Laughter: The Best Medicine!

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Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Spell
Spell who?
W-H-O!

Hahaha, hehehe, lol 🙂 🙂

With Wellington back at Covid-19 Alert Level 2, sometimes the outlook can look pretty bleak! It’s good to realise that having a good laugh is still OK and is in fact really good for you, even if it turns out laughing is a serious business!  It takes a combination of facial muscles, hormones, voice box, breathing, brain activity and awareness to make a human being laugh. That’s a lot of moving parts that all need to come together to produce even a snigger!

But why do people laugh, and what is funny, or humorous? The answer to this is complicated because scientists still aren’t sure exactly what makes us laugh! There are so many factors that might influence why we laugh. This might include our culture, upbringing, personality, physical environment, health, age, being tickled… the list is endless.

Did you know that the study of humour and laughter, and its  effects on the human body, is called gelotology?

“I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don’t know y.”  (tee-hee)


Laughter is good for your health by:

red, white, heart rate, monitor, heart illustration, heartbeat, illustration, heart care, medical, care, heart, health, medicine, symbol, health care, healthcare, heart health, medicine heart, hospital, doctor, sign, icon, love, cardiology, shape, help, disease, health background, heart hands, life, healthy heart, aid, medical icons, diagnosis, treatment, human, caring hands, ecg, pulse Trace, healthcare And Medicine, taking Pulse, pulsating, medical Exam, human Heart, heart Shape, listening to Heartbeat, cardiologist, illness, white background, valentine's day - holiday, no people, cut out, studio shot, positive emotion, indoors, emotion, white color, close-up, copy space, design, art and craft, still life, blank, creativity, ribbon, 1080P, CC0, public domain, royalty freeRelaxing the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Boosting the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Protecting your heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

“What did one wall say to the other?” “I’ll meet you at the corner.” (maw-ha-ha)


Further silliness 🙂

🙂 What’s a “Funny Bone”?

163 Elbow Bump Illustrations & Clip Art - iStockHave you ever experienced that weird pain and tingling in your lower arm and fingers when you bang your elbow? “Ouch! I’ve just hit my funny bone!”  But why do we call it this, when it clearly isn’t funny? Well…the funny bone is actually not a bone at all.  It is a nerve, called the ulnar nerve, which runs from the neck all the way to the hand.  The job of the ulnar nerve is to tell the brain what is happening in your pinky and ring fingers. The ulnar nerve rests along a bone called the humerus.  Sound familiar?  This sounds exactly like the word, “humorous”, which you may use when describing something amusing or “funny”. That’s one theory anyway, but I think we can all agree on one thing: hitting your funny bone is no laughing matter!

🙂 Where did LOL, LMHO and ROFL come from? 

Rolling on floor laughing | Laughing emoticon, Emoticon faces, Laughing emojiLOL = Laugh Out Loud

LMHO = Laughing My Head Off

ROFL = Rolling On the Floor Laughing

These are all acronyms – an abbreviation formed from the first letters of other words and can be pronounced as a word. They became popular when texting was THE thing to do on mobiles that were forerunners to the smartphone. A whole new ‘text language’ sprung up as it was easier and quicker to shorten words and use abbreviations.

🙂 Why are Comic books called comics?

Book Jacket for: Garfield keeps his chins upThey were called comics or “funnies” because the were, for the most part, comical stories meant for light entertainment. The first “comic books” were collected versions of comic strips that appeared in newspapers. When Superman debuted in 1938, most comic books were still collections of comic strips.

 

Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food but no atmosphere! (LMHO)

 


Wellington City Libraries have loads of great kids’ joke books for you to try on your friends and family, and unleash the comedian inside. Jump onto the catalogue and simply search:

JOKE BOOKS JUVENILE … and get issuing and reserving!

Book Jacket for: You're jokingBook Jacket for: The treehouse joke bookBook Jacket for: The ultimate unicorn joke book.Book Jacket for: Roald Dahl's marvellous joke bookBook Jacket for: The world's yuckiest joke book


And when you’ve finished laughing your head off and splitting your sides with laughter, here’s a few more fiction books to get you tickled pink:

Funny kid for president / Stanton, Matt
“Meet the funny kid! Because every kid loves to laugh. Every kid wants to laugh, but Max is the boy who can make it happen. He’s the class clown, the punch line and he’s even volunteered his bottom to be the butt of the joke. Max is the funny kid … and he’s running for class president.” (Catalogue)

Mr Stink / Walliams, David
“Chloe sees Mr Stink every day, but she’s never spoken to him. Which isn’t surprising, because he’s a tramp, and he stinks. But there’s more to Mr Stink than meets the eye (or nose) and before she knows it, Chloe has an unusual new friend hiding in her garden shed.” (Catalogue)

The day my bum went psycho / Griffiths, Andy
“This is the story of a boy, his runaway bum and some of the most dangerous bums in the world including kamikaze bums; nuclear bums; and Stenchgantor, the Great Unwiped Bum. With the help of The B-team (a crack bum-fighting unit comprising three of the best bum-fighters in the business: the Kicker, the Smacker and the Kisser), Zack will risk methane madness crossing the Great Windy Desert, death by stink-bog in the Brown Forest, and the perils of the Sea of Bums before finally descending into the heart of an explosive bumcano to confront the most psycho bum of them all-His own!” (Catalogue)


Stick Dog / Watson, Tom
“Stick Dog and his friends, Mutt, Stripes, Karen and Poo-Poo have caught the scent of hamburgers and what hungry stray could resist that lovely meaty waft? All they have to do is follow the smell, find the barbecue and eat the hamburgers. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. The dogs need a ‘Master Plan’ and they’re not short of ideas. They’re just short of ideas that aren’t ridiculous, or dangerous, or just very very silly. With hilarious artwork, and an adorable four-legged hero, the story of Stick Dog’s quest for a delicious dinner is destined to be Top Dog.” (Catalogue)

I funny / Patterson, James
“Jamie Grimm is a middle schooler on a mission: he wants to become the world’s greatest standup comedian–even if he doesn’t have a lot to laugh about these days. He’s new in town and stuck living with his aunt, uncle, and their evil son Stevie, a bully who doesn’t let Jamie’s wheelchair stop him from messing with Jamie as much as possible. But Jamie doesn’t let his situation get him down. When his Uncle Frankie mentions a contest called The Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic, Jamie knows he has to enter.”  (Catalogue)

Weir Do / Do, Anh
“My parents could have given me any first name at all, like John, Kevin, Shmevin . . . ANYTHING. Instead I’m stuck with the worst name since Mrs Face called her son Bum. Meet Weir Do. No, that’s not a typo, that’s his name! Weir Do’s the new kid in school. With an unforgettable name, a crazy family and some seriously weird habits, fitting in wont be easy . . . but it will be funny!” (Catalogue)

My dad thinks he’s funny / Germein, Katrina
When his son says “I’m hungry,” Dad says, “Hello, Hungry. Pleased to meet you.” Before slicing a cake for dessert, Dad announces, “There’s my piece. What’s everybody else having?”  So when nothing’s up but the sky, or when jumping in the shower sounds dangerous, it may be a good time to share this book with someone who doesn’t need sugar because, well, they’re sweet enough already. (Catalogue)

6 New Non Fiction for the second week of the school holidays

Hey Kids! Check out more amazing new junior non fiction at the library that you must read before the end of the school holidays. Featured in this post are books that will help and inspire you to think, create and innovate in areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Arts. Also few books that will help you find your funny side and inspirational women that changed the world forever.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft Guide to Farming.

In Survival mode you’re constantly in need of food and other useful items. You can find all these things on your travels, but a true survivor knows the importance of setting up their own farming systems. The official Minecraft Guide to Farming will teach you about every aspect of farming. Ages 9+.

 

 


image courtesy of syndeticsRad Girls Can!

Rad girls can… indeed! This amazing book showcases an extraordinary and diverse group of women who set out to achieve the impossible and change the world forever.

 

 


image courtesy of syndeticsArt lab for little kids : 52 playful projects for preschoolers!

Want pre-schoolers to unleash their inner artist?, then this is the book for you! Packed with 52 fun and colourful exercises, this book offers parents and teachers a brand new source of creative art activities, where kids will learn to draw, paint, printmaking, creating sculptures and so many other cool activities. Highly recommended!

 


image courtesy of syndeticsLego Star Wars Ideas Book.

Find a galaxy full of LEGO Star Wars ideas to build – from activities and art, games and challenges, to practical makes and your very own inventions! LEGO Star Wars Ideas Book features imaginative play and building ideas using your own LEGO brick collection, from LEGO projects that take just a few minutes, to builds that take hours! Ages 7+.

 


image courtesy of sydneticsCalling all minds.

“Think. Create. Innovate.” “Temple Grandin explores how to experiment and how to think about science for young readers.”– Provided by publisher.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsKnock knock! : the biggest best joke book ever.

Open this book and open the door to giggles galore! Inside you’ll find more than 1,000 of the most hilarious knock-knock jokes and cartoons ever created–all specially curated by the editors at Highlights. This fully illustrated collection of fun is guaranteed to cause a serious laugh attack–again and again

 

Top 10 Children’s DVDs for Summer 2018

There are some great sequels and spin-offs in the library film collection at the moment!  Cars and Despicable me are both in their third incarnation.  With more problems and robberies involving bubblegum these movies are entertaining, fun and who wouldn’t want to see more minions?!

Looking for some DVDs to watch in the school holidays? There were the most popular ones borrowed from the library over the summer months – give them a whirl:

  1. PAW patrol.
  2. Octonauts.
  3. Peter Rabbit.
  4. Despicable me.
  5. My little pony, friendship is magic.
  6. Moana
  7. Cars.
  8. The LEGO Batman movie
  9. The boss baby
  10. The emoji movie

Top 10 Children’s Comics Summer 2018

There are some fantastic new additions to some great comic series here in the library.  It’s great to see they have been so popular with readers over summer.

Bad Guys author Aaron Blabey is heading into the movie making business! Yes his award winning talents have caught the eye of DreamWorks Animation who have brought him along for the ride as executive director.  One of my favourites of his is The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon.  I know it sounds serious for a funny writer and illustrator of books but it’s good!

What was your favourite comic over the Summer? Let us know in the comments. In the meantime, here are the Top 10 most popular over summer:

  1. Garfield, by Jim Davis
  2. Big Nate, by Lincoln Pierce
  3. Amulet, by Kuzu Kibuishi
  4. Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz
  5. Smurfs, by Peyo
  6. Pokemon, by Hidenori Kusaka
  7. Tintin, by Herge
  8. The Bad Guys, by Aaron Blabey
  9. My little pony, by Ted Anderson
  10. Adventure time, by Ryan North

Latest Top 10 Childrens DVDs

Wellington is known for it’s unpredictable summers so have some indoor entertainment ready! These are the Children’s favorites from our collection.  Is one of them yours?

Sing! is a DVD for all of those who have struck a pose in front of a mirror, copied dance moves from their favourite songs or fleetingly thought about performing!  If you get inspired, the library has some great stuff to help you with your performance =)

We have scores, music, play scripts and heaps of CDs and movies for you to sing or act along side of. Have a performance piece already? Let us know the the comments =)

  1. PAW patrol.
  2. My little pony, friendship is magic.
  3. Moana
  4. The LEGO Batman movie
  5. Beauty and the beast
  6. Sing!
  7. Smurfs
  8. The boss baby
  9. Finding Dory
  10. Strawberry Shortcake.

Children’s Top 10 eBooks January 2017

Travelling with your library this summer? Our eBooks collection has such a great selection.  Reading online or downloading a title is a  great way to make sure you get all the books in a series.

Did you know that you can ask the library to add more books to the eBook collect?  So if there’s something you really want to read online ask us to add it to the collection, and we’ll see what we can do.  Either way someone will get back to you and let you know 🙂

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J. K. Rowling
The Hobbit, by J R.R. Tolkein
Big Nate Makes a Splash, by Lincoln Peirce
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J. K. Rowling

Top 10 Children’s comics December 2016

Summer is here! So it’s time to take a pile of comics, find a big shady tree and spend some time letting the gentle breezes turn the pages for you. What would you take with you? Pages of Pokémon? Will you giggle at Garfeild and Titter at Tintin? Some more serious adventuring with Amulet?

There are other really cool titles with great illustrations, we have new titles coming in all the time so come in for a browse or have a look with ComicPlus online.

If you use a tablet or other device you can download so you can read them when you’re you’re out of wifi range or stream them while you’re connected.

1. Pokemon, by Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto

2. Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz

3. Garfield, by Mark Evanier and Jim Davis, Cedric Michiels

4. Big Nate, by Lincoln Peirce

5. Adventure time, by Ryan North and Chris Hastings

6. Tintin, by Herge

7. The Smurfs, by Peyo

8. Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi

9. Asterix, by Goscinni and Udzero

10. Chi’s sweet home, by Kanata Konami

Top 10 Children’s fiction December 2016

Alan MacDonald is in the Top 10 again with his Dirty Bertie series. Stuck for things to do in the holidays? Then this page was made for you (Dirty Bertie fans only!).

The Dirtie Bertie author honed his skills writing and performing for children in a travelling theatre troupe that visited schools.  Having an audience that threw paper at you when they were bored quickly showed him what kids like and dislike! Alan MacDonald has a page on his site dedicated to the drawings that children send him.  Do you have access to a scanner? We have one at the library if you don’t. You could send him a picture yourself !

1. Diary of a wimpy kid, by Jeff Kinney

2. Tom Gates series, by Liz Pichon

3. Storey Treehouse series, by Andy Griffiths

4. Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford

5. Dirty Bertie series, by Alan MacDonald

6. The Secret Seven series, by Enid Blyton

7. The BFG, by Roald Dahl

8. The enormous crocodile, by Roald Dahl

9. The world’s worst children, by David Walliams

10. Matilda, by Roald Dahl

Top 10 Children’s Fiction October 2016

Conundrums, convoluted doodles and confusion abound in this month’s favourite childrens fiction.

Puzzle books are high on the list where people pitch their skills of against skilled doodlers and designers creating cool adventures.  Detection and deceit are captivating our audience of young readers as they read through some of the great series found on our library shelves.  Great series that didn’t quite make the top 10 were Lincoln Peirce Big Nate and Thea Stilton (penned in her very own hand!)

Top 10:

1. Diary of a wimpy kid, by Jeff Kinney

2. Tom Gates Series, by Liz Pichon

3. Treehouse series, by Andy Griffiths

4. Puzzle Book series, by Susannah Leigh

5. Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford

6. Dork Diaries series, by Rachel Renee Russell

7. Dirty Bertie series, by Alan MacDonald

8. The BFG, by Road Dahl

9. The Secret Seven, by Enid Blyton

10. George’s marvellous medicine, by Road Dahl

Top 10 Children’s Comics for October 2016

Springing into action –  Pokemon the stand out favourites in the comic section.  Did you know that for the school last school holidays over 7000 comics were issued from Wellington Libraries!  You guys really love comics, huh? The first Monday of the holidays was a massive day for the comic collection when over 500 went out on the one day.

 

Here’s your Top 10 list for October 2016:

1. Pokemon, by Hidenori Kusaka

2. Tintin, by Herge

3. Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz

4. Big Nate series, by Licopln Peirce

5. Garfield, by Mark Evanier

6. Adventure Time, by Ryan North

7. Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi

8. Asterix, by Goscinny and Udzero

9. Chi’s Sweet Home, byKanata Konami

10. The Smurfs Anthology, by Peyo