Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim whānau

Kia ora kids! We know some of you might like to know more about Ramadan.. or some of you might not even know what Ramadan is. Luckily you are in the right place. Libraries are great places to learn about different religions, cultures and important celebrations that happen all over the world, including in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

What is Islam?

Ramadan and Eid are important events in the religion called Islam. People who follow Islam are called Muslims. There are about 1.9 billion (!) Muslim people all over the world. We think you will agree that is a lot of people – its roughly a quarter of the Earth’s total population!

Why is it good to learn about Islam?

A local Muslim family celebrating Eid al-Fitr at Newtown Library

As the world comes together and people mix more and more, it’s good to learn about religions and cultures that maybe different to your own. You may be Muslim yourself, have a Muslim friend, or classmate, or you may not know any Muslims. But we can all learn more about Islam. Like many religions, Islam has lots of ancient wisdom and practices that help its followers to be peaceful and kind people.

Ramadan is one of the most sacred times of the year for Muslims, it is a time when people remember the prophet Muhammed who received the first verses of the holy book the Qur’an. Ramadan lasts for 1 month and is a time when people fast, which means they do not drink or eat from sunrise until sunset, every single day for 4 weeks!  In the evening they break the fast with a special meal called the Iftar and visit family and friends.

Why? Not eating anything means that you get to practice not getting everything you want. It can be very difficult to go without food and water, so it helps you to develop a strong mind. It helps Muslims to focus on family, kindness and helping others. Most importantly Ramadan is a time spent being quiet and reflecting on Allah (God).

At the end of Ramadan the fast is broken with a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr. Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”.

Celebration Collection

Just some of the fantastic books you can find in our Celebration Collection for Ramadan and Eid!

In the Library we have a new Celebration Collection for Ramadan and Eid. This means we have a lot of beautiful new books about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr that are available at this time of the year.

As part of this special collection, we have over 60 books about Ramadan and Eid written by Muslim authors, as well as many books with Muslim characters. These books are for kids of all ages, from babies all the way up to intermediate-aged readers.

Here are some you may like to read:

Children’s books about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

The proudest blue : a story of hijab and family / Muhammad, Ibtihaj
“Faizah relates how she feels on the first day her sister, sixth-grader Asiya, wears a hijab to school.” (Catalogue)

In my mosque / Yuksel, M. O.
“A picture book featuring culturally rich artwork celebrates the joys, rituals, and traditions that are practiced in mosques throughout the world, and includes a glossary and information about many historical and significant mosques.” (Catalogue)

Aya and the butterfly / Salama, Maysoon
“Aya and her grandad grow swan plants in their garden. Dedicated to the children and whānau of the Aotearoa New Zealand Muslim community, whose lives were changed forever on 15 March 2019.” (Catalogue)

Once upon an Eid : stories of hope and joy by 15 Muslim voices
“Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas and simmering pistachio kheer, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Like the moon loves the sky / Khan, Hena
“Illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran celebrate a mother’s love and hopes for her child.” (Catalogue)

Sadiq / Nuurali, Siman (series)
“When Sadiq’s father leaves on a business trip, he worries he’ll miss his baba too much. But Baba has a story for Sadiq: the story of the Desert Star. Learning about Baba’s passion for the stars sparks Sadiq’s interest in outer space. But can Sadiq find others who are willing to help him start the space club of his dreams?” (Catalogue entry for Sadiq and the Desert Star)

Planet Omar / Mian, Zanib (series)
“Welcome, readers, to the imaginative brain of Omar! You might not know me yet, but once you open the pages of this book you’ll laugh so hard that snot will come out of your nose (plus you might meet a dragon and a zombie – what more could you want?). My parents decided it would be a good idea to move house AND move me to a new school at the same time. As if I didn’t have a hard enough time staying out of trouble at home, now I’ve also got to try and make new friends. […] The only good thing is that Eid’s just around the corner which means a feast of all my favourite food (YAY) and presents (DOUBLE YAY).” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Community languages

Please note: We also have books in different community languages about Islam, Ramadan and Eid, including Arabic, Farsi, Somali and Bahasa Malaysia.

Please do come into our libraries for some quiet time and ask us about anything you may need help with.

السلام عليكم Arabic Language Day 2023!

السلام عليكم

Asalaamu alaikum!  The 18th of December is the United Nations Arabic Language Day. Did you know that there are over 300 million native Arabic speakers worldwide? This makes Arabic one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Arabic is spoken by a diverse range of people across the African continent and the Middle East and is the official language of 22 countries. This includes Sudan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Morocco, and Palestine.

There are more and more people who live in New Zealand who come from these countries, or whose parents or grandparents come from these countries. You could practice saying “Asalaamu alaikum” as a greeting, or just “Salaam”. Which means peace be upon you. You can answer with “Wa’alaikum salaam”

 

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Nowe książki w języku polskim!

Read this post in English!

W końcu są tutaj! Z radością informujemy, że wiele nowych książek w języku polskim są dostępne pożyczyć w Bibliotek Miejskich w Wellington. Jeśli w domu mówicie po polsku, lub chciałbyście nauczyć się polskiego, te nowe książki dla Was i Waszej rodziny będą idealne do wspólnego czytania.

Te książki są w tej chwili na półce w Bibliotece Te Awe, ale możecie je też zamówić przez katalog online, wyszukując „Polish Language Readers” lub „Children 491.858.”

Czytajcie dalej znaleźć sześć naszych ulubionych nowych książek…

Mądra Mysz: Mam przyjaciela kucharza / Butschkow, Ralf
“Mój przyjaciel Stefan jest kucharzem i robi najlepsze spaghetti świata. Zanim jego danie trafią na talerze, trzeba najpierw kupić składniki, przygotować je, ugotować, przyprawić. A wszystko, co gotuje Stefan, jest bardzo zdrowe – nawet desery!” (Katalog)

Dinozaury / Benedetta, Nigelli
Dinozaury to kartonowa książka z serii Motoryka Smyka, która spodoba się najmłodszym dzieciom. Uczyć się wiele nowych słów, wysunić długą szyję brontozaura, odkryć, co na grzbiecie ma inny dinozaur, i sprawdzać, kto wykluje się z jaj. Ta książka to świetna zabawa!

Strażak Sam: Koncert w płomieniach / Tarnowska, Ewa
“Wieczorem, Mike i Elvis, najsłynniejszy rockandrollowy duet Pontypanty, mają dać koncert w mieście. Ale wybucha między nimi wielka kłótnia! Czy pokaz się odbędzie? Czy Samowi uda się pogodzić przyjaciół?” (Katalog)

Mruczęty : kot mikołaja / Rowland, Lucy
Ciepła i zabawna opowieść o kocie świętego Mikołaja. Mruczęty ma skłonności narkoleptyczne – zasypia wszędzie i o każdej porze. Pewnego dnia zasypia wśród prezentów, zawinięty w ozdobny papier, i trafia w nimi do sań. Na sanie dybie szajka złodziei! (Katalog)

Miś Tuliś piecze ciasteczka / Melling, David
“Miś Tuliś uwielbia pyszne miodowe ciasteczka, ale nagle jego miodek znika… Czy Tuliś da się przekonać owcom i spróbuje czegoś innego i nowego? A może nawet to polubi?” (Katalog)

Nasza podróż / Kubiak, Tadeusz
“Krótka wierszowana historia o podróży pociągiem. Są w niej kasa biletowa, perony i zawiadowca z gwizdkiem, opalana węglem lokomotywa, wagon posztowy i wagon sypialny… ale to nie wszystko! Tę książkę można nie tylko przeczytać, lecz także rozłożyć jak scenografię w teatrze. Z jednej strony zobaczycie wtedy mijane po drodze krajobrazy, z drugiej pociąg.” (Katalog)

New Books in Polish!

Read this post in Polish!

They are finally here! We’re excited to announce that a range of new books in the Polish language are available to borrow from Wellington City Libraries. If you speak Polish at home, or would like to learn, these new books will be perfect for you and your family to read together.

These books are currently on the shelf at Te Awe Library, but you can also order them through the online catalogue by searching for “Polish Language Readers” or “Children 491.858.”

Read on to find out about six of our favourite new books:

Mądra Mysz: Mam przyjaciela kucharza / Butschkow, Ralf
“My friend Stefan is a cook, and he makes the best spaghetti in the world! Before his meals hit the plates, you first need to buy the ingredients, prepare them, cook them, and season them. Everything that Stefan cooks is healthy — even the desserts!” (Translated from Catalogue)

Dinozaury / Benedetta, Nigelli
Dinozaury is a board book in the series Smyk’s Motoryka, which are designed to appeal to the youngest children. Learn lots of new words, slide the Brontosaurus’ long neck back and forth, find out what another dinosaur has on its back, and see who is hatching their eggs. This book is so much fun!


Strażak Sam: Koncert w płomieniach / Tarnowska, Ewa
“This evening, Mike and Elvis, Pontypanty’s most famous rock-and-roll duo, are scheduled to give a concert at the port. But they are having a big fight! Will the show take place? Will Fireman Sam be able to bring his friends back together?” (Translated from Catalogue)

Mruczęty : kot mikołaja / Rowland, Lucy
This is a warm and funny story about Santa’s cat. Mruczęty will fall asleep anywhere, at any time. One day he falls asleep among the Christmas presents, wrapped up in wrapping paper, and ends up being a present on a sleigh with a gang of dastardly thieves!  (Translated and adapted from Catalogue)

Miś Tuliś piecze ciasteczka / Melling, David
“Hugless Douglas loves delicious honey cookies, but suddenly his source of honey disappears… can he be persuaded to try something new and different? And maybe even like it?” (Translated from Catalogue)

Nasza podróż / Kubiak, Tadeusz
“This is a short story about travelling by train. In this book you’ll find a ticket office, platforms, a whistle operator, a coal-fired train, a post-coach, and a sleeping car — but that’s not all! This book is not just for reading, but can be spread out like a theatre set! On one side you’ll see the landscapes you pass along the way, and on the other, the body of the train.” (Translated and adapted from Catalogue)

Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau: Tokelau Language Week 2022

Fakamālo atu kia te koutou uma!

This year Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau | Tokelau Language Week runs from Sunday 23 October to Saturday 29 October! Our theme for this year is

“Halahala ki vavau, kae ke mau ki pale o Tokelau” which means “To plan for the future is to understand the past.”

Several activities and events will hold throughout New Zealand. Let’s read these books, visit some websites, and celebrate together!

All About Tokelau

Tokelau means “North Wind”, is located about 500km north of Samoa, while the distance between Tokelau and New Zealand is around 3748 km. It used to call as “Union Islands” and changed to Tokelau Islands in 1976. Tokelau has three small tropical coral atolls, which are Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. The population in Tokelau is around 1500 people. Their national languages are Tokelauan and English. (Source: UNOCHA)

Books

There are several books in our library collection that will let you know more about Tokelau! Let’s have a look!

Tokelau heroes / Riley, David
“Tokelau heroes presents inspirational stories of achievers who have Tokelauan ancestry.” (Catalogue)

Illustrated history of the South Pacific / Stenson, Marcia
“”The South Pacific is not only our geographic environment, it is also our cultural environment, and many New Zealanders trace their ancestry to Polynesian seafarers. This book is an introduction to the history of the South Pacific. A companion book to Illustrated History of New Zealand, also written by Marcia Stenson, it covers the following topics: geology and geography, the arrival of the first people to the Pacific, European exploration, war in the Pacific, political issues both historic and current.There is also specific information on these island groups: Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Polynesian outliers.”” (Catalogue)

Havali fakaua ki te fale = Walking home in the rain / Burgess, Feauaʼi Amosa
“Describes a group of children walking home from school in the rain.” (Catalogue)

Ko te tokotoko o toku tupuna = Papa’s tokotoko / Sione, Emeli
“Alo, the eldest grandson, initially rejects, but in the end takes on his responsibility to be a support for his grandfather.” (Catalogue)

Valigā magō : Painting sharks / Baker, Vaitoa
“It’s painting day at school. Hale and his best friend Ioane choose to paint pictures of sharks.” (Catalogue)

Tokelau Song Medley

We also have a beautiful Tokelau Song Medley video would like to share with you guys! Let’s sing together!

(Source: TheCoconetTV)

For more information about Tokelau, you may visit:


That’s it from us today about Tokelau Language Week 2022. Fakafetai and enjoy!

Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue: Niue Language Week 2022

Fakaalofa lahi atu!

Niue Header

This week, from Sunday 16 October to Saturday 22 October, we are celebrating Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue, Niue Language Week.

Our theme this year is:

Fakatūleva e Vagahau Niue mo e Tau Aga Fakamotu ma e Tau Atuhau | Sustain Niue Language and Culture for Future Generations.

This theme supports the overarching 2022 Pacific Language Weeks theme of sustainability.

Click the button below to find out about online events and activities!

Niue button

You can stay up to date with events on the Niue Language Week Facebook page too.

All about Niue

Niue is one of the South Pacific Islands, which is located in the centre of a triangle formed by Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Niue is famous for one of the largest upraised coral atolls in the world. The distance between Niue and the northeast of New Zealand is 2,400km, and it takes around 3 hours to fly from New Zealand to Niue. The population of Niue is around 1,600 people in 2022 (Source: Worldmeters). The official languages of Niue are Niuean and English. The theme for this language week aims to help encourage all Niue people to work together to sustain Vagahau Niue and cultures for future generations.


Books

We have some Niue language books in our library collection, and you are most welcome to borrow them today!

We are the rock / Riley, David
“In We are the Rock contemporary Niueans, historical and legendary figures tell their stories of focus, expression and achievement.” (Catalogue)

Tau kukukuku ha AkoTau kukukuku ha Ako = Ako’s hugs / Fuemana-Foaʿi, Lisa 

“Ako shows his affection towards his family by giving them hugs, including the family cat and his cuddly toy, Kuku, the fruit bat.” (Catalogue)

Of course you can! = E maeke he taute e koe / Hinge, Karen

“Jeremy is starting at a new school. He’s not too sure about how he will fit in. But the other students make him welcome and every time he thinks he can’t do something they say … “Of course you can!” That is until the day they go to the swimming pool.” (Blurb)

Tau Matatohi faka-Niue Niue Alphabet with English TranslationTau matatohi Faka-Niue : Niue alphabet with English translation / Ikenasio-Thorpe, Bettina  

A short introduction to the alphabet! In the same series, we also have an introduction to colours and counting numbers!

 

 

 

 


The woman who was swallowed by a whale : a tale from Niue / Wilton, Briar
“The woman who was swallowed by a whale is a folktale ; Niue : rock of Polynesia is a short factual introduction to the country and culture.” (Catalogue)


Kuaka visits Niue / Peterson,Vanessa
“Uses a story format and the concept of bird migration to introduce places in Niue, food and customs.” (Catalogue)


Tales of Niue nukututaha : in Niuean and English / Feilo, Zora
“A collection of twelve stories in both English and Niuean set on the island if Niue, this is the author’s reinterpretation of myth, legend and storytelling from her native land. Each story is lavishly illustrated by Niuean artist Lange Taufelila.” (Catalogue)


The artist and the whale = Fifine pulotu mo e tafuā : a Niue legend / Riley, David
“Mataginifale is a Niue superhero with a difference. She isn’t known for her super powers, but for her super creativity. One day she had an argument with a whale that tested her thinking skills too”” (Catalogue)


Niuean for kids / Jahri Jah Jah
“Learn to speak words and phrases in Niuean. This book packs in many common words and phrases., including greetings, colours, numbers, body parts, animals and farewells. It is a great resource for anybody wanting to learn some basic words in Niuean. Suitable for ages 1+.” (Catalogue)

Also, visit this link to find hundreds of children’s books in Vagahau Niuē at your local library.

That’s it from us today! We hope you enjoy our Niue Language Week 2022! Fakaaue Lahi oue tulou.

Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti: Fijian Language Week 2022

Bula!

Fiji is a southwestern Pacific island nation located about 800 kilometres southwest of Samoa and 1,800 kilometres North of New Zealand. It is an archipelago (a group of islands) made up of several hundred islands.  There are around 20,000 Fijian people living in Aotearoa!

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Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti – Fijian Language Week is Sunday 2 October – Saturday 8 October 2022

This is a chance to celebrate the Fijian language and culture in New Zealand and around the world!  This year the theme is:

Me vakabulabulataki, vakamareqeti, ka vakaqaqacotaki na vosa vakaviti. | Nurture, preserve and sustain the Fijian language.

Celebrate Fijian Language week with workshops at Newlands Community Centre!

Wellington Fijian Language class invite children of primary and intermediate age to celebrate Fijian language with a free workshop of language, games, food and art! Learn some simple Fijian phrases, play some traditional games, learn how to do some Fijian weaving. There will be a lunch at 1pm, you are welcome to bring a plate to contribute. Parents and carers welcome. Please contact the centre to register – ph 04 4773724 or email newlandscc@wcc.govt.nz

Click the image to find out about more events here in Te Upoko-o-te-ika-a-Māui Wellington Region! PLW-Email-Signature-Fijian

Here are some simple phrases to get you started speaking Fijian:

Ni sa bula vinaka – Greetings/Hello
Ni sa moce – vei kemuni na gole – Goodbye – to those who are leaving
Ni sa moce – vei kemuni na tiko – Goodbye – to those who are staying
Kerekere – Please
Vinaka vakalevu  – Thank you

Special phrases to use in the library:

Au tiko ena vale ni vola
I am at the library

Au wili vola tiko
I am reading a book

You can learn some more simple Fijian phrases on the Ministry of Pacific Peoples Website here

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Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga: Tonga Language week 2022

Tonga Language Week Poster. Tongan girl in traditional dress

Mālō e lelei!

We are excited to tell you this week is Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga, Tonga Language Week, from Sunday 4th September to Saturday 10th September.

This year, the theme is Ke Tu’uloa ‘a e lea faka-Tönga ‘i Aotearoa, Sustaining the Tonga Language in Aotearoa.

A series of activities and events will be running for the whole week. To find out more click the button below:

https://www.mpp.govt.nz/programmes/pacific-language-weeks/tonga-language-week/

About Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga has more than 170 islands! Some of the islands are the peaks of undersea volcanoes! Other Tongan islands are atolls, or islands in which coral reefs surround a shallow pool of water. Only 36 of the islands have people living on them.

The population in Tonga is around 100,000 people, 70% of whom reside on the main island, Tongatapu.

The islands are divided into three main groups: Tongatapu in the south, Ha‘apai in the center, and Vava‘u in the north. There are also isolated islands in the far north (the Niuas island group) and in the far south (‘Ata).

There are two official languages, Tonga and English.

The distance between New Zealand and Tonga is around 2,382km and it takes about three and a half hours to fly there.

At the 2018 census, 82,389 people living in Aotearoa NZ identified themselves as being part of the Tongan ethnic group.  Head over to Te Ara Encyclopedia to learn more about Tonga identities and cultural contributions in Aotearoa!

Basic Tonga Greetings

Mālō e lelei – Greetings / Hello

Mālō e lelei – Greetings Everyone

‘Okú ke fēfē hake? – How are you (singular)?

‘Oku ou sai pē, mālō – I am fine, thank you


New FREE Tonga Language Learning App 

Check out this new app ‘MA’AU: Learn through Bathtime’. You can learn Tonga, Gāgāna Sāmoa and Fijian languages. There are songs, quizzes and colouring!

Picture of tongan boy with soap bubbles and the word bathtime above

Learning Tongan Language through bathtime

If you want to learn more about them you can visit their website. https://maau.co.nz/

You can also read the book; Learning Tongan through bathtime.


Books

Visit your local library and have a look at our amazing books to learn more about Tonga cultures and practice the language in the  Tonga collection for kids. All our branch libraries have children’s collections in Tonga language.

If you don’t have a library card, you can sign up for free!

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)

 


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)

 


Fish for mufti day : a story from the Islands of Tonga / MacGregor, Jill
“To raise money for the Mufti Day donation Siokatame and his friends collect seafood and sell it to people in their village.” (Catalogue)
The Secret Cave by David RileyThe secret cave = Koe ‘ana fakapulipulí / Riley, David
“Naua was an expert fisherman who found an underwater cave. Naua had a feeling his cave would be helpful one day. And so it did. Find out what happened in The Secret Cave – Koe ‘Ana Fakapulupuli, a Tongan legend retold by David Riley”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

Of Course You Can! Io Te' Ke Lava

Of course you can! = ‘Io te′ ke lava / Hinge, Karen
“Jeremy is starting at a new school. He’s not too sure about how he will fit in. But the other students make him welcome and every time he thinks he can’t do something they say … “Of course you can!” That is until the day they go to the swimming pool.”–Back cover” (Catalogue)

That’s a wrap! Let’s enjoy the Tonga Language Week 2022 together! Mālō ‘aupito.

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim whānau


In 2019, Eid begins on Tuesday 4 June and ends on Wednesday 5 June. People traditionally greet each other on the day with the phrase “Eid Mubarak”, which means ‘blessed celebration’. Check out these books to find out more about this important international celebration.

Image Courtesy of Syndetics

Journey with George and his friend Kareem as they celebrate Eid. Together they try special treats, create baskets for others who have less money than they do and look for the crescent moon. This board book includes snappy rhyme that will appeal to school children.

Ramadan Image Courtesy of Syndetics

Learn and understand Ramadan and Eid as you enjoy this story.

 

 

 


Image Courtesy of SyndeticsSamīrah fī al-ʻĪd

Share with Samira and her family a day of fasting during Ramadan and feel her excitement as she sees the new moon. Practise your Arabic, your English, or even better, both!
Image Courtesy of SyndeticsEid al-Adha 

 

Explore Muslim culture through these clear explanations, and beautiful photographs. This non-fiction book will help you to become bilingual and multilingual too!


The Shapes of Eid, According to Me 

Experience visiting the Mosque, praying and getting henna done as you look at the shapes in nature and our world.