Children’s DVDs: New Releases in October 2019.

Hey Kids!

We have 6 new DVDs added to the children’s movie collection just in time for spring.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of amazon.comAladdin.

Take a magic carpet ride with Aladdin, a street rat frees a genie from a lamp, granting all of his wishes and transforming himself into a charming prince to marry a beautiful princess. But soon, an evil sorcerer named Jafar becomes fixated on securing the lamp for his own sinister purposes.


image courtesy of amazon.comPokémon: Detective Pikachu.

It’s Pokémon as you’ve never seen it before! Lovable and all time favourite Pokémon, Pikachu gets his own movie with Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. The story begins when ace private eye Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wisecracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery.

image courtesy of amazon.comMy little pony, friendship is magic. What lies beneath.

The Young Six are studying for an upcoming exam, but Cozy Glow thinks that friendship is against her nature! A light begins to shine from the floor of the library, which leads the group to an underground cavern. The six must face their worst fears and work together to prove that they understand the nature of friendship.

Here comes the grump.

As a child Terry spent summer vacations at his groovy Grandmothers Theme park, full of awesome rides and enchanting creatures. With his grandmother gone, the theme park is threatened with closure, but magically, Terry is given the chance to save it all. He is swept away to a marvelous land full of excitement, but must save the kingdom from the grips of the evil, nasty wizard, The Grump.

The secret life of pets 2.

Terrier Max is coping with some major life changes. His owner is now married and has a toddler, Liam. Max is so worried about protecting the boy that he develops a nervous tic. On a family trip to a farm, Max and Duke encounter many creatures who elevates Max’s anxiety. Luckily, Max gets some guidance from veteran farm dog Rooster, who pushes Max to ditch his neuroses, find his inner alpha, and give Liam a little more freedom. Can Max and the gang find the courage to face their biggest fears?

image courtesy of amazon.comToy Story 4.

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called ‘Forky’ to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.


9 New Non Fiction to read during the holidays!

Hi Kids!

Check out the latest non fiction added to the library collection! Featured in this post are books that will help you learn how to cook, become an epic Pokémon trainer and will unleash your STEM/Maker skills!

Enjoy!


The tickle fingers kidscookbook : hands-on fun in the kitchen for 4-7s.

Focusing on the next stage up, ages 4-7, The Tickle Fingers Children’s Cookbook maintains all of the practical, easy-to-follow, age-appropriate and allergy-friendly advice parents loved in the first book. With over 60 new recipes and activities to inspire and guide parents, grandparents and carers to help young children develop a love of food through cooking and play, it will convince even the fussiest of eaters to try new food and make meals the whole family can enjoy.

The ultimate Pokemon trainer’s guide.

Welcome to the ultimate unofficial guide for every Pokémon trainer! The Ultimate Pokémon Trainer’s Guide is filled to the brim with Pokémon reviews, facts, stats and tips. All the top Pokémon games are reviewed, from Pokémon Go to 3DS classics like Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon , to the latest Switch titles like Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pickachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! There’s also a cool look at the wider world of Pokémon, from toys to card games to upcoming movies. There are entries on every single 800+ Pokémon, including strengths, weaknesses and combat stats.

You might also like the movie…

image courtesy of amazon.comPokémon: Detective Pikachu.

The story begins when ace private eye Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wisecracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery.

Check out the movie trailer!


STEM Lab.

Get your STEM on with STEM Lab. This book presents over two dozen science activities demonstrating such scientific properties as forces and motion, chemical reactions, shapes and structures, and light and sound.

You might also like…

Maker lab : 28 super cool projects : build, invent, create, discover.

Learn about science in your own home kitchen using everyday materials. Put together a school project or simply make something incredible to share with your friends! — Source other than Library of Congress.

Maker lab outdoors : 25 super cool projects : build, invent, create, discover.

Check out this amazing book that will spark kids’ creativity and help them develop science skills through hands-on learning, bringing science learning home and into the backyard. A must-have for every young scientist curious about their surroundings, and for makers, crafters, and those who enjoy exploring the outdoors.

Culture can mean many things. It can be the clothes you wear, the language you speak and the customs and traditions you hold dear. It may be the difference between going to the movies, the footy or the ballet. Some cultures we are born into, while other cultures we adopt and make our own. Culture plays an important and influential role in our lives – welcome to the big book of Culture!
Meet Maria Toorpakai Wazir, a brave Pakistani girl who pursued her love of sports in spite of being taunted and beaten. When the President of Pakistan gave Maria an award for outstanding achievement, the Taliban threatened her squash club, family, and life. Forced to quit the team, she continued to practice in her bedroom every day for three years! Maria’s story will inspire and empower all children . . . especially girls.

There’s no shortage of stories these days about the impact humans have had on the planet. There’s plastic in our oceans and rubbish in our streets. More and more animals and plants are declared vulnerable, threatened or endangered every year and extinctions are occuring at a rate not experienced since the dinosaurs died off. If we take action now, we’ll be able to help species like the Sumatran tiger and the giant panda in their fight for survival. In this book you’ll learn about all of the dangers facing these creatures, including deforestation and climate change, and also learn what you can do to help change the situation for these amazing animals and plants.
Through a fun mix of in-game and hands-on projects, Unofficial Minecraft Life Hacks Lab for Kids shows kids how to develop the building blocks of positive communication, listening skills, leadership and collaboration traits, emotional empathy, self-confidence and self-control, and how these skills can be used to play positively and build a better world.

7 New Non Fiction to read before the summer holidays end.

Happy new year!

Check out the latest new non fiction in the collection. Books about ancient warriors, Pokémon, animals and so much more! Get your hands on them before the summer holidays end.

Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAncient Warriors.

“Tracing the history of warriors from the Stone Age all the way up to the Crusades, fascinating facts and insights into tactics from the battlefield are revealed alongside kid-friendly, detailed illustrations. Delve into the lives of Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc, and Genghis Kahn. Follow the stories of Celtic warriors, Shaolin Monks, Vikings, Knights, and Samurai, all while learning about weaponry such as sword fighting, bow and arrows, martial arts and even poisonous beetles!” — Amazon.com

image courtesy of syndeticsRivers.

This breathtaking journey along the most important rivers in the world takes us from the Nile to the Amazon, the Mekong Delta to the Mississippi, the Murray to the Waikato. Our seas and rivers tell a compelling story about our planet.

image courtesy of sydneticsPokémon Ultimate Guide.

The ultimate guide to the Pokémon movies – revisit the exciting stories of 12 favourite films. Relive epic battles, visit key locations, meet the heroes and villains as well as uncovering facts and stats about Pokémon and find out about Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, too. Gotta catch ’em all!

image courtesy of syndeticsEarthquakes! : shaking New Zealand.

“Explains everything about the natural phenomenon, providing information for what to do during an earthquake and exploring some of the earthquakes through history”–Back cover.

image courtesy of syndeticsIncredible animal trivia : fun facts and quizzes.

“With fun pictures, cool design elements, and incredible facts, this trivia book will engage and excite readers who love animals and who love learning and sharing fascinating information with their friends.”– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Cat Encyclopedia.

Sink your claws into some cat facts! Learn the history, behaviours, physical traits and special characteristics of cat breeds including Siamese, Persian, American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Maine Coon and many more. This guidebook gives cat lovers and owners an in-depth look at some furry feline friends. Charming photographs, fun facts and hands-on pet care tips make this is the ultimate cat-alogue!

image courtesy of syndeticsWhy can’t I feel the Earth Spinning?

Why Can’t I Feel the Earth Spinning? is an irreverent and informative introduction to tricky questions about science. How do we know what dinosaurs looked like? Why does medicine taste so bad? Why don’t airplanes fall down? Why Can’t I Feel the Earth Spinning? encourages children to start asking and answering questions for themselves. The book is structured around twenty-two questions. Each section explores the question and answer with detailed illustrations, photographs, or diagrams and then asks further questions on a similar theme. Children learn about how their bodies work, why trees’ leaves are green, why people dream, and whether “The Cloud” is really a cloud. Written with humor and full of fun illustrations, Why Can’t I Feel the Earth Spinning? is the perfect primer for young inquisitive minds and budding scientists.

8 New Non Fiction to read during the holidays!

Kia ora koutou tamarikima!

The school holidays are almost over (Boo!). Cheer up though; we have some new amazing non fiction that you must get your hands on and read before the holidays are over. Books about cooking with pokemon, outstanding world breaking records and there the world of space, animals and records collides.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydneticsPlanet Awesome.

In this hilarious and informative book filled to the brim with eye-opening, kid-friendly facts about our planet, you’ll find scientifically accurate information from beloved children’s book author Stacy McAnulty and vibrant art by award-winning illustrator David Litchfield.

 

image courtesy fo syndeticsThe Pokémon cookbook : easy and fun recipes.

Create delicious dishes – from desserts to pizza- that look like your favourite Pokémon characters with more than 35 easy recipes. One pokemon book you must catch!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRecord Breakers!

Check out the latest Record Breakers, where you will read all about  the first, fastest, longest, largest, biggest, and best records in the world. One book you must get your hands on these school holidays.

 

 

 

image courtesy fo syndeticsFootball record breakers : goal scorers! trophy winners! football legends!

From the biggest leagues to the most exciting cup tournaments, football’s record-breaking stars are here. This book is packed with thousands of eye-popping stats about incredible trophy-winning teams and legendary goal scorers from around the globe, and contains all the need-to-know facts and figures from the 2016-2017 league seasons around the world.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA cat’s guide to the night sky.

Cats and astronomy are combined in this beautiful book where you will join Felicity the cat on a discovery of the night sky. You will learn about the phases of the moon, the constellations and how to spot the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. This beautiful, fun book will introduce you to the beauty of the night sky and show you the stars like you’ve never seen them before. A librarians choice all the way!

 

image courtesy of sydneticsPredators.

Check out iExplore Predators and Extinct Animals, where you will learn is the most ferocious animals on earth, as well as bring them back to life  with the use of augmented reality. You will get to learn about these animals  learn and be entertained for hours on end. Good to have on hand for a rainy day.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRobot : meet the machines of the future.

The robots are here at the library, in the form of this amazing book! “From giant fighting robots to nanobots that can work inside the human body, this book explores the latest technology transforming out world. The robot revolution is here to stay!”–Publisher’s description. Contains information about popular and famous robots, such as PARO, as robotic seal designed for pet therapy, bionic kangaroos, social robot called  Pepper and you even get to learn more about our very own humanoid NAO robots, Blue and Red! Another librarians choice all the way!

8 New Non Fiction to step into spring with.

Hey kids. Winter is nearly at an end. Come on down to your local library to check out the latest new non fiction to step into spring with!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding Projects in Python.

A fantastic resource that provides simple steps on how to write in code in the popular programming language, Python that will kick start your coding journey where you can improve your programming skills and learn to create, remix and customise your own projects.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDinosaurs.

A lively introduction to the mighty beasts that once ruled the world, where children can lift the flaps to learn about what life was like back then. Young readers will be amazed as they find out how dinosaurs hunted and defended themselves, the ways in which the landscape continued to change, which dinosaurs made the best mothers, and much, much more. This book features over 30 sturdy flaps to lift.

image courtesy of syndeticsPokemon deluxe essential handbook : the need-to-know stats and facts on over 700 Pokemon.

This book shares facts on over seven hundred Pokemon and includes information on the new Kalos characters and the Mega Evolved Pokémon.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMoana: The Essential Guide.

Read this book and find out everything you need to know about the newest Disney heroine, Moana, and her hero Maui, on their incredible journey across the South Pacific. Discover the beautiful locations of Oceania, including breathtaking underworlds along with frightening sea creatures! This book is packed with stunning information and  images of Moana’s quest and provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the most thrilling moments from the movie. Overall, I think this book is amazing and serves as a wonderful companion alongside the movie. It is also a great learning tool to help young girls begin their path to finding themselves and becoming strong and emerging leaders.

image courtsy of syndeticsThe Travel Book.

It’s never too early to plan your O.E. This book will certainly help you on your way to help you plan your trip by making sure you are aware of every country in the world and help you get ideas on what places you would like to visit. You will also find out information about thousands of amazing facts on wildlife, how people live, sports, food, festivals and a wide range of other quirky insights on every page. Every single country gets its own dedicated page, and a mix of wow photography and beautiful illustrations brings each land to life. For readers aged 8 years and up.

image courtesy fo sydneticsHow to be good at Math.

This book offers illustrated, step-by-step explanations of mathematical concepts needed for ages seven to eleven, and grades two to five.– Source other than Library of Congress.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJason and the Argonauts.

“The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the earliest recorded Greek myths. Here, master artist Robert Byrd has created a striking telling of the legend for a new generation of readers. Complete with explanatory notes and illustrated back matter, Jason and the Argonauts traces each step of our hero’s journey, from the Golden Fleece’s origin story and Jason’s childhood to his triumphant return with the prize and eventual death. Deftly designed to accommodate glorious large pictures and captioned insets, the book is not only a great story, but a wealth of information about ancient Greece”–Publisher.

image courtesy of sydneticsStar Wars: Drawing Manual.

The Star Wars drawing book that no Star Wars fan should be without. Learn to draw the iconic starships, droids, and speeders of the Star Wars saga, including the X-wing, Millennium Falcon, Star Destroyer, TIE Interceptor, Slave I, BB-8, AT-AT and more. Follow clear, step-by-step instructions to complete 15 stunning projects from a galaxy, far, far away. Each drawing sits on a perspective grid that will help you to see what your drawings will look like as three-dimensional objects. The grid consists of a vanishing point with perspective lines leading away from it. Star rankings are also provided to indicate the difficulty level of each drawing. There are hours of entertainment for Star Wars fans young and old. Look out for Star Wars: Dot to Dot; Star Wars: Art Therapy Colouring Book; Star Wars: Doodles; Star Wars: Galaxy of Colouring; and, Star Wars: Colouring by Numbers.

10 New Non Fiction: Heroes-Gaming-Mythology-Programming Winter Madness at the library!

School holidays are around the corner and Wellington City Libraries is bursting with Junior Non Fiction on their shelves for your viewing pleasure and entertainment. All the resources you need to get schooled up on folklore, mythology, coding, computer programing and much, much more! Let the heroes-gaming-mythology-programming winter madness at the library begin!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsDC Comics Super Heroes: The Awesome Guide.

“Ever wondered where Superman got his powers, or how The Flash became so speedy? Or why Wonder Woman flies an Invisible Jet, and why Batman has so many cool vehicles? All the answers and more can be found in this totally awesome guide to LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes. Discover the origins of the Justice League and their secret identities. Gasp at the amazing superpowers and learn all about their incredible collections of gadgets and vehicles. Who will win the fight between good and evil? It’s time to find out!”

 

image courtesy of syndetics

The amazing book of Marvel Spider-Man.

Now that you have had your DC fix, why not have some Marvel for added measure. Check out this amazing book on Spiderman, his friends and foes. A great resource to have on hand just in time for Spiderman: Homecoming. Check out the trailer down below.


image courtesy of syndeticsTimeline : a visual history of our world.

Translated from the Dutch. Originally published under the title ‘Tijdlijn’.

 

 

 

Multicultural Stories from…

image courtesy of syndetics India.

A collection of traditional stories retold from the folktales and epics of India, including “Dead Man Walking,” “Valmiki–the Highway Poet,” and “The Goddess with her Hands Full.”

 

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsWest Africa.

From the flesh-eating ghosts to the fearsome Sasabonsam Monster and the tale of a man named Hate-to-be-contradicted, these exciting stories are about tricks and magic, cunning heroes and wicked villains, and the threats of terrifying ghost.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft: Guide to Exploration.

The mysterious world of Minecraft is just waiting to be explored. But danger lurks around every corner and survival can prove difficult for even the bravest adventurer. The official Minecraft Guide to Exploration from Mojang will help you to survive and thrive. You’ll learn how to find resources, craft equipment and protect yourself from hostile mobs. Discover which biomes to avoid when starting out, how to build a mob-proof shelter and where to look for naturally-generated structures laden with loot. With insider info and tips from the experts at Mojang, this is the definitive guide to exploration and survival in Minecraft.

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon Encyclopedia.

“This up-to-date, comprehensive encyclopedia features: fascinating facts and figures about Pokémon and their world; the definitive reference for key characters, battles and places; every region, including Kalos; Pokémon life lessons; Ash’s story, his friends … and enemies!”–Back cover.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCool mythology : filled with fantastic facts for kids of all ages.

This fun book is a fascinating introduction to world mythology, broken up into handy bite-sized chunks. It covers all the main world mythologies, including Sumerian, Incan, African, Native American, African, Egyptian, Persian, Hindu, Norse and, of course, Greek and Roman, including the famous Olympians (Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and others). It begins with a selection of creation myths from different cultures (for example the Dreamtime of Aboriginal Australian mythology) and delves into individual stories from mythology, such as Perseus meeting Medusa and Pandora’s box. It covers fantastical mythological creatures from the fearsome Manticore from Persian legend to the modern-day Yeti, plus giants, dragons and the Phoenix. It explores mythological places like Atlantis and various versions of the afterlife, from the idyllic Arthurian Avalon to the rather less pleasant Yomi, the dark and gloomy underworld of Japanese mythology. Ancient myths are still relevant to today’s society, explaining traditions and giving lasting moral lessons.

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding Games in SCRATCH.

Coding computer programs is one of the most valuable skills for anyone to have. Written for children with little to no coding experience, Coding Games with Scratch guides children through building platform games, puzzles, racers, and 3-D action games. Schools have incorporated computer coding into their curriculum, beginning as early as kindergarten to ensure students understand the languages and uses of computer coding. The step-by-step guides are simple and easy to follow with Minecraft-style pixel art. Children will learn essential coding skills while having fun and creating games to play with their friends. The many different styles and types of games are covered, such as classic and arcade games. When people learn to code in Scratch, they learn important strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas. Coding Games with Scratch empowers children to be creative and to have fun while teaching them practical real-life skills. Great for ages 9 to 12 years old and great to have on hand for the ‘Meet The Robots’ event at your local library.

Also check out:

image courtesy of syndeticsComputer coding games for kids.

Your kids will be building computer games and learning code in no-time with ‘Computer coding games for kids’. Kids can enter the world of programming in this illustrated guide packed with step-by-step explanations showing kids how to build all types of games, from puzzles and racers to 3D action games. The perfect way to introduce a reluctant child to coding, ‘Computer coding games for kids’ shows kids how to have fun with Scratch by creating games. Simple instructions and graphics breakdown coding with Scratch so kids learn all the code they need to build, play and share their favourite games with friends.

image courtesy of syndeticsHelp your kids with computer coding : a unique step-by-step visual guide, from binary code to building games.

This unique guide is full of fun exercises and helpful tips that will help children learn all aspects of coding. Step-by-step explanations make the complex art of programming clear, teaching the basics of JavaScript, Python, and C++. Eventually building to more advanced projects, Help Your Kids with Computer Coding will have children and parents alike creating their own games, apps, 3-D models, animations, and websites in no time. 

6 New Non Fiction on Lego, Pokémon, heroes and some good old movie trailers thrown in for good measure.

The Easter break and school holidays are here. Time for some Wellington City Libraries kids blog entertainment!

This post is dedicated to the world of lego, Pokémon, heroes and some good old movie trailers to feed and curb your big screen entertainment.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Batman Movie: The Making of the Movie.

Calling all Lego and Batman fanatics!  Brace yourself… there’s another hot new non fiction book where the world of Lego, DC Universe and Da da da da da da da…Batman colides! The LEGO Batman Movie: The Making of the Movie tells the inside story of how Warner Bros. and the LEGO Group joined creative forces to bring Batman’s brick world to life. Also features exclusive insights from the filmmakers, animators, and LEGO designers. This book is in a word – COOL!

Also check out The Batman movie : the essential guide, where you can go behind the scenes and discover everything there is to know about The LEGO Batman Movie with this ultimate guide. Featuring the latest LEGO Batman set and minifigures. image courtesy of syndetics

Also feel free to check out the latest movie trailer to The Lego Batman Movie, man oh man, after watching it multiple times, I still think it’s hilarious, especially when the Joker experiences a case of rejection and heartbreak from Batman, hmmm do I detect of hint of would-be bromance on the Joker’s part?

image courtesy of syndeticsAwesome Lego Creations with bricks you already have.

Turn your pile of lego bricks into a day of fun!… especially when it’s a cold and miserable day. This book holds 50 new robots, dragons, race cars, planes, wild animals and other exciting projects to build imaginative worlds

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon: Classic Collector’s Handbook.

Pokémon: Classic Collector’s Handbook describes the concept of the Pokémon battle, and presents descriptions of the original 151 Pokémon available to catch in the game.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe librarian who measured the earth.

This book describes the life and work of Eratosthenes, the Greek geographer and astronomer who accurately measured the circumference of the Earth. This story is a celebration of curiosity and a tribute to the questing mind.

 

 

imgae courtesy of syndeticsA childs introduction to Greek mythology : the stories of the gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and other mythical creatures.

This book presents an introduction to Greek mythology, discussing the roles of gods and goddesses, as well as the adventures of heroes and mythical beings.

 

Also check out the trailer for The Boss Baby. It is in a number words, funny, hilarious, innovative and where the lines of sibling rivalry are crossed and taken to the extreme. However instant sibling rivalry must soon be put aside when Tim, the older brother discovers that Boss Baby is actually a spy on a secret mission, and only he can help thwart a dastardly plot that involves an epic battle between puppies and babies.

7 New Non Fiction to get your hands on…before the school holidays.

Brace yourselves! Wellington City Libraries has more new non fiction in stock for your reading pleasure. It’s a good time to get hold of them now, especially with the school holidays around the corner. A mixture of fact and fun based books that will keep you amused and entertained. Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsAtlas of Everything.

Navigate the world like never before. Featuring over 50 maps of the world – one on every page – this unique atlas includes facts and figures on almost everything you’d want to know. From Nobel Prize winners and popular names, to endangered species and active volcanoes, the combination of maps and infographics makes this the perfect book for children to find out information in a quick and easy way, and remember it. Includes information on the origins of humans, ancient civilisations, the fashion industry, music around the world, film, sport, art and design, politics, the natural world, architecture, animal migration, oceans, natural disasters and space, to name just a few topics in this fact-filled book.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMini hacks for Pokémon go players. Catching : skills, tips, and techniques for capturing monsters.

An unofficial guide for Pokémon Go players. You’re on the hunt for all 151. Some are easy, others are super hard and elusive. Mini Hacks for Pokémon GO Players: Catching focuses on strategies to help build your Pokémon collection. Includes tips and techniques on: Ball tossing—how to perfect the curve ; What type of Poké Balls you need for specific monsters ; How to most effectively use Razz Berries ; Where you are most likely to find and capture specific types ; The scoop on Lures and Incense to boost catchability and catch all of the mini hacks for Pokémon GO players!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe book of wildly spectacular sports science.

“Why does a knuckleball flutter? Why do belly flops hurt so much? Why would a quarterback prefer a deflated football? Here are 54 all-star experiments that demonstrate the scientific principles powering a wide variety of sports and activities–and offer insights that can help you improve your own athletic skills. How does a black belt karate chop her way through a stack of bricks? Use Popsicle sticks to understand why it’s possible and learn the role played by Newton’s second law of motion. Does LeBron James really float through the air on the way to a dunk? Use a tennis ball, a paperback book, and the help of a friend to understand the science of momentum and the real meaning of hang time. Using common household objects, each project includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and a detailed explanation of how and why the experiment worked. It’s a win-win.”–Amazon.com.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGaming record breakers.

“Become an expert gamer with facts and records about the top consoles and games at your fingertips. Discover marathon game sessions, world-record high scores, best-selling games and the most expensive gear available in this must-have gaming guide”–Back cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWhat is poetry? : the essential guide to reading & writing poems.

Over many years as a working poet, Michael Rosen has thought a great deal about what poems are, what they can do and the pleasure that comes from writing and reading poetry. In this invaluable handbook, he shares this knowledge and experience in book form for the very first time. Starting with a detailed analysis of a number of classic poems, he offers a real writer’s guide to writing and performing poems, as well as a wealth of technical information and tips. He then takes a fascinating look at a selection of his own poems and explains how and why he wrote them. Complete with an appendix of poets and useful websites, and beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Jill Calder, this is the only guide to poetry children and teachers will ever need.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsNatumi Takes the Lead.

A heart warming true story about a shy orphan elephant Natumi, who is rescued by a team from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage for baby elephants. At the shelter, Natumi hides behind keepers’ legs to watch the other elephants at the shelter. But soon, she meets several other orphans, and the eight of them play together in the surrounding bush. As the babies become closer and more like a real family, they need a leader, someone they can trust. Can Natumi grow into this role? Join the herd to find out what happens when they travel back into the wild. Overall a fantastic story and must read for the budding animal enthusiast.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAll about Japan : stories, songs, crafts and more.

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place–and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, learn some Japanese songs. Two friends, a boy from the country and a girl from the city, take us on a tour of their beloved land through their eyes. They introduce us to their homes, families, favourite places, school life, holidays and more! Beyond the fun and fascinating facts, you’ll also learn about the spirit that makes Japan one-of-a-kind. This is a multicultural children’s book for families to treasure together.

8 New (and not so new) Non Fiction on Lego mania, innovative gaming and science trends!

Has the back to school blues finally sunk in? Have no fear, there’s more and exciting new non fiction in stock at your local library.

Featured in this blog post are books on the latest and innovative trends in the world of gaming, science and technology, not to mention an old favourite Pokémon, which has been reinvented, evolved and rebranded as Pokémon GO! Not to mention, Lego mania has been unleashed in the library once again with some new and not so new books on the original Lego Movie and the upcoming release of The Lego Batman Movie!  I for one am excited about The Lego Batman movie because this is where the world of Lego, DC comics, innovation, play and imagination comes together and opens you up to a world of endless possibilities, creativity and entertainment.

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Lego Bricks has been applauded by teachers and parents as one of the best toys for learning, building creativity, and strengthening fine-motor skills, not to mention Lego Bricks are an open-ended toy, meaning they can become just about anything a child or adult imagines, including an educational tool. See more about this on  Inner Child Learning,

But enough about Lego, the 8 non fiction books featured in this post will keep you amused and entertained for hours and also will keep you informed and up to date with the latest trends and technological developments in the modern world.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndetics The Lego Batman movie : the essential guide.

To celebrate the upcoming release of The Lego Batman Movie, the spin off of The Lego Movie, which will released in NZ cinemas on the 6th of April just in time for the school holidays, the library has in stock for your viewing and reading pleasure, The Batman movie : the essential guide. This book will enable you to go behind the scenes and discover everything there is to know about The LEGO Batman Movie with this ultimate guide. Featuring the latest LEGO Batman set and mini-figures.

image courtesy of syndeticsWhile you’re at it, why not check out The LEGO movie : the essential guide. This guide will tell you need to know about the original LEGO Movie, including character profiles and location spreads from the upcoming movie.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Lego Movie Handbook.

Seen the movie? (I haven’t – Naughty me!) Now is the time to read the movie handbook. Join Brickburg, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Batman and the rest of the gang in reading this book where you will learn everything you need to know about the Lego Movie, including Stories from Bricksburg’s happiest residents, a special message from President Business and a never before seen episode of Where Are My Pants. Overall I enjoyed this book. It was very funny, humorous, gave me the opportunity to revisit and embrace my inner child and has inspired to go and see the movie.  Also check out the move trailer.

As a special treat, why not check out the latest The Lego Batman Movie trailer here.

image courtesy of syndeticsGaming Live!

Want to watch the BEST gamers in the world but don’t know where to start? This guide enables you to watch the pros in action as they teach you how to dominate your favourite games! A must have resource for the avid gamer!

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon Go!

The world of Pokémon and mobile games collides with Pokémon GO! The Ultimate Unauthorized Guide. This book is a must-read companion to the hit mobile game that has taken the world by storm.  This guide includes everything you need to know about Lures, PokéBalls, Eggsand much more.

image courtesy of syndeticsThis Book Thinks You’re a scientist!

The title does justice to the information contained within this book.  Read this book and learn all the tricks of the trade of what is essential to becoming a scientist, which includes look, ask questions, wonder and test your ideas. You’ll also do things scientists don’t necessarily do: eat your experiments, levitate paper clips and play a drinking straw like an oboe. There are even portable laboratory pages for you to experiment on, so that by the end, you’ll know how to invent your own fun ways of finding out about the world. Overall, this book is a must have read for the avid scientist enthusiast! 

image courtesy of syndeticsMistakes that worked: The World’s familiar inventions and how they came to be.

Do you know how many things in your daily life were invented by accident? SANDWICHES came about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free. POTATO CHIPS were first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren’t thin enough. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, and X rays have fascinating stories behind them too! Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious cartoons and weird, amazing facts, make up this fun-filled book about everyday items that had surprisingly haphazard beginnings.

image cpurtesy of syndeticsHow Super Cool Stuff Works.

Discover the mind-blowing high-tech inventions of the future in How Super Cool Stuff Works. Contained in this book are incredible images that reveal the secret to inner workings of everything from drones and supercomputers to underwater hotels and flying cars. In short, this book features a futuristic world I don’t think anyone saw coming.

 

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction January 2017

Ocean dwelling creatures and literature make the grade this month.  The clever people at Te Papa can take you on a virtual journey to the deepest depths, the Abyssopelagic zone, this is even deeper than where they believe the colossal squid had it’s hunting grounds.
Anyone braved the sea out there this summer? Let us know in the comments if you found any cool sea creatures in your ocean exploring =)

  1. Minecraft annual 2017, by Stephanie Milton
  2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling
  3. Minecraft : Redstone Handbook, by Nick Farwell
  4. Supershark and other creatures of the deep, by Derek Harvey
  5. The LEGO ideas book, by Daniel Lipkowitz
  6. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa Lehtimäki
  7. Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller
  8. Pokémon gotta catch ’em all, published by Scholastic
  9. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam
  10. Picturepedia, edited by Ann Baggaley