Getting Crafty: Arts and Crafts Books From Our eLibrary

If you’re anything like me and my sister you will be reaching for the arts and crafts supplies to get you through these next few weeks. Of course, it can be hard to get started on a project, or think up an idea all by yourself which is where the library comes in. We have loads of great crafting books online you can check out and help you get creative and pass the time throughout the lockdown.

Origami activities for children / Araki, Chiyo
Want to get creative but don’t have many craft supplies around the house? Then origami would be perfect! Learn how to make boats, flowers, pumpkins and more out of just a square of paper. Each project comes with step by step instructions and all are graded so you can start off simply and progress to more difficult designs as you improve your origami skills. Have fun keeping your hands busy and decorating your room with some wonderful paper creations.

Life hacks for kids / Keller, Sunny
Who doesn’t love a fun life hack? Sunny Heller will take you through her favourite hacks from her youtube channel and teach you exactly how she makes them. Feel like creating your own bowling alley at home? Or maybe some duct-tape earrings or even a new cat toy for your kitty? Sunny can help you make all this and more with this wonderfully colourful and fun craft book.

20 ways to draw a tree and 44 other nifty things from nature / Renouf, Eloise

Incredible Dinosaurs / McCurry, Kristen

Itching to draw and paint but can’t quite decide what you should create? Then the library can help you figure out your style and help perfect your pictures. These are just two books from our elibrary that are designed to teach you how to draw certain things and inspire you to create your own amazing landscapes, dinosaurs and more!

These are just a few of the books we have available in our elibrary so if they’re not quite right for you feel free to check out the rest of our collection.

One thing to remember is that it might be hard to get a hold of all the supplies needed for some of these projects because most shops are closed and we can’t leave our houses much. It might be best to talk to your Mum or Dad about what you have available when you’re picking your projects and using some kiwi ingenuity by swapping out things you can’t get with similar bits and pieces around your home.

I hope these books can inspire you and help you get crafty over the next few weeks!

15 New Non Fiction: The Makerspace and Movie Post.

Hi Kids. Welcome to the Makerspace and movie blog post. Check out all the latest books added to the Wellington City Libraries’ junior non fiction that you need to create your own makerspace area all about coding, 3D printing, minecraft, video capture, arts and crafts. Also included is books and movie trailers on upcoming movies due to be released such as Justice League and Coco.

Enjoy!

Building Amazing Creations.image courtesy of syndetics

This large-format photographic book provides a fascinating in-depth look at a LEGO artist’s oeuvre. Chapters explore such subjects as transportation vehicles, animals, life-size work, science fiction, nature, cities, sports, portraits, and even home furnishings and custom apartments! A personalized LEGO compendium perfect for brick-building enthusiasts of all ages.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCoco : the essential guide .

Explore the art of the Disney movie Coco! Despite his family’s baffling 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. Follow along with word-for-word narration as, together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Check out the trailer down below!

image courtesy of syndeticsJustice League : the ultimate guide.

“This comprehensive guide celebrates the exciting world of the iconic Justice League Super Heroes, a roster that includes SUPERMAN, BATMAN, WONDER WOMAN, GREEN LANTERN, THE FLASH, AQUAMAN, and CYBORG. A must-have for fans, this book showcases major in-world events in the Justice League’s pulsating story, spanning nearly 60 years of comic book history, and is packed with info on the team’s allies, enemies, bases, origins, and more. Includes artwork from the first Justice League comic book in March 1960 to the crucial Rebirth issues and beyond. The stunning design contains lots of in-world information, including in-depth profiles of characters, key comic book issues, and special features on the Justice League’s greatest adventures.”–Publisher website.

Check out the trailer down below!

Also check out the latest and extended trailer of Star Wars: The Last Jedi!

image courtesy of syndetics3D Printing Projects.

Over 20 exciting 3D printing projects for kids to design and print their own toys, gadgets, models, and ornaments. Using freely available 3D modelling software and without the need for your own 3D printer, 3D Printing Projects has inspiration and instructions for a wide range of thrilling projects, from simple models you can print and assemble at home to more elaborate builds you can design on screen and then order online.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsYouTube World Records.

Featuring more than 300 jaw-dropping records and super-powered by exclusive, instant-access QR codes, this unique collection is the best place to find some of the world’s most amazing records being broken.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer.

Join Ruby on her journey to what goes on inside a computer. This half picture book, half activity book will help kids understand computer logic and introduces programming without having a computer at all.

Also check out Adventures in Coding, where 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 syndetics

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsMinecraft annual 2018.

Contains accounts of the Mojang team’s epic adventures, comic strips depicting your favourite YouTubers’ adventures, and the experts at Mojang have some challenges for you to try in-game, too. This book finds survival strategy for adventurers, a feature about Adventure Mode, inspiration for adventure map builds and ideas for real-world adventures.

 

image courtesy of syndetics101 Video Games to play before you grow up.

Each page in this interactive handbook offers behind-the-scenes tidbits and trivia about the games that belong on your bucket list, along with parental rating guidelines, series background information, and storyline previews. Gamers can record their personal ratings of each series as they play their way through the list, making notes and critiquing the best and worst parts of each game.

 

Code your own…

image courtesy of syndeticsJungle Adventure.

Fearless Captain Maria’s adventure is brought to life by encouraging readers to draw central characters, animate plot lines and create games. With easy-to-follow, illustrated step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks – from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code to building games and much more!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsKnight Adventure.

Sir Percival’s brilliant adventure is brought to life by encouraging the reader to draw central characters, animate plot lines, and create games. With easy-to-follow, illustrated, step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks–from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code, to building games, and much more!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPirate Adventure.

Pirate Pierre needs your help to find the lost treasure! With easy-to-follow, illustrated, step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks – from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code, to building games, and much more!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSpace Adventure.

Astronaut Kate’s quest to save Planet Zyskinar is brought to life by encouraging the reader to draw central characters, animate plot lines, and create games! With easy-to-follow, illustrated step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks – from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code to building games and much more!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsEasy Origami Decorations.

Handcrafted decorations are just a few folds away! Learn how to turn origami butterflies, swans, and tulips into locker magnets, table decorations, and more.

 

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsMinecraft mobestiary.

Written by a naturalist who has made it his life’s work to study Minecraft’s mobs, and illustrated with field sketches, Minecraft Mobestiary is the definitive guide to every mob in the game. You’ll find little-known facts about passive, neutral, hostile, utility and boss mobs, as well as more general information about their location, behaviour, threat level and drops.

Top 10 Children’s DVDs February 2017

Rainy days ahead? Check out some of these favourite movie titles =)

Animal adventures and awesome animation.  Some of these movies are full of characters we’ve come to know and love over time and some are brand new ideas full of fun and adventure!  Ice Age : The great eggscapade tells the tale of a dinosaur egg hatching service, what could possibly go wrong? Easter is only a couple of weeks away, imagine a dinosaur sized Easter egg!

  1. My little pony, friendship is magic.
  2. Zootopia
  3. Finding Dory
  4. Ice age
  5. The BFG
  6. The secret life of pets
  7. Storks
  8. PAW patrol.
  9. Kubo and the two strings.
  10. Hotel Transylvania.

New Non Fiction: The Monster Issue.

The Usbourne Big Book of Big Monsters and some little ones too…

Your one stop monster encyclopedia has arrived at Wellington City Libraries! Featured is everything you have every wanted to know about monsters. Read and get the information about monsters you may know, like dragons and serpents, some featured in mythology like the Scylla, Cyclops and Cerberus, the three headed dog. You will even read about mixed up monsters (human/monster hybrids) like the minotaur and the chimera. Overall an amazing book. Great to use if you are studying the mythology of monsters and beasts.

Warning: This book contains some seriously scary monsters! Do not read before bed or when the wind is howling outside.

 

Let’s rock! : science adventures with Rudie the origami dinosaur.

Ready to rock with Rudie the oragami dinosaur? Let her take you on a journey back to the prehistoric ages and discover  how sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are formed. Complete with pictures and easy to understand facts, Let’s Rock is the sort of book that makes the average rock look cool. As an added bonus, you will also find a craft activity enclosed on how to make an origami T.Rex. A science and craft book in all one. You can’t beat that?

 

 

Zombies and Electricity.

Doing a science project on electricity? Like graphic novels? Ready for another two for one deal? Check out Zombies and Electricity. In cartoon and graphic novel format, uses zombies to explain the science of electricity. What’s even more amazing I read an article recently that zombies are becoming a new tool to teach kids about science and mathmatics. (See FACT down below) This is the sort of book that makes science interesting and explain how electricity works the the simplest way possible. Great for ages 9 to 12 years.

FACT: Zombies are becoming a new tool to teach kids about science and mathmatics. The loss of coordination in the zombie/undead display is a prime example of  damage caused to the nuclei, which is at the base of the forebrain known as the basal ganglia.

TIPS FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS (AND LIBRARIANS): To teach kids about the regions of the brain that handle problem solving and impulse control, tell them zombies have highly compromised frontal lobes. If you want to explain the cerebellum to kids,  tell them  zombies must have damage to that area because they can’t walk well.

 

The Unsolved Mystery of Bigfoot.

We all know the story of Bigfoot… or do we? In many areas of North America, people have claimed to see a Bigfoot in the woods. Read this book allows you to explore the unsolved mysteries that have fascinated people for years. You will also learn why some people believe the legend is real and why other don’t. Are they real? Are they fake? You be the judge.

 

 

 

Big Cats.

The information and pictures contained in this book shows without question that big cats are some of the world’s most agile, powerful and beautiful animals.  Explore grasslands prowled by hunting lions, get close to quarrelling cheetahs, playful leopard cubs and powerful jaguars, and discover all the amazing big cats that live around the world. I thought this book was fantastic. You will learn everything you need to know about big cats including how big cats hunt, their habitat, anatomy, breeding and how to save their amazing species from extinction.

FACT: Pet cats belong to the same family as wild cats. Cats lived with people 5,000 years ago. They guarded stored of food from mice. Now cats are our companions.

 

Monsters University.

Seen the movie? Now read and enjoy this fantastic photo-filled movie book. Relive the story of the lovable monsters from Monsters Inc., (and before ‘Boo’.) Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan. We know them as  an inseparable pair now, but that wasn’t always the case.  From the moment these two mismatched monsters met, they couldn’t stand each other. This unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley became the monster world’s greatest scare team. So join Mike and Sulley on their journey at Monsters University and meet their frightening professors, talented opponents and quirky new friends.

 

 

 

Top 10 Non-Fiction for July

1. Star Wars character encyclopedia by Simon Beecroft

2. The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowitz

3. Amazing giant dinosaurs by Marie Greenwood

4. My tourist guide to the solar system and beyond by Louis Dartnell

5. The horrible history of the world by Terry Deary

6. Matariki by Melanie Dewery

7. The Usborne book of origami and other paper projects by Eileen O’Brien

8. Ripley’s believe it or not by Rosie Alexander

9. Pokemon ultimate handbook by Cris Silvestri

10. The great prehistoric search by Jane Bingham

New non-fiction: From the earth to the stars

Star Wars origami : 36 amazing paper-folding projects from a galaxy far, far away

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…someone decided to make a book for people who love both Star Wars and origami. Make your favourite characters and ships and monsters from all six films. This book is probably better for those who have some basic origami skills already, but take out a few more of our origami books and you’ll be good enough to tackle these great paper sculptures.

 

 

 

Pixar Character Encyclopedia

Pixar makes great movies, there’s no doubt about that! Now you can get the inside scoop on all of your favourite characters, from Woody the Cowboy to Merida, the rebellious Scottish princess. It also covers the ‘smaller’ characters who you might have missed the first time around.

 

 

 

 

 

How they croaked: awful ends of the awfully famous

This talks about the lives and especially the ends of the lives of the great and good and not so good. Scientists, royalty, composers and explorers all feature, with special attention paid to the medical facts behind each person’s death.

 

 

 

 

 

The skull in the rock: how a scientist, a boy and Google Earth opened a new window on human origins

This is one of the most interesting books on paleontology that we have in the library. It begins with the nine year old Matthew,  finding a fossil while on an expedition with his Dad, the famous paleontologist, Lee Berger.  Or does it? Professor Berger was using the Google Earth app to look at fossil rich areas in a whole new way, and noticed there was an area that might need a second look…this book is as much about the processes of paleontology as it is about this very important find. A must read for those interested in paleontology, the origins of mankind and how new technology can help us take a different look at the past.

 

 

 The Impossible Rescue

Most New Zealanders know about the extraordinary feat of endurance that Ernest Shackleton undertook to survive the Antarctic wastelands.   The Impossible Rescue is a similar story from the polar (get it?) end of the world.  Three hundred American whalers were trapped in the Arctic after their ships had been trapped by ice. This book tells the story of the small group who set out to help them.

 

 

 

 

From mud huts to skyscrapers: architecture for children

This is one of the best books about architecture that we’ve got in the library. Using simple language and great illustrations, it takes you through the history of the main types of mostly Western architecture, talking about the unique features of each one. It’s a brilliant introduction to the way buildings have changed over time.

Top 10: Non-fiction for February

Love non-fiction? Us too! Here are the top 10 non-fiction books for February. These books have been borrowed heaps of times.

  1. Star Wars: The complete visual dictionary by David West Reynolds
  2. The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary by Jeff Kinney
  3. Guinness World Records 2013 by Craig Glenday
  4. The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowitz
  5. Pokemon Ultimate Handbook by Cris Silvestri
  6. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Special Edition by Rosie Alexander
  7. The Usborne book of origami and other paper projects by Eileen O’Brien
  8. The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia by Michael Benton
  9. Big Book of Papercraft by Fiona Watt
  10. Space by Rob Lloyd Jones