie of the year.

The Lion King boasts an all-star cast featuring Beyoncé as Nala, Donald Glover  as Simba, Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogan as Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar and James Earl Jones returning to his role as Mufasa.

So what are you waiting, check out the trailer!

Enjoy!

In the mean time…

Why not watch the original movie and relive the magic of a timeless Disney classic of all time. DVDs are available at various Wellington City Library branches.image courtesy of amazon.co.uk

I cannot recommend The Lion King enough! You will laugh. You will cry. You will be guaranteed to sign along to songs such as Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and Can you feel the love tonight.

Also check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack: Circle of Life and Can you feel the love tonight? by Elton John.

Children’s DVD Review: When Marnie was there

This movie, When Marnie was there, was screened at last week at the Thursday Night Film screening at the Central Library. If you missed out on the movie night, then have no fear, we have this DVD in the Children’s DVD collection, which you can watch for your own viewing pleasure, in the comfort of your own home, especially as we may be in for a few cold nights during this mid-winter season.

 

image courtesy of amazon.com

This film tells the story of Anna, an introverted orphaned girl and a bit of a lost soul, who feels abandoned, unwanted and unlovable.

However, while on holiday, a chance encounter with a mysterious blonde girl, Marnie, who in many ways is a reflection of Anna, changes Anna’s life forever.

As the summer progresses, Anna spends more time with Marnie, and eventually Anna learns the truth about her family and foster care, which allows her to open up to possibilities all around her, mainly meaningful relationships with friends and her surrogate family.

This film is hauntingly beautiful and truly captures the essence and beauty, you would in find in most Japanese animated films produced by the Company, Studio Ghibli, who also brought such Japanese animated films to life, such as Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro.

Overall a great film that young girls will enjoy, that explores the true meaning of friendship and finding yourself.

Rating: 7/10.

New Non Fiction: Let us entertain you!

The holidays are about two weeks away and winter’s almost on it’s way.  Worried about what you are going to do over the holidays? Never fear, come on down to Wellington City Libraries, get stocked up on new books (and maybe some DVDs for good measure)  and let us entertain you!

Wellington City Libraries has more new non fiction in the Children’s collection for your enjoyment and pleasure. This month’s blog post pays tribute to the entertainment industry.

Here you will find a list of books that can give you ideas on how to make your own film (whether as a hobby or if you aim to be the next Sir Peter Jackson); getting schooled up on your favorite Disney, Pixar and Star Wars characters (maybe revisiting and watching your favorite Disney, Pixar and Star Wars movies), drawing SpongeBob SquarePants characters and even running away to join the circus!

There are three more books have been published from the series, Inspirational Lives that focuses on influential people and key figures in the public eye, in the case this month, a writer, a rap star and the creator of Apple! Who knows, maybe reading about their inspiring lives may inspire you to follow your creative dreams and goals.

 

Behind the Scenes: Film.

If you’re a movie buff (like I am) and interested in what happens behind the scenes of your favorite movies, then have a read of this new revised and updated book on what goes on in the film industry. You will learn about how things work in film, inside knowledge about the jobs people do and even tips on how to get experience and your first job if you are looking to pursue a career in the film industry.

 

Disney junior encyclopedia of animated characters : Includes characters from your favorite Disney Pixar films.

So you think you’re a Disney expert? Sure, you may know the words to every Disney Song and able to recite all the lines from your favorite Disney movie. But do you know the answers to questions like what is the dentist’s address in Finding Nemo?, what is Mulan’s family name? and why the words “Meega na la queesta!” makes an alien want to throw up? Hakuna Matata! All the answers are in this new encyclopedia from A to Z about all your favorite Disney and Pixar animated characters. If only they had published this when I was a kid.

Also check out my personal Disney favorites: Lilo and Stitch, Finding Nemo, The Lion King and The Incredibles. 

 

  

A long long time ago in a galaxy far far away… Three new books on Star Wars arrived at Wellington City Libraries!

In the mood for Star Wars non fiction? For all you Star Wars fans, you get three for the price of one. Three books that are guaranteed to make you the ultimate Star Wars expert!

Star Wars Character Encyclopedia explores over 200 heroes, villains, droids and weird aliens from the Star Wars series. It’s great for anyone who wants to gain further insight to their favorite Star Wars characters. Also find out if you have what it takes to be a Jedi… or a Sith Lord by reading Who are the Jedi and What is a Sith Warrior from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. In Who are the Jedi, you will read and uncover secrets of the most powerful and heroic Jedi Knights of all time, while Who Are the Sith explores the most fearsome fighters of all time and their deadly secrets.  Grab them down at your local library before someone else does.

 

 

Circuses.

Roll up, roll up! The Circus has come to the library!… Well almost. We now have a new and exciting book about all you ever wanted to know about circuses. Read all about the history of the circus from 18th century to present day, the use of animals, famous circuses around the world and even tips of how to be a circus performer. You will learn lots of amazing facts and information like the first circus that started was in London, 1768 by Philip Astley and the Cirque du Soleil employs over 5,000 people around the world.

 

How to Draw SpongeBob SquarePants.

Ahoy  SpongeBob SquarePants fans! Now you can bring SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and Mr. Krabs to life… on paper. This book will show you how to draw these characters with simple step by step instructions. There’s lots of cool drawing tips and sketching ideas, including how to make your own flip book that brings your drawing to life as if there were on film or TV. This book is bound to keep you entertained for many hours on end.

 

If you enjoyed the last post on Inspirational Lives, get ready for more biographies on your favorite celebrities and key figures in the public eye:

 

Steve Jobs: Digital Innovator.

Read all about  Steve Jobs, the  American entrepreneur and best known as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc, the  co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios! (Yup, the company responsible for our favourite Disney movies like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story 3!) and how this  man, from San Francisco revolutionized the way we think about computer, music, entertainment brought the world the  iPod, iPhone and iPad! You will learn all about this amazing genius’ inspiration life from how is interest in electronics developed, the founding of Apple, his family life and how his career came to an end due to an illness that led to his death in 2011.

Check out some of the Pixar DVDs like Brave, Up, WALL-E and Toy Story 3.

Anthony Horowitz: Creator of Alex Rider.

We all know him as the best selling author of children and young adult fiction, mostly popularly known as the author of the Alex Rider series, but what don’t you know? Read the latest and revised biography of Anthony Horowitz and find out everything you have ever wanted to know about him:  His childhood, his inspiration for writing and how Alex Rider came to life and things you didn’t know about him, like his mum giving him a human skull for his 13th birthday and spending his gap year in Australia working as a cowboy. You find information on tips to be a writer and a quiz that can show you if you have what it takes to be a writer.

 

Jay-Z: Megastar Rapper.

This book is the mother of all inspirational lives! We all know Jay-Z as the multi-platinum rap icon,  shrewd businessman and husband of famous R&B singer, Beyonce, who went from being a  kid from the ghetto and a high school drop put to a man who sold 50 million albums around the world, who won 15 Grammy Awards and who even owns his own basketball team! (A life we can envy.) Now is the chance to read about the man behind the multi-million dollar brand. You will read all about his troubled childhood, brush with the law, finally hitting the big time and how his performance in Glastonbury, 2008 brought acceptance of hip hop to a traditionally rock audience