Get your hands on these 6 new kids fiction books

Image courtesy of SyndeticsA Funny thing Happened on the Way to School by Benjamin Chaud

A humorous story about imaginative excuses for being late to school. Sophisticated picture book.

 

 

 

 

Murder Most Unladylike Image courtesy of Syndeticsby Robin Stevens

Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong set up a secret detective agency at Deepdean School for Girls to solve the murder of their Science Mistress, Miss Bell.

 

 

 

 

 

Jim’s LettersImage courtesy of Syndetics by Glyn Harper

A moving story of two brothers separated by the First World War, based on the thousands of letters sent by and to Anzac soldiers fighting at Gallipoli.

 

 

 

 

White Horse of Zennor and other storiesImage courtesy of Syndetics by Michael Morpurgo

“At the furthest edge of Britain where the sea gently washes over the land and myths brush against reality, lies Zennor. Set in a churchtown where men become beasts and ghosts roam freely, are haunting and unforgettable tales where magic lies around every corner.” -back cover.

 

 

 

 

The Leaky Battery Sets Sail Image courtesy of Syndetics Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates ; 1  by Gareth. P. Jones

Causing chaos wherever they sail, the robotic Steampunk Pirates are roaming the high seas, hunting for gold! But the evil Iron Duke has other ideas…He’s determined to capture the pirates in return for a handsome reward from the King.

 

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe Bad Book by Andy Griffiths

‘WARNING! This book contains nothing but bad stories,

bad drawings,

bad poems,

bad cartoons,

and bad riddles about bad characters doing bad things. It is a BAD book’- (inside cover).

 

 

New Non Fiction: Encyclopedias and Handbooks galore!

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe childrens encyclopedia of dinosaurs : begin to discover the amazing prehistoric world.

This encyclopedia is a great introduction about the incredible time of dinosaurs. Truly lives up to its expectations providing amazing facts and awesome pictures. Great resource to use for homework on dinosaurs and prehistoric period.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe childrens encyclopedia of oceans : begin to discover the amazing underwater world.

Dive in and take an amazing voyage of discovery and exploration by reading this fantastic encyclopedia that tells you anything and everything about ocean life. With easy to understand text and remarkable photography, you will be able to unlock the secrets of the sea.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsTop 10 For Boys 2014.

Breaking news, Boys! Here is a book that holds the coolest collection of facts, feats and fun things for boys to do! From the 10 greatest superhero movies and 10 most successful video games, to the  10 deadliest animals and 10 tallest roller coasters this book will simply amaze you! – I for one am simply amazed!

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Big Book of Awesome Animals.

Get ready to go on a journey where you will uncover the bizarre behaviour and horrid habits of the world’s most unusual creatures. I have to say, they don’t call this “The Big Book of Awesome Animals.” for nothing. You are bound to find information to all the tough and queasy questions you have about your favourite animals.

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWhats where in the world.

There is one word for this book – Awesome! This unique visual encyclopaedia is literately planet earth as you have never seen it. By reading this book, you will take a unique tour of Planet Earth and find out what goes where in the world. Covers diverse topics in six chapters on Geography, Nature, People, History, Arts & Entertainment and Science & Technology, as well as anything and everything from shipwrecks and castles to wildlife and hurricanes,  fantastic picture maps that show you what’s where in the world, the world’s tallest buildings, longest rivers, most dangerous earthquake spots and even where you can find animals that glow! I was very impressed with the world maps. I felt they presented a very clear account of world geography. This book is  perfect for school projects in the areas of geography, nature, history and technology projects.

 

 

The Real Wonders of the World.image courtesy of syndetics

Ready to see the real wonders of the world? This book is just the ticket! Get ready to go on a journey of discovery to find the most awe-inspiring places and experiences on the planet, from the Empire State Building to Death Valley, Dubai’s wonder worlds, and Egypt’s Great Pyramids. Combines traditional world wonders with the ‘real’ wonders of their world. Even better, this is a book not for parents. Great for ages 8-12 year olds.

 

Here’s something new!

 

When a baby elephant is left orphaned on the African savannah, Bat, a young herdsboy takes her home and cares for her. But Bat’s grandmother knows that Meya cannot stay with them for ever – the call of the wild will always be sounding in her soul.

And there are rumours born on the wind; frightening stories of kidnapping and suffering and war. Bat and his closest friend, Muka, are catapulted into a new life of unimaginable terror. Now memories of their village world feel so far away. Will the bond between elephant and child remain strong enough to save them?

 

 

Thirteen year old Ming is used to a life of constant hunger and fear in Maoist China. His father, an archaeologist on the brink of losing his job and being sent to a brutal labor camp is convinced that Emperor Qin’s ancient lost tomb is located near their remote village. One day, when Ming’s father is away, local farmers discover pieces of a statue, a soldier made out of terra-cotta. Ming is astonished when its clay head begins to speak.

New Non Fiction: Inspirational Lives, Animal Babies and Sendak in Maori.

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up The World.

Move over, Thomas Edison! Nikola Tesla takes center stage as the man responsible for lighting our lives with electricity! Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Fantastic resource to use for science homework on electricity and a project on a famous scientist.

FACT: Technology such as remote controls, fluorescent lights, X-rays, speedometers, cell phones, even the radio all resulted from Nikola Tesla’s inventions.

 

Helen Keller’s Best Friend, Belle.

Helen Keller has been a truly inspiring icon. Having lost sight and hearing ability at a very young age and with the help of a teacher named Anne Sullivan, Helen learned how to communicate and became an inspiration to the nation when she learned to read Braille, use sign language and even speak. This book tells the story of her unique and special relationship with a devoted Great Dane named Belle, who was a faithful companion to Helen throughout her younger years and got her through (literary) the darkest and loneliest time of her life. Great for ages 4 to 7.

FACT: Pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief, helps children develop and other health benefits like improving your mood, lowering blood pressure and improves immunity.

 

101 Animal Babies.

Prepare to be bombarded with cuteness. If you have a weakness for baby animals (like I do), then you are going to love this book. This book provides  information about over one hundred baby animals and their parents, including chameleons, sloths, and elephants.  Learn interesting and amazing facts such as sloth babies are born in trees, jackal pups babysit their siblings and koala joeys are cousins to kangaroos.

 


Is this Panama?

Sammy, a young Wilson’s warbler, wakes up one frosty August morning near the Arctic Circle, he instinctively knows that it’s time to make his first migratory journey south to Panama. But there’s one problem — where’s Panama? Overall I loved this book! A captivating tale of adventure and discovery as Sammy embarks on his first solo migratory journey south to Panama, while encountering other animals making a similar journey on the way. A great story to educate children on how birds and animals migrate. This is one story you have to read from start to finish if you want to find out whether Sammy makes it to Panama.

 

   

Kei Reira Nga Weriweri (Where the Wild Things Are) and Kei Te Kihini O Te Po (In The Night Kitchen).

The award-winning much-loved children’s picture books Where the Wild Things Are and In The Night Kitchen have now translated into te reo Maori!, which still retains the simplicity and imagination of Maurice Sendak’s wonderful stories. Now is your chance to relive the same lively, creative stories where we join Max on his  adventure to ‘where the wild things are’ where  ‘wild rumpuses’ take place, and the pleasure of things returning to normal and Mickey’s dream of falling into cake mix and flying in a plane of bread dough to find milk for the cake batter ‘in the night kitchen’.

 

You may also like Te Tanguruhau, (The Gruffalo), The Māori language version of the children’s picture book, The Gruffalo about a clever mouse who uses the threat of a terrifying creature to keep from being eaten by a fox, an owl, and a snake, only to have to outwit that creature as well.

Just in time for Race Relations Day that takes place each year on the 21st March.

 

Try These Exciting New Fiction Books!!!

Boris Gets a Lizard by Andrew Joyner

Boris has a lot of pets, but what he really wants is a Komodo dragon, so he comes up with a plan–and invites his class to come and see his lizard.

 

 

 

The Kensington Reptilarium by N.J Gemmell

This is the story of how four loud, grubby urchins from the Aussie outback find themselves in the heart of London, where the first peacetime Christmas after the six long, hard years of World War II promises to be a big one…

 

 

 

 Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

Oliver grew up in a family of explorers but his biggest adventure is about to begin! Along with his new friends, a grumpy old albatross, a short-sighted mermaid and a friendly island called Cliff, Oliver goes off in search of his missing parents. But before he can put his rescue plan into action there’s the evil Stacey de Lacey and an army of greasy, green sea monkeys to contend with.

 

 

Get Yourself Gone by Oisin McGann

‘Vulgar Pluck is in trouble.  Big trouble.  He’s tangled with the wrong people and now he’s on the run from Psycho Cyrus and his gang of Lost Boys.  Vulgar needs to get out of town – fast.  But first he’s got one last job to do.  And he’s got to do it quick, before some really dark magic is unleashed… ‘ (from book cover).

 

 

 

A Question of Magic By E.D Baker

Serafina is summoned from her village to the magical cottage of a great aunt she has never heard of and learns that she is meant to become the new Baba Yaga, whose magical role is answering the first question any stranger might ask her with the truth.

 

New Non Fiction: Folk Tales, Great Warriors and Monkeys making chocolate.

The Barefoot Book of Jewish tales.

This is a fantastic addition to the library’s collection. This collection includes eight delightful tales from the Jewish tradition. Each story has been chosen for its appeal to families and each has a simple yet powerful, message.  Written by Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, herself a mother of three, this is a fantastic set of stories to share and to treasure. Includes two story CDs narrated by Debra Messing. Great for ages 7 years and over.

 

 

 

 

The Life Cycle of a cat.

This is a great picture book for young children that gives a fascinating introduction to how tiny new born kittens (there’s even a pictures of new born kittens) turn into fully grown cats. You will also discover how they use play to learn and how the mother cat teaches them to hunt.

 

 

 

 

 

Project History.

  

Ever wanted to learn more about Greek and Roman history? Interested in crafts and activities related to these subjects? Check out The Greeks andThe Romans. These books allows you to discover the world of Greek and Roman history through an exciting combination of information and step by step activities. Fun activities in the book about The Greeks include making a Greek Theater Mask, an abacus and a model of the Parthenon, while activities featured in The Romans include making a laurel wreath, a model chariot and collages of gods and goddesses. Great source of entertainment over the school holidays or on a wet day.

 

 

 

 

No Monkeys, No Chocolate.

Sounds like the sort of book to make your mouth water? When you think of chocolate, you might think of a chocolate bar, a birthday cake, or a glass of chocolate milk. But where does chocolate come from? This book tells about the cocoa bean, which grows in the tropical rain forests and how the animals and other living things play an important part, even the monkeys. This book will change the way you think about chocolate… forever.

DID YOU KNOW: About thirty to forty cocoa beans (inside a cocoa pod) is just enough to make one chocolate bar.

 

 

Breaking the spell : Stories of magic and mystery from Scotland.

Ready for excitement and adventure? Ready to meet witches, kelpies, fairies, selkies, brave warriors and courageous girls?

Forget the traditional  fairy tales and Greek mythology! Celtic Folk Tales are in!

This book is a wonderful treasure that holds a collection of ten magical and funny stories from Scotland, complete with fantastic illustrations that tells stories about an underwater monster that can turn itself into a white horse, a girl whose mother is half seal, half human and a boy who is turned into a fairy but saved by a brave heroine that will leave you spellbound!

Also check out An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales and Spellbound: Tales of Enchantment from Ancient Ireland if you are in the mood for some more Celtic Folk Tales.

 

Greatest Warriors.

Ready to meet and find out all about the most impressive fighters in history? Check out these books in the Greatest Warriors series: Roman Soldiers, Knights and Vikings and find out all there is to know about the armour, weapons and fighting styles contained in these three amazing books. The illustrations/photographs are amazing and really portray  dramatic recreations of historical events.

Indian Storytime at Kilbirnie Library

On Wednesday 28th August at 10.30am we will be holding a very special preschool Storytime at Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library. Come along and listen to Indian stories. There will also be music, songs and dancing to celebrate India month. You can have your hands painted with Henna if you wish!
See you there…


     

     

Get Stuck into Some Fab New Fiction!

Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Leisl Shurtliff

Relates the tale of Rumpelstiltskin’s childhood and youth, explaining why his name is so important, how he is able to spin straw into gold, and why a first-born child is his reward for helping the miller’s daughter-turned-queen

 

 

 

Hold Fast by Ble Balliett

On a cold winter day in Chicago, Early’s father disappeared, and now she, her mother and her brother have been forced to flee their apartment and join the ranks of the homeless–and it is up to Early to hold her family together and solve the mystery surrounding her father.

 

 

Finding Fortune by Pippa Goodhart

Ida’s mother has died, and now Grandmama has plans for Ida that don’t include her beloved Fa. But Ida is not going to let Fa travel to the Klondike in search of gold on his own. She must find a way to go with him, whatever it takes…The long, tough journey will push the two of them to the limit, but it also helps them to decide what kind of life they really want back home.

 

 

Super Sister and the Birthday Party by Gwyneth Rees

“Emma and Saffie are off to Granny’s house for the summer to practise their superpowers. Soon the gnomes are doing the gardening, the dolls are coming to life and the washing-up is doing itself! It’s Grandpa’s birthday soon, and Saffie decides to use her powers to throw him the best party ever – whether he likes it or not. What could possibly go wrong?”–Back cover.

 

 

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint

Twelve-year-old Lillian, an orphan who loves roaming the woods looking for fairies when her chores are done, is bitten by a deadly snake and saved through the magical forest creatures in this expansion on the author’s and illustrator’s previous work, A circle of cats.

World Refugee Day

June 20th is World Refugee Day.

Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home country because of war, conflict or violence.  Many have been treated unjustly because of their race, religion or beliefs.  Most refugees cannot return to their country because it is unsafe, so they find freedom and a new home in another country – like New Zealand.  World Refugee Day is a special day set aside every year to commemorate the courage and resilience of the millions of refugees throughout the world.

For more info and events, visit the World Refugee Day website; and check out some of the great books about refugees that we have in our collection: