What Comes Next? Wings of Fire

One of the most difficult things for parents is finding a good pukapuka for their child who has just finished an incredible series that kept them hooked for weeks (or perhaps more realistically, a few hours!) Well, the library has got you covered! Last month in our blog, What comes next? Diary of a Wimpy Kid, we looked at some comedy gold for kids and teens alike with lots of relatable characters and laugh-out-loud stories. Now, we turn to fantasy as we recommend what to read after finishing Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland.

Tui T Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series is immensely popular with tamariki — set in a fantasy world with dragons, prophecies and plenty of action, it’s easy to see why kids keep coming back for more. Wings of Fire currently has fifteen books, divided into three story arcs of five books each. There is also a super cool graphic novel adaptation of the first six books, so if you have a tamaiti who prefers comics or graphic novels, then that is a great way of introducing them to lots of awesome stories in a different format to traditional books. Anyway, let’s get to the important bit, here are our recommendations for what to read next after Wings of Fire.

Younger Kids:

If you’re looking for more awesome children’s fantasy then we have got you covered. For more pukapuka with dragons check out The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill, which is perfect for tamariki who enjoyed the graphic novel version of Wings of Fire, or How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell which is simply awesome.  If you’re after more fantasy with far less dragons, then check out The Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger or Inkheart by Cornelia Funke.

Keeper of the lost cities / Messenger, Shannon
“At age twelve, Sophie learns that the remarkable abilities that have always caused her to stand out identify her as an elf, and after being brought to Eternalia to hone her skills, discovers that she has secrets buried in her memory for which some would kill.” (Catalogue)

The Tea Dragon Society / O’Neill, Katie
“After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.” (Catalogue)

Inkheart / Funke, Cornelia
“Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can “read” fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.” (Catalogue)
How to train your dragon / Cowell, Cressida
“Chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third as he tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, by catching and training a dragon.” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

If you’re on the older side and looking for the next good thing after Wings of Fire then Eragon has dragons galore, as does the Dragonkeeper series by Aussie author Carole Wilkinson. If you want fantasy but need a break from the dragons then check out Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce (and honestly anything else by her, she’s pretty awesome) or the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman (you may recognize the first book as the inspiration for the Golden Compass film).

Eragon / Paolini, Christopher
“In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.” (Catalogue)
Tempests and slaughter : a Tortall legend / Pierce, Tamora
“Arram Draper, Varice Kingsford, and Ozorne Tasikhe forge a bond of friendship that sees them through many changes as student mages at Imperial University of Carthak.” (Catalogue)
Dragonkeeper / Wilkinson, Carole
“Ancient China, Han Dynasty. A slave girl saves the life of an ageing dragon and escapes her brutal master. Pursued by a ruthless dragon hunter, the dragon and the girl cross China carrying with them a mysterious stone that must be protected. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.” (Catalogue)

Northern lights / Pullman, Philip
“Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world…” (Catalogue)

Doing this blog has also made us think maybe we should do a whole blog post just about dragons… something for another time perhaps. Catch you next time with more pukapuka recommendations for what to read after a series featuring archers, knights and royalty on a fantastic adventure.

Children’s DVDs: New Releases in October 2021

Spring is around the corner! Unfortunately not much is happening in terms or events and celebrations under Level 2. Not to worry, why not spring on down to Wellington City Libraries for some new children’s DVDs to keep you entertained, amused and give you a few laughs. So what are you waiting for? Go down to your local branch and borrow the following DVDs:

image courtesy of amazon.comRaya and the last dragon.

“Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world; it’s going to take trust as well.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comThe Croods. A new age.

“The Croods need a new place to live. So, the first prehistoric family sets off into the world in search of a safer place to call home. When they discover an idyllic walled-in paradise that meets all their needs, they think their problems are solved, except for one thing. Another family already lives there: the Bettermans.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comPeter Rabbit 2.

“The lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comTom & Jerry : the movie.

“When Jerry moves into a fine hotel on the eve of an important society wedding, the event planner hires Tom to get rid of him. Unfortunately, the battle which follows is big enough to destroy the wedding, her career, and possibly the hotel — so the sworn enemies decide to work together to save it all.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comZog and the flying doctors.

“Pearl and Gadabout are now a flying doctor trio, caring for creatures including a mermaid, a unicorn and a sneezy lion. However when bad weather forces them to land at the palace, Pearl is locked up by her uncle, the king.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comThe War with Grandpa.

“Peter is thrilled that Grandpa is coming to live with his family. That is, until Grandpa moves into Peter’s room, forcing him upstairs into the creepy attic. And though he loves his grandpa he wants his room back – so he has no choice but to declare war. With the help of his friends, Peter devises outrageous plans to make Grandpa surrender the room. But Grandpa is tougher than he looks. Rather than give in, Grandpa plans to get even.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comCruella.

“Cruella, which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.” (Catalogue).



image courtesy of amazon.comSpirit untamed : the movie.

“Spirit untamed is the next chapter in the beloved franchise full of adventure, family and friendship. Free-spirited Lucky Prescott moves to Miradero to join her estranged father. She is decidedly unimpressed with the sleepy town until she discovers a unique tie to her late mother, who was a fearless horse-riding stunt performer. She quickly forms a bond with a wild mustang named Spirit and makes two new pals who love horses as much as she does. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her friends set off on an epic journey to rescue the horse who has given her an unbreakable connection to her mother’s legacy.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comLuca.

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato (YUM!), pasta (DOUBLE YUM!) and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

Unicorns, Dragons and Dinosaurs at Khandallah Library!

On the last Friday of every month, the lovely librarians at Khandallah Library put on a special storytelling experience for the community. Every month there is a different theme, and different activities for the whole family to enjoy!

This month, on Friday 28 May at 10.30am, the theme for Khandallah Library’s special storytime is Unicorns, Dragons and Dinosaurs… Oh My! Come and enjoy the adventures of these fascinating and magical creatures. There will be funny, sweet, and touching stories to share, as well as the opportunity to try some gentle ‘unicorn yoga’ stretches, and colourful and creative crafts to try. Storytimes are fun and free, last about half an hour, and are aimed at preschool-aged children (three and four years old), but younger and older siblings are always welcome!

Drawn image of a baby dinosaur hatching from its shell, a small orange dragon flying in the sky, and a unicorn happily munching on some grass.

Join us on Friday at Khandallah Library for a magical storytime like no other!

You can find out what’s happening for Khandallah Library’s special storytime each month by checking the event calendar online, asking your local librarian, or giving the library a call on (04) 479 7535.

Not All Dragons are Super Scary

What do you think of when you picture a dragon: a huge winged scaly creature flying over a village breathing fire? Or maybe you picture a great red beast slumbering on a pile of gold. Perhaps the dragon you think of is one that lets out a deafening roar and shows its terrible teeth as it makes off with a princess. Terrifying! But not all dragons are so scary. These wonderful mythical beasts can be found in stories all over the world and some are very well-loved instead of being feared.

In China, dragons lived in the water and were thought to be very powerful and lucky. They could bring rain, and though they didn’t have wings they could fly. There are dragon dancers during Chinese New Year to bring good fortune, and the dragon is one of the animals in the Chinese zodiac.

In Wales a red dragon and a white dragon sleeping under the ground kept knocking down the new castle walls above until Merlin convinced the king to dig down to where the dragons were. The red dragon chased the white dragon away, the castle was built, and the red dragon is still on the flag of Wales today.

Here in New Zealand we have taniwha, great creatures who usually live in or near our lakes and rivers. Some had wings, come could shape-shift, some were wild and dangerous, and some were kaitiaki, protectors and guardians of those who lived nearby.

Dragons in books aren’t all terrifying fire-breathing creatures either: just think of Kenneth Grahame’s The Reluctant Dragon who just wants to sit and read poetry, or the dragons in Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon series who work and fight alongside their humans. Dragons can be written as wise or mischievous, large or small, and we certainly have a LOT of books about dragons who aren’t just big and scary.

If you love dragons, or really liked either of these two books mentioned above, or just want to try something new you might enjoy some of these books in our collection!

If a three-thousand year old dragon with an artistic human for a pet seems like someone you’d like to read about, then try out:

A dragon’s guide to the care and feeding of humans / Yep, Laurence
“Crusty dragon Miss Drake’s new pet human, precocious ten-year-old Winnie, not only thinks Miss Drake is her pet, she accidentally brings to life her “sketchlings” of mysterious and fantastic creatures hidden in San Francisco, causing mayhem among its residents.” (Catalogue)

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook


If you want to read about a princess who gets tired of curtseying and embroidery and runs off to live with the dragons then you should read:

Dealing with dragons / Wrede, Patricia C.
“Bored with her proper, circumscribed life as a princess, Cimorene runs away to join a powerful, fascinating dragon named Kazul and encounters a host of adventures along the way.” (Catalogue)

Also available as an eBook and eAudiobook

If you’d like to know a bit more about the different dragons all over the world then maybe you’ll enjoy:

Dragon world / Macfarlane, Tamara
“Meet the fire breathing beasts of mythology. Lurking in every corner of the world. From mountain peaks to ocean depths, and even under the very ground you tread, dragons watch and wait… Whether as powerful gods, wise friends, or fearsome foes, dragons take many forms, and exist in myths from cultures all around the world. So turn the pages to enter the dragon’s domain. Soar through their skies, look into their lairs, witness their power, and discover their incredible world”–back cover.” (Catalogue)

Perhaps you’re a fan of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and would like to read some poems about dragons and other mythical creatures that have all been illustrated by Eric Carle:

Eric Carle’s dragons dragons & other creatures that never were / Carle, Eric
“An illustrated collection of poems about dragons and other fantastic creatures by a variety of authors.” (Catalogue)

If a series by a New Zealand author about a half boy, half dragon who wants to be a knight sounds like something you want to read, then try out Kyle Mewburn’s Dragon Knight series:

Fire! / Mewburn, Kyle
“Merek is a shape-shifting half-boy, half-dragon who is desperate to get into knight school, but to do so he’ll have to conceal his secret and try not to set anything on fire.” (Catalogue)

If a picture book about a taniwha who was asleep for a very long time while the world changed around him sounds interesting, then we recommend:

Guardian of the bridge / Harris, Diana
“Tells the tale of how a taniwha, who was the guardian, the kaitiaki, of a very deep lake becomes the guardian of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. Includes facts, figures and images of Auckland Harbour Bridge and a brief history of the area. Suggested level: junior, primary.” (Catalogue)

Maybe you like the sound of a picture book about a dragon who’s forgotten how to breathe fire:

How to light your dragon / Lévy, Didier
“Has your dragon forgotten how to breathe fire? Have no fear. This imaginative story follows the exploits of one frustrated dragon owner as she tries increasingly hilarious tricks to rekindle her dragon’s flame. Covering everything from the simplest tactics (tickling the dragon), to the sneakiest ones (surprising it with unlit birthday candles), this book is perfect for children who love to guess what’s going to happen next. Readers will learn that in the end, the most important thing is loving the dragon unconditionally. If a person can do that, and if they mean it from the bottom of their heart, then they might discover a truly magical result.” (Catalogue)

If you’re a fan of adventure stories with ancient artefacts, martial arts, and international criminals you should try reading:

The relic of the Blue Dragon / Lim, Rebecca
“When Harley Spark accidentally releases Qing, one of five dragon sisters, from the ancient vase she’s been trapped in for centuries, he is soon on a dangerous international mission with Qing to find and free her four sisters. Harley Spark is just an ordinary thirteen-year-old kid who lives with his mum, Delia. Rumour has it that his dad, Ray, is an international crime figure with a talent for nicking old, valuable things. So when Harley finds an antique Chinese vase on the footpath, something compels him to stuff it under his school jumper and run for home. Little does he know he’s about to reignite a centuries-old war between two ancient, supernatural families.” (Catalogue)

Also available as an eBook

And if a comic full of tiny dragons who grow different herbs on their horns is your cup of tea, then you should like:

The Tea Dragon Society / O’Neill, Katie
“After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.” (Catalogue)

Also available as an eBook


Spring is here! and so are these fabulous new kids fiction picks from your local Library for you to enjoy!

 

Spring is an inspiring time of year – warmer weather, more sunshine, flowers, lambs, longer days… So why not yet inspired with a new book or two? Here are some new ones we thought looked fresh and fab.

 


Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

In order to heal after his mother’s death, Sal learned how to meditate. But no one expected him to be able to take it further and ‘relax’ things into existence. Turns out he can reach into time and space to retrieve things from other universes.

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Although separated by continents and decades, Josef, a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany, Isabel, a Cuban girl trying to escape the riots and unrest plaguing her country in 1994, and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 whose homeland is torn apart by violence and destruction, embark on harrowing journeys in search of refuge, discovering shocking connections that tie their stories together.

Dancing the Charleston by Jacqueline WilsonImage courtesy of Syndetics

In a little cottage on the edge of the grand Somerset Estate, Mona lives with her aunt – a dressmaker to the lady of the house. Even though Mona never knew her mother and father, she knows Aunty tries to give her the best life she can. When Lady Somerset dies and a new member of the family inherits the house, life changes drastically for Mona. Suddenly she’s invited to dazzling balls, dines on delicious food and plays with wild new friends. But with these changes come secrets that Mona can’t dance away from.

Dog Man; For Whom the Ball Rolls by Dav PilkeyImage courtesy of Syndetics

The Supa Buddies have been working hard to help Dog Man overcome his bad habits. But when his obsessions turn to fears, Dog Man finds himself the target of an all-new supervillain! Meanwhile, Petey the Cat has been released from jail and starts a new life with Li’l Petey. But when Petey’s own father arrives, Petey must face his past to understand the difference between being good and doing good. Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of being true to one’s self.

The boy who grew Dragons by Andy ShepherdImage courtesy of Syndetics

When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandad’s garden, he doesn’t think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house – and gets the shock and delight of his life when a tiny dragon hatches! The tree is a dragonfruit tree, and Tomas has got his very own dragon, Flicker … Tomas soon finds out that life with Flicker is great fun, but also very … unpredictable. Yes, dragons are wonderful, but they also set fire to your toothbruth and leave your pants hanging from the TV aerial. Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker – and quickly. And then something extraordinary happens – more dragonfruits appear on the tree. Tomas is officially growing dragons …

9 New Junior Comics and Graphic Novels at Wellington City Libraries!

Comicfest may be done and dusted for another year. However the comics and graphic novels still keep coming at Wellington City Libraries. Wellington City Libraries has some new comics and graphic novels in the children’s collection. Come on down to your local library and borrow them before they’re all gone!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsMeg, Jo, Beth, and Amy : a graphic novel.

A modern retelling of Little Women! “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are having a really tough year: Not only is their father overseas with the military and their mother working overtime to make ends meet, but each girl is struggling with her own unique problems. Whether it’s school woes, health issues, boy troubles or simply feeling lost, the March sisters all need the same thing: support from each other. By coming together — and sharing lots of laughs and tears — these four young women find the courage to discover who they truly are as individuals… and as a family.

image courtesy of syndeticsGarfield Homecoming.

Garfield the loveable fat cat returns in Homecoming, an all new adventure where Garfield explores what life is like outside of the friendly confines of Jon’s house.

image courtesy of syndeticsLucy : A Peanuts collection.

Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts continue with brand new adventures and classic tales! Featuring a best of collection of Lucy’s comic book adventures. The Doctor is in. Celebrate Charles M. Schulz’ Lucy with this jam-packed collection of stories starring everyone’s favorite older sister! Follow Lucy as she continues to be a model student and “helps” her fellow kids of the neighborhood. Don’t take your eye off the football–this is a round of tales spanning across all eras of Schulz’s masterpiece that you won’t want to miss.

image courtesy of syndeticsWings of fire : the graphic novel. Book two, The lost heir.

She can’t believe it’s finally happening. Tsunami and her fellow dragonets of destiny are journeying under the water to the great SeaWing Kingdom. Stolen as an egg from the royal hatchery, Tsunami is eager to meet her future subjects and reunite with her mother, Queen Coral. But Tsunami’s triumphant return doesn’t go quite the way she’d imagined. Queen Coral welcomes her with open wings, but a mysterious assassin has been killing off the queen’s heirs for years, and Tsunami may be the next target. The dragonets came to the SeaWings for protection, but this ocean hides secrets, betrayal, and perhaps even death.

Catch up on the Wings of Fire story by reading the first book in the series –

image courtesy of syndeticsWings of fire : the graphic novel. Book one, The Dragonet prophecy.

Determined to end a generations-long war among the seven dragon tribes, a secret movement called the Talons of Peace draws on a prophecy that calls for a great sacrifice, compelling five appointed dragonets to fulfill a painful destiny against their will.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Loud house. #5, After dark.

A sleepwalking sister! Space dreams and scientific surveys! A sudden surge of songwriting inspiration! Slippery, silent worm hunting and the stealthy seeking of a warm bath! The search for a sticky ghost! There is no such thing as sweet slumber in the Loud House. Witness what kind of antics the Loud kids – Lori, Leni, Luna, Luan, Lynn, Lucy, Lola, Lana, Lisa, Lily, and Lincoln (plus best friend Clyde) can get up to in the wee hours! One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be a long, long night!

image courtesy of syndeticsBig Nate : payback time!

Continues the adventures of Nate Wright as he develops a mysterious allergy to Mrs. Godfrey, wages a snowball fight, and has a disastrous run-in with Randy.

image courtesy of syndeticsMickey Mouse : the pirates of Tabasco Bay.

From cowboy capers at “Yesterday Ranch” to the fan-favourite mystery of “The Vanishing Railroad!,” there are seven Mickey stories in all — all newly restored in the colours of the original comic books!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe breakaways.

When a popular student encourages her to join the soccer team, Faith signs up even though she has never played the game and learns about loyalty and friendship.

image courtesy of syndeticsCatwad : it’s me.

Meet Catwad. He’s blue, he’s a bit of a grouch, and his best friend is a happy-go-lucky cat named Blurmp who can see the bright side of anything. From pizza and computers to love and happiness, this burball has a funny take on just about everything, and he’s not afraid to share it. It’s an all-new, laugh-out-loud series that will make even the grumpiest of grumblers smile!

Childrens DVDs: New Releases.

Hey kids! The school holidays may be over, but Wellington City Libraries has some new DVDs to keep you amused in between school hours and at the weekend! So what are you waiting for? Go down to your local branch and borrow the following DVDs:

image courtesy of amazon.comSpider-Man : into the Spider-Verse.

Miles Morales is the new Spider-Man but must also walk the balance between his personal high school & family life and his life as a superhero. While being Spider-Man, he becomes familiar with the Spider-Verse, where there are endless variations on Spider-Man. One of the Spider-Man variations living inside the Spider-Verse is Spider-Man, Peter B. Parker, who guides Miles in his journey as the new Spider-Man and introduces him to the multitude of other Spider-Men, including Spider-Man Noir and Spider-Ham. All of the various Spider-Men will have to band together when villains threaten the safety of the Spider-Verse and of the world itself.

image courtesy of syndeticsDragons. : race to the edge. Season three.

Hiccup and Toothless are back along with the favorite dragon riders in these two action-packed seasons. The high stakes continue as the riders advance in their hunt for Viggo, Ryker, and their expanded Dragon Hunter army. Tune in as the riders discover that Viggo has a Dragon Eye, a dragon fortress, and sinister plans which include putting a pricey bounty on Hiccup’s head.

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to train your dragon. The hidden world.

Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, Hiccup has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia. When the sudden appearance of female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they’ve known, and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destines are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together-to the very ends of the Earth-to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure.

Also check out the trailer to How to train your dragon. The hidden world.


image courtesy of amazon.comSgt. Stubby.

The true story of a stray dog who joins his new master on the battlefields of the First World War. For his valorous actions, Sgt. Stubby is still recognized as the most decorated dog in American history.

image courtesy amazon.comThe kid who would be king.

Arthur’s legendary weapon, Excalibur. Unfortunately for Alex, the sword also comes with an enemy — the sinister Morgana, who has plans to conquer Britain. Alex’s only chance is to assemble a new Round Table to fight Morgana and save the world.

image courtesy of amazon.comAvengers Assemble:

Captain America.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have saved the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). Known as the Super Soldier, Captain America lives up to his name. From infiltrating the enemy in disguise to being the last one standing in a fight, Steve Rogers is the epitome of a hero.

Hulk.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have saved the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). Known as the Strongest Avenger, the Hulk undertakes missions deemed impossible for the other Avengers. But what is the Hulk without his gamma radiation? Can Bruce Banner be as useful to the team as his big, green, smashing partner?

Iron Man.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have consistently save the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). Clad in his high-tech exosuit and his wealth of knowledge Iron Man is as much of the heart of the Avengers as the Arc-reactor is to his own body.

Thor.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have saved the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). The Most Worthy of all of the Avengers, Thor encompasses the most honourable traits of a hero and a god. But balancing the responsibilites of the Asgard throne and that of an Avenger is no easy task.

Also check out the trailer to the latest movie in the Avengers series: Avengers Endgame, showing now in local theatres.

6 New Non Fiction to read before the holidays.

Hey kids! Check the latest new non fiction added to the Children’s collection! Featured in this are new biographies from the DK Life Stories series, world football records, and much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydneticsHelen Keller.

Discover the inspiring story of Helen Keller, who overcame the odds by learning to understand and communicate with the world. Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing due to an early childhood illness and spent the first 6 years of her life unable to interact with other people. She remained isolated from the outside world until Anne Sullivan came to work as her teacher. In this biography book for kids ages 8-11, learn all about Helen Keller’s amazing life and achievements – how she learned to read Braille and speak, go to college, write books, and ultimately revolutionize the world through her activism on behalf of the deaf and blind.

image courtesy of syndeticsGandhi.

Discover the inspiring life story of Mohandas Gandhi, from early beginnings to  using his teachings of non-violence and civil disobedience to win his country’s freedom – and create a philosophy of peace and equality. Highly recommended.

image courtesy of syndeticsAnne Frank.

Discover the incredible story of Anne Frank, the courageous young writer who hid from the Nazis during World War II. Anne Frank’s diary is read by children and adults worldwide. It tells two stories- one of an extraordinary young girl living in hiding during one of the most fearsome times in history, and one of a relatable young girl facing the same questions and troubles that kids come up against today. Learn how both sides of this puzzle made up the person who is Anne Frank. Meet her family and friends, explore “The Annex” where they hid, and see her story put in historical context alongside information about World War II and the Holocaust, and Hitler and Nazi Germany.

image courtesy fo syndeticsAlbert Einstein.

Follow the remarkable life story of Albert Einstein, whose legendary genius and creative imagination made him one of the world’s most famous thinkers. His many theories and discoveries changed the way scientists think and work, and the way in which we look at and understand things. Learn all about Einstein’s family and education, his travels and troubles, and the special compass he was given as a young boy that first set him on the path to questioning the world around him.

image courtesy of syndeticsSTEM Lab.

This book presents over two dozen science activities demonstrating such scientific properties as forces and motion, chemical reactions, shapes and structures, and light and sound.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Vision book of football records 2019.

10th edition of this popular, bright and quirky annual football records book. Crammed with records, facts, stats and amazing feats from the world’s greatest game, The Vision Book of Football Records 2019 is the perfect Christmas present for football fans of all ages. It includes an entry on every English league team and all the Scottish SPL clubs plus the major European and world clubs from Brasil to Barcelona and an all-star squad of current and former football legends.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Book of Dragons: Secrets of the Dragon Domain.

Move over  Toothless from “How to train your dragon.”, and Smaug from The Hobbit, there’s a new lot of dragons in the world of literature!  The book for dragons charts the natural habitats of these mighty and ancient creatures. With amazing facts and eye catching pictures, you will be amazed by what you learn about these remarkable dangerous creatures.

 

 

 

 

 

6 New Non Fiction to read by the end of summer!

Hey kids! Check out the latest junior non fiction in the library. Books featured in this post include information about Everest and animals, books to keep you entertained, as well as help you with your maths homework and a movie guide long in the making that will give you insight to the world of the “How to train your Dragon” movie franchise.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsEverest.

“There is a place where a mountain grows. It is the highest spot on Earth, the ultimate challenge for mountain-climbing adventurers, the towering figure of Sagarmatha, the Goddess of the Sky … Welcome to Mount Everest. In this stunning book, travel back to the mountain’s ancient origins, learn about the flora and fauna of its great flanks, and discover the rich culture and history surrounding it.”– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsCardboard creations : open-ended exploration with recycled materials.

Provides instructions for creating art projects using recycled materials, such as cardboard boxes and old jars and containers. Great ideas to keep you amused and entertained indoors on a rainy day.

image courtesy of syndeticsSquares, rectangles and other quadrilaterals.

A picture geometry book that introduces children to quadrilaterals, including parallelograms and trapezoids, using hands-on activities and simple explanations. — Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of sydneticsPolka dot parade : a book about Bill Cunningham.

This is a moving and impassioned picture book about the iconic fashion photographer Bill Cunningham that will inspire young readers to go discover their own ideas of beauty and embolden the world with their own creativity!

image courtesy of syndeticsWild: Endangered animals in living motion.

One of the coolest books I have ever read. Wild captures eight endangered animals in living motion. From the cover panda shown lazily munching on leaves, to an albatross swooping its magnificent wings, to a bumblebee taking a sip of water, Wild throws a spotlight on the mammals, birds, and insects that are threatened with extinction. A librarian’s choice all the way!


image courtesy of syndeticsDragons : ultimate movie guide.

Discover all about your favourite Vikings and their dragons in this ultimate guide to the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy! This definitive, official guide gives you the lowdown on all of Toothless and Hiccups adventuresfrom how they first met to their biggest battles. Find out dragon myths, Viking legends and battle stories in this bumper book of Berk.

Check out the trailer to How to train your Dragon: The Hidden World. The epic conclusion  to the How to train your dragon movie series and one of the best films to date! Absolutely love that Toothless the night fury dragon gets a girlfriend in this film. Hilarious moments include when he tries to impress and flirt with the female night fury.

 

 

 

 

Some great new Summertime reading from the kids fiction shelves at your Library!

Summertime is in the air! These awesome new kids fiction books have arrived at your library!!!… so pop down to your local branch library to get your hands on these gems….

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsChill of the Ice Dragon; Dragon Masters #9 by Tracey West

The Dragon Masters are still reeling from the desertion of Rori and her fire dragon Vulcan, when Mina, a Dragon Master from the far north, arrives with a problem–King Lars needs a fire dragon to defeat the Ice Giant who has frozen his kingdom; and so the Dragon Masters set out to find Rori and convince her to help.


Image courtesy of SyndeticsLenny’s book of Everything by Karen Foxlee

Lenny, small and sharp, has a younger brother Davey who won’t stop growing and at seven is as tall as a man. Raised by their single mother, who works two jobs and is made almost entirely out of worries, they have food and a roof over their heads, but not much else. The bright spot every week is the arrival of the latest issue of Burrell’s Build-It-at-Home Encyclopedia. Through the encyclopedia, Lenny and Davey experience the wonders of the world and dream about a life of freedom and adventure, visiting places like Saskatchewan and Yellowknife and the gleaming lakes of the Northwest Territories. But as her brother’s health deteriorates, Lenny realizes that some wonders can’t be named.


Image courtesy of SyndeticsHead Kidby David Baddiel

Bracket Wood is about to be visited by the school inspectors. But there’s one big problem: Ryan Ward. The maestro of practical jokes, Ryan has played so many tricks that in the end the Head Teacher just walks out. And then the new Head Teacher, Mr Carter, arrives. A man so strict even the teachers are scared of him. So imagine his surprise – and Ryan’s – when they swap bodies. Now Ryan is Head Teacher – and his mortal enemy is one of his pupils. It’s every naughty kid’s dream! But soon Bracket Wood School is in a total mess – and only its worst ever pupil can fix it…


Image courtesy of SyndeticsSquirm by Carl Pliaasen

Billy Dickens discovers that his mysterious father lives in Montana, so this summer Billy will fly across the country, hike a mountain, float a river, dodge a grizzly bear, shoot down a spy drone, and save his own father.


Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe First Adventures of Princess Peony by Nette Hilton & Lucinda Gifford

Once upon a time there was a dear little girl called Peony. That’s P.E.O.N.Y. And it’s me. I live in a Castle with my Dragon whose name is Totts. That’s T.O.T.T.S And that makes me a Princess if you really want to know. Princess Peony is not really a princess, but she does have a pet dragon, which means she’s kind of like a princess. In her first adventure, she must keep an evil troll (her brother) from trying to steal her dragon (dog)–and avoid being eaten by a bear, which is really hard work.