Craft

6 New Non Fiction to get you back into the back to school groove.

Katie

Complete Photo Guide to Bead Crafts.

This book provides information on bead crafting, including bead types, skills and techniques, and simple projects for parents and their children to practice essential skills. A great book to have on hand on a rainy day and during school holidays.

 

 

Space record Breakers.

Look inside this book and prepare to have the most mind-blowing records experience in the universe. Read this book and get information about  outer space and human space exploration, including the planet with the most moons, the first woman in space, and the closest star to the solar system. You will also get to find out which is the biggest known planet? What’s the hottest star? Who’s the most intrepid astronaut?

 

 

New from Eyewitness…

Dog.

Read this book and find out everything you need to know about caring for dogs, working dogs, from those that rescue people to those in the military and find out which dog breed is perfect for you as your family pet.

 

 

Ancient Greece.

This is an engaging and entertaining reference guide about Ancient Greece – perfect for younger readers. Discover epic tales of heroes and villains of the ancient Greek world. A great resource to use for a project on Ancient Greece and classical studies.

 

 

Gandhi.

Reading this book will allow you  to be a part of Gandhi’s extraordinary life story and relive a momentous chapter in history. See who Gandhi was as a person: from a time child to a freedom fighter and religious leader.

 

 

Cat.

Discover in this book how cats can hear the slightest noise and smell other animals in the dark, why cheetahs are the fastest land animals in the world and see the unusual and rare feline breeds, from the hairless Sphinx cat to the white tiger.

 

4 new non fiction for budding art enthusiasts

Katie

Fun things to do with paper plates and cups.

Got a stash of paper plates and cups collecting dust? Put them to use these school holidays by creating some fantastic craft ideas which you can find in this amazing, new book. Contains full-color photos and simple, step-by-step instructions that describe 10 crafts and activities using paper cups, paper plates, and common materials found around the house.

 

 

 

Fun things to do with egg cartons.

When you have eaten all the eggs in your fridge, what do you do with the carton? Throw it away? No way! Put it to good use by creating some fantastic arts and crafts. This book will give you many ideas on how you can reuse egg cartons and turn them into wondrous works of art. This book will keep you amused for hours on end with the eggciting projects featured in this book.

 

 

 

Get into art: Stories.

This explores a fascinating array of pictures that tell stories, from battle scenes to fairy tales to timeless myths, from artists as diverse as Edward Hopper, Matisse, L. S. Lowry and the creators of the Bayeux Tapestry. Perhaps one of my favourite things about is that each picture contains a flap where you can find out more on creating your own picture masterpiece. Overall this book is proof that a picture can indeed replace a thousand words.

 

 

 

Stitched paper art for kids : 22 cheeky pickle sewing projects.

For all you sewing enthusiasts out there, here is your chance to master the art of paper craft with Stitched Paper Art. Perhaps one of the greatest things about this book is the simplicity of the process practically guarantees that kids can finish a project in just one afternoon. And since paper is much more forgiving to work with than fabric, it gives them the confidence necessary to complete project after project after project! Overall this is a fantastic book that will enable you to paper stitch your way into creating works of pretty art that will make paper sewing look like child’s play.

Christmas non-fiction for children

Katie

It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. Check out some of the huge collection of non-fiction books that Wellington City Libraries has to offer!

Craft it up Christmas!

image courtesy of syndetics10 minute Christmas crafts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas things to stitch and sew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCraft it up : Christmas around the world : 35 fun craft projects inspired by traveling adventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooking up a Christmas Storm!

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas cooking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas cookies! : a holiday cookbook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas fairy cooking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Carols.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne book of Christmas carols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMy very first Christmas carols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun facts and Information about Christmas.

image courtesy of syndeticsHorrible Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne Christmas treasury.

Get crafty this Christmas

admin

Can you believe that Christmas is so close?! Neither can we!! It always seems like we get to this time of the year and suddenly have eight hundred and sixty three different things that we need to get done before the 25th of December: decorating, buying presents, doing baking… the list goes on!

So, we thought – why not compile some of our favourite Christmas craft activities that are not only extremely fun – but are also practical in some way! Here are some festive craft ideas for decorating, creating presents, and just having a fun time making stuff.

Why not make your own wrapping paper using some paints and a potato (or two)?

How about tackling the almighty ginger-bread house? This easy design uses Graham Crackers, which are American, but you can use any large square/rectangle biscuits or crackers.

Or you could make a sequined wreath to hang on your tree.

Speaking of decorations, why not try making some peg angels?

And you could make some Christmas Cookies as a gift for family members.

What about bundling the family up and making stockings out of socks? Just make sure they’re clean first!

We hope this has given you some ideas to help you have a crafty Christmas season – we’d love to hear about the crafts you’ve got planned for the next few weeks!

And did you catch our post about all the Christmas craft books we’ve got?

 

Don’t Forget… We have special Christmas storytimes happening in all our libraries between 8th – 19th December. Check out out kids events page for details.

New Non Fiction – get crafty!

Katie

image courtesy of syndeticsCraft it up : Christmas around the world : 35 fun craft projects inspired by traveling adventures.

It’s less than 85 days until Christmas. Why not get cracking with ideas on sort of Christmas themed projects you can tackle just in time for the holiday season. Stuck on ideas? Then check out Craft it up : Christmas around the world : 35 fun craft projects inspired by traveling adventures and get lots of fantastic ideas on creative projects, Christmas gift ideas and baked goods inspired by many countries around the world.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics10 Minute Halloween Crafts.

Halloween is around the corner. A time of ghouls, ghosts and spooky creatures.  This book is jam packed full of craft ideas to teach children  how to make Halloween decorations such as bat hangings and black cat lanterns and create spookily brilliant zombie finger puppets and witches on broomsticks, plus lots more amazing Halloween ideas. A book that is bound to keep children entertained from now until Halloween.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRoald Dahl’s The Witches: Plays for Children.

Anyone who is a fan of Roald Dah and who enjoyed his book, The Witches will absolutely love these seven short plays enclosed in this new book. Enclosed in this book are a collection of seven short plays to read and perform. It includes notes, props and costumes. The plays are easy to perform, ideal for acting at school or at home and guarantees lots of fun.

 

Make a zine at the Zinefest kids workshop

admin

What’s a zine? It’s a self-made magazine. Anyone can make one, it can be about anything and look anyway you want it to, and it’s a lot of fun.

Wellington Central Library has a great collection of zines that your can borrow – have a look next time you’re in the city.

Why not have a go at making your own zine?

Zinefest (and annual amazingly fun festival that’s all about zines) kicks off this month. There are heaps of events happening, including a children’s zine workshop at the Central Library.

The workshop is being run by 13 year old award-winning zine maker Dora, with her sisters Oki (9) and Dune (8). They will be talking about ideas for zines, zine-making techniques, and presenting some of their favourite creations. This workshop aims to encourage children to participate in zine-making and introduce them to Wellington Zinefest, and will include a session of zine-making with materials provided by Wellington Zinefest and Wellington City Libraries.

 

Details:

Wellington Central Library, teen area

Saturday 18th October, 10.30am – 12pm

Suitable for Children and teens age 7 and up

Free – just turn up!

 

 

 

Keep up to date with Zinefest though their Facebook page or blog

New Non Fiction: Lego Mania and World Cup 2014 Winter-fest.

Katie

Lego Fanatics, brace yourself. There are two awesome books to read that will inspire your Lego creativity… and addiction. Believe it or not, according to Inner Child Learning,  Lego Bricks have been applauded by teachers and parents as one of the best toys for learning, building creativity, and strengthening fine-motor skills. Lego Bricks are an open-ended toy, meaning they can become just about anything a child or adult imagines, including an educational tool.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Cool Creations in 35 Pieces.

There is only one word to describe this book – WOW! This is definitely to book that will bring out your inner child (note for parents/adults) and inspire your creativity. Sean Kenney will take you on a journey by showing you 75 models he has constructed by just using a minimum of 25 Lego pieces. Who have thought you could create things like a camera, an electric guitar, a bat and a frog out of Lego pieces? After reading this book, I am beginning to regret not keeping my own Lego sets from childhood. Great for ages 4 to 8 years.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

The Lego Movie Handbook.

Seen the movie? (I haven’t – Naughty me!) Now is the time to read the movie handbook. Join Brickburg, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Batman and the rest of the gang in reading this book where you will learn everything you need to know about the Lego Movie, including Stories from Bricksburg’s happiest residents, a special message from President Business and a never before seen episode of Where Are My Pants. Overall I enjoyed this book. It was very funny, humorous, gave me the opportunity to revisit and embrace my inner child and has inspired to go and see the movie.  Also check out the move trailer.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary.

Ah, you can never have enough Star Wars… and Lego! This visual dictionary presents the Star Wars line of LEGO action figures and playsets, detailing a history of the toy line and how each playset connects to the events in the Star Wars films. As always, when it comes to Star Wars and Lego, it always delivers on its promise of providing  facts and information that will keep kids amused and entertained for hours. Great for kids aged 7 years and over.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Zoobots : wild robots inspired by real animals.

Zoobots! Yes, you heard right! This is a great book to read if you want to learn about robots inspired by animals and robot engineering. Contains great images and interesting facts. Even included images and information on a robot that can infiltrate human society with deceptively lifelike appearance and behavior.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics image courtesy of syndetics

Watercolors.

This book is enclosed with lively text and step-by-step instructions that will show kids on how to complete various watercolor art projects. Great for kids who is interested in perfecting their technique in watercolor painting.  My personal favorite art projects enclosed in this book are the dot flower bouquet and Stylish Mr. Fox. You will also like Acrylics, if you are interested in creating a variety of projects using acrylic paints.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Record Busters: World Cup Football.

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil is only days away.  Why not take the opportunity to come on down to the library and grab all the books that tell your everything you need to know about the history and past games that too place during the FIFA World Cup, like Record Busters: World Cup Football. This is a fantastic book to read that contains stunning photos and amazing record-busting facts about the top teams and greatest players of the biggest football competition in the world.

 

 

 

Get creative this summer!

debbie

Hey guys, its time to get those art juices flowing for summer. Discover that great masterpiece that you have hidden inside and get creating.

Check out some of these books for lots of ideas and inspiration to get you started. My Art Book shows you how to make fantastic faces based on paintings by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (c.1527-93). He was an Italian artist who could paint ordinary pictures but is best know for his weird faces made up of plants and animals.

Maybe you would like to have a go at making a mosaic like Diego Rivera (1886-1957). He was a Mexican artist famous for his mosaic wall art.

Even something simple like rock painting, frottage, or t-shirt printing, there is heaps to keep you busy.

Valentines Day

admin

Roses are red, violets are blue; You love your library, we love you too! <3

February 14th is Valentines Day, a special day of the year observed around the world to celebrate love; it’s a great opportunity to remind loved ones, friends and family how much they mean to you.  Many people choose to do this by giving greeting cards or gifts.

Encyclopedia Britannica (which you can access through Wellington City Libraries MyGateway Databases) tells us that “according to an old European legend, 14 February is the day when birds pair off each year to start their new families”, awww!  And that “Valentine’s Day got its name from the Roman Catholic church, which honours two saints named Valentine on 14 February.”

For those of you who want to have a go at making your own original Valentines gifts, the library has a great range of books.  How cool would a handmade Yoda origami pressie be?!!  Here’s a few books you might like – happy crafting everyone!