Happy Easter from Wellington City Libraries!

Happy Easter from Wellington City Libraries!

We hope you enjoy the long, and hopefully sunny weekend with your friends and family – and enjoy all the yummy Easter eggs and hot cross buns!!


Libraries in Wellington are closed on Good Friday, (Friday 19th April), Easter Day, (Sunday 21st April) and Easter Monday, (Monday 22nd April).

We are open usual hours on Saturday 20th April and after the Easter break.  However all libraries will be closed again on ANZAC Day, (Thursday 25th April.)


We have an amazing collection of books on Easter – both a mixture of craft books and stories that will keep you amazed, entertained and give you ideas for Easter goodies!

Also check out another round of top 5 DVDs to watch over the Easter break!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsEaster.

This book explores the festival of Easter and the story behind it and features six simple origami projects for your own festive fun!

image courtesy of syndeticsEaster stories by Enid Blyton.

Head off on an adventure this Easter with the world’s best-loved storyteller. From the boy who helps a lamb in trouble to the fairies hidden inside Easter Eggs, excitement and magic are never far away in this collection of stories to read and share.

image courtesy of syndeticsPete the cat : big Easter adventure.

Pete the Cat is appointed as an unwitting helper to a troubled Easter Bunny and races to deliver eggs before time runs out.

image courtesy of syndeticsSanta Claus vs the Easter Bunny.

Santa has it so easy: a workforce of elves to make the presents, a team of reindeer to deliver them, even a hi-spec factory! The Easter Bunny has to make and wrap all the chocolate eggs in his garden shed, and deliver them himself on foot. No wonder you often find them thrown all over the place in your garden! Now Bunny has had enough – he hatches a genius, chocolately plan with unexpected results.

image courtesy of syndetics10 minute Easter crafts.

Using readily available, seasonally related materials, this series is packed full of fun crafts for special occasions. The projects are explained in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, and are perfect for teachers looking for original ideas as well as time-poor parents. In 10 Minute Crafts: Easter, children can learn how to make an Easter bonnet, fluffy Easter chicks, a sparkling shower hanging and cute bunny egg cups for their Easter eggs, along with lots of other great Easter crafts for kids.

 


image courtesy of syndetics

A room full of chocolate.

Grace’s fun-loving Mum has found a lump. Her north London world of sleepovers, tap dancing and playing the clarinet fall apart when she is sent to live with her grumpy old granddad on his farm in Yorkshire while her mother goes into hospital to get better. Grace misses her mother so much it hurts, and doesn’t quite understand what is happening to her. And things go from bad to worse when she starts school and becomes the bullies’ latest target. But Grace is no longer alone when she meets Rainbow Girl Megan and her pig, Claude – when she’s with them she feels as if she can confront anything. At Easter time when Grace misses her mum the most, she knows she must find a way to get to London. With Megan’s help, she hatches a plan to run away that involves Claude, chocolate Easter eggs and a risky ID swap. But it’s all worth it if it means that she finally gets to see her mum.

image courtesy of syndeticsEaster.

Learn about the diverse and vibrant festivals that are celebrated around the world. This series encourages children to consider religious beliefs and cultural practices via easy to read text and informative, full colour images.

Top 5 DVDs to watch over the Easter Break!

image courtesy of amazon.comThe Nutcracker and the four realms.

In search of a key to unlock a box from her late mother, Clara finds her way into a mysterious parallel world. She teams up with a soldier named Philip in order to brave the Fourth Realm to find the key and return harmony to the unstable world.

image courtesy of amazon.comHotel Transylvania. A monster vacation.

The monster family embarks on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monster kind.

image courtesy of amazon.comA wrinkle in time.

Although he has been missing for several years and the entire town thinks her father has abandoned her family, Meg steadfastly believes the best and protects her younger brother, Charles Wallace, from the brunt of the rumors and taunting. It is he, however, who convinces her to join him, the school sports star Calvin, and three unusual women on an interplanetary voyage to rescue their father from a vast evil.

image courtesy of amazon.comChristopher Robin.

The young boy, who loved taking adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with a gang of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into that world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

image courtesy of amazon.comCoco.

Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

More! Top 5 must-see Christmas DVDs for Children

It’s coming close to Christmas Day, have you picked up a Christmas themed DVD to watch during the holiday season? Check this weeks (and final) Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs blog post for the year!

image courtesy of amazon.com1) My Little Pony : A very Minty Christmas.

For all you Little Pony fans, check out their Christmas themed movie. The “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane” is an important part of Ponyville – it’s the beacon that shows Santa Claus the way to the town during the holiady rounds each year. But when Minty accidentally breaks it, Minty is determined to do anything tov save Christmas, and together with all of her friends, they discover that Christmas can come any way.


image courtesy of amazon.co.uk2) Get Santa.

It looks like Santa (Jim Broadbent) has got himself in a bit of a pickle when he crashes his sleigh in a garden shed, his reindeer are found running loose through the streets of London, and to top things off he is wanted by the police! Desperate to return to Lapland in time for Christmas, Santa asks Tom (Kit Connor) and his dad Steve (Rafe Spall) for help. Overall, a hilarious and heartwarming Christmas adventure for the whole family.


image courtesy of syndetics3) Barbie. A Perfect Christmas.

Join Barbie and her sisters Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea as their holiday vacation plans turn into a most unexpected adventure and heartwarming lesson. After a snowstorm diverts their plane, the girls find themselves far from their New York destination and their holiday dreams. Now stranded at a remote inn in the tiny town of Tannenbaum, the sisters are welcomed by new friends and magical experiences.


image courtesy of syndetics4) Frozen in Time.

Young siblings Eric and Pattyare about to take off on a thrilling, and chilling, adventure! After damaging their grandfather’s most treasured possession, a strange clock, they throw the whole world into a crazy time continuum, where Christmas Day is repeated over and over. The only way they can restore order is to travel to the North Pole and repair the clock in Santa’s workshop. With less than a day to go, Eric, Patty, and Grandfather frantically zip off to the frozen wonderland. All they have to do is figure out the complicated solution, carefully mend the clock, and get back home in time to fix Christmas!


IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM5) Santa’s Apprentice.

“We follow Nicholas, a 7 year old Australian boy on his adventure as he struggles with the ups and downs of being the next Santa Claus. It’s a big responsibility that would scare the bravest boy. Nicholas wants to be the best Santa ever and will learn a few lessons along the way. But Christmas has a way of making even the biggest mishaps alright and thanks to his loving mentors, Santa and Waldorf, Nicholas learns, as we all do, the true meaning of Christmas”–Container.


Check out the trailer for “Mary Poppins Returns“, an all new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Released on New Year’s Day!


And as a final Christmas gift… Check the official teaser trailer for the live action movie, The Lion King, based on the original animated movie… and one of my favourite films! It is scheduled to be released on July 18th 2019, which marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film. Exciting! While you’re waiting, why not come on down to your local library and rent the original film! As a recap, The Lion King, tells the story of Simba, a delightful lion cub who is heir to the throne of the pride lands. However, when Simba’s father is killed… by Simba’s treacherous uncle, Scar, poor Simba, feeling guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile until the moment where he must confront his uncle and reclaim his identity , as well as destiny as the future King.

On behalf of the Children’s team at Wellington City Libraries, we would love to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year!

Top 10 Childrens Fiction October 2017

The latest adventures from Jeff Kinney and Liz Pichon are on the shelves.  Jeff Kinney has the Heffleys escaping the holiday stress for their own special kind of fun in the twelfth Diary of a Wimpy Kid book.

The latest Tom Gates book release saw author Liz Pichon travelling around London in a Taxi covered in Fur!  They were handing out free copies of the book Family, Friends and Furry Creatures.  Want to read a copy for free?  You can! head down to your library and reserve your copy now (it’s really popular!).

  1. Diary of a wimpy kid series, by Jeff Kinney
  2. Tom Gates series, by Liz Pichon
  3. Story Treehouse series, by Andy Griffiths
  4. Just series, by Andy Griffiths
  5. Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford
  6. The Secret Seven, by Enid Blyton
  7. Matilda, by Roald Dahl
  8. The enormous crocodile, by Roald Dahl
  9. The bad book, by Andy Griffiths
  10. Gangsta granny, by David Walliams

4 new children’s non fiction to read during August

Impress your friends and teachers by surprising them with some new facts. Where are you going to learn these facts? From these amazing 4 new books the library has just purchased. Get your hands on them before someone else does.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSpectacular Friendship Bracelets.

Girls, this is your chance to show your friends how much you care. This book will give you step by step instructions and ideas on how to make friendship bracelets for your gal pals and add instant fashion to any outfit. This is one book that girls must get their hands on.

 

Fresh in from National Geographic:

image courtesy of syndeticsCelebrate Christmas.

This book discusses the meaning of and traditions surrounding the celebration of Christmas. Yes, I know it’s a little early for Christmas. But best to grab it while it’s still early so you can get up to date with anything and everything you want and need to know about Christmas, especially if you want to plan your Christmas get-together and/or party ASAP.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCelebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur.

If you are of and/or interested in the Jewish faith, then you might be interested in this book. Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur describes how the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are celebrated around the world.

 

 

Awfully Ancient.

image courtesy of syndeticsGory Gladiators, Savage Centurions and Caesar’s sticky end.

This book outlines the interesting and the odd – the historical and the humorous – from the beginnings of the Roman Republic to the fall of the Roman Empire

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie Review: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

image courtesy of amazon.comJust because Christmas is over doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an this all-time Christmas Classic. Join Kevin McCallister once again as he embarks on another ‘Home Alone’ journey where he accidentally boards the wrong plane and ends up in New York City instead of Florida, where the rest of his family has gone.

He has plenty of cash and credit cards to enjoy a nice stay at a posh hotel and turns the Big Apple into his own personal playground. There he meets up with the Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv, who are plotting a huge holiday heist.

It is up to Kevin to save the day die-hard style with a battery of booby traps the bumbling bandits will never forget.

Overall a fantastic movie. Better than the first! 7/10.

 

 

Top 5 must-see Christmas DVDs for Children

It’s coming close to Christmas Day, have you picked up a Christmas themed DVD to watch during the holiday season? Check this weeks (and final) Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs blog post for the year!

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk1. Get Santa.

It looks like Santa (Jim Broadbent) has got himself in a bit of a pickle when he crashes his sleigh in a garden shed, his reindeer are found running loose through the streets of London, and to top things off he is wanted by the police! Desperate to return to Lapland in time for Christmas, Santa asks Tom (Kit Connor) and his dad Steve (Rafe Spall) for help. Overall, a hilarious and heartwarming Christmas adventure for the whole family

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk2. Nativity!

What started as a simple school nativity play turns into a royal fiasco of quarrelling parents and over-excited children, when primary school teacher Paul Maddens boasts that his ex-girlfriend Jennifer, a Hollywood Producer, is coming to see his show with a view to turning it into a film. (Major lie!). Maddens’ only hope is to get back in touch with Jennifer and lure Hollywood to town so that everybody’s Christmas wishes come true.

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk3. Santa Claws : it’s a holiday cat-astrophe!

If you are a cat lover, this is one movie to snuggle up with your kitty and some popcorn to watch! When Santa suffers a major allergic reaction where he  can’t fly the sleigh or deliver presents anymore, it’s up to a litter of  kittens to deliver the rest of the presents to all the boys and girls before sunrise and save Christmas.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk4. The Original Christmas Classics.

Check out the amazing selection of your favourite Christmas movies which include Frosty the snowman (1969) — Frosty returns (1992) — The legend of Frosty the snowman (2004) — Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer — Mr. Magoo’s Christmas carol — Cricket on the hearth — Santa Calus is comin’ to town — The little drummer boy.

 

 

IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON.CO.UK5. It’s a very merry Muppet Christmas movie.

Join Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang in this heart-warming holiday classic, where  the Muppets discover what matters most is their love for each other, even when things go wrong. This movie also features a celebrity cast including David Arquette, Joan Cusack and Whoopi Goldberg, and a show-stopping musical numbers like ‘Moulin Scrooge!’ Overall a funny, uplifting, heart-warming holiday classic that will bring joy to the world every Christmas season! You can’t go wrong with a Muppets movie!

On behalf of the Children’s team at Wellington City Libraries, we would love to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year!

 

 

 

Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs for Children!

Brace yourself this week for another round  Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs! to watch over the Christmas break!

image courtesy of amazon.com1. The Naughty List.

A very cute story about two elves and a reindeer that land themselves on the dreaded “Naughty List.” But when the entire the North Pole comes down with food poisoning, they must redeem their Naughty List status by finding a way to save Christmas. This film will make you think again about doing anything naughty during Christmas.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.com2. Home Alone : The Holiday Heist.

In the fifth and final instalment in the Home Alone franchise, Ten-year-old Finn Baxter thinks his family’s new house in Maine is haunted. But the truth might be even scarier. A trio of thieves are after a priceless painting hidden in a secret room by the previous owner. So when Finn and his sister find themselves home alone, Finn rigs up an elaborate array of techno-gadgets and booby traps to protect his pad from the bumbling criminals trying to break inches. Overall a great film that can be enjoyed by all ages and an even greater finish to the Home Alone franchise.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.com3. Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas.

Join Manny, Sid,  Diego, Ellie, Peaches and Scat during this holiday season in Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas. When Sid accidentally destroys Manny’s heirloom Christmas rock and ends up on Santa’s “naughty list,” he leads a hilarious quest to the North Pole to make things right – and ends up making things much worse. Now it’s up to Manny and his prehistoric posse to band together and save Christmas for the entire world! Over 25 minutes of humour, laughter and holiday cheer from start to finish.  Anyone who is a fan of the Ice Age movies will love this!

 

 

IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM4. Arthur Christmas.

On Christmas at the North Pole, Santa’s youngest son looks to use his father’s high-tech operation for an urgent mission. Overall a very humorous and heart-warming story. A great one to watch with the entire family.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.com5. My Little Pony : A very Minty Christmas.

For all you Little Pony fans, check out their Christmas themed movie. The “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane” is an important part of Ponyville – it’s the beacon that shows Santa Claus the way to the town during the holiady rounds each year. But when Minty accidentally breaks it, Minty is determined to do anything tov save Christmas, and together with all of her friends, they discover that Christmas can come any way.

Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs for Children

In the mood for a Christmas themed DVD to watch during the holiday season? Check this weeks Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs!

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk1. Home Alone.

One of my favourite movies from childhood. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without youngest son, 8-year-old Kevin, (Macaulay Culkin) uses being ‘home alone’ to his advantage, by doing all his favourite things, eating his favourite food and finally being ‘the man of the house.’ But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home. A Die Hard movie for kids!

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk2. Elf : Buddy’s musical Christmas.

Based on the Broadway musical based on the hit Christmas movie, tells the story of Buddy the elf and his quest to reunite with the human father he never knew existed. While Buddy’s sincerity and idealism are commonplace at the North Pole, these attributes are rejected in cynical New York City. But through song, dance, and relentless good cheer, Buddy rekindles the spirit of Christmas for the entire city.

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk3. The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Based on Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s named Scrooge’s, (played brilliantly by Michael Caine) path to redemption on Christmas Eve. Another childhood favourite featuring talented actor and the Muppets.

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk4. The Polar Express.

Based on the beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is about a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.uk5. Miracle on 34th Street.

The holiday season is in full swing when a cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes, an ample belly and a snowy beard is hired as Macy’s department store Santa. He claims his name is Kris Kringle and soon fills everyone with Christmas spirit… except for his boss, Doris Walker, who’s raising her daughter to not believe in Santa. But when Kringle is declared insane put on trial, everyone’s faith is put to the test as young and old alike face the age-old question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

 

 

 

Find out about Ramadan with these 5 children’s books

It’s Ramadan!

Have you heard of Ramadan? Ramadan is a special time for more than one billion (!) Muslim people all over the world, including those who live in New Zealand.

During Ramadan they remember the prophet Muhammed who received the first verses of the holy book the Qur’an. It lasts for 4 weeks and it is a time when people fast, they do not drink or eat from sunrise until sunset!  They break the fast with a special meal called the Iftar, then they go out and visit family and friends.

Why? Not eating anything gives Muslims time to focus on other things, such as family, kindness and helping others. But most importantly it makes them feel closer to God and their beliefs.

At the end of Ramadan the fast will be broken. This is a special celebration called Eid. Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”.

We have many books about Muslims and their religion Islam. Some are fact books and some are picture and storybooks. Grab some of these and find out about this important celebrations that many people around the world are currently taking part in. Here are some you may like to read:

 

Nabeel’s new pants : an Eid tale Retold by Fawzia Gilani-Williams

While buying gifts for his family to wear to the mosque on Eid a shoemaker is persuaded to get new pants for himself, but the only pair available is too long and no one seems to have time to shorten them.

 

 

Islamic Culture by Charlotte Guillain

An introduction to some of the world’s most fascinating and ancient cultures. Discover different approaches to visual arts and performance and find out about important beliefs, traditions, and customs. Also covers the role of family and community and how cultures are changing and developing in the 21st century.

 

 

The garden of my Imaan by Farhana Zia

The arrival of new student Marwa, a fellow sixth-grader who is a strict Muslim, helps Aliya come to terms with her own lukewarm practice of the faith and her embarrassment over others’ reactions to their beliefs.

 

 

 

Golden domes and silver lanterns: a Muslim book of colours by by Hena Khan (eBook)

In simple rhyming text a young Muslim girl and her family guide the reader through the traditions and colours of Islam.

 

 

1001 inventions & awesome facts from Muslim civilization

This book traces centuries of invention and technological innovation in the Muslim world, revealing how Muslim intellectuals built elephant water clocks, drew detailed world maps, and built colossal architectural structures.