6 New Non Fiction to read in the new year.

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first junior non fiction blog post of 2018! Featured are books all about science experiments, a follow up of successful women who changed the world and made history, history at its most horrible and entertainment thrown in for good measure.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndetics365 Weird Wonderful Science Experiments.

Whether you’re making your own slime, rockets, crystals, and hovercrafts or performing magic (science!) tricks and using science to become a secret agent, this book has something for every type of curious kid. Each experiment features safety precautions, materials needed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations, fun facts, and further explorations.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMore girls who rocked the world.

“From the inspiring author of Girls Who Rocked the World comes another comprehensive collection of true, inspiring profiles of successful young women throughout history who made their mark on the world before turning twenty. Young women today crave strong, independent role models to look to for motivation. In the follow-up to the bestseller Girls Who Rocked the World, More Girls Who Rocked the World offers a fun and uplifting collection of influential stories with forty-five more movers and shakers who made a difference before turning twenty. From Annie Oakley and Queen Victoria to Malala Yousafzai and Adele–each with her own incredible story of how she created life-changing opportunities for herself and the world–you’ll get to know these capable queens of empires and courageous icons of entertainment. Also included are profiles of gutsy teenagers who are out there rocking the world right now and personal aspirations from today’s young women”– Provided by publisher. Also check out Girls who rocked the world.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Big Earth Book.

Planet Earth. Four elements. Once incredible story. Get ready for a roller-coaster ride through history, geography, science and more. Take an amazing journey into the planet’s past and discover how four elements — earth, fire, air and water — created the world and everything that exists today. This book combines amazing facts with stunning photography and hand-drawn illustrations to bring our planet and its past to life in an exciting and engaging way.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYNDETICSF2 Football Academy.

Take your football skills to the next level with the world’s biggest football YouTubers, the F2.F2: Football Academy features the greatest players, the biggest teams, and most jaw-dropping moments from across the football world, and teaches the skills and the tekkers it takes to be the best!Want step-overs like Sanchez? Or a pile-driver like Ibrahimovic? Or quick-feet like Messi? Let the F2 show you how. Filled with tips and hacks, as well as the inside track on your favourite stars: Pogba, Suarez, Aguero and the rest. With a free app that brings the book to life and shows you how to turbo-charge your tekkers, there’s not a moment to lose open, read, learn, download and get out on the pitch and practice. Love, peace and tekkers.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe last Jedi : the visual dictionary.

This book presents a guide to the characters, droids, aliens, and creatures of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” with details on costumes, weapons, and accessories.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHorrible Histories: 25th Anniversary Yearbook.

This is a must-have for all Horrible Histories fans. Packed with foul facts, gory games, dreadful jokes, quick quizzes and putrid puzzles, it’s a yearbook with rat-itude! Discover all the dreadful details about your favourite eras of history from the Rotten Romans, to the Terrible Tudors and the Gorgeous Georgians to the Woeful World Wars. History has never been so horrible!

 

Top 7 New Non Fiction of 2017.

Hi kids! Check out the latest and greatest top 7 new non fiction of 2017 in the library collection. Top 7 books that will make sure you’re all schooled up on how to cook simple and healthy meals, forming friendships, becoming the ultimate jedi master in the art of minecraft and wonderful stories  about animals!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsKuwi’s Kitchen: Kiwi Kids’ Cookbook.

Kuwi’s kitchen is filled with easy-to-make recipes, a creative way to encourage kids to make their own simple meals and fun, well balanced healthy lunches.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGrowing Friendships: A Kid’s Guide to making and keeping friends.

Children want to fit in, but sometimes getting along with friends is complicated. Authors Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin give kids the answers they need to make and keep friends using five essential skills: reaching out to make friends, stepping back to keep friends, blending in to join friends, speaking up to share with friends, and letting go to accept friends. — Adapted from back cover.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft: Master Builder Toolkit.

Become a Minecraft master builder with this incredible step-by-step guide to creating 15 amazing Minecraft masterpieces! Age: 7+

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGame on! 2018 : your guide to all the best games.

This book, written by gamers for gamers offers information and statistics about all of the hottest games, tips and tricks for gamers, and interviews from gaming’s biggest personalities, including game developers and pro gamers.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMalala’s Magic Pencil.

A beautiful story about a young woman’s goal to make the world a better place and to always hold onto hope even in the most difficult times.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBig Cats.

In this completely updated edition of Big Cats, award-winning writer Seymour Simon celebrates the grace and power of lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, pumas, and snow leopards. Readers will learn all about how they hunt, care for their young, and rest in their varied natural habitats. Overall this is a fantastic book jam that is well written, easy to understand and jam packed filled with eye catching photographs.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe elephant whisperer : my life with the herd in the African wild.

When Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a rogue herd of elephants in his reserve in South Africa, it was the last chance for these elephants. If Anthony didn’t take them, they would be shot. But he had no experience with elephants at all. What was he to do? Take them on, of course!–Provided by Publisher.

 

Top 10 New Non Fiction to get you ahead in life while having fun along the way!

Hey kids! Check out the latest and greatest new non fiction in the junior collection. Top 10 books to get you ahead in life while having fun along the way. Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsLego: Absolutely Everything you need to know.

Can you believe that a wooden duck was one of the LEGO Group’s first toys? Or that 68,000 LEGO pieces are created every minute? Did you know that the evil Overlord is the only NINJAGO® Minifigure to wear a skirt? Or that you’ll find a LEGO croissant piece inside 44 LEGO sets? This book is crammed full of fun and fascinating trivia for LEGO fans of every age. From minuscule Minifigure mugs to the largest LEGOLAND® model, it covers all the places, populations, pieces, and themes that make up the LEGO world. Produced in collaboration with the LEGO Group.

image courtesy of syndeticsSelf Control to the Rescue.

Focusing on specific times of the day that present particular challenges, the book uses illustrations and simple language to describe breathing exercises, stretching, and visualization techniques to help children aged 4-7 keep calm and in control.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCool Coding.

Want to get into coding? This fun-filled is the perfect introduction to find out how computers count, how the cloud works and what snakes and camels have to do with writing code. Overall a fantastic introduction to the wonderful world of coding.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAdventures in Raspberry Pi.

Provides instructions for using the Raspberry Pi 3, and explains how it can be used to create stories and games, code music, and build Minecraft worlds.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics10 reasons to love an elephant.

“Did you know that elephants are the largest land animals in the world? Or that they live in herds headed by their grandmothers? Open this book to learn all about why elephants are incredible, and 10 reasons why you should love them.”– Page [4] of cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics10 reasons to love a turtle.

“Did you know that turtles are as ancient as the dinosaurs? Or that they can hold their breath for hours underwater? Open this book to learn all about why turtles are incredible, and 10 reasons why you should love them.”– Page [4] of cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsUltimate Marvel.

This definitive in-world guide to the Marvel Comics Universe features, in chronological order, every significant Marvel Comic character, location, vehicle, and weapon in the company’s illustrious history. Go on a fact- and fun-filled journey via the first major Marvel heroes, villains, cowboy stars, and comic characters of the 1940s and 1950s to the iconic, timeless Super Heroes and Super Villains of the Marvel Age of the 1960s and beyond, such as Thor, Hulk, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, the Avengers, Storm, Loki, and Green Goblin. Further sections feature key vehicles and technology, magical artifacts, planets, countries, and places, plus a glimpse behind the scenes into Marvel Comics’ creative processes and techniques. Cover artwork is by esteemed comic book artist Adi Granov. Including authoritative text by Marvel Comics experts and spectacular artwork from the original comic books.

image courtesy of sydneticsGuinness world records. 2018, Gamers edition.

The ultimate and complete guide to videogames. The brand-new 2018 edition is packed full of the most up-to-date news, achievements and developments in the gaming world, illustrated with the best and most exciting imagery from this year’s top titles. It also includes gameplay tips and hints, retro facts from classic games, and more.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to mend a kea : + other fabulous fix-it tales from Wildbase Hospital.

This is the perfect book for anyone who cares about our wild creatures and wants to know more about how they are helped, when they are ill or injured.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGirl rising : changing the world one girl at a time.

Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls’ education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty. Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others.

Top 10 Recommended Halloween movies for kids.

Hey kids! Halloween is just around the corner (AHHHWWOOOOOO!) Wellington City Libraries has some spooktacular DVDs in the collection for your viewing pleasure and frightful night in. Let the scare fest begin!

Enjoy!… and Happy Halloween.

Casper.

Join Casper the friendly ghost is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey (Bill Pullman) arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat (Christina Ricci). Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.

Frankenweenie.

What if you could bring your pets back to life? Young Victor successfully proves that theory when he revives his best friend back to life. However problems emerge when his class mates want follow suit in bringing their pets to life and ensues disastrous consequences. Overall a heart-warming and hilarious tale about how far a boy will go for his best friend. A must see movie for Halloween.

Coraline.

A young girl walks through a secret door that she has found in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life, but much better. When her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents, including the Other Mother, try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.

image courtesy of amazon.com

Shrek’s thrilling tales.

Join Shrek, Donkey, Puss and B.O.B. as they get the fright of their lives in five spooktacular stories the will keep you howling with laughter. It’s a Shrektastic halloween treat that’s ogre-the-top fun for the whole family.

 

Toy story of terror!

What starts out as an exciting road trip for the Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse following a detour to a roadside motel. After Mr. Potato Head suddenly disappears, his friends find themselves caught up in a hilarious mystery that must be solved before they suffer the same fate in this thrilling story of TERROR!

image courtesy of amazon.comThe Goonies.

“From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, The Goonies plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling, surprise-around-every-corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby-traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden doubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of bumbling bad guys… and a mild-mannered monster with a face only a mother could love. A family adventure classic from start to buccaneering finish, The Goonies is a cinematic treasure trove of breathtaking action, dazzling effects and shiver-yer-timber thrills!” –Container.

Hotel Transylvania 1 and 2.

The Hotel Transylvania, run by Dracula, is a unique, high-end resort catering only to the finest monsters and their families. Dracula is preparing for an extra special weekend – his daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday – when trouble arises: a human has stumbled upon the resort for the first time ever! Even worse: the human has taken a liking to Mavis!  In the sequel, everything seems to be changing for the better at Hotel Transylvania. Dracula’s rigid monster-only hotel policy has finally relaxed, opening up its doors to human guests. But behind closed coffins, Drac is worried that his adorable half-human, half-vampire grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing signs of being a vampire.

 

The Witches.

Nine-year-old Luke finds that saving the world from witches is a tall order for a boy who has been turned into a mouse.

Monster High. Ghouls rule.

Ghouls Rule unearths an old conflict between ‘Normies’ and monsters – and things are about to get scary. For years, students at Monster High were warned that Halloween was a night to stay inside and avoid conflict at all costs. But Frankie and her friends discover that ghouls and ‘Normies’ once loved to spend the holiday together. The ghouls decide to turn back the clock and use the night to celebrate their individuality and show that it’s okay to ‘Be Yourself. Be Unique. Be a Monster’.

Room on the broom.

“The story of a kind witch who invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. When the gang saves the witch from a fearsome dragon she rewards them with a magnificent new broom which has room for everyone!”–Container. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson.

Some fun new fiction for you to try out!!!

Image courtesy of SyndeticsHappy Bethday by Knife & Packer

So I’m being chased through the park by a pack of angry zombies, I’ve got cake mix on my face and MY MOST EMBARRASSING PHOTO EVER IS IN THE SCHOOL MAGAZINE! Beth Orsen is back for her third hilarious adventure. And with a zombie party, Granny’s baking contest and Beth’s baby photos accidentally being printed in the school magazine, life is about to get messy again!

Image courtesy of SyndeticsPodkin One Ear by Kieran Larwood

A thick white blanket covers the wide slopes of the band of hills known as the Razorback Downs. Podkin One-Ear is a legend: a fearsome warrior rabbit whose reputation for cunning and triumph in battle has travelled the ages. When a travelling bard arrives at Thornwood Warren on Midwinter night, he is warmly welcomed. In return for food and lodging, he settles down to tell the tale of Podkin One-Ear – and soon the rabbits are enthralled to hear the story of how one lost little rabbit overcame the cruellest enemy imaginable, and became the greatest warrior their land has ever known.

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWelcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird

Twelve-year-old Omar and his brothers and sister were born and raised in the beautiful and bustling city of Bosra, Syria. Omar doesn’t care about politics – all he wants is to grow up to become a successful businessman who will take the world by storm. But when his clever older brother, Musa, gets mixed up with some young political activists, everything changes. Before long, bombs are falling, people are dying, and Omar and his family have no choice but to flee their home with only what they can carry. But no matter how far they run, the shadow of war follows them – until they have no choice but to attempt the dangerous journey to escape their homeland altogether. But where do you go, when you cannot go home?

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWhat not to do if you turn Invisible by Ross Welford

Turning invisible at will: it’s one way of curing your acne. But far more drastic than 13 year-old Ethel Leatherhead intended when she tried a combination of untested medicines and a sunbed. It’s fun at first, being invisible. And aided by her friend Boydy, she manages to keep her extraordinary ability secret. Or does she…? When one day the invisibility fails to wear off, Ethel is thrown into a nightmare of lies and deception as she struggles to keep herself safe, to find the remedy that will make her seen again – and solve the mystery of her own birth…

Image courtesy of SyndeticsAn Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo

It’s 1944. Elizabeth and Karli live in Dresden where their mother works at the zoo. When the zoo director announces that the dangerous animals must be shot to prevent them running amok if the town is bombed, the childrens’ mother moves a young elephant into the back garden to save her. Then the allied bombs begin to fall and the whole family, elephant included, must flee the city.

 

Hinamatsuri: Japanese Doll Festival or Girls’ Day 2016.

image courtesy of Katie

Brace yourselves, girls! The Japanese Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri), or Girls’ Day, is being held on March 3rd in  Japan. This festival is a time to pray for the health and well being of young girls. Most homes with daughters will set up a display of hina dolls. The main dolls used are Odairi-sama (a prince) and Ohina-sama. (a princess)  Around the display dedications of peach blossoms, rice cakes and white sake are made. The festival is celebrated not only within the family but in communities, which each have their unique ways of celebrating the occasion. Check out some of the great stories about dolls that Wellington City Libraries has on offer:

Picture Books:

image courtesy oif syndeticsThe Paper Dolls.

A string of paper dolls go on a fantastical adventure through the house and out into the garden. They soon escape the clutches of the toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, but then a very real pair of scissors threatens.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPatti Cake and her new doll.

Patti Cake is a little girl with a brand new big girl room and a new, but slightly smudged, doll to keep her company–if her dog Tootsie does not run away with it.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsYoko’s Show and Tell.

When Yoko’s grandparents send her a beautiful antique doll all the way from Japan, Yoko couldn’t be happier. Even though Mama says no, Yoko sneaks Miki to school for show-and-tell. How could she have guessed Miki would be in an accident along the way?

 

 

Junior Fiction:

image courtesy of syndeticsPenny and her doll.

Penny instantly loves the doll her grandmother sends her, but finding the perfect name for her is a challenge.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe little girl and the tiny doll.

Living in a supermarket deep freeze wasn’t very nice for the tiny doll until one day a very special little girl came along, and thought of ways to make her happier.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Fairy Doll.

Elizabeth is the smallest in the family. She is always getting into trouble and her brothers and sisters are forever leaving her out and ordering her around. She’s convinced she’s useless. Then Great Grandma gives Fairy Doll to Elizabeth – and it isn’t even Christmas! From then on Elizabeth keeps hearing a little ‘Ting!’ which seems to tell her what to do. Suddenly everything starts going right instead of wrong. Could Fairy Doll be magical?

Six EPIC Books

In case you guys were looking for suggestions of what to read during Summer here’s a list of books about epic girls! These girls do epic things like hanging out with REAL wolves, ACTUAL trolls, totally LEGIT villains and WEIRD circus folk. They would be ideal for kids reading at a 12 year old level and older. All are available in our libraries and on our eLibrary as well.

The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell

Hey I’m serious: this book is a-mazz-ing. Katherine Rundell has written a few other children’s novels and all of them are highly cool! This book is available in most of our libraries and also on Overdrive.

Feodora and her mother live in the snowbound woods of Russia, in a house full of food and fireplaces. Ten minutes away, in a ruined chapel, lives a pack of wolves. Feodora’s mother is a wolf wilder, and Feo is a wolf wilder in training. A wolf wilder is the opposite of an animal tamer: it is a person who teaches tamed animals to fend for themselves, and to fight and to run, and to be wary of humans. What follows is a story of revolution and adventure, about standing up for the things you love and fighting back. And, of course, wolves.” Goodreads.

 

The Girl who Walked on Air by Emma Carroll

Who doesn’t love a good circus story! This is a really popular book in our collection guaranteed to entertain and thrill you. Copies available in our libraries and also on Overdrive!

“Abandoned as a baby at Chipchase’s Travelling Circus, Louie dreams of becoming a ‘Showstopper’. Yet Mr Chipchase only ever lets her sell tickets. No Death-Defying Stunts for her. So in secret, Louie practises her act- the tightrope- and dreams of being the Girl Who Walked on Air. All she needs is to be given the chance to shine …” Goodreads.

 

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Solan

This is a slightly more serious story about a really clever girl! This heart-warming read is available in our libraries and on Overdrive.

“Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, who finds it comforting to count by 7s. It has never been easy for her to connect with anyone other than her adoptive parents, but that hasn’t kept her from leading a quietly happy life… until now. Suddenly Willow’s world is tragically changed when her parents both die in a car crash, leaving her alone in a baffling world. The triumph of this book is that it is not a tragedy … Her journey to find a fascinatingly diverse and fully believable surrogate family is a joy and a revelation to read.” Goodreads

 

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

You’ll love reading about how Esperanza grows and changes – she’s such a cool character! This book is available in our libraries and on Overdrive too!

“Esperanza thought she’d always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico–she’d always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances–Mama’s life, and her own, depend on it.” Goodreads.

 

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Here’s a book which is waaay better than the movie! There are copies of Coraline available in most of our libraries and on Overdrive!

Coraline’s often wondered what’s behind the locked door in the drawing room. It reveals only a brick wall when she finally opens it, but when she tries again later, a passageway mysteriously appears. Coraline is surprised to find a flat decorated exactly like her own, but strangely different. And when she finds her “other” parents in this alternate world, they are much more interesting despite their creepy black button eyes …” Goodreads

 

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This story is a well loved book in our collection! Some of the things that happen to Miranda seem to defy the laws of time and space. When You Reach Me is available in most of our libraries and on Overdrive.

“By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter … ” Goodreads.

 

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

City of Ember is the first book in the Ember series and it’s available in most of our libraries and on Overdrive. The main character, Lina, is definitely epic enough to finish this list with!

“Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked…but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all—the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness…

But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone? Will the people of Ember listen to them?” Goodreads

 

 

 

New Non Fiction: Skills that every kid should know.

Move over wikihow, Wellington City Libraries has a new range of junior non fiction that provides you information where you can learn skills on the following:

How to use an iPad.

My iPad for Kids.

No doubt, the iPad is a great device… and toy. There has never been a a consumer device like the iPad that kids (and adults) are instantly and universally embraced.  However, even such a device like the iPad that could use some modifications and adjustments that could make it even more kid friendly. My iPad for Kids is here to help kids, parents  (and you!) get the most out of your iPad2, iPad 3rd or 4th generation, or iPad mini running iOS 6. Using full-colour, step-by-step tasks, My iPad for Kids provides  step-by-step instructions on various topics which includes iPad setup, customization, syncing accessing the Internet, applications and learning how to use your iPad for home, school, and just for fun! Best for ages 12 years and over.

 

 

 

How to start your own business.

The Quick Experts Guide to Starting your own business.

You’re never too young to start your own business. Why not start now? Part of the series, Quick Expert’s Guides this book is aimed at ‘tweens’ interested in starting their own business whether it is offering services in tidying up  gardens, ironing shirts or even designing your very own social networking site. This book includes features that break down all the  technical/scientific/complex aspects of starting your own business , inspirational case studies, activities, the do’s and don’t’s of business management and a final project to test the reader’s new skills. Chapter round-ups also offer tips on key words and phrases as well as boosting self esteem and confidence, in order to walk the walk and talk the talk of a true expert.

 

 


The Glamorous Girl’s Book.
Girls, it’s time to get your glam on! This book tells you everything you need to go from being glum to glam! You will learn how to walk in high heels, make your own jewelry box, jazz up a boring hairstyle and accessorize yourself brilliantly. The ideal book for girls that will teach them to be confident, fabulous and gorgeous.
 

 

 

 

 
How to speak horse?!


How to Speak Horse.
Yes, believe it or not horses can talk and everyone can learn how to speak horse. But have you ever wondered how horses ‘talk’ to each other?, How do they ‘talk’ to you and how can they ‘talk’ back? This book will show you how. You will learn how horses use body language to communicate, easy groundwork exercises you can do to learn your horse’s body language and how to use your own posture and movement to ask your horse to go forward, stop, turn and follow. Also includes a dictionary of common horse body signals to help get you started.  An ideal guide for pony-mad kids that will teach you how to read body language and talk back to your equine friend.
 

 

 
How to know everything!

5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything.)
For someone who wants to know everything about… everything, this is the book for you. Newly published by National Geographic Kids, this book is bursting with 5.000 awesome facts about everything, including a baby whale gains 200 pounds everyday, snakes use their tongues to help them smell and that the human brain is 78% water.  There’s even two pages of facts about peanut butter and a frog that smells like peanut butter!
 

 

 

 

How to teach, inspire and amuse any boy and girl for hours on end.

 
This series presents Boys Miscellany and Girls Miscellany, which is full of weird, wacky and wonderful facts that are essential for every boy and girl should know. Boys Miscellany will tell you everything you need to know on how to spot a man-eating shark,  a list of superhero sidekicks, details of dangerous dolphins and tales of meat-eating plants. Girls will learn all they need to know in Girls Miscellany.  This book will teach, inspire and amuse any girl for hours on end. They will learn interesting facts and information,  including the top ten problems for cave girls, superpowers every girl should have, how to confuse a pigeon and  which woman has the longest legs in the world.
You will also like The Dangerous Book for Boys and The Daring Book for Girls.
 

How to get these awesome new books? Pop on down to your local library!

Hinamatsuri: Japanese Doll Festival or Girls’ Day.

hinamatsuri dolls festival

The Japanese Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri), or Girls’ Day, is held on March 3rd in  Japan. This festival is a time to pray for the health and well being of young girls. Most homes with daughters will set up a display of hina dolls. The main dolls used are Odairi-sama (a prince) and Ohina-sama. (a princess)  Around the display dedications of peach blossoms, rice cakes and white sake are made.

A picture book about Hinamatsuri – Girls Day.

 

Junior Fiction about dolls.

   

 

 

 

New Non Fiction rated G …for Girls!

Check the latest and newest non fiction for girls!  Escape into a world of fairy tales (and fairies), ballet, inspiring women, cheer-leading and…where dreams come true.

Becoming a Ballerina: A Nutcracker Story staring the Dancers of Boston Ballet.

Ever wanted to be a ballerina? This book is a beautiful and inspiring portrait of a real life girl pursuing her dream to becoming a ballerina and scoring the lead role in The Nutcracker. Complete with dozens of full color photographs that bring to life the hard work and artistry that go into creating the magical world of the ballet.

 

 

 

 

Gymnastics.

Are you interested in becoming a gymnast? Performing back flips, leaps and somersaults sounds exciting, but its not that easy to do. This book will help you master those techniques, along with with step by step photographs and also tell what you need to do in order to condition your body, diet, clothing and kit.

 

 

 

 

 

Ready, Set, Cheer! by Lisa Mullarkey.

If you ever wanted to become a cheerleader? Don’t be fooled by the stereotype,  cheerleading is hard work. Luckily Ready, Set, Cheer! is a new series that tells you everything you have ever wanted to know about cheerleading. Cheerleading Basics explains how to get started in cheerleading and introduces some basic motions, chants and cheers. Cheerleading Spirit will tell great ways to spread spirit around at games, pep rallies and community events. Cheerleading Stunts and Tumbling introduces a number of gymnastics moves with hints on how to be successful. Cheerleading Tryouts and Competitions shares tips on how to become the best cheerleader you can be and how to help you squad become a winner.

 

The Oxford Treasury of Fairy Tales.

The perfect book that allows you to escape into a world of brave knights, sleeping princesses, wicked witches and talking frogs. Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Cinderella and Snow White.  Oxford University Press has taken all the fairy tales that you love and know so well and published them into this beautiful, bound collection of stories with colorful illustrations.

 

 

 

 

 

Maya and the Turtle.

This Korean folk tale tells the story of Maya. She and her father are poor, but live a comfortable life. Her mother is dead, but foresaw Maya’s destiny of becoming a princess. One day Maya finds a little turtle. She takes him home, raising, caring for him and never knowing that he will play a part in her destiny. Beautifully illustrated and filled with fascinating nuggets of information about Korean culture, this book offers a poignant tale of the rewards of kindness, patience, courage, a loving heart and a lesson in how true glory, even if foretold must be earned.

 

 

Disney Fairies: The ultimate guide to the magical world.

With a sprinkle of pixie dust (and this exciting new read), take a journey to Neverland and meet all your favorite Disney fairies including Tinkerbell, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia. This book is crammed with fun information about your favorite fairies, finding your fairy talent and even what fairies like to eat. With eye catching pictures of the fairies, stills from the movies and fairy themes of magic, friendship, fairy fashion and nature, this is one book no fairies fan should be without.

If you this tickles you fancy, you might want to check out the DVDs Tinkerbell, Tinkerbell and the great fairy rescue  and Tinker Bell and the secret of the wings.

 

 

Helen’s big world : the life of Helen Keller 

Read about the inspiring life of Helen Keller in this picture book biography. Born deaf and blind, she was determined to expereince every part of life and with the help of an unrivaled teacher, Annie Sullivan, Helen found that knowledge would soon lead to freedom. This book is an excellent and unforgettable portrait of one of the world’s most influential women whose vision for progress changed America and the world forever.

 

 

 

 

The stories of the Mona Lisa : an imaginary museum tale about the history of modern art.

In this book, a father tells his daughter a story of the fascinating history of modern painting through what many consider the most famous work in the history of art: the Mona Lisa by Leonardo De Vinci. This book takes you on a through an imaginary museum where you learn about famous art movements, for example  impressionism, cubism, expressionism, minimalism and surrealism. You also learn about artists like Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Picasso and Pollock. All of the most famous painters of the modern and contemporary art movements are explained with their own Mona Lisa portraits, in their signature styles. The Stories of the Mona Lisa is the perfect book for anyone who loves art, history, and a good story.

 

Girls (and boys) will also like:

I have a dream / Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of it’s creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, 28th August 1963.

Do you have a dream? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr did.  He was an American clergyman, activist, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He had a dream for freedom and equality of all people, no matter the colour of their skin. On August 28th 1963, he stood before the nation and agave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our history. In the only picture book version of Dr King’s speech, with magnificent illustrations his iconic words and dream comes alive again and again for many generations to come. This book also includes a CD of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s original speech. A fantastic book to use if you are doing a project on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Have you ever had a dream? Now is the time to make it come true.