How DO Things Work?

Kia ora!  Have you ever looked at a machine and wondered how it works?  Or wondered how things in space work?  What about inside your body?  There are so many questions about the world!

Well, the good news is we have lots of kids books that explain and describe the inner workings of all sorts of interesting topics.  You name it, we’ve got a book to tell you how it works.  To get you started, we’ve selected a few interesting books for you to choose from.  But there are plenty more available to satisfy your curiosity.

Motorbikes / Oxlade, Chris

Find out all of the workings of some of the most amazing motorcycles.  This easy to read book breaks down many of the parts and what they do, with bright, clear illustrations.

What’s inside a black hole? : deep space objects and mysteries / Solway, Andrew

“This astronomy series looks at different aspects of the universe we live in.” (Catalogue)

Inside the bees’ hive / Ang, Karen

“Hundreds of buzzing worker honeybees build a yellow structure called a comb inside a tree trunk. The comb is made up of many small, six-sided rooms that the bees make out of wax. These rooms, called cells, will be used to hold baby bees and sweet, gooey honey. Welcome to the bees’ hive! ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Spacecraft / West, David

“Learn all about spacecraft, from the first space capsules to space planes and space shuttles.  Find out something amazing about each vehicle and then turn the page to see it sliced in two where its innermost secrets will be revealed.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

What’s eating you? : parasites – the inside story / Davies, Nicola

“There is one group of creatures who live on or in the bodies of other animals – in skin, hair, fur, feathers, blood, guts, livers, hearts and lungs. They are parasites. Uncover the secrets of their amazing life-cycles and dare yourself not to scratch or groan as you read.” (Catalogue)

Aircraft / Graham, Ian

Find out how all kinds of aircraft work and how they are laid out inside.  Lots of clear illustrations and information on different types of aircraft.

See inside weather and climate / Daynes, Katie

Filled with facts from how hurricanes and floods happen to how global warming is affecting the Earth’s climates. This is a lift-the-flap book that introduces readers to the science of weather. The work is filled with facts from how hurricanes and floods happen to how global warming is affecting the Earth’s climates.” (Catalogue)

How cities work : explore the city inside, outside and underground / Hancock, James Gulliver

“From the sewers to the skyscrapers, this book takes young readers to the heart of the city.  Get ready to explore the city in a whole new way. This innovative book for younger readers is packed with city facts, loads of flaps to lift, and unfolding pages to see inside buildings and under the streets.  Discover where people live and peek behind closed doors to see what’s going on in houses and apartments, or why not find out about what goes on underneath the streets you walk on every day? (Adapted from Catalogue)

Running the country : a look inside New Zealand’s government / Gill, Maria

“What does the government do to keep New Zealand running smoothly? How does parliament work and what is the job of the MPs? From the Bill of Rights to the way we vote, from parliamentary headquarters to the local council — and everything in between — Maria Gill explains our system of government. You will discover facts about laws, our currency, voting at the elections and the role of the media. There are fascinating profiles of New Zealand leaders, illustrated by cartoonist Malcolm Evans, along with photographs, amazing statistics and useful ‘google this’ Internet links to find out more.” (Catalogue)

The fantastic body : what makes you tick & how you get sick / Bennett, Howard J

“Jam-packed with fun facts, cool diagrams, and gross stories, and written by a successful, practicing pediatrician, this fun and comprehensive reference book with DIY projects is ideal for kids who want to know more about the mysterious stuff going on inside their bodies.” (Catalogue)

How computers work / Hubbard, Ben

“Ever wonder what goes on inside your computer? Take a look into how processors, networks and more are all connected.” (Catalogue)

Inside of a dog : what dogs see, smell, and know / Horowitz, Alexandra

“From an animal behaviorist and dog enthusiast comes an adorable guide to understanding how our canine friends see the world. Want to know what dogs are thinking? What they feel, and what they can spell with that great big nose of theirs? Here’s your chance to experience the world nose first, from two feet off the ground. What do dogs know, and how do they think? The answers will surprise and delight you as dog owner and scientist Alexandra Horowitz explains how our four-legged friends perceive their daily worlds, each other, and us. This book is as close as you can get to knowing about dogs without being a dog yourself.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

5 new children’s non fiction to read in term 3.

Here is your chance to discover a hidden world beneath the surface of things. Whether it is what goes on deep within the bowels of a city, what is really going on inside the human body. Or even what is going on right outside your backyard.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPeeking under the city.

Tall building and bright lights. Honking  and cool water fountains. This is what a city looks like above ground. But what wonders lie beneath? Let’s go below the streets and take a peek.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPeeking under your skin.

Arms, leg and a big smile. Waving hands and dancing feet. This is what a person looks like from the outside. But what wonders lie inside? Let’s go below your skin and take a peek!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPeeking Underground.

Leafy trees and green grass. Chirping birds and children playing games. This is what the earth looks like above ground.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsEgyptian Mummy: The Embalmer’s Handbook.

Prepared to be dazzled and spellbound the glorious mysteries of ancient Egypt. Read this and discover a civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and discover how they embalmed their dead. Contains beautiful illustrations, a guide to Egyptian coffins, ‘true or false’ quizzes, and a spectacular gatefold image of the River Nile.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe beginners guide to netball.

Willing to bring out your inner Silver Fern? This check out this fantastic beginners guide to netball. This book 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.

 

 

 

New Non Fiction: Myths, Mysteries and… Time Travel!

London: A Time Traveler’s Guide.

Did you know that London is thousands years old? So when you walk through its busy streets, you are standing on top of history. Forget Doctor Who, With this guide you can travel back in time and discover all the relics of the past, ancient treasures and long forgotten buildings throughout London, England. You will find out all about  of the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, Medieval times, the Tudor, the Victorians to the present day. So come on down to the library and take a fact-filled journey through the history of London, one of the world’s greatest cities.

 

 

 

A City Through Time : From Ancient Colony to Vast Metropolis.

In the mood for some more time travel? Check out this new and  stunning update of the popular original, A City Through Time. Follow the story of a city from ancient colony to vast modern metropolis with full-colour illustrations that will transport you back to another age. Reading this book may be the closest you ever get to what really goes on in a Roman bath-house, a medieval castle or a modern skyscraper. Comes complete with a photographic section that profiles great cities through history and a glossary that tells you what you need to know about architecture, technology, work and costumes throughout the ages. Great  for parents and children to look at together or for school projects.

 

Norse Myths and Legends.

This book explores the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Norse myths and legends so compelling. Forget Thor, the hero from the Marvel comics, now is the time to really study and learn all you have ever wanted to know about the Norse Mythology and the Vikings. As a bonus, you will also discover facts and information that  you didn’t know, like Thor’s favorite weapon was a magical hammer, (Okay, maybe that’s something you already knew), some gods used goats or cats to pull their chariots and gods believed rainbows could be bridges between worlds.

 

 

 

Solving Mysteries with Science.

Do you like reading about the strange  and unknown? With this new series on solving mysteries, you are in for a treat. Read all about the encounters, what scientists and other experts think and the evidence that supports the existence of  The Loch Ness Monster, Mermaids and The Bermuda Triangle.

     

 

Treasure Hunters.

Two new books from the Treasure Hunters series is now available at Wellington City Libraries. Tomb Explores explores all the tombs and treasure you will find in parts of the world such as Egypt, China and South America. You will also discover amazing facts and found out answers to questions like what sort of booby traps were hidden in Pyramids?, Why were the Terracotta Army craftsman ordered to be killed? and Where have tomb explorers used remote-controlled cameras? Great Art Thefts combines the subjects of Art, Mysteries and Crime into one resource. Read all about the great art crime capers that took place throughout history including the theft of the Mona Lisa that took place in 1911, the Boston burglary in 1990 where 13 artworks were stolen and the theft of The Scream in Norway, 1994 during the Winter Olympics.