5 New Animals Non Fiction: The Animal Planet Collection.

The Animal Planet collection invites you to go on a wild journey where you will meet awesome wild animals up close, see stunning photographs of animals in their natural habitat, learn how animals survive and thrive all around the world, and find out ways wild animals are just like us.

So what are you waiting for? Come on down to the library, and check out 5 books in the Animal Planet collection where young readers will discover nature.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsWild Animals.

A fun and interactive guide to wild animals. Young readers will explore sections about animal bodies, baby animals, food, play time, conservation and more.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBaby Animals.

Brace yourself for cuteness overload! This book describes animal babies and their developmental behaviors, discussing cats, otters, raccoons, snails, and kangaroos.

AWESOME FACT: Baby ferrets are called kits.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAnimals on the move.

Prepare to be amazed and spellbound when you see animals on the move that run, hop, slither, fly and climb in this amazing guide. Also detailed information about animals, such as frogs, worms, falcons, and cheetahs. Highly recommended!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOcean Animals.

Dive into the exciting world of ocean animals where you will meet amazing marine creature up close  and learn how they survive and thrive in the watery wild.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPolar Animals.

Chill out with amazing polar animals in this amazing book where you will meet incredible polar animals up close and how they survive and thrive in the North and South pole. This also contains information about the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat of polar animals, including king penguins, narwhals, and reindeer.

5 New Non Fiction before school starts.

Hey kids!

Another school term is about to start. Why not come down to the library and get some reading out of the way before all the homework piles up. Check out the latest new non fiction at Wellington City Libraries where you will learn all about cooking, animals, cat care and an inspirational woman that defied all the odds and became one of the most influential women in the law profession.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Barbie cookbook.

Join Barbie in the kitchen and whip up delicious meals for you and your friends! In this book, Barbie teaches you to cook over 40 mouth-watering recipes. Each recipe is easy to make and is shown in beautiful color photographs. You’ll find recipes for scrumptious snacks, marvelous main courses and delicious desserts.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRuth Bader Ginsburg : the case of R.B.G. vs. inequality.

An inspiring true story about a courageous Jewish woman dubbed the unsinkable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who despite countless injustices and discrimination against Jews, females, and working mothers, went on to become Columbia Law School’s first tenured female professor, a judge for the US Court of Appeals, and finally, a Supreme Court Justice. A librarian’s choice all the way!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWho am I? : an animal guessing game.

Check out this book which gives readers clues so they can guess which animal will be revealed in a beautiful, full-spread illustration when they turn the page. Playful nouns, adjectives, and verbs describe the characteristics and movements of each animal. Fun and learning in rolled into one!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsI want a Cat.

A unique combination of an engaging story and information about how to choose, prepare and care for a kitten or cat.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to play Guitar in 10 easy seconds.

Learn how to play the guitar in 10 easy lessons. This guide covers information such as how to hold a pick, find each chord, and improvise. Also includes exclusive internet backing tracks.

 

Top 7 New Non Fiction of 2017.

Hi kids! Check out the latest and greatest top 7 new non fiction of 2017 in the library collection. Top 7 books that will make sure you’re all schooled up on how to cook simple and healthy meals, forming friendships, becoming the ultimate jedi master in the art of minecraft and wonderful stories  about animals!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsKuwi’s Kitchen: Kiwi Kids’ Cookbook.

Kuwi’s kitchen is filled with easy-to-make recipes, a creative way to encourage kids to make their own simple meals and fun, well balanced healthy lunches.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGrowing Friendships: A Kid’s Guide to making and keeping friends.

Children want to fit in, but sometimes getting along with friends is complicated. Authors Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin give kids the answers they need to make and keep friends using five essential skills: reaching out to make friends, stepping back to keep friends, blending in to join friends, speaking up to share with friends, and letting go to accept friends. — Adapted from back cover.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft: Master Builder Toolkit.

Become a Minecraft master builder with this incredible step-by-step guide to creating 15 amazing Minecraft masterpieces! Age: 7+

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGame on! 2018 : your guide to all the best games.

This book, written by gamers for gamers offers information and statistics about all of the hottest games, tips and tricks for gamers, and interviews from gaming’s biggest personalities, including game developers and pro gamers.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMalala’s Magic Pencil.

A beautiful story about a young woman’s goal to make the world a better place and to always hold onto hope even in the most difficult times.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBig Cats.

In this completely updated edition of Big Cats, award-winning writer Seymour Simon celebrates the grace and power of lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, pumas, and snow leopards. Readers will learn all about how they hunt, care for their young, and rest in their varied natural habitats. Overall this is a fantastic book jam that is well written, easy to understand and jam packed filled with eye catching photographs.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe elephant whisperer : my life with the herd in the African wild.

When Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a rogue herd of elephants in his reserve in South Africa, it was the last chance for these elephants. If Anthony didn’t take them, they would be shot. But he had no experience with elephants at all. What was he to do? Take them on, of course!–Provided by Publisher.

 

Top 5 New Non Fiction of 2017!

Hi kids! Check out the latest and greatest top 5 new non fiction of 2017 in the library collection. Top 5 books that will make sure you’re all schooled up on how to code, understanding primate behaviour, brought up to date on 54 years worth of Doctor Who and mountain climbing!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsDoctor Who.

A brand new guide illustrated with over 100 pieces of original fan art, showcasing the best stories from 54 years of Doctor Who. Profiling 100 of the most beloved Doctor Who TV stories, this book is filled with essential information and original art drawn by fans themselves. From thousands of entries, the illustrations inside were chosen as winning pieces as part of an official Puffin Doctor Who fan art competition held in early 2017.

image courtesy of syndeticsUntamed : the wild life of Jane Goodall.

“This biography for children will trace Goodall’s life, but each chapter will also focus on two or more the chimpanzees that she observed, with information in sidebars about these particular animals. Along with biographical details, the book will explore the ethical issues that surround Goodall’s work and show what has changed in our understanding of Great Apes. What do we know today about these animals in terms of language, speech, tool use, and DNA? How has sophisticated technology – GPS systems, Satellite imagery, portable digital microphones – been used to gain new information about animal populations.”– Provided by publisher.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMake your own game : create with code.

CoderDojo Nano: Make Your Own Game teaches the fundamentals of the Javascript coding language in a simple, logical way to help kids reach their goal of creating their very own PC game. Children will learn everything from creating a game world, animating characters and determining the physics of movement within the game. Each concept is illustrated with a screenshot to make checking easy, and incredible pixel art from Army of Trolls makes this look like no other coding book.Coder Dojo Nano: Make Your Own Game is the perfect first step that kids can take towards game development.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to code 2.0 : pushing your skills further with Python.

Everything you need to know about simple coding. Covers areas such as using Python, creating video games and even designing skyscrapers.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsEpic Climbs.

Discover the world’s most amazing mountains, and the extraordinary climbers who conquered them. Discover how five of the most difficult mountains were conquered.

 

 

Top 10 New Non Fiction to get you ahead in life while having fun along the way!

Hey kids! Check out the latest and greatest new non fiction in the junior collection. Top 10 books to get you ahead in life while having fun along the way. Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsLego: Absolutely Everything you need to know.

Can you believe that a wooden duck was one of the LEGO Group’s first toys? Or that 68,000 LEGO pieces are created every minute? Did you know that the evil Overlord is the only NINJAGO® Minifigure to wear a skirt? Or that you’ll find a LEGO croissant piece inside 44 LEGO sets? This book is crammed full of fun and fascinating trivia for LEGO fans of every age. From minuscule Minifigure mugs to the largest LEGOLAND® model, it covers all the places, populations, pieces, and themes that make up the LEGO world. Produced in collaboration with the LEGO Group.

image courtesy of syndeticsSelf Control to the Rescue.

Focusing on specific times of the day that present particular challenges, the book uses illustrations and simple language to describe breathing exercises, stretching, and visualization techniques to help children aged 4-7 keep calm and in control.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCool Coding.

Want to get into coding? This fun-filled is the perfect introduction to find out how computers count, how the cloud works and what snakes and camels have to do with writing code. Overall a fantastic introduction to the wonderful world of coding.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAdventures in Raspberry Pi.

Provides instructions for using the Raspberry Pi 3, and explains how it can be used to create stories and games, code music, and build Minecraft worlds.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics10 reasons to love an elephant.

“Did you know that elephants are the largest land animals in the world? Or that they live in herds headed by their grandmothers? Open this book to learn all about why elephants are incredible, and 10 reasons why you should love them.”– Page [4] of cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics10 reasons to love a turtle.

“Did you know that turtles are as ancient as the dinosaurs? Or that they can hold their breath for hours underwater? Open this book to learn all about why turtles are incredible, and 10 reasons why you should love them.”– Page [4] of cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsUltimate Marvel.

This definitive in-world guide to the Marvel Comics Universe features, in chronological order, every significant Marvel Comic character, location, vehicle, and weapon in the company’s illustrious history. Go on a fact- and fun-filled journey via the first major Marvel heroes, villains, cowboy stars, and comic characters of the 1940s and 1950s to the iconic, timeless Super Heroes and Super Villains of the Marvel Age of the 1960s and beyond, such as Thor, Hulk, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, the Avengers, Storm, Loki, and Green Goblin. Further sections feature key vehicles and technology, magical artifacts, planets, countries, and places, plus a glimpse behind the scenes into Marvel Comics’ creative processes and techniques. Cover artwork is by esteemed comic book artist Adi Granov. Including authoritative text by Marvel Comics experts and spectacular artwork from the original comic books.

image courtesy of sydneticsGuinness world records. 2018, Gamers edition.

The ultimate and complete guide to videogames. The brand-new 2018 edition is packed full of the most up-to-date news, achievements and developments in the gaming world, illustrated with the best and most exciting imagery from this year’s top titles. It also includes gameplay tips and hints, retro facts from classic games, and more.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to mend a kea : + other fabulous fix-it tales from Wildbase Hospital.

This is the perfect book for anyone who cares about our wild creatures and wants to know more about how they are helped, when they are ill or injured.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGirl rising : changing the world one girl at a time.

Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls’ education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty. Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others.

Top 10 Recommended Halloween movies for kids.

Hey kids! Halloween is just around the corner (AHHHWWOOOOOO!) Wellington City Libraries has some spooktacular DVDs in the collection for your viewing pleasure and frightful night in. Let the scare fest begin!

Enjoy!… and Happy Halloween.

Casper.

Join Casper the friendly ghost is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey (Bill Pullman) arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat (Christina Ricci). Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.

Frankenweenie.

What if you could bring your pets back to life? Young Victor successfully proves that theory when he revives his best friend back to life. However problems emerge when his class mates want follow suit in bringing their pets to life and ensues disastrous consequences. Overall a heart-warming and hilarious tale about how far a boy will go for his best friend. A must see movie for Halloween.

Coraline.

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.

image courtesy of amazon.com

Shrek’s thrilling tales.

Join Shrek, Donkey, Puss and B.O.B. as they get the fright of their lives in five spooktacular stories the will keep you howling with laughter. It’s a Shrektastic halloween treat that’s ogre-the-top fun for the whole family.

 

Toy story of terror!

What starts out as an exciting road trip for the Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse following a detour to a roadside motel. After Mr. Potato Head suddenly disappears, his friends find themselves caught up in a hilarious mystery that must be solved before they suffer the same fate in this thrilling story of TERROR!

image courtesy of amazon.comThe Goonies.

“From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, The Goonies plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling, surprise-around-every-corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby-traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden doubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of bumbling bad guys… and a mild-mannered monster with a face only a mother could love. A family adventure classic from start to buccaneering finish, The Goonies is a cinematic treasure trove of breathtaking action, dazzling effects and shiver-yer-timber thrills!” –Container.

Hotel Transylvania 1 and 2.

The Hotel Transylvania, run by Dracula, is a unique, high-end resort catering only to the finest monsters and their families. 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!  In 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.

 

The Witches.

Nine-year-old Luke finds that saving the world from witches is a tall order for a boy who has been turned into a mouse.

Monster High. Ghouls rule.

Ghouls Rule unearths an old conflict between ‘Normies’ and monsters – and things are about to get scary. For years, students at Monster High were warned that Halloween was a night to stay inside and avoid conflict at all costs. But Frankie and her friends discover that ghouls and ‘Normies’ once loved to spend the holiday together. The ghouls decide to turn back the clock and use the night to celebrate their individuality and show that it’s okay to ‘Be Yourself. Be Unique. Be a Monster’.

Room on the broom.

“The story of a kind witch who invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. When the gang saves the witch from a fearsome dragon she rewards them with a magnificent new broom which has room for everyone!”–Container. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson.

9 New “action packed” Non Fiction to curb the winter blues.

Hey Kids! Welcome to the latest Junior Non Fiction blog post!

July and winter has finally hit and there will days where you want nothing more than to stay inside and hibernate with a hot cup of cocoa and a library book. (Hmmm, sounds like heaven to me!)

Once again, Wellington City Libraries has new “action packed” non fiction bursting through our shelves for your viewing and reading pleasure for boys and girls of all ages.

There are books where the world of Greek mythology, the world of Greek gods and goddesses and… superheroes collides. Not to mention the odd Greek word here and there; Superheroes are featured that boys and girls can look up to; there are books for girls  in the sporting, dancing  and superhero world, hmmm I think I detect a bit of a girl power theme going on and finally books that will help you find the right word for any given situation.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsHow cities work : explore the city inside, outside and underground.

Lonely Planet kids has done it again with “How Cities Work.” This book allows kids the opportunity to explore the city inside, outside and underground, with lots of cool flaps to lift to see inside buildings, not to mention unfold pages to find out what is going on above your head and udder your feet. Overall a fantastic book that gives a full in depth account to city life as you have never seen it before, and already a popular book amongst kids, which is currently hot on the reserve list.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe right word : Roget and his thesaurus.

Lost for words? You can certainly find the right words in this book. “The Right Word” tells the story of Peter Mark Roget, a brilliant man who took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought, who went on the be the creator of Roget’s Thesaurus, one of the most widely used reference books ever published. A biography and a thesaurus all in one, who could ask for more!

DID YOU KNOW: The word “Thesaurus” means “treasure house” in Greek.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Gods and Goddesses of Olympus.

This book briefly recounts the stories of members of the Greek pantheon. Overall a great read and a fantastic introduction to the Greek Gods and Goddesses.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBatman character encyclopaedia.

Brace yourself, Batman and DC Comics fanatics, the latest Batman Character Encyclopaedia has made its way to the shelves at your local library. Discover all the powerful, strange and crazy characters from the world of Batman. Meet your favorite Super Heroes and learn all about the most fearsome super-villains.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWonder Woman: The Ultimate Guide to The Amazon Warrior.

“Keep faith. Trust  to love. Fight with honor. But fight to win.” – Wonder Woman.

This is a motto worth remembering.

Finally a superhero that young girls can look up to! A guide to the world of  demigoddess, Wonder Woman includes seventy-five years of iconic characters, major story arcs, and key issues, along with information on locations, enemies, and allies. This is a must have read for every comic fanatic and a great companion alongside The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus!

Also check the following trailers to Wonder Woman, which has just been released in theatres and Justice League, which won’t be released until sometime in 2018, down below.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Beginner’s Guide to Netball.

Maria Tuta’ia, New Zealand international netball player takes you on journey to help you become or improve your skills in playing netball and perhaps ensure your career as a future silver fern, heehee. You will learn skills such as how to shoot goals under pressure, master passing accuracy and pull off the perfect dodge.  “Features the basic skills every netballer should be familiar with, no matter what their position. Read about the story of netball as well as Maria’s own journey to becoming an international netball superstar”–Publisher information.

image courtesy of syndetics
The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories.

This book hold beautiful retellings of six of the world’s greatest ballet stories are accompanied by two story CDs read by Juliet Stevenson that is bound to enrich library collections and inspire young dancers. This book is in a word… GORGEOUS! A must have read for the budding ballerina and dance enthusiast.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsLots : the diversity of life on Earth.

One, two, three …lots!  Find out in this beautiful and brilliant book how all living things – including us – are part of a big, beautiful pattern and depend on each other for survival. With beautiful words from Nicola Davies and exquisite illustrations by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children. Overall a fantastic read that that is suitable for young children and serves as an educational resource on biodiversity and conservation.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe ultimate unofficial encyclopedia for Minecrafters : multiplayer mode : exploring hidden games and secret worlds.

Calling all Minecrafters! Looking for a new challenge? Minecraft strikes again! This book presents information on the world of Minecraft, including how and where to play safely online, playing in creative and survival modes, and server plugins for advanced players.

 

NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults – Non Fiction Award Finalists!

Check it out, kids! Wellington City Libraries are jam packed full of Non Fiction goodies that have been shortlisted for the New Zealand Book Awards – Whoohoo! So what are you waiting for, come on down to the library or place a reserve to ensure you get hold of one or all of these amazing books that will widen your knowledge of New Zealand wildlife, creatures and some good old fashioned history.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syendticsFrom Moa to Dinosaurs: Explore & discover ancient New Zealand.

Prepare to go on a journey where you will get a glimpse of the animals that lived in ancient New Zealand just before people arrived. It then goes back in time, providing snapshots of particular periods, as far back as 180 million years ago. The range of animals covered in this book include: moa and other extraordinary birds that are now extinct; crocodilians and turtles; the shark-toothed dolphin and giant penguins; dinosaurs such as sauropods and theropods; as well as those resilient survivors who can still be found in New Zealand today, such as kiwi, native bats, giant weta and tuatara. Overall I found this beautifully illustrated and a wonderful resource that will intrigue and encourage children to learn something about the origins of New Zealand.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJack and Charlie: Boys of the bush.

“The true story of two boys who live on the wild and rugged West Coast of the South Island. Join Jack and Charlie as they go whitebaiting and fishing, panning for gold, chopping wood with their tomahawks, firing at targets with their bows and arrows, plucking ducks, camping in the bush and rafting down rivers”–Publisher information.

 

image courtesy of sydneticsThe Cuckoo and the Warbler.

This book tells the true story of one of the most remarkable wildlife relationships in New Zealand, between pipiwharauroa, the shining cuckoo, and riroriro, the grey warbler. It is a story of tragedy, trickery and faithful care – and it plays out each spring and summer in the forests of Aotearoa. Although rarely seen by humans, the interaction of these two native birds is a striking example of nature’s inventiveness. Overall a beautiful, heart warming story that can be enjoyed by children and adults.

The Genius of Bugs.

Discover a world of insects as you have never seen it before. “Inspired by the science exhibition Bug Lab, which was brought to Wellington in December 2016 by Te Papa and Weta Workshop”, The Genius of Bugs presents a cast of amazing and unexpected bugs, from the killer brain-surgeon jewel wasp to the master-of-disguise orchid mantis, to the New Zealand favourite, the wētā”–Publisher information. This book is guaranteed to be a favourite.

Torty and the Soldier.

“Meet Torty! She’s one tough little tortoise with a beat-up shell and some missing toes. Torty survived a great war that raged in Europe one hundred years ago. She was rescued back then by a young Kiwi solder. Torty is a true World War One survivor. “–Publisher information. This book is in one word – AWESOME! and is a book that can be enjoyed by children and adults.

7 New Non Fiction to get your hands on…before the school holidays.

Brace yourselves! Wellington City Libraries has more new non fiction in stock for your reading pleasure. It’s a good time to get hold of them now, especially with the school holidays around the corner. A mixture of fact and fun based books that will keep you amused and entertained. Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsAtlas of Everything.

Navigate the world like never before. Featuring over 50 maps of the world – one on every page – this unique atlas includes facts and figures on almost everything you’d want to know. From Nobel Prize winners and popular names, to endangered species and active volcanoes, the combination of maps and infographics makes this the perfect book for children to find out information in a quick and easy way, and remember it. Includes information on the origins of humans, ancient civilisations, the fashion industry, music around the world, film, sport, art and design, politics, the natural world, architecture, animal migration, oceans, natural disasters and space, to name just a few topics in this fact-filled book.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMini hacks for Pokémon go players. Catching : skills, tips, and techniques for capturing monsters.

An unofficial guide for Pokémon Go players. You’re on the hunt for all 151. Some are easy, others are super hard and elusive. Mini Hacks for Pokémon GO Players: Catching focuses on strategies to help build your Pokémon collection. Includes tips and techniques on: Ball tossing—how to perfect the curve ; What type of Poké Balls you need for specific monsters ; How to most effectively use Razz Berries ; Where you are most likely to find and capture specific types ; The scoop on Lures and Incense to boost catchability and catch all of the mini hacks for Pokémon GO players!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe book of wildly spectacular sports science.

“Why does a knuckleball flutter? Why do belly flops hurt so much? Why would a quarterback prefer a deflated football? Here are 54 all-star experiments that demonstrate the scientific principles powering a wide variety of sports and activities–and offer insights that can help you improve your own athletic skills. How does a black belt karate chop her way through a stack of bricks? Use Popsicle sticks to understand why it’s possible and learn the role played by Newton’s second law of motion. Does LeBron James really float through the air on the way to a dunk? Use a tennis ball, a paperback book, and the help of a friend to understand the science of momentum and the real meaning of hang time. Using common household objects, each project includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and a detailed explanation of how and why the experiment worked. It’s a win-win.”–Amazon.com.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGaming record breakers.

“Become an expert gamer with facts and records about the top consoles and games at your fingertips. Discover marathon game sessions, world-record high scores, best-selling games and the most expensive gear available in this must-have gaming guide”–Back cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWhat is poetry? : the essential guide to reading & writing poems.

Over many years as a working poet, Michael Rosen has thought a great deal about what poems are, what they can do and the pleasure that comes from writing and reading poetry. In this invaluable handbook, he shares this knowledge and experience in book form for the very first time. Starting with a detailed analysis of a number of classic poems, he offers a real writer’s guide to writing and performing poems, as well as a wealth of technical information and tips. He then takes a fascinating look at a selection of his own poems and explains how and why he wrote them. Complete with an appendix of poets and useful websites, and beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Jill Calder, this is the only guide to poetry children and teachers will ever need.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsNatumi Takes the Lead.

A heart warming true story about a shy orphan elephant Natumi, who is rescued by a team from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage for baby elephants. At the shelter, Natumi hides behind keepers’ legs to watch the other elephants at the shelter. But soon, she meets several other orphans, and the eight of them play together in the surrounding bush. As the babies become closer and more like a real family, they need a leader, someone they can trust. Can Natumi grow into this role? Join the herd to find out what happens when they travel back into the wild. Overall a fantastic story and must read for the budding animal enthusiast.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAll about Japan : stories, songs, crafts and more.

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place–and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, learn some Japanese songs. Two friends, a boy from the country and a girl from the city, take us on a tour of their beloved land through their eyes. They introduce us to their homes, families, favourite places, school life, holidays and more! Beyond the fun and fascinating facts, you’ll also learn about the spirit that makes Japan one-of-a-kind. This is a multicultural children’s book for families to treasure together.

Movie Review: Footrot Flats: A Dog’s Tale.

Rattle your dags, boys and girls and feast your eyes on an oldie but a goodie Kiwi Classic and childhood favourite of mine that comes to the small screen in the form of Footrot Flats: A Dog’s Tale. Featuring the characters from the late Murray Ball’s “Footrot Flats” – New Zealands most beloved local cartoon strip.

image couresty of Amazon.com

Join Dog, Jess, Wal, Cooch, Horse, Major, Rangi, Pongo, Cheeky and “those bloody Murphys” , where Dog goes on ‘a journey of a thousand miles’, and an epic adventure. You will bear witness to his first encounter with the sexy Jess, his loyal devotion to Wal Footrot, whom he saves from a fate worse than death; his adventures with Horse, the cat with the barracuda jaw and fishhook claws; his brilliant cowardice and mighty nose, pitted against the dastardly schemes of the villainous Murphys, their hell hounds and the Croco Pigs.

This film will also keep you entertained and glued to the small screen. Not to mention it’s jam packed full of Kiwi words, sayings and slang and references to Kiwi culture! The soundtrack, by Dave Dobbyn is mind blowing filled with famous popular Kiwi classics such as Slice of Heaven and You Oughta to be in love. Overall this film is VERY FUNNY! I laughed all the way through, especially during the part where Wal is serenading Cheeky with a love ballad  aka You Oughta to be in love, (see youtube clip down below!), Dog gets ambushed by an army of rats and the battle to the death with the deadly croco-pigs!

A film that can be enjoyed by all ages and a great film to watch with the family over fish and chips on a Saturday night. 6/10 all the way!