Puzzle Paradise: The Fun and Science of Problem Solving

via GIPHY

Do you like any/all of the following:

  • Problem solving
  • Maths
  • Reading
  • Art
  • Patterns
  • Shapes

Then it sounds like you like doing puzzles! Puzzles can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and they are often toys that we’ve played with since we were babies. If you think of blocks, Lego, Rubik’s cubes, picture puzzles, jigsaws, card games, Jenga, tangrams, sudoku – they’re all puzzles that need to be solved, and in doing so your brain is getting loads of exercise!


What happens to your brain when you do a puzzle?

Mental health icon vector clip art | Free SVGYour brain thinks you’re hunting! Puzzles play with words, numbers, shapes, and logic which makes us want to uncover the solutions that they hide. It’s like reading a Whodunnit – our brain is constantly trying to work out why. It is the ‘hunt’ itself that stimulates the areas of your brain that involves discovery.

You’ll get a whole brain workout: Puzzles activate both the left and right hemispheres of the brain which includes imagination, reasoning and memory.

You get a rush of pleasure when you solve the puzzle! That feel-good moment when you finally figure out that last clue or place the missing piece? That comes thanks to a rush of dopamine in your nucleus accumbens, the area of the brain responsible for rewards.


Who invented…?

Jigsaw puzzle in different colors | Public domain vectorsJigsaw Puzzles: The first jigsaw puzzle was created by a map engraver called John Spilsbury, in 1762. He mounted one of his master maps onto wood and then cut around the countries. He gave it to children in the local school to help them with their geography education. Learn more about the history of jigsaw puzzles on Britannica Online: Encyclopaedia Britannica | Jigsaw Puzzles

File:Rubik's cube scrambled.svg - Wikimedia CommonsRubik’s Cubes: In 1974, a young Hungarian architect named Ernő Rubik became obsessed with finding a way to model three-dimensional movement to his students. After spending months experimenting with blocks made from wood and paper, held by rubber bands, glue, and paper clips, he finally created something he called the “Bűvös kocka,” or Magic Cube. Learn more about the Rubik’s Cube on Britannica Online: Encyclopaedia Britannica | Rubik’s Cube

tangram | Free SVGTangrams: Invented in China approximately 200 years ago, a tangram is a re-arrangement puzzle created by cutting a square into seven geometric shapes called “tans”.


Online brain teasers to get you started

Stuff Kids’ General Knowledge Quizzes

CBC Kids Games and Puzzles

Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids

Safe Kids’ Games


Puzzle Books for everyone

Usborne Young Puzzle Book series: This is a great series of puzzle books aimed at ages 4+. There are many different stories and scenarios to choose from. For example:

Puzzle mountain / Leigh, Susannah
“A fantastic new padded hardback edition of this exciting, fun adventure, which challenges young children to answer a puzzle on every double page. Brightly coloured, detailed illustrations in a cartoon style, along with plenty of maps, guides and things to spot, help children become engrossed in the absorbing adventure story.” (Catalogue)

More picture puzzle books:

I spy A to Z : a book of picture riddles / Wick, Walter
“Easy-to-read riddles by Jean Marzollo are paired with 46 object-filled photographs by Walter Wick to create the most engaging alphabet book ever! Young readers can use the simple picture clues to recognize the letter and letter sound featured on each page. There are more than 30 million I Spy books in print!” (Catalogue)

Around the world in 80 puzzles / Artymowska, Aleksandra
“We are going around the world! Take yourself on a fantastical journey packed with puzzles to unpick and meandering mazes to wander through. There are 80 challenges to complete. Can you solve them all?” (Catalogue)

The looky book / Bixley, Donovan
“Presents a series of picture puzzles with a New Zealand theme in which the reader is invited to find a variety of objects.” (Catalogue)

Where’s Wally series: Fun fact: “Where’s Wally” is called “Where’s Waldo” in North America!

Where’s Wally / Handford, Martin
“Detailed pictures for the readers to find Wally in, plus other tasks to do on each page, under the flaps. Open the flaps and frantically find extra things that have never been seen or searched for before.” (Catalogue)

Master-mind : over 100 games, tests, and puzzles to unleash your inner genuis / Drimmer, Stephanie Warren
“An introduction to the human brain uses quizzes, trivia, and puzzles to explore the different functions of the brain, how to improve brain power, and why each brain is unique.” (Catalogue)

The everything kids’ dinosaurs book stomp, crash, and thrash through hours of puzzles, games and activities / Wagner, Kathi
“A collection of puzzles, games, and activities about dinosaurs that describes how to become a palaeontologist, what the earth looked like during the time of dinosaurs, and other reptiles and birds that coexisted with dinosaurs.” (Catalogue)

Math games lab for kids : 24 fun, hands-on activities for learning with shapes, puzzles, and games / Rapoport, Rebecca
“Math is the foundation of all sciences and key to understanding the world around us. Math Games Lab for Kids shares more than 50 hands-on activities that make learning about math fun by drawing and building shapes, solving puzzles, and playing games.” (Catalogue, abridged)

The 5 minute brain workout for kids : 365 amazing, fabulous, and fun word puzzles / Chamberlain, Kim
“With ten levels of puzzles–ranging from easiest to most challenging–and an answer key at the end to check your work, this book is sure to help keep your brain active and will help increase your understanding of and love for all kinds of words!” (Catalogue)

Gadgets away : 100 great games to play / Jennison, Fiona
“Technology has become the too-easy way to entertain ourselves and our children. This easy-to-use, imaginative book has everything. There’s plenty of fun here to keep your family laughing: Sporty games and playground classics Activities for indoors, gardens, parks and beaches Memory and travel games, brain teasers and magic tricks.” (Catalogue)

How to solve the Rubik’s Cube
“The Rubik’s Cube is the world’s best-known puzzle, a magical object that has baffled and fascinated the world for more than forty years. This clearly-illustrated step-by-step guide teaches you a foolproof beginners’ method for solving the Cube, plus advanced techniques if you want to learn to solve it in seconds.” (Catalogue)

Get your tech on with Techweek 2022!

Techweek is back! It runs from 16th to 22nd May 2022 nationwide!
image courtesy of techweek


What is Techweek?

Techweek is a nationwide series of events, showcasing and celebrating New Zealand innovation. Techweek has a mixture of live, virtual and hybrid events, both physical and virtual, that can be attended and enjoyed from anywhere in the world!

The theme for Techweek 2022 is “connect for a better tomorrow.”

For more information about Techweek and what events are on, visit the website.

Some highlights you might like to explore include a talk with Dr Michelle Dickinson, the Founder of Nanogirl Labs, about STEM in Schools, and an introductory Scratch coding virtual project with Code Club Aotearoa.

In the mean time, if you want information on the latest technology and innovations, why not check out the following books in the library collection?!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsSTEAM jobs for gamers.

Do you love playing video games? Did you know you can get a job helping to create one? There are more jobs for those who love gaming than you probably ever realized. From animators to script writers, readers will learn about various STEM and STEAM gaming jobs and what it takes to get one– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe zoom, fly, bolt, blast steam handbook : build 18 innovative projects with brain power.

Rockport’s creative engineering extraordinaire, Lance Akiyama, returns again with Zoom, Fly Bolt, Blast STEAM Engineer and 18 STEAM approved projects to get kids doing, thinking, and building!– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsSelf-driving cars : the new way forward.

“Author Fallon presents a history of how the technology used in self-driving cars has developed, identifies recent technological gains, and surveys recent controversies surrounding the potential mass adoption of self-driving cars.”–Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsSTEAM lab for kids : 52 creative hands-on projects using science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

“The creative projects in STEAM Lab for Kids are designed to demonstrate that there’s math and science to be found in great art! From rubber bands to edible stained glass, young engineers and artists alike will find inspiration in these 52 art-forward labs.” — Back cover. Also available as an eBook.


image courtesy of syndeticsVirtual reality.

“Engaging images accompany information about virtual reality. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 2 through 7” — Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe science of medical technology : from humble syringes to life-saving robots.

“This fascinating guide to the ever-growing potential of medical technologies combines fact-packed, easy-to-read text with colourful and quirky illustrations. From an exploration of how new devices are helping to spot early signs of illness to a discussion of how vaccinations have helped to eradicate devastating diseases, it is an eye-opening introduction to the miraculous power of preventative and curative medicine.Each spread has multiple entry points, including an introductory paragraph, illustrations and side panels such as Fascinating Fact, Can You Believe It?, and Try It Yourself, which provide additional information and handy advice.” (Catalogue).

Please search our catalogue for more information about technology here:

6 New Non Fiction to read before Christmas.

Hey Kids!

Check out the latest junior non fiction at Wellington City Libraries!

Featured in this post are 6 books to read before Christmas about classic fairy tales, Harry Potter, Lego, Unicorns and so much more!

Enjoy!

The atlas of classic tales.

Experience the world of eight classic fairy tales through gorgeously illustrated maps of the stories’ magical lands! In every fairy tale, the main characters set off on a journey or a quest. Now, stunningly designed and detailed maps invite readers to join their adventures in an exciting new way. Thanks to the imaginative pen of Claudia Bordin, this follow-up to Atlas of Fairy Tales brings eight enchanting kingdoms brilliantly to life. In a single glance, you can view the castles, villages, forests, and oceans where such beloved figures as Sinbad, Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood, and Thumbelina wander. From Sleeping Beauty and The Snow Queen to The Jungle Book and Aladdin, these stories are sure to delight as never before.


The atlas of fairy tales.

Whether it’s Little Red Riding Hood wandering through the woods or Alice falling down the rabbit hole, almost every children’s classic tells the tale of a protagonist’s journey. This atlas depicts those incredible adventures as never before, in stunningly illustrated maps. Enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of Dorothy and her friends following the Yellow Brick Road, or of Pinocchio’s travels as he tries to become real.


The magical guide to the wizarding world.

Get Potty with Harry Potter and Lego with The magical guide to the wizarding world. A must have read for all the Harry Potter and Lego fanatics!

A world of wizards, witches, and magic awaits! Meet all your favorite LEGO Harry Potter minifigures and discover the secrets hidden within Hogwarts Castle. Relive memorable movie moments, including exciting Quidditch matches and spooky adventures in the Forbidden Forest.


The Ultimate Builder’s Guide in Minecraft.

Build up your Minecraft skills with the Ultimate Builder’s Guide in Minecraft.

Creation is arguably the most important aspect of Minecraft, from mining resources to crafting buildings, vehicles, and even entire worlds … [This book is meant] for players of all ages who want to improve their building skills. [It] will take you all the way from crafting your first shelter to putting the finishing touches to your very own mega-build master classes


Minecraft maps : an explorer’s guide to Minecraft.

Are you ready for an adventure? Minecraft Maps is a visual guide to the Minecraft landscape, created by an explorer on a quest to find the most valuable loot whilst avoiding danger. Explore each of the fifteen major biomes through highly detailed, illustrated maps, then read the explorer’s notes about the unique features and discover an inspirational themed build idea for each. A beautifully illustrated visual guide in its own right, Minecraft Maps is also a survival tool. You’ll learn which biomes are home to the most dangerous mobs, where to look for to exclusive blocks, how to find naturally generated structures and the best places to search for loot. Once you’ve discovered each biome you can get building – construct an ice palace in the ice plains biome and an entire village suspended in the tree canopy above the jungle floor.


The secret lives of unicorns.

Unicorns, we need more of them in our lives. Why not read all about their secret lives in this amazing book! From anatomy to evolution. discover just how much you didn’t know about unicorns in this stunning guide.

The Wonderful World of Roblox!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Roblox! Move over, Minecraft! Roblox has been taking the world by storm as a multiplayer online and game creation system platform that allows users to design their own games and play a wide variety of different types of games created by other users. As of August 2019, Roblox has over 100 million monthly active users.

So if you’re looking to improve your robloxing skills or new to the game, come on down to your local library and check out the latest release of Roblox books, such as:

image courtesy of syndeticsInside the world of Roblox.

Presents an inside look at the Roblox world, introducing talented members of the community and providing insider information on the games.
image couresty of syndetics

Roblox character encyclopedia.

Offers an official character reference to Roblox, including biographical information and listings of avatar items.
image courtesy of syndeticsRoblox top adventure games.

From the Bloxy Award-winning Jailbreak and Lumber Tycoon 2 to the massively popular Heroes of Robloxia and Apocalypse Rising, this action-packed book gives you the official scoop on some of the most popular and critically-acclaimed adventure games on Roblox. Each profile tells you everything you need to know, including a guide to gameplay, interviews with the creators, and tips and tricks to take your skills to the next level.
image courtesy of syndeticsRoblox top role-playing games.

Offers an introduction to the many role-playing games in the Roblox universe and includes tips, tricks, and interviews with the creators.
image courtesy of syndeticsReady, set, play! : all the funnest, coolest games for kids.

Provides guidance, tips, and tricks for such video games as Minecraft, Angry Birds, Animal Crossing, Crossy Road, Roblox, and Super Mario Run. These games will improve reaction speed, build problem-solving skills, develop imagination and creativity, and encourage teamwork. Many of them are even educational, too!

Techweek 2019!

image courtesy of techweek.co.nzTechweek19 is back!… and will run from 20—26 May 2019 nationwide. Techweek simply provides a platform to add voices to a growing conversation on global innovation. The theme for Techweek19 is still ‘innovation that’s good for the world’.

For more information about Tech Week and what events are on, visit the website.

In the mean time, if you’re want information on the latest technology and innovations, why not check out the following books in the library collection.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe zoom, fly, bolt, blast steam handbook : build 18 innovative projects with brain power.

Rockport’s creative engineering extraordinaire, Lance Akiyama, returns again with Zoom, Fly Bolt, Blast STEAM Engineer and 18 STEAM approved projects to get kids doing, thinking, and building!– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsSelf-driving cars : the new way forward.

“Author Fallon presents a history of how the technology used in self-driving cars has developed, identifies recent technological gains, and surveys recent controversies surrounding the potential mass adoption of self-driving cars.”–Provided by publisher.


image courtesy of syndeticsScience lab : fantastic activities for young scientists.

From building a bridge and crafting a catapult to making a marble run and creating a crane, Science Lab is packed with activities that young readers can do at home to explore, discover, and understand the way the world works. It’s perfect for school projects, homework help, and firing up imaginations.


image courtesy of syndeticsStephen Biesty’s Incredible Cross-Sections.

This children’s book explores the innermost workings of some extraordinary buildings and machines. From helicopters to submarines, skyscrapers to coal mines, open up a fascinating world packed with unique and detailed cutaway drawings.

image courtesy of sydneticsTriumphs of technology.

From the power points in our homes to the mobile phones in our pockets, every aspect of our lives involves ingenious inventions of incredible complexity. Learn all about the inventions and advances in technologies that have helped make our lives a lot easier and discover the inventors and great minds who brought us these new machines in STEM-gineers: Triumphs of Technology.

STEAM lab for kids : 52 creative hands-on projects using science, technology, engineering, art, and math.image courtesy of syndetics

“The creative projects in STEAM Lab for Kids are designed to demonstrate that there’s math and science to be found in great art! From rubber bands to edible stained glass, young engineers and artists alike will find inspiration in these 52 art-forward labs.” — Back cover.


image courtesy of syndeticsEngineering.

Showcases engineering feats throughout history from the pyramids of Ancient Egypt to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. The book also features famous engineers, including the Wright brothers to Gustave Eiffel. Steam engines, rocket technology, bridges, and buildings are all covered here in this exciting book.

Earthquake Encounters at Te Papa!

Te Papa has some fun filled entertainment for kids that combines learning, fun and gaming!

Te Papa and the Earthquake commission have developed a Minecraft computer game called ShakerMod, which is the world’s first Minecraft Mod that lets you experiment with realistic earthquakes in Minecraft that enables children to develop skills on how to play minecraft; stop an evil corporation from using the destructive power of earthquakes to take over the world; explore the effects of earthquakes and monsters and learn how to keep your home safe.

The game can be played at Te Papa as part of its earthquake education programme, Earthquake Encounters, or downloaded to play at home or at school (users need to have a license for the Minecraft game). 

You can read the press release for more information. In the mean time, why not go down to your local library and have check out the amazing books on earthquakes and Minecraft in the junior non fiction collection. Books in the collection include:

image courtesy of syndeticsEarthquakes! : shaking New Zealand.

“Explains everything about the natural phenomenon, providing information for what to do during an earthquake and exploring some of the earthquakes through history”–Back cover.

iamge courtesy of syndeticsExtreme earthquakes and tsunamis.

An earthquake can shift an entire city three metres, make the Earth spin faster, and send shudders right across the world. It is raw power at work – and then monster waves follow . . . These may travel thousands of kilometres across the ocean, dump ships on dry land, an ruin a million buildings in one fatal whoosh. Find out about the most fearsome earthquakes and tsunamis, their causes and devastating effects, and the latest technology used to detect these hidden terrors. And virtually nowhere on the planet is entirely safe from them.

image courtesy of sydneticsFault lines & tectonic plates : discover what happens when the earth’s crust moves, with 25 projects.

Learn about earthquakes and volcanoes and how the earth’s surface is always changing.

image courtesy of syndeticsEarth-shattering earthquakes.

In Earth-Shattering Earthquakes, readers can explore a world of fearsome faults, shaky ground and shattering shock waves. Discover what it takes to be an earthquake expert, learn how to survive when an earthquake hits, and discover how rats and snakes can predict tremors. Filled with hilarious illustrations by Mike Phillips, Horrible Geography is the perfect escapism from miserable maps, rotten rock piles and dire diagrams. Hold tight!

image courtesy of syndeticsCool builds in Minecraft.

Teaches players how to build fifty different objects in Minecraft, including houses, vehicles, farms, and castles.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYDNETICSUnofficial Minecraft STEM lab for kids : family-friendly projects for exploring concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math.

“In Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids, you’ll find a collection of creative projects that make learning science, technology, engineering, and math exciting and fun for the whole family. Learn to document your Lab activities with sketchnoting, and how to screencast and narrate videos to share with family, friends, and other Minecrafters. Enjoy Minecraft together–and harness its powerful potential for learning–with Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids”– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsUnofficial Minecraft lab for kids : family-friendly projects for exploring and teaching math, science, history, and culture through creative building.

“Includes a variety of creative exercises that explore the game’s aspects and use them to teach fun, educational lessons. Begin the book by brushing up on some common Minecraft language and examining each of the four game modes: survival, creative, adventure, and spectator. Then, use this knowledge to venture off onto the six different quests that encourage child and adult participation.”–Publisher’s description.

image courtesy of syndeticsBuilding a Minecraft city.

Offering young Minecraft enthusiasts the ultimate sandbox experience, Building a Minecraft City gives kids aged 7-11 an outlet to enhance their love of the game and take their creative play to new heights. Brought to you by the trusted For Dummies brand, this kid-focused book offers step-by-step instructions and simple explanations for completing projects that will teach your child invaluable new skills–all while having a ton of fun!

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.

10 New Non Fiction: Heroes-Gaming-Mythology-Programming Winter Madness at the library!

School holidays are around the corner and Wellington City Libraries is bursting with Junior Non Fiction on their shelves for your viewing pleasure and entertainment. All the resources you need to get schooled up on folklore, mythology, coding, computer programing and much, much more! Let the heroes-gaming-mythology-programming winter madness at the library begin!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsDC Comics Super Heroes: The Awesome Guide.

“Ever wondered where Superman got his powers, or how The Flash became so speedy? Or why Wonder Woman flies an Invisible Jet, and why Batman has so many cool vehicles? All the answers and more can be found in this totally awesome guide to LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes. Discover the origins of the Justice League and their secret identities. Gasp at the amazing superpowers and learn all about their incredible collections of gadgets and vehicles. Who will win the fight between good and evil? It’s time to find out!”

 

image courtesy of syndetics

The amazing book of Marvel Spider-Man.

Now that you have had your DC fix, why not have some Marvel for added measure. Check out this amazing book on Spiderman, his friends and foes. A great resource to have on hand just in time for Spiderman: Homecoming. Check out the trailer down below.


image courtesy of syndeticsTimeline : a visual history of our world.

Translated from the Dutch. Originally published under the title ‘Tijdlijn’.

 

 

 

Multicultural Stories from…

image courtesy of syndetics India.

A collection of traditional stories retold from the folktales and epics of India, including “Dead Man Walking,” “Valmiki–the Highway Poet,” and “The Goddess with her Hands Full.”

 

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsWest Africa.

From the flesh-eating ghosts to the fearsome Sasabonsam Monster and the tale of a man named Hate-to-be-contradicted, these exciting stories are about tricks and magic, cunning heroes and wicked villains, and the threats of terrifying ghost.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft: Guide to Exploration.

The mysterious world of Minecraft is just waiting to be explored. But danger lurks around every corner and survival can prove difficult for even the bravest adventurer. The official Minecraft Guide to Exploration from Mojang will help you to survive and thrive. You’ll learn how to find resources, craft equipment and protect yourself from hostile mobs. Discover which biomes to avoid when starting out, how to build a mob-proof shelter and where to look for naturally-generated structures laden with loot. With insider info and tips from the experts at Mojang, this is the definitive guide to exploration and survival in Minecraft.

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon Encyclopedia.

“This up-to-date, comprehensive encyclopedia features: fascinating facts and figures about Pokémon and their world; the definitive reference for key characters, battles and places; every region, including Kalos; Pokémon life lessons; Ash’s story, his friends … and enemies!”–Back cover.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCool mythology : filled with fantastic facts for kids of all ages.

This fun book is a fascinating introduction to world mythology, broken up into handy bite-sized chunks. It covers all the main world mythologies, including Sumerian, Incan, African, Native American, African, Egyptian, Persian, Hindu, Norse and, of course, Greek and Roman, including the famous Olympians (Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and others). It begins with a selection of creation myths from different cultures (for example the Dreamtime of Aboriginal Australian mythology) and delves into individual stories from mythology, such as Perseus meeting Medusa and Pandora’s box. It covers fantastical mythological creatures from the fearsome Manticore from Persian legend to the modern-day Yeti, plus giants, dragons and the Phoenix. It explores mythological places like Atlantis and various versions of the afterlife, from the idyllic Arthurian Avalon to the rather less pleasant Yomi, the dark and gloomy underworld of Japanese mythology. Ancient myths are still relevant to today’s society, explaining traditions and giving lasting moral lessons.

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding Games in SCRATCH.

Coding computer programs is one of the most valuable skills for anyone to have. Written for children with little to no coding experience, Coding Games with Scratch guides children through building platform games, puzzles, racers, and 3-D action games. Schools have incorporated computer coding into their curriculum, beginning as early as kindergarten to ensure students understand the languages and uses of computer coding. The step-by-step guides are simple and easy to follow with Minecraft-style pixel art. Children will learn essential coding skills while having fun and creating games to play with their friends. The many different styles and types of games are covered, such as classic and arcade games. When people learn to code in Scratch, they learn important strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas. Coding Games with Scratch empowers children to be creative and to have fun while teaching them practical real-life skills. Great for ages 9 to 12 years old and great to have on hand for the ‘Meet The Robots’ event at your local library.

Also check out:

image courtesy of syndeticsComputer coding games for kids.

Your kids will be building computer games and learning code in no-time with ‘Computer coding games for kids’. Kids can enter the world of programming in this illustrated guide packed with step-by-step explanations showing kids how to build all types of games, from puzzles and racers to 3D action games. The perfect way to introduce a reluctant child to coding, ‘Computer coding games for kids’ shows kids how to have fun with Scratch by creating games. Simple instructions and graphics breakdown coding with Scratch so kids learn all the code they need to build, play and share their favourite games with friends.

image courtesy of syndeticsHelp your kids with computer coding : a unique step-by-step visual guide, from binary code to building games.

This unique guide is full of fun exercises and helpful tips that will help children learn all aspects of coding. Step-by-step explanations make the complex art of programming clear, teaching the basics of JavaScript, Python, and C++. Eventually building to more advanced projects, Help Your Kids with Computer Coding will have children and parents alike creating their own games, apps, 3-D models, animations, and websites in no time. 

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction February 2017

Lego has always been a favourite in the Children’s non-fiction collection, but have you ever considered using your own lego collection to make history?  Not only is the 2017 Guinness World records in the Top 10 but, they are also accepting bids for the largest Lego pyramid ever… with teams of unlimited size! So round up your mates, and their mates and their… so on and so on and who knows, Guiness World record 2018 could contain your name!

  1. Minecraft : the survivors’ book of secrets, by Stephanie Milton.
  2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling
  3. Minecraft : Redstone handbook, by Nick Farwell
  4. The LEGO ideas book, by Daniel Lipkowitz
  5. Star Wars Character Encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft and Pablo Hidalgo
  6. Master builder : Hack for Minecrafters, by Megan Miller
  7. Minecraft : Construction Handbook, by Matthew Needler
  8. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa Lehtimäki
  9. Lego DC comics Super heroes character encyclopedia, by Simon Hugo and Cavan Scott
  10. Guinness World Records 2017, Craig Glenday editor in chief