April School Holidays: Te Ao Kararehe | The World of Animals!

The April school holidays are just one-and-a-half short weeks away! This year, Wellington City Libraries is inviting you to enter Te Ao Kararehe: The World of Animals with us all the way through the holidays, from the 8th to the 23rd of April.

Have you ever thought that perhaps you might like to meet a llama at the library? What about a penguin? What if we asked you to design your own animals — would they have claws and scales, or bright purple fur? Is it possible to use LEGO® to build a realistic habitat for a mythological beast? How good would a walking, talking animal be at playing D&D? Whatever your interests, something wild, mysterious, fascinating or exciting awaits you in Te Ao Kararehe: The World of AnimalsVisit this page to see the whole calendar, or read on to find out more about what’s happening at your local library or community centre these holidays!

What awaits you in the wilds of Te Ao Kararehe?


Animal Antics Musical Storytime

Join us for these animal-themed storytimes where your multi-talented librarians will incorporate many different musical instruments into their storytelling! Stick around when the stories and songs are done to get up-close and personal to learn about the instruments you heard.

Recommended for tamariki aged 4+ with their caregivers.

Baby Rock and Rhyme: Cubs ‘n’ Bubs Special Edition!

Come on down to the library for these fun and free sessions for parents and carers to interact with their babies through songs and stories — this time with a special animal-themed twist! Rhyme, rhythm, repetition and music are the building blocks of language for babies. Stick around afterwards to chat with our librarians and meet other new parents in your community!

Recommended for pēpī aged 0-2 with their caregivers, but older siblings are also most welcome.

Be Ready In An Emergency! (For Kids)

Learn what to do in an emergency like an earthquake or tsunami with an expert from the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO)! This is an interactive group activity for children aged 5-12. Registrations are required — to book your spot, talk to a librarian or phone Karori Library on 476 8413.

Children’s Librarian’s note: How is this event related to animals, you ask? Well, have you ever heard of ‘turtling’ during an emergency? Okay, okay, the link is fragile at best, we just wanted the opportunity to have our friends at WREMO come for a visit!

The Bad Smell Hotel: Book Launch and Celebration

Karori Library and The Cuba Press warmly invite you to the book launch of The Bad Smell Hotel, by father-daughter duo Rajorshi Chakraborti and Leela (age 11)!

The duo came up with the idea of the book during the 2020 lockdown, and their story is set in the not-too-distant future, where society is contending with mysterious bouts of uncontrollable farting! The forthcoming book is marvellously illustrated by Dan Mills.

Join us at the library for this very special celebration where you can meet the authors and find out more about the wonderful worlds they have created together!

Coastal Ecology LEGO® Laboratory

Ahoy, kids and whānau! Come join the team from the Wellington University Coastal Ecology Lab to learn incredible facts about your local marine ecosystem: from coral and fishes, all the way to mighty sharks! Kids then can build their very own sea critter or underwater habitat with our LEGO® collection! The most creative design will win a prize, and all models will be displayed at Island Bay Library, along with descriptions written by their creators.

Recommended for tamariki aged 5+ with their caregivers.

Create-a-Critter Flipbooks

For our event today, tamariki will create a booklet made of pages cut into thirds, each featuring pictures of different animal body parts that they have drawn or found in magazines. As the pages flip around, the body parts will combine in ways both abstract and hilarious!

Recommended for tamariki aged 5+ with their caregivers.

Create Cuddly Creatures

Bring your old socks along to the library and transform them into a fuzy friend! We’ll provide the thread, needles, and extra accessories for your creature creation, as well as guidance from an expert librarian. Just make sure you’ve washed your socks, it may be difficult to give them a bath afterwards!

Recommended for tamariki and rangatahi aged 8+ with their caregivers.

Critter Creation: Recycled Art

Join us at Newlands Community Centre to turn junk into art! Bring along your own recycling stash to add to our supply, and create the critter of your dreams. Build a lion, a lemur, a llama, or something wild from your imagination!

Recommended for tamariki aged 5+ with their caregivers.

Cuddly Toy Animal Sleepover!

Dress up in your favourite onesie or your PJs, bring a cuddly toy animal, and join us for music, stories and crafts! Those who can bear (geddit?) to may leave their cuddly toy for a special overnight stay in the library — come back in the morning to find out what mischief and hijinks they got up to!

Recommended for tamariki of all ages with their caregivers.

Kids’ Book Club: Animal Edition!

Join us at Wadestown Library for our monthly Kids’ Book Club, where we’ll be talking about the books we love and enjoying an animal-themed craft activity too!

Recommended for tamariki aged 6-12 with their caregivers.

LEGO® Habitats

Join us for these special variant sessions of our popular Let’s Go LEGO® programme! Tamariki will design and assemble an ideal habitat for their favourite animals, living or imagined. There will be small prizes for the most creative habitats as well as for the most realistic or viable ones! Completed models will be displayed in the library following the event, alongside descriptions written by their creators.

Recommended for tamariki aged 5+ with their caregivers.

Llamas! At the Llibrary

Yes, you heard us — get up close with real-life llamas at your local library! Join us for a special outdoor storytime where your llama-loving librarians will warm you up with some stories, then introduce you to our expert Stephen and a couple of camelids — a llama and an alpaca!

Since these are outdoor events we may have to postpone it if weather is poor on the day. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for any updates.

Recommended for tamariki aged 4+ with their caregivers.

*Note: The event at Johnsonville Library has been postponed to Thursday, 20 April at 2pm due to wet weather.

Make Your Own Animal Mask

Make your own animal mask at the library! We will provide lots of different mask templates and heaps of craft supplies so that everyone can create their own unique mask to take home. Animal masquerade ball, anyone?

Recommended for tamariki aged 4+ with their caregivers.

Paws and Claws: Pompomania!

This fun craft is no pig-deal! Come on down to He Matapihi Library and we’ll help you make your first pompom animal. Just bring your enthusiasm and can-do attitude — it’s going to be a paw-some time!

Recommended for tamariki aged 7+ with their caregivers. Registrations are required as space is limited, contact the library at 801 4122 to book your place.

The Pet Files: Zine Making

Kia ora kids! Bring in a photo, or draw an illustration, of your whānau pet (or your dream pet!). Then, join in at the library to create your very own fact file zine about your pets, with fun question prompts, and plenty of time to share our favourite pet stories! Once you’re done, you can also choose to have your Pet Files zine catalogued and added to the library collection for your friends and whānau to borrow. Sweet!

Recommended for tamariki aged 6+ with their caregivers.

Poké Pets Pompomania

Anime lovers unite! We got chu doing something fun these school holidays. Come along to Poké Pets Pompomania to make a Poké animal like no other. Create adorable Poké pet pompoms and their pompom Pokéball containers at the end of the session. We have instruction sheets you can bring home too.

Recommended for tamariki aged 8+ with their caregivers. Registrations are required as space is limited, contact the library at 801 4122 to book your place.

Spanish Language Day | Día del Idioma Español

Join us on the 22nd of April for Spanish Language Day at Karori Library! Whether you are a Spanish speaker, a language aficionado, or just love learning about other cultures, you are welcome at this family-friendly celebration.

At Spanish Language Day at Karori Library you will experience a range of activities in Spanish — storytelling, an art exhibition, crafts, and the launch of our new Spanish-language book collection. ¿Hablas español? Sí!

Te Ao Kararehe Animal Storytime

You think storytimes are just about stories? Not so in Te Ao Kararehe! Journey to the tangled heart of the forest, soar to the greatest heights of the mountains, and dive to the inkiest depths of the ocean in these continent-spanning storytimes like no other. If you’re lucky you may even get to craft a souvenir to take home as a memento of your travels in the World of Animals.

Recommended for tamariki of all ages with their caregivers.

Te Ao Kararehe Family Movies

Looking for a purrr-fect chill activity to do in the library? Why not join us for free movie time! It’s definitely a sloth-mode vibe so don’t forget to bring your favourite animal plushie to snuggle. All movies screened will have an animal theme, and will be rated either G or PG. Registration aren’t required; popcorn and beanbags aplenty will be supplied!

Technicolour Furbearers

Welcome to the world of the technicolour furbearers, where nothing is as it seems! At this fun workshop, tamariki will select a pre-prepared model of a fur-coated animal, and decorate their chosen critter with lush paint, shiny gems, colourful fabric, and funky textures.

Recommended for tamariki aged 6+ with their caregivers. Registrations are required.

Under the Sea: Animal CRAFTivity

Whale hello there! Celebrate your school holiday weekend at He Matapihi Library as we create some fun under-the-sea crafts together. Perfect for all ages and stages!

The Wolves of Welton: An Introduction to D&D

Join us for an introduction to the world of Dungeons and Dragons — no prior RPG experience required. We’ll provide the Dungeon Master, dice, books, pack of ravenous wolves, gear, and knowledge — all you need is enthusiasm!

This session is intended to introduce brand new and novice players to Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop roleplaying games, learning from our experienced librarians in a beginner-friendly environment. Intermediate or experienced players might find this one-shot too simplistic and undemanding.

Recommended for tamariki aged 8-12. Registrations are required: sign up below!

Our Place in Space: October School Holiday Events

World Space Week – Libraries blast off! 

This year, our October school holiday programming coincides with World Space Week, which runs from October 4-10. This year, the international theme is ‘space and sustainability.’

Space-themed events at at your library!

To celebrate, Wellington City Libraries has a suite of events across our library branches (visit our event calendar for the full list — note that some events require registration):

  • Let’s Go Lego®: The Final Frontier – Put your creative skills to the test to design and build your space-bound masterpieces. Recommended for children aged 5+ with their caregivers.
  • Whānau movie screenings – join us for a range of space-themed family friendly titles at sites including Newtown, Te Awe, Johnsonville, and Wadestown.
  • Crafting and design sessions:
    • He Matapihi Library is hosting Space Suit of the Future on 12 October, along with space themed Craftivity sessions on 8 and 15 October!
    • Over at Te Awe, we have Make Your Own Planet sessions on 6 and 12 October, along with Space Rockets on 5 and 11 October!
    • Tawa has the awesome ‘Personal Space!’ Clay Workshop For Kids on 7 October, prepared for young space cadets!
  • Ozobot Stellar Journeys – Join us at Kilbirnie or Cummings Park library for stellar journeys with our Ozobot coding robots!
  • Outer Space Preschool Storytimes –  Join us for special session of space themed stories, to celebrate World Space Week 2022! Some sites will also offer space-themed Baby Rock and Rhyme for your wee one!
  • Ukulele Universe – get in quick to sign up for an introductory ukulele session with our Johnsonville Library instruments and talented staff! Sessions are coming up on 6 and 13 October.
  • Star Stitching – Embroider your constellation and mount it on card! Recommended for children (10+) accompanied by parents, or young adults (14+), but open to all. Events are at Johnsonville Library on 9 and 16 October.
  • Experience VR ISS: International Space Station – suitable for older kids and teens using our Oculus Quest 2s and Oculus Rifts at Miramar, Karori, and Te Awe.

Other special events during the October School Holidays!

Storytime with Alan Wade

Storytime with local author Alan Wade – Alan Wade, author of ‘Grandma and Grandpa Save the Day, is joining us for a very special storytime! Alan and his daughter will do a reading of the book, followed by a little craft activity based on the book’s illustrations! All ages welcome to come along to Cummings Park Library on 13 October at 11:00am.

Spanish Language Storytime – This holidays, join us for a special Spanish language storytime! Fun and interactive stories in Spanish, and crafts for pre-schoolers, kids and the whole whānau. All ages welcome to come along to Karori Library on 4 October at 10:30am.

Bee Curious Bee Curious: Learn about Bees with Eva the Apiarist – Local apiarist (bee keeper & enthusiast), Eva, is coming to Wadestown library on 6 October, to run a wonderful practical session about bees for children and their whānau! Registration is required: please register your interest with Louise Davies by email (louise.davies@wcc.govt.nz)


Poetry Workshop – Come along and learn some poetry techniques with the wonderful Wadestown crew!

Recommended for ages 5 – 12 with their caregivers.

Takes place on 3 – 4PM on Monday 10  October!


Keep an eye out on our event calendar as more events arise (and maybe learn about Lego® sessions for parents and  adults too!)

 

Get crafty these holidays with CRAFTerHolidays2Go!

School holidays are here, and if you’re missing our usual array of library programmes during the break at COVID Alert Level 2, why not get your ‘crafty fingers’ working with our CRAFTerHolidays2Go take-away packs available from some of our branch libraries?

Johnsonville and Tawa Libraries

No photo description available.

These CRAFTerHolidays2Go packs are a follow-on from the ever-popular CRAFTerschool sessions which are offered every Monday (Tawa Library) and Wednesday (Johnsonville Library) after school during term time during Covid Alert Level 1.

These packs are a lucky dip of at least three separate activities that you can make, cook, sew, knit, fly, experiment with or puzzle over. Each sheet also features a QR code that can link you to the activity sheet’s specific craft book on our catalogue, just in case you want to do more activities from that book.

There’s also a SIT ‘N’ KNIT pom-pom making pack, and a How-to sheet for submitting your poems to Tūhono 2021, our annual poetry journal for children and teens.

So pop into the Johnsonville or Tawa Libraries over the holidays and pick up your packs!

Te Awe Library

May be an illustration of text that says "ΟωΙ Wings Decorate Cut out Attach wings feet tobody with paper tasteners. ners Atta +o legs Dinos Co ag tail spines"

The ‘crafty’ librarians at Te Awe Library are working on a variety of CRAFTerHolidays2Go packs too – these include a movable paper animals kit with card template, paper fasteners and googly eyes; and there is also a collage kit and an activity pack with wordfinds and crosswords. All available 2Go from Te Awe Library in the CBD on Brandon St.

Newtown Library

Also, come on down to Newtown Library and help yourself to a small bag of crafty goodies! If you’re looking for ideas on what to create, check out the Newtown Library Facebook page, where some of our librarians are posting some easy craft ideas for you to follow along with. Share your creations with your local librarian and be in to win some cool school holiday prizes!

Wellington City Libraries online

Wellington City Libraries also have a huge array of interesting ‘stuff’ for you to watch and do on You Tube. So jump on now and have a browse HERE

Or you could check out the Kids’ FUN STUFF on the Wellington City Libraries website for more games, craft ideas, printables and puzzles HERE


For further inspo, why not check out these virtual CRAFTerschool clips:

 


Wellington City Libraries have you covered for all things ‘crafty’ with lots of books and resources to help you on your way. Check out the NON-FICTION Dewey 745 – 750 sections and unleash your creativity:

Easy arts & crafts for kids : 50 fun projects to make, wear, and share / Perkins, Jennifer
“A collection of 50 craft projects that require little supervision and can be made with materials you can find at home.” (Catalogue)

Maker camp : heritage crafts and skill-building projects for kids / Holton-Fessler, Delanie
“Classic and innovative hands-on projects for kids ages 3 and up designed to teach both heritage skills and how to think creatively. The 20+ projects in this book weave a story of human innovation and creativity, from the very beginnings of building shelters in the woods to tinkering with recycled materials. Heritage skills teach children how to be independent and capable makers; fibre and wood projects offer rewarding crafts that also teach planning, preparation, and safe risk taking; and tinkering activities connect the low-tech process of making and doing with innovation.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Art sparks : draw, paint, make, and get creative with 53 amazing projects! / Abrams, Marion
“This lively, colourful compendium of arts and crafts for a new generation of kids features projects specially designed to spark creativity, invite self-expression, and nurture self-confidence. From finger puppets to fabric flags to shrink art, each activity uses inexpensive materials and can be crafted in less than 90 minutes.” (Catalogue)

Stitch + string lab for kids : 40+ creative projects to sew, embroider, weave, wrap and tie / Stephens, Cassie
“With 40+ inventive projects, Stitch and string lab for kids contains everything from simple sewing, embroidery, and weaving to string art, needle felting, and yarn crafts!” (Catalogue)

Drawing aliens, spacecraft, and other stuff beyond the galaxy : 4D an augmented reading drawing experience / Cella, Clara
“For budding artists who won’t be confined to subjects here on Earth, Drawing Aliens, Spacecraft, and Other Stuff Beyond the Galaxy delivers high-interest projects with step-by-step instructions and special 4D support. Projects increase in difficulty from the first to the last to strengthen drawing skills and confidence. Download the Capstone 4D app for an augmented reality experience that extends learning beyond the printed page with artist video tutorials and other bonus content.” (Catalogue)

Crafting fun for kids of all ages : pipe cleaners, paint & pom-poms galore, yarn & string & a whole lot more / Uliana, Kim
“In Crafting Fun for Kids of All Ages, blogger Kim Uliana offers 200 entertaining, versatile, and easy-to-assemble arts and crafts projects for any occasion. Make glittery snowflakes and thumbprint ornaments during the holidays, create straw hats and button sunflowers for summer vacation, or decorate personalized bookmarks for back-to-school.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Epic graphic novel crafts / Jones, Jen
“Whether you flip left to right or right to left, this collection of crafts will call upon your favourite comics, manga, or graphic novels! Re-live adventures and far-out tales with these larger-than-life crafts.” (Catalogue)

Lets have some Easter fun!

The Easter holidays are not far away and the library has some great books for you to enjoy at this special time of the year.

Perhaps you would like to learn all about the reason we celebrate Easter, maybe you would like to make some Easter crafts or even bake some yummy Easter treats.

We even have books that have some Easter origami projects that you can complete. Not forgetting all the great storybooks we have with an Easter theme.

So grab some Easter Eggs and sit down with some of these great reads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get crafty this Christmas with homemade gifts

The giving of gifts at Christmas time is a long held and well-known tradition across the world.

Some people believe that this started as a Christian tradition to reminder us of the gifts given to baby Jesus by the three wise men at his birth. However, other records date back to ancient Roman celebrations when people thought that their generosity would bring good fortune in the year to come.

Either way, exchanging gifts has become an expectation, and Christmas can be an expensive time of year for many families. A great way to save money and make gift giving more personal is to create your own Christmas presents, and with school holidays starting in the next few weeks you might just need some extra activities to keep you busy!

Making your own gifts for Christmas also allows you to get really creative and give something your own signature style, and there are so many different directions you can go in.

Some cool ideas to get you inspired are: sweet treats like fudge or gingerbread cookies, artwork or sculptures, jewellery, candles, cosmetics or even a home-sewn soft toy. Just chuck a colourful ribbon on it and, voila! A thoughtful, inexpensive gift that your friends and family are going to love.

 

We have a great selection of Christmas craft and cooking books for kids, so head over to the catalogue to start searching and reserving your copy today!

                

Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love

Valentine’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, originated more than 1000 years ago in the Roman Empire, although the exact history is unknown.

It started off as a day to honour Saint Valentinus, a Roman priest who died in the name of his Christian religion.

Valentine’s Day didn’t become a celebration of love until 800 years later in the late 14th century, when an English poet named Geoffrey Chaucer referenced Saint Valentine in a love poem he had written about the engagement of the King and Queen.

Poetry has therefore remained popular on Valentine’s Day, and you might have heard this well-known phrase (or variations of it):

Roses are Red, Violets are blue,

Honey is sweet, and so are you.

 

Nowadays, people from countries all around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving chocolates, roses and handwritten cards to the ones they love, as well as spending time together.

Although it is traditionally a romantic occasion, many people also choose to celebrate special friendships on Valentine’s Day.

Why not create your own cards and gifts to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them?

 

Visit our catalogue to find out more about Valentine’s Day and for great crafted gift ideas. Here are some to get you started:

       

New Non Fiction: Sports, Inspirational Lives and objects… and bringing out your inner artist.

Netball.

A great book to read that tells you everything you want to know about Netball, one of the greatest and most popular sports played in Australia and New Zealand. In reading this book, you will learn everything there is to know about Netball including the history of the sport, the rules, training, clothing and equipment. Great for anyone who is a fan, plays  netball and/or wanting to play.

For more information about Netball, you visit the website, Netball New Zealand.

 

 

The Story of Buildings.

Anyone who is doing a project on the history of buildings and architecture will love this book! This book explains how and why famous buildings in history came to be built. The book also goes into further detail about how did people start making buildings, how did they learn to make them bigger, stronger and more comfortable? And why they decorated them in so many different ways. Great for ages 10 years and over.

 

 

Pastels.

As a child of the 80’s and 90’s, pastels were the norm of bringing out children’s inner artist. Thirty/twenty years later using pastels still hasn’t gone out of fashion. So what are you waiting for? Now is the Time to bring out your own inner artist! Have a big art project coming up? Bored with water colors and acrylic paints, Why not give pastels a go? This book will provide you with step-by-step guides show how to create a variety of projects using pastels.

 

 

Dare the Wind.

Girls, this is one book you need to read on inspirational women. This book tells the true story of one of the first female navigators, Eleanor Prentiss and her ship, the Flying Cloud who, despite battling raging storms, broken masts, and dangerously slow winds managed to complete its maiden voyage  from New York to San Francisco in a period (and world breaking record) of eighty nine days. Also will be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone who is interested in sailing and ships.

 

 

Florence Nightingale.

Children of all ages will enjoy this beautifully illustrated picture book written by celebrated author and artist Demi. This new picture book biography of Florence Nightingale beautifully portrays the story of Florence’s life and explores the long-lasting effects of her career, including her innovative and revolutionary ideas on medicine, emphasising the need of cleanliness in hospitals, nutritional values of hot food and organization of hospitals. Children will not only learn about Florence Nightingale’s inspirational life, but also the history of hospital and nursing practices that are still used today.

 

 

How the Beatles changed the world.

The Beatles are one of the most innovative and revolutionary bands that broke many world records and changed the face of music forever. Fifty years after the British invasion began, Martin Sandler explores The Beatles’ long-lasting impact on the world in this wonderful book. Overall I think you will be overly impressed and astonished by the amount of information held in this book about everything you thought you knew (and didn’t know) about The Beatles and their musical history. A great book for anyone who is a fan of The Beatles’ music and history.

You may also like The Beatles were fab (and they were funny).

FACT: “Hey Jude” was released in August 1968 as the first single from the Beatles’ record label Apple Records. More than seven minutes in length, it was at the time the longest single ever to top the British charts.

 

Top 10 Non Fiction for May

Favoured fashionable facts

1.  Star Wars character encyclopedia by Simon Beecroft

2.  Ripley’s believe it or not! edited by Alexander, Rosie.

3.  Guinness world records 2014 edited by Craig Glenday

4.  The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowitz

5.  Treasury of Egyptian mythology  by Donna Jo Napoli

6.  Moshi Monsters by Steve Cleverley

7.  The LEGO movie by Hannah Dolan

8.  See inside the First World War by Rob Lloyd Jones

9.  Art detective by Doris Kutschbach

10. Big book of papercraft by Fiona Watt

 

New Non Fiction: New Non Fiction: Just in time for Easter and School Holidays Redux.

Special Effects Make up Artist

Have you ever been scared by a creature you have seen at the movies and wondered how those creatures were created? This book holds all the answers and more! Special Effects Make up Artist holds information on everything you have ever wanted to know about special effects and how something simple as make up can bring monster, zombie and an alien to life on the big screen. Also contains behind the scenes information on how your favorite movies characters from films such as Stars Wars and The Muppets come to life.  Also a great book to use if you are looking for costume ideas for Halloween.

 

Maps.

In need of a great atlas? Check out Maps. This is one of the most fantastic books I have ever come across. What is great about this atlas (and perhaps different from most atlases) is that not only does it contain information about geographical features and political borders, but also places of interest, iconic personalities, native animals and plants, local peoples, cultural events, and many more fascinating facts associated with each region. Great to use for geography homework.

 

 

 

 

Angry Birds Playground Dinosaurs.

“Fly with your favorite Angry Birds characters as they travel back in time on a zany search to find their eggs. Kids will be hooked on this wacky mystery as they analyze and observe the wonderful world of dinosaurs as they are building basic skills through fun and fascinating activities”– Provided by publisher.

Angry Birds are back!… and this time instead of losing their eggs, they have found something amazing. If you enjoyed Angry Birds Playground Animals, then you will love Angry Birds Playground Dinosaurs. This book is a great way to learn about dinosaurs, while at the same time joining the angry birds on a prehistoric adventure. This book has all the excitement and adventure you will ever need to be entertained. Also full of activities and quizzes to test your knowledge.

 

First Big Book of the Ocean.

This book screams ‘curious commotion in the ocean!’ National Geographic Kids First Big Book of the Ocean is an adorable animal reference that holds all the information you could ever want and need on the sea’s high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures. More than 100 charming animal photos illustrate the profiles, with facts about the creatures’ sizes, diets, homes, and more. This book serves as a great introduction and companion guide for kids who are interested and studying marina wildlife and biology.

 

 

 

Treasury of Egyptian mythology : classic stories of gods, goddesses, monsters & mortals.

If you are bored with Fairy tales, Greek mythology, why not try some Egyptian mythology?  This book presents an illustrated tableau of Egyptian myths, combines narrative accounts of the stories of the Sun God Ra, the Sphinx, and numerous pharaohs and queens along with historical, cultural, and geographic facts. This is a treasure that will be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

Also check out Treasury of Greek mythology : classic stories of gods, goddesses, heroes & monsters.

 

 

 

 

Recycled Crafting for Kids.

Homemade play dough! Homemade watercolor paints! Homemade chalk! Homemade crayons!  I cannot believe my ears! Yes this book tells you how you can make those things in your own home and in your own time by using recycled materials to make toys and games . Other ideas (and some of my personal favorites include ankle bells, marble mazes and magnetic fishing games. You can have fun and do your bit for the environment at the same time. And just in time for the school holidays. Also holds some old favorites from Eco-friendly crafting with kids like creating musical instruments, like a box guitar and invisible ink. This book will make kids want to play with household objects, like a cardboard box rather than the latest (and sometimes expensive) toy.

 

Amazing Masks to Make Yourself.

“Masquerade! Paper faces on parade. Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you.” – The Phantom of the Opera.

Here is another awesome read to keep you amused over the school holidays where all you need is just some simple house hold items. Whether you planning a masquerade party or in need of some good old fashioned handicraft entertainment, this book is jammed pack full of mask ideas such as a tiger face made from a basket, a teapot and even a spooky skeleton that is guaranteed to glow in the dark and scare off every ghoul and goblin alike.

New Non Fiction: Just in time for Easter and School Holidays.

With summer now over, Winter is slowly entering the Capital with the cold and nasty periods of gale winds, rain and the odd storm. Also with the school holidays and Easter around the corner, why not pop down to Wellington City Libraries and check out a new range of  non fiction in the Children’s collection for your enjoyment and pleasure, especially as we now have some new handicraft books to give you ideas on potential gifts you can give to your family and friends over Easter, or the odd birthday party here and there.

Check them out here!

The Book of Complete Nonsense.

Are you in the mood for nonsense poems? I am! All your favorite authors including Julia Donaldson, Spike Milligan, Roald Dahl, Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll and a whole lot more are featured in this fantastic book of rhymes and riddles that are bound to fry your brain. As an added bonus author,  Michael Rosen provides tips on how you can write your own nonsense poems. Fantastic to use if you have a creative writing homework assignment.

 

 

 

 

Africa : everything you ever wanted to know.

In the mood for another ‘not for parents’ read? Check out this new book on everything you ever wanted to know about Africa. This book opens up a world of amazing facts and stories  (probably facts and stories your parents don’t even know) about the people, places, History and culture of Africa. Another brand new read from the Country Series Book from Lonely Planets that  is not a guidebook and it is definitely not for parents.  Great for ages 8 to 11 years.

Also check out last month’s new ‘not for parents’ release: How to be a dinosaur hunter : your globe-trotting, time-travelling guide.

 

 

Philip Pullman’s Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp.

The author of The Dark Materials Trilogy brings to life one of the greatest and classic Arab-Persian stories, (although the story is set in China) ever told. Be prepared to go on a magic carpet ride when reading this vivid retelling of  Aladdin, a poor tailor’s son who becomes a wealthy prince with the help of a magic lamp he finds in an enchanted cave. This is a story that has everything – comedy, drama, fantasy, magic, fear, excitement and a terrific plot.

 

 

 

Brilliant Badges to make yourself.

With School Holidays and Easter just around the corner, this is the perfect book to keep you entertained and give you gift ideas on what to give your family and friends over Easter and even the odd birthday here and there. There are fantastic ideas on how to make your own badges, including how to creat a dotty dinosaur badge, a paper-mache cat badge, a funky bow tie badge, a lollipop badge, a birthday badge  and a feathery chicken badge (A great badge idea for Easter!) Great for kids aged 8 to 12 years.

 

 

 

Crafty Creatures.

Forget buying soft toys when you can make your own, (or maybe get your mum or your nana to help). This book is a treasure trove of animal toys/projects to sew, knit and cross-stitch. It includes over 30 projects ranging from practical phone pouches and coin purses to delightful felt cats and teeny tiny animals ideal for necklaces and key fobs. My personal craft idea favorites from this book are the sock monkeys, ducklings and bunny girls (another gift idea for Easter), giraffes and my little pony, (No, not the Hasbro toys.) Another handicraft book to keep kids entertained over Easter and school holidays. If I could knit or sew, then I would be devouring this book like there was no tomorrow.