Facts and poetry to get you laughing, thinking and being creative

Jul
20
Posted in New Material
by Pam

This month we have a wide variety of new titles. Something for everyone. Whether your interest is experiments, learning the guitar or just rubbish, we have the book for you!

Syndetics book coverThis book is totally rubbish / illustrated by Nik Afia.
“Meet Meggie, Rose, Oscar and Bentley. They are having a ‘totally rubbish day’ where they will reuse oodles of things and invent new stuff to play with. They’re doing this to help the environment and to become eco superheroes.” (Book Cover) One of the best books on recycling activities that I’ve seen. Great for Years 2 to 5.

Syndetics book coverFirst guitar tutor / Terry Burrows ; text adapted by Stephen Cole.
This book gives you tips on how to choose your first guitar and how to play it, even if you’re left handed! Great for years 5 and up.

Syndetics book coverElectric motor experiments / Ed Sobey.
“How do motors work? Using the experiments in this book, learn how to build and use your own motor! See how motors work in cars and boats. Find out what other cool things motors can do.” (Book cover) My favourite is the motor boat made out of the milk carton. Try it out! Great ideas for science fair projects here too. Perfect for all budding engineers years 2/3 and up.

Syndetics book coverI can remember World War II / Sally Hewitt.
In this book six people remember and tell you about their experinces of living through World War ll. Hear from a land girl, a child, a prisoner of war and a navy commando what is was really like. I love this book because the great layout and cool photos, cartoons and posters helped me easily learn heaps about the war. Perfect if you are interested in the Second World War and are Year 4 or up.

Syndetics book coverTerezín : voices from the Holocaust / Ruth Thomson.
This book explores the lives of Jewish people in one of the most infamous of the Nazi transit camps. Through inmates’  secret diary entries and artwork along with interviews done after the war, we get a clear picture of exactly what life was like for them in this camp.  An informative read for anyone studying or interested in the Holocaust.

Syndetics book coverWhat’s for dinner? : quirky, squirmy poems from the animal world / Katherine B. Hauth ; illustrated by David Clark.
Eating is a matter of life and death for us all, but it can also be weird, surprising, or just plain gross. Enjoy these twenty-nine poems which are all about the unusual and sometimes gruesome ways animals eat. Warning – do not try these eating habits at your own dinner table!

Syndetics book coverEverything you need to know about animals / Nicola Davies.

Did you know that the Peregrine falcon is the fastest animal/bird on earth, recorded at speeds of 270km/hour! This book is crammed with fantastic facts, illustrations and creative activities you can do at home.

Learn the Guitar

Aug
10
Posted in Things to Do
by debbie

I have always wanted to learn the guitar and the other day I found this great book called Guitar for Beginners. It has everything you need to learn the guitar from scratch. There are clear instructions and pictures that show you exactly what to do. What’s the best way to hold the guitar, how to pluck and strum the strings and there is even some great tunes to learn. So why not have a go? With a little practice you will be amazed at what you can achieve!

New Zealand Music Quiz: a reminder!

May
26
Posted in Announcements
by bridget

Some of you have put your New Zealand music knowledge to the test and you’ve done our New Zealand Music Quiz! Excellent! The rest of you: don’t miss out on your chance to win a prize. The quiz is here – don’t miss out!

 

You can also get to it from the kids’ index page.

 

Have a look at the New Zealand Music Month website to find out more about, well, music in New Zealand.

 

Good luck and go to it!

New Zealand Music Quiz! Win Something!

May
21
Posted in Announcements
by bridget

May is New Zealand Music Month, and we’re giving you the chance to win some music vouchers by doing our New Zealand Music Quiz.

 

You can also get to it from the kids’ index page.

 

Have a look at the New Zealand Music Month website to find out more about, well, music in New Zealand.

 

Good luck and go to it!

Want to play a Ukulele?

Mar
31
Posted in Reviews & Recommendations
by ella

Ever seen Stu play the ukeulele at Stories @7?  Ever wondered how to play one? Ever wanted to learn? We have two cool new books: Starting ukulele and Uke’n play ukulele for kids! Both books come with a play-along-CD to help. They are great. I’m going to try learn from them! Come in and borrow them.

Christmas Music

Dec
17
Posted in Library Info
by ella

I love music. We only get to play all those Christmas carols and songs once a year!!! Why don’t you come in and borrow some of our Christmas CDs for free!! (from the children’s section on a child’s card). See the titles of these CDs: Disney’s Princess Christmas album, Jingle, jangle, jingle, Santa’s rockin’!, Don’t want no bones for Christmas, and  Christmas with the kids. There are so many cool Christmas songs to sing and rock too!! What’s your favourite Christmas song?