extreme sports

Book Endings: The Way You Want Them to Be!

Sue Jane
Apples and Oranges - Kids Environment Kids Health - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Which would you choose?

Is the way a book ends important to you? Do you sometimes wish that you could write the ending so that the book finishes just the way you want it to? Or do you sometimes wonder what would happen to the story if the main character chose a different path to the one they did choose?

You sound like a perfect candidate for reading ‘choose your own ending’ books. These books give you alternatives.  They might say something like: “If you think this happens, turn to page XX, but if you want this to happen, turn to page XXX”.

Then everyone’s happy! You get the ending you want, and the hero or heroine gets to fight another day (or not, depending on what you choose!).

Oh the power! So… let’s get started:

If you like adventure non-fiction books with a you-choose ending, try these:

You Choose book series

Here are a couple of examples of action adventure books from this nail-biting series:

Could you escape a deserted island? : an interactive survival adventure / Hoena, B. A
“When an adventure at sea goes awry, the reader’s choices determine if survival is possible for two friends marooned on a desert island with a deflated raft and few supplies.” (Catalogue)

Surviving Mount Everest : an interactive extreme sports adventure / Hoena, B. A
“Since the beginning of time, we have been fascinated with heights. Mount Everest, therefore, is at the tip top of our fascination. In this tale, you call the shots in trying to conquer dizzying heights. Each decision becomes more important than the last as you climb higher and higher. Will you make it? Will you fall? Will you survive at all? YOU CHOOSE how this adventure ends. — back cover.” (Catalogue)

If you like adventure fiction, try these:

Choose Your Own Adventure book series

Here’s a couple of adventures you won’t want to miss the ending/s of:

House of danger / Montgomery, R. A
“You are a successful young detective, and the creepy Marsden residence and its missing owner have haunted you more than any other case. Maybe this is a sign you shouldn’t continue? Do you call in your best friends for support? Or perhaps you should turn to the police for help? Are you ready to take on mutant chimpanzees, time travel, and a counterfeiting ring to solve the case? House of Danger takes YOU on a thrilling adventure investigating criminal activity and a dark history in your town!” (Catalogue)

Journey under the sea / Montgomery, R. A
“Did the lost city of Atlantis really exist? Or is it just a myth? You are a highly experienced deep sea explorer, buut your search for the lost city of Atlantis is the trip of a lifetime. You must make choices necessary to go deeper, hoping one will lead you to your quarry, the mythical lost continent of Atlantis. Choose from forty-two possible endings.” (Catalogue)

Or maybe Sci-fi and fantasy is your jam?

Fighting Fantasy gamebooks

Starship Traveller / Jackson, Steve
“Sucked through the nightmare of the Seltsian Void, the starship Traveller emerges at the other side of the black hole into an unknown universe. You are the captain of the Traveller and her fate depends on you. Will you be able to discover the way back to Earth from the alien peoples and planets you encounter?” (Catalogue)

Spellbreaker / Green, Jonathan
“Rassin Abbey has guarded its arcane treasures for centuries. But when their Black Grimoire spellbook is stolen, the land of Ruddlestone is plunged into a crisis of epic proportions. Should the legendary Casket of Shadows be opened, the Infernal Beast will be unleashed to wreak its terrible carnage across the Old World.” (Catalogue)

Are you into your sports? These extreme sport adventures might be just for you:

You Choose: Surviving Extreme Sports

Surviving the Iditarod : an interactive extreme sports adventure / Jacobsmeyer, Nicki
“Set in the Alaskan wilds, the Iditarod is one of the most extreme races on the planet. As the musher and leader of a high-powered dog sledding team, choosing the right lead dog is just the first of your important decisions. From there, each choice you make will affect whether you come in first, fifth, last, or not at all. You choose how this adventure ends.” (Catalogue)

Surviving the Le Mans auto race : an interactive extreme sports adventure / Hoena, B. A
“The Le Mans auto race in France is a true test of endurance, and as you sit behind the wheel of a high-powered racecar, you’re in control. The decisions you make may take you across the finish line as a champion–or send you careening off course. Will you find a way to win–or even survive? YOU CHOOSE how this adventure story ends.” (Catalogue)

New Non Fiction: Prepare to go Bear Crazy, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” and brace yourself because the Doctor is in!

Katie

The Doctor is in!

Boys and Girls, brace yourself because Wellington City Libraries two new Junior Non Fiction Books on Doctor Who and just in time… before the school holidays.

Doctor Who: Essential Guide to 50 Years of Doctor Who.
By reading this book, you learn all the  fascinating facts on all eleven incarnations of the Doctor’s adventures in space and time, as well as his helpful companions and fearsome foes. Find out all about the Doctor’s TARDIS, his regenerations, and much, much more! Overall a great book that many fans of the series would enjoy, however might be suitable for ages 10 and up. If this book interests you, you might also want to check out  Doctor Who: The Official Doctionary.

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics
Doctor Who: The Visual Dictionary.

This book presents an introduction to the popular science fiction television program, dsicussing its characters, plot lines, villains, gadgets, monsters, aliens, weaponry, and spaceships. Overall not a bad read. The style and presentation of this book is similar to Star Wars visual dictionaries. Another book that will be enjoyed by Doctor Who fans. If this book interests you, you might also want to check out Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary.

 

 

 

 

 

RSPCA Animal Care.

The RSPCA  or the Royal Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the United Kingdom has published two new books on animal care.

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsAll About… Cats and Kittens and All About… Rabbits and Other Small Animals

Overall I think these pet guides are fantastic. Would be ideal for children 9 years and over. Contains lots of information on how to care for rabbits/cats, helping it settle in, types of of behavior to grooming, playing, popular names for  rabbits/cats, and going to the vet.  Also contains some history of The RSPCA in the United Kingdom.
You also might want to check out Looking after Cats and Kittens and Looking after Rabbits.

FACT ABOUT CATS: While chocolate is bad for a cat, yogurt makes a tasty treat. According to Pet Smart NZ, the organisms in yogurt can be especially helpful when your pet is on antibiotics since these medications can alter the “good’ bacteria in the intestines. Most pets will enjoy the addition of a tablespoons of yogurt to their food.

FACT ABOUT RABBITS: Pet rabbits are related to the wild rabbits, hares and pikas. Hares are bigger than rabbits, with longer ears and stronger legs which enables them to run very fast, while pikas are smaller than rabbits and live in North America and Asia.

 

 

 

Bear Crazy…!

image courtesy of syndetics
Kali’s Story: An Orphaned Polar Bear Rescue.

Brace yourself for cuteness and… an orphaned polar bear. This book tells the story of orphaned polar bear Kali (pronounced Cully) as he is rescued and whisked away to the Inupiat village of Kali (Point Lay in English), then being raised and reared at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, with zookeepers filling in for his mother and finally finding a permanent home at the Buffalo Zoo with, Luna, a female polar bear as a companion. Overall I enjoyed this book. Absolutely loved the photographs that chronicles Kali’s infant hood. I reckon this is a book that will be thoroughly enjoyed by all age groups and a fantastic addition to the junior non fiction collection just in time for  the school holidays.

You will also like Vicks: The Polar Bear Cub and My Polar Animals Journal : In Search of Polar Bears, Penguins, Whales and Seals.

FACT ABOUT POLAR BEARS: Male polar bears pee down, while female polar bears pee straight behind them.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Wild About Bears.

Wild about bears? You will be after reading this book. This book contains facts and pictures of eight different bear species, ranging from polar bears, sun bears and sloth bears. You will learn everything there is to know about bears, including information about their traits, characteristics and habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

image courtesy of syndetics
Brutal Games! History’s most dangerous sports.

Forget sports like Rugby, Gymnastics and Horse riding, this book on history’s most dangerous sports takes words like ‘dangerous’, ‘extreme sports’ and ‘life and death situations’ to a whole new level. After reading this book, two words come to mind:  adrenaline rush. Facts about bull riding, cave diving, jousting and gladiator games, you will have all the information you need to release your inner daredevil.

 

 

 

 

If you like the Horrible Histories and Weird World of Wonders series, you might want to give these two new series a go.

Hard Nuts of History.image courtesy of syndetics image courtesy of syndetics

To kick things off, Check out Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, which is part of Hard Nuts of History series. Read all about history’s hardest hard nuts. Who were the most famous (and not so famous) ruthless, brave, fearless and intrepid men and women of all time? Could you fight in the greatest battle ever, or wow the whole world with your brain power?
These awesome books are bursting with remarkable tales of triumph and bravery. You will be amazed and astounded by some of history’s hardest heroes. The books have a similar tone as Horrible Histories and Weird World of Wonders series, comes complete with the silly bits, but perhaps without the gory bits. There is a lot less pages and the text is more simplified, so I think this series will appeal to younger audiences.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What They Don’t Tell You About….

In the ‘What They Don’t Tell You About….’ series by Bob Fowke, there are books on Romans in Britain, Ancient Greeks and Vikings.  If you are looking for another series to read after Horrible Histories, I would recommend the ”What They Don’t Tell You About….’ series. There is a lot of history, gory bits,  silly humor and the odd puzzle in these books, so prepare for lots of reading… and laughing! Definitely no boring bits in this series. Great for anyone who is a fan of Horrible Histories and Weird World of Wonders. Also great for anyone who likes/is interested in History, comics, puzzle books and silly humor.

Roller Disco

admin

Get your skate on at the Roller Disco!

Details:

When: Saturday 22nd September

Children (12 and under) and their parents: 5-7pm

Teens and adults (13 and over): 8-11pm

Where: Kilbirnie Recreation Centre

Cost: $15 if you need to hire skates or $10 if you bring your own skates. Buy your ticket at the door on the night.

 

There will be DJs, games and competitions, and costumes are a must. Sounds like fun!

 

There’s a facebook page you could check out for info about this and other events at the Kilbirnie Recreation Centre.

New Non Fiction for August – Outdoors and Creativity.

Katie

Check out the new books on extreme sports from the series: eXtreme Games.

 

Extreme Winter Sports and Extreme Summer Sports by Jim Brush (eXtreme Games series)

These books highlight the sports and stars of ESPNs X-Games extreme sports tournament. Read all you need to know about the world of extreme games, including current competition events and the people who make it happen. Also learn interesting facts about the games, for example who came first in the 2011 x-Games. This series catapults readers into the facts, stats and action – head first!

 

 

 

 

 

From the Adrenalin Rush series:

Mountain Biking by Anne-Marie Laval

Find out all you need to know about mountain biking (MTB) including pioneers of MTB, different types of mountain bikes (and which bike is best for all-round use); equipment and clothing and to keep safe in this extreme (and dangerous) sport. Check out Windsurfing and Kite Surfing also by Anne-Marie Laval for information on spectacular tricks and techniques of wind surfing and kite surfing.

 

 

 

 

Skateboarding by Jackson Teller

A fan of skateboarding? Want to learn the art of skateboarding? This is the book for you. Discover the mind-blowing moves and tricks you can pull on a skateboard.  You also find out information about equipment, clothing and the best place to go. You will also pick up tips on the skills you’ll need, whether you’re ramp riding or street riding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other new non fiction to check out:

My Art Book Animals.

My Art Book This is the perfect book to read on the history of art for young children who love animals.  You will find heaps of cool projects (a Tin Tortoise, a Tiger Model and a Monkey on a Wire) that have been inspired by various artists (Albrecht Durer, Peter Paul Rubens and even Andy Warhol himself) Wild, educational and prowling with creativity, ‘My Art Book Animals’ introduces young children to art through the appealing subject of animals. Projects include a furry lion mask inspired by Rubens and a fishy collage in the cubist style of Picasso.

 

So you want to be a writer? by Vicki Hambleton and Cathleen Greenwood.

So you want to be a writer and follow in the footsteps of great authors like Margaret Mahy and Joy Cowley? Then this is the book for you. This book is packed full with resources and priceless tips from successful authors like Michael Crichton, Amanda Hocking and Chris Crutcher. This book will also revel the mysteries and glamour of best a best selling author.

 

 

 

 

Go Out and Play!  by KaBoom!

Spring is nearly around the corner, time for some outdoor fun! Written by KaBoom, a non-profit organization that is passionate and dedicated to creating a more fitter and creative generation through outdoor play. A fantastic guide to more than seventy well-loved outdoor and playground games, like kick the can, hopscotch, Four square, Red light/Green Light, flashtag and so many more.

Don’t just sit there, Grab this book and… go out and play!

 

 

 

The Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins.

Want to learn about the many  species of beetles around the world? This is the book to read. An illustrated introduction to beetles that provides information on a  variety of  species  and how these insects have adapted to survive.

A useful  guide to use if you want to explore insects around your home and the great outdoors.