Understanding Ukraine and Russia: A Guide for Kids and their Adults

Wellington is home to thousands of people of Ukrainian and Russian descent, as well as people from Polish, Belarusian, and other Eastern or Central-Eastern European backgrounds. The current conflict between Ukraine and Russia means that people who have moved here from those countries, or who have family there, are probably feeling pretty anxious, scared, or upset right now. And of course, whenever there is conflict happening somewhere in the world, it tends to find its way into our everyday lives — through the news, through TV or internet content, or through our friends or teachers at school talking about it — and it’s completely normal for that to make us feel a bit scared or anxious as well.

A man in Ukrainian cultural dress, including a tall fur cap and an elaborately-knotted brocade, is holding a small child in front of a festival stall which is decorated with sunflowers.

The Ukrainian stall at the Palmerston North Festival of Cultures in 2018. Note the Ukrainian flag in the background, as well as all the sunflowers — the sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. Image courtesy of Palmerston North City Library, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

One way that we can help ourselves, and others, is by learning as much as we can about the history and culture of those places, and how news gets created and reported. If we learn about that, we can understand more about what’s going on at the moment in Ukraine and Russia — which means we’ll be more aware of, and better able to process, what’s being reported in the media and what our friends, whānau, and the wider community are talking about.

The good news is that the library has a whole heap of resources — books and other things — to help you learn more about Ukraine, Russia, international conflict, and the media more generally. Read on to find out how the library can help you understand what’s going on in the world at the moment.


HINT: Many of the links in this blog go to the Encyclopaedia Britannica for Kids. This is accessible to all Wellington City Libraries patrons. But to access this wonderful resource, and the others mentioned in this blog, you’ll need to login using your library card number (on the back of your card) and 4 digit pin (last FOUR numbers of the phone number listed on your library account), and the link will take you straight there.


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Daylight Saving: What Is It?

time - hickory dickory dock clock | Evies hickory dickory do… | Flickr“Spring forward
“Fall backwards” 

On Sunday 4 April at 3am all the clocks in New Zealand will “fall backwards” ONE HOUR to 2am as Daylight Saving time finishes. But why do we do this strange practice? Well… to explain Daylight Saving, we first really need to understand modern time:

A brief history of time

Today we tell the time by cell phones, computers and radios, as well highly accurate clocks and watches. Time rules our lives much more than in the past. Before Europeans arrived, Māori told the time by the rising and setting of the sun, the seasons, and the phases of the moon. When settlers began arriving from Britain in the 1840s, not many could afford clocks or watches, so they used bells to ring the times for school, work and church. But each town would often have a slightly different time, which was confusing for everyone. So in 1868 the New Zealand government decided it was time to have a nationwide time for everyone to follow. We were the first country in the world to do this. We made our time 11½ hours ahead of the time set at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich in England (known as Greenwich Mean Time). Towns and cities built public clocks, and by the 1880’s people were using clocks at home, and wearing watches.

In 1941 the clocks were set 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. And since 1974 Kiwis have enjoyed daylight saving during summer, when the clocks are put forward one hour.

What Are Time Zones?

World Time Zones | FOTOGRAFIA.Nelo.Esteves | FlickrWithout time zones, it would be impossible for all countries on Earth to have the sun at the highest point in the sky at noon. Why? Because Earth rotates by 15 degrees every hour. This is exactly why time zones were created. Basically, the planet was split into 24 slices of 15 degrees each. Each slice is a time zone.

So…What is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of adjusting clocks so that we humans can enjoy more daylight hours during the summer to pursue our activities . Typically clocks are adjusted forward one hour near the start of spring and are adjusted backward in autumn. So, in New Zealand we put our clocks FORWARD 1 HOUR at the end of September (beginning of our Spring), and on Sunday 4 April 2021, at 3am we will all be putting our clocks BACK 1 HOUR (beginning of our Autumn / Fall). And you’ll be pleased to know that your cell phones will do all this automatically for you – Smartphones!

Here’s a quick tutorial on Daylight Saving – a practice first suggested by New Zealand entomologist, George Hudson, so that he’d have more daylight hours available to study bugs!


If you’ve got time to kill, why not check out some of these great reads all about time:

The Time Wreccas / Tyler, Val
“The Guardians look after time for all people. Humans always rush around claiming that they do not have enough time, but no one thinks of guarding it. The Guardians do this and in every region of the world there is one who protects time for us all. In Greenwich, it is Old Father Tim. When the Wreccas, who populate the Underneath (below ground), send Snot to steal the Tick, their only intention is to wreak havoc on the Guardians who live Topside (above ground). They don’t expect Snot to find out that she feels more at home Topside and that she really rather likes Tid (Old Father Tim’s grandson) who she has to trick. And little do they know that without the Tick, time will stop forever…” (Catalogue)

The terrible truth about time / Arnold, Nick
“Find out what happens if you go too close to a black hole and how flies tell the time! With a fantastic new cover look and extra horrible bits at the back of the book, this best-selling title is sure to be a huge hit with a new generation of Horrible Science readers. If you think you can stomach the sick side of science, then read on as we clock up some terrible time secrets. Find out who was killed for changing the calendar, make your own crazy clock, meet the tortured time geniuses and check out your chances of a time-travel trip.” (Catalogue)

One minute / Ahn, Somin
“In one minute, you can blink your eyes twenty times, hug your dog, plant seeds, say good-bye, watch the rain, or even save a life. So much can occur in this sliver of time one minute can feel like a singular experience. This poignant picture book is at once an introduction to time for young readers, an ode to living each moment with purpose, and a thoughtful exploration of how children experience one minute (may it seem short or long) playfully, profoundly, and with a boundless sense of possibility.” (Catalogue)

Time, tides and revolutions / Brasch, Nicolas
“This fascinating series poses and answers intriguing science questions that students are often curious about. Each book takes one theme or topic and explores it via thirteen engaging questions. The highly visual content assists students’ understanding of the sometimes quite complex concepts and processes. Focusing on time related issues it presents information via 13 engaging question-and-answer spreads.” (Catalogue)

Telling time / Adler, David A
“Readers follow along as a loveable crew of kid astronauts and their Martain friends go about their daily routine, exploring the differences between seconds, minutes, and hours; what A.M. and P.M. mean; and how to tell time on both digital and analog clocks. Ten seconds to lift-off Are you ready? Veteran children’s nonfiction author David Adler incorporates math concepts, such as addition and subtraction, into this fun narrative with problem-solving exercises for readers to tackle at their own pace. Edward Miller’s vibrant cartoon art depicts the happy group of friends embarking on space walks, working together on projects, and settling in for bed.  A glossary explains time zones, daylight savings time, and more. An out-of-this-world STEM book.” (Catalogue)

Telling time : how to tell time on digital and analog clocks! / Older, Jules
“Time isn’t an easy concept for kids to grasp, but young readers will delight in learning all about it with the fun and lively lessons in TELLING TIME. Exploring what time is and discovering why we need to tell time, young readers certainly learn more than ‘the big hand is on the one and the little hand is on the two’. With the help of a whole lot of clocks, a dash of humor, and a few familiar circumstances, learning to tell time is a lot of fun. It’s about time.” (Catalogue)

All about time / Hope, Charles
“Time is a key component of mathematics. It helps us make sense of an enormous amount of information, and it can have many practical applications in our everyday lives. Join our maths mutts as they learn all about the wonderful world of Time!” (Catalogue)

One day : around the world in 24 hours / Din, Suma
” ‘One Day’ follows fifteen different children from around the world through a 24 hour period. Not only will readers learn about their different lives and cultures, but they will also discover how time zones work, and what’s happening on one side of the world while the other sleeps. This is a fantastic and accessible introduction to the concept of time and time zones for a younger audience.” (Catalogue)

7 New Non Fiction to read during August.

Spring into reading with this new selection of junior non fiction about great explorers, animals and the world during the month of August.

Enjoy!

 

Explorers: Amazing Tales Of The World’s Greatest Adventures.

Meet famous explorers and adventurers in this exciting non-fiction storybook for children. Venture into steaming jungles in search of lost temples, fight off frostbite in the Arctic, and blast off into space!

There Are Bugs Everywhere.

There are bugs everywhere! Some of them live in jungles, some of them underwater, and some certainly live in your house. There are Bugs Everywhere is the second in a series of non-fiction books from Britta Teckentrup.

Wild In The Streets: 20 Poems Of City Animals.

A beautifully illustrated book which pairs poetry with non-fiction, telling the fascinating stories of the animals that have found their homes in urban landscapes all over the world.

Save The Gorilla (Animal SOS!).

Gorillas are magnificent creatures of the forest and are loved by many people. So why are they under threat of extinction? Find out all about gorillas, the threats that they face, what is being done to try and save them and how you can help to answer their SOS call.

Weird and Wonderful Animals.

Follow the adventures of an intrepid explorer, and meet some of the world’s most bizarre animals! Did you know there’s a wasp that looks like a panda, a basilisk snake that runs over water, a butterfly with a large skull on its body, and a fish that seems to be wearing lipstick?

image courtesy of syndeticsRebel Dogs! Heroic Tales of Trusty Hounds.

Tail wagging tales of real life Rebel Dogs! Get your paws on the stories and secrets of some of history’s most heroic hounds! An engaging collection packed with over 30 real life dogs, including film stars with fur, hounds that love to help, superstars of science and war heroes; these rebel dogs are the stars of their own stories.

How Trains Work.

How Trains Work takes kids on a fun behind-the-scenes adventure to discover the secrets of train travel. From the earliest steam locomotives to modern super-speedy bullet trains, we peek inside trains, carriages, routes and stations to reveal how they operate and transport people.

A mixture of new and current non fiction.

Hey kids!

Check out what’s new… and current in the junior non fiction collection at your local library. This post features books that will enhance your knowledge of history, games, the universe and so much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsSee inside the Second World War.

With vivid illustrations and flaps to lift, this book takes you into the action of the Second World War.

image courtesy of syndeticsEngineering.

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

image courtesy of syndeticsForgotten beasts : amazing creatures that once roamed the Earth.

Matt Sewell’s follow-up to the mega-hit Dinosaurs is a beautifully-illustrated large format look at the amazing beasts that time forgot – from the relatively well known, such as the sabre-toothed tiger and woolly mammoth, to the obscure monsters that walked the earth millions of years ago – many now forgotten. New findings are being made every year, and research is showing us exactly how these beasts looked and how they lived.

image courtesy of syndeticsHistory of the world in 100 pictures.

This history of the world covers 100 fascinating historical subjects, including Ancient Egypt, Alexander the Great, the start of Islam, the Aztecs, the French Revolution, the first computer, Albert Einstein and the Space Race. Each topic is brought to life by photographs, easy-to-read text and colourful, modern illustrations.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe world of Vikings.

Set sail in your longboat and explore the mysterious lands of runes, raids and sagas. The Vikings combines breathtakingly vivid images with fascinating facts to unlock the world of these legendary warriors, traders and explorers.

image courtesy of sydneticsI am here, where are you?

In I Am Here, Where Are You? Ollie tells the reader where he is. This book provides a springboard for discussion of the reader’s location and explores concepts of cultural diversity, extended family, time zones and conservation of the planet we all share. Finally, it invites the reader to practise writing their own address, finishing at The Universe.

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to play chess.

Follow the easy steps to grandmaster greatness with How To Play Chess. From the opening move to checkmate, How To Play Chess will help your child play chess like a champion. With plenty of master tips and cool 3D images, How To Play Chess is the perfect introduction to chess for beginners as well as kids.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Great big book of life.

“Aren’t humans amazing? It’s incredible to think that all of us started out life as a tiny dot. Find out how we change as we grow from babies to children to teenagers to adults, and what happens when people get old.”–From page 4 of cover.

image courtesy of syndeticsRainforest.

Prepare to take a chronological journey, from the first roots grown by newly evolved plants and trees, through blazing fires and climatic changes, to an explosion of flora and fauna as the rainforest blossoms with life. Travel right up to the modern-day, as humans arrive in the lush habitat, changing the rainforest and its inhabitants forever.

image courtesy of syndeticsFantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders.

Kate Pankhurst, descendent of Emmeline Pankhurst, is back with a brand new wildly brilliant and accessible book about incredible women in the world of work. Discover eye- opening facts about a collection of go-getting women who have pioneered careers in a kaleidoscope of different industries.

8 New Non Fiction to step into spring with.

Hey kids. Winter is nearly at an end. Come on down to your local library to check out the latest new non fiction to step into spring with!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding Projects in Python.

A fantastic resource that provides simple steps on how to write in code in the popular programming language, Python that will kick start your coding journey where you can improve your programming skills and learn to create, remix and customise your own projects.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDinosaurs.

A lively introduction to the mighty beasts that once ruled the world, where children can lift the flaps to learn about what life was like back then. Young readers will be amazed as they find out how dinosaurs hunted and defended themselves, the ways in which the landscape continued to change, which dinosaurs made the best mothers, and much, much more. This book features over 30 sturdy flaps to lift.

image courtesy of syndeticsPokemon deluxe essential handbook : the need-to-know stats and facts on over 700 Pokemon.

This book shares facts on over seven hundred Pokemon and includes information on the new Kalos characters and the Mega Evolved Pokémon.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMoana: The Essential Guide.

Read this book and find out everything you need to know about the newest Disney heroine, Moana, and her hero Maui, on their incredible journey across the South Pacific. Discover the beautiful locations of Oceania, including breathtaking underworlds along with frightening sea creatures! This book is packed with stunning information and  images of Moana’s quest and provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the most thrilling moments from the movie. Overall, I think this book is amazing and serves as a wonderful companion alongside the movie. It is also a great learning tool to help young girls begin their path to finding themselves and becoming strong and emerging leaders.

image courtsy of syndeticsThe Travel Book.

It’s never too early to plan your O.E. This book will certainly help you on your way to help you plan your trip by making sure you are aware of every country in the world and help you get ideas on what places you would like to visit. You will also find out information about thousands of amazing facts on wildlife, how people live, sports, food, festivals and a wide range of other quirky insights on every page. Every single country gets its own dedicated page, and a mix of wow photography and beautiful illustrations brings each land to life. For readers aged 8 years and up.

image courtesy fo sydneticsHow to be good at Math.

This book offers illustrated, step-by-step explanations of mathematical concepts needed for ages seven to eleven, and grades two to five.– Source other than Library of Congress.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJason and the Argonauts.

“The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the earliest recorded Greek myths. Here, master artist Robert Byrd has created a striking telling of the legend for a new generation of readers. Complete with explanatory notes and illustrated back matter, Jason and the Argonauts traces each step of our hero’s journey, from the Golden Fleece’s origin story and Jason’s childhood to his triumphant return with the prize and eventual death. Deftly designed to accommodate glorious large pictures and captioned insets, the book is not only a great story, but a wealth of information about ancient Greece”–Publisher.

image courtesy of sydneticsStar Wars: Drawing Manual.

The Star Wars drawing book that no Star Wars fan should be without. Learn to draw the iconic starships, droids, and speeders of the Star Wars saga, including the X-wing, Millennium Falcon, Star Destroyer, TIE Interceptor, Slave I, BB-8, AT-AT and more. Follow clear, step-by-step instructions to complete 15 stunning projects from a galaxy, far, far away. Each drawing sits on a perspective grid that will help you to see what your drawings will look like as three-dimensional objects. The grid consists of a vanishing point with perspective lines leading away from it. Star rankings are also provided to indicate the difficulty level of each drawing. There are hours of entertainment for Star Wars fans young and old. Look out for Star Wars: Dot to Dot; Star Wars: Art Therapy Colouring Book; Star Wars: Doodles; Star Wars: Galaxy of Colouring; and, Star Wars: Colouring by Numbers.

6 New Non Fiction on Lego, Pokémon, heroes and some good old movie trailers thrown in for good measure.

The Easter break and school holidays are here. Time for some Wellington City Libraries kids blog entertainment!

This post is dedicated to the world of lego, Pokémon, heroes and some good old movie trailers to feed and curb your big screen entertainment.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Batman Movie: The Making of the Movie.

Calling all Lego and Batman fanatics!  Brace yourself… there’s another hot new non fiction book where the world of Lego, DC Universe and Da da da da da da da…Batman colides! The LEGO Batman Movie: The Making of the Movie tells the inside story of how Warner Bros. and the LEGO Group joined creative forces to bring Batman’s brick world to life. Also features exclusive insights from the filmmakers, animators, and LEGO designers. This book is in a word – COOL!

Also check out The Batman movie : the essential guide, where you can go behind the scenes and discover everything there is to know about The LEGO Batman Movie with this ultimate guide. Featuring the latest LEGO Batman set and minifigures. image courtesy of syndetics

Also feel free to check out the latest movie trailer to The Lego Batman Movie, man oh man, after watching it multiple times, I still think it’s hilarious, especially when the Joker experiences a case of rejection and heartbreak from Batman, hmmm do I detect of hint of would-be bromance on the Joker’s part?

image courtesy of syndeticsAwesome Lego Creations with bricks you already have.

Turn your pile of lego bricks into a day of fun!… especially when it’s a cold and miserable day. This book holds 50 new robots, dragons, race cars, planes, wild animals and other exciting projects to build imaginative worlds

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon: Classic Collector’s Handbook.

Pokémon: Classic Collector’s Handbook describes the concept of the Pokémon battle, and presents descriptions of the original 151 Pokémon available to catch in the game.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe librarian who measured the earth.

This book describes the life and work of Eratosthenes, the Greek geographer and astronomer who accurately measured the circumference of the Earth. This story is a celebration of curiosity and a tribute to the questing mind.

 

 

imgae courtesy of syndeticsA childs introduction to Greek mythology : the stories of the gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and other mythical creatures.

This book presents an introduction to Greek mythology, discussing the roles of gods and goddesses, as well as the adventures of heroes and mythical beings.

 

Also check out the trailer for The Boss Baby. It is in a number words, funny, hilarious, innovative and where the lines of sibling rivalry are crossed and taken to the extreme. However instant sibling rivalry must soon be put aside when Tim, the older brother discovers that Boss Baby is actually a spy on a secret mission, and only he can help thwart a dastardly plot that involves an epic battle between puppies and babies.

7 New Non Fiction to get your hands on…before the school holidays.

Brace yourselves! Wellington City Libraries has more new non fiction in stock for your reading pleasure. It’s a good time to get hold of them now, especially with the school holidays around the corner. A mixture of fact and fun based books that will keep you amused and entertained. Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsAtlas of Everything.

Navigate the world like never before. Featuring over 50 maps of the world – one on every page – this unique atlas includes facts and figures on almost everything you’d want to know. From Nobel Prize winners and popular names, to endangered species and active volcanoes, the combination of maps and infographics makes this the perfect book for children to find out information in a quick and easy way, and remember it. Includes information on the origins of humans, ancient civilisations, the fashion industry, music around the world, film, sport, art and design, politics, the natural world, architecture, animal migration, oceans, natural disasters and space, to name just a few topics in this fact-filled book.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMini hacks for Pokémon go players. Catching : skills, tips, and techniques for capturing monsters.

An unofficial guide for Pokémon Go players. You’re on the hunt for all 151. Some are easy, others are super hard and elusive. Mini Hacks for Pokémon GO Players: Catching focuses on strategies to help build your Pokémon collection. Includes tips and techniques on: Ball tossing—how to perfect the curve ; What type of Poké Balls you need for specific monsters ; How to most effectively use Razz Berries ; Where you are most likely to find and capture specific types ; The scoop on Lures and Incense to boost catchability and catch all of the mini hacks for Pokémon GO players!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe book of wildly spectacular sports science.

“Why does a knuckleball flutter? Why do belly flops hurt so much? Why would a quarterback prefer a deflated football? Here are 54 all-star experiments that demonstrate the scientific principles powering a wide variety of sports and activities–and offer insights that can help you improve your own athletic skills. How does a black belt karate chop her way through a stack of bricks? Use Popsicle sticks to understand why it’s possible and learn the role played by Newton’s second law of motion. Does LeBron James really float through the air on the way to a dunk? Use a tennis ball, a paperback book, and the help of a friend to understand the science of momentum and the real meaning of hang time. Using common household objects, each project includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and a detailed explanation of how and why the experiment worked. It’s a win-win.”–Amazon.com.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGaming record breakers.

“Become an expert gamer with facts and records about the top consoles and games at your fingertips. Discover marathon game sessions, world-record high scores, best-selling games and the most expensive gear available in this must-have gaming guide”–Back cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWhat is poetry? : the essential guide to reading & writing poems.

Over many years as a working poet, Michael Rosen has thought a great deal about what poems are, what they can do and the pleasure that comes from writing and reading poetry. In this invaluable handbook, he shares this knowledge and experience in book form for the very first time. Starting with a detailed analysis of a number of classic poems, he offers a real writer’s guide to writing and performing poems, as well as a wealth of technical information and tips. He then takes a fascinating look at a selection of his own poems and explains how and why he wrote them. Complete with an appendix of poets and useful websites, and beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Jill Calder, this is the only guide to poetry children and teachers will ever need.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsNatumi Takes the Lead.

A heart warming true story about a shy orphan elephant Natumi, who is rescued by a team from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage for baby elephants. At the shelter, Natumi hides behind keepers’ legs to watch the other elephants at the shelter. But soon, she meets several other orphans, and the eight of them play together in the surrounding bush. As the babies become closer and more like a real family, they need a leader, someone they can trust. Can Natumi grow into this role? Join the herd to find out what happens when they travel back into the wild. Overall a fantastic story and must read for the budding animal enthusiast.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAll about Japan : stories, songs, crafts and more.

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place–and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, learn some Japanese songs. Two friends, a boy from the country and a girl from the city, take us on a tour of their beloved land through their eyes. They introduce us to their homes, families, favourite places, school life, holidays and more! Beyond the fun and fascinating facts, you’ll also learn about the spirit that makes Japan one-of-a-kind. This is a multicultural children’s book for families to treasure together.

7 new back to school children’s non-fiction you must get your hands on!

The holidays may be over, but have no fear, Wellington City Libraries always has fantastic new books in stock for your viewing and reading pleasure. Come on down to your local library and check out what’s new in our junior non fiction collection, especially some must have new reads about the Olympics, which you should get your hands on before the games officially start:

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Travel the world Atlas.

Take a trip around the world and back again where you can  expand your geographical knowledge and stimulate  curiosity with this delightful map book.  Filled with fascinating, bite-sized facts about the landscape and the culture of each geographical region. Great for children over 6 years old.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSuperbug.

Grab hold of this book and read all about the biggest, fastest, deadliest creepy crawlies on the planet.

 

 

 

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYNDETICSMy Little Book Tractors.

Packed full of cool photos and fascinating facts about tractors. Perfect for reluctant readers and young children interested in tractors and automobiles

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPokemon visual companion.

Pokemon madness has taken over the library, especially with the release of this fantastic Pokemon guide. Here is your chance to really catch all the Pokémon you can find, as uncover amazing artwork, fascinating facts and comical anecdotes. This is truly a must have reference for every Pokemon fan!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOlympic Sport: The Whole Muscle-Flexing Story.

From running a marathon to beating your friends at basketball or being the bendiest gymnast around, find out everything you ever wanted to know about sports and games and what it is that makes athletes the best at what they do. A must have read to have in time for the Olympics.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOlympic Expert.

Read this book and discover record breaking sprints of 100m legend Usain Bolt, Gymnast Nadia Comenaeci’s perfect ten, Bob Beamon’s amazing long jump and David Weir’w wheelchair racing heroics and much, much more! This book is also crammed full of facts and statistics, quotes, trivia and lots of other essential information for every Olympic fan. Grab it quick before someone else does.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft : the survivors’ book of secrets.

The latest instalment of Minecraft as arrived in the form of  Minecraft : the survivors’ book of secrets. This Official Minecraft book contains collective knowledge of the Survivors – an underground group of Minecraft experts who’ve been around since the early days of alpha. Out in the field you’ll learn how to stalk your enemies, how to master the art of practical munitions and how to crush any opponent in hand-to-hand combat.

Top 10 Children’s Non-Fiction for June 2016

There are some great illustrations in Under earth; under water.  Explore the world beneath your feet or kayak! Under the earth there are root systems, pipes for water, electricity and the internet, insect and animal burrows and more!

Books on cats and dogs were runners up to the Top 10.  Who has a favourite pet at home? Maybe you have something other than a cat or a dog? Who has the strangest pet out there? Brothers or sisters aren’t classified as pets!

1. LEGO, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

3. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

4. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

5. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam

6. Small scenes from a big galaxy, Vesa Lehtimaki

7. Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller

8. Lego Star Wars in 100 scenes, by Daniel Lipkowitz

9. Minecraft blockopedia, by Alex Wiltshire

10. Under earth; Under Water, by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel  Mizielinska

6 new children’s non fiction to read before the end of summer.

Looking for some great reads for the end of these long summer days. Look no further! Here’s are some books that are so new that you might be the very first to read them – wouldn’t that be cool!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHairy Tales and Nursery Crimes + Arabian Frights and other Gories.

A classic and an absolute favourite from childhood, Hairy Tales and Nursery Crimes + Arabian Frights and other Gories is a hilarious and sometimes twisted parodies of well-known fairy tales and nursery rhymes. A book where you will be guaranteed to laugh yourself silly.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHello Ruby: Adventures in Coding.

Meet Ruby–a small girl with a huge imagination. In Ruby’s world, anything is possible if you set your mind to it. As Ruby embarks on her adventure, kids will be introduced through storytelling to the basic concepts of coding. With activities included in every chapter, future kid coders will be thrilled to put their own imaginations to work.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA sky of Diamonds.

A story for children about loss, grief and hope.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDia De Los Muertos.

Join the fun and festivities of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)  and learn about a different cultural tradition, and brush up on your Spanish vocabulary, as the town honors their dearly departed in a traditional, time-honored style.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsYou rule! : create your own country.

A fantastic, innovative book that allows you  to design your very own nation, completely from scratch. Believe it or not, this is a book where you get to choose where it is, who can live there and what the rules are, establish your borders, design your flag and take charge. You can be king, queen, big chief, emperor or president. Because right here, right now, you rule!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsI Made That! The Kids’ BIG Book of Craft Idea.

This book is in a word… AWESOME! Not to mention the only craft book you will ever need! You will get ideas on how to  make natural beauty products, (I’m still tickled pink that this book can tell you how to make hair gel!), how to give your room a makeover? and giving your wardrobe a fashion revamp. Plus, for the eco-conscious girl there is lots of information on ethical fashion and cosmetics, sustainable shopping and fair trade. Overall you will have a lot of fun with this book!