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.

6 New Non Fiction to sink your teeth into.

It’s happening at once! The end of the school holidays, the beginning of Term Two and only a month to go before winter officially hits the Capital. Have no fear, the library has more new junior non fiction books recently added to the collection. Check out amazing books on superheroes; the weird and peculiar; books to sink your teeth into and good old fashioned entertainment to keep you amused from now until the next round of school holidays.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe League of Superhero Games.

All the greatest superheroes  of all time come together in one book. From free-to-play to triple-A blockbusters, everything is covered in The League of Superhero Games: LEGO Batman, Avengers Initiative, and Spider-Man: Total Mayhem are just a few of the wildly popular superhero video games featured in this in-depth guide. A must have book for all the budding gamers and superhero fanatics.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPerfectly peculiar! : Ripley’s believe it or not!

Ripley’s Believe it or not has taken weirdness to a whole new level! Drop in to the weird, wide world of Ripley’s with this unique collection of amazing stories, jaw-dropping facts, incredible feats, and more. It’s Perfectly Peculiar!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Book of Chocolate.

Mmmmmmm, chocolate. This book is bound to make you hungry and gorge on one of the greatest sweet treats in creation. Read this book and discover all you need to know about… YES, believe it, CHOCOLATE! From its origin as the sacred, bitter drink of Central American rulers to the familiar candy bars sold by today’s multimillion dollar businesses, people everywhere have fallen in love with chocolate, the world’s favourite flavour.

image courtesy of synedticsBear Grylls’ Survival camp : the ultimate all-terrain training manual.

It’s a wonderful world out there just waiting to be discovered, but are you ready to be an explorer? Do you know how to cope with searing heat and intense cold? Can you find food and water in the wild? Could you avoid deadly diseases and fight back against man-eating beasts? Let Bear Grylls teach you everything you need to know to venture through all of Earth’s terrain, as well as through the air, over the seas, and under the waves in Bear Grylls Survival Camp. The perfect gift for any young adventurers in training.

image courtesy of syndeticsHow this book was made.

You may think you know how this book was made, but you don’t. Sure, the author wrote many drafts, and the illustrator took a long time creating the art, but then what? How’d it get into your hands? Well, open the cover and read through these pages to find out. Just beware of the pirates and angry tiger. Overall, probably one of the most quirky and interesting books I have ever read and a highly recommended book for those wanting to pursue a career in writing, illustrating and librarianship.

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars: The Visual Encyclopaedia.

Yes, more Star Wars books in the library! Feast your eyes on the latest literary instalment in the Star Wars universe: Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopaedia. From lightsabers to beasts to food to clothing, this book is a virtual museum in a book. Jam packed with beautiful galleries with more than 2,500 images, and amazing facts about Star Wars culture, science and geography.

Top 10 Children’s Non-Fiction March 2017

Great books to get your brains tingling! If you’re building a Minecraft empire or brushing up your acting skills with the Harry Potter script the top issuing non-fiction books have something you’ll love.

Batman and Lego fans are loving the new movie, The Batman movie : the essential guide, by Julia March and The Batman movie : the making of the movie, by Tracey Miller-Zarneke will give you inside knowledge into creating the new Lego legend.  Want to build your own Lego Batman? Minecraft may be the creative space you’ve been looking for!

  1. LEGO series, by Daniel Lipkowitz
  2. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton
  3. Hacks for Minecrafters, by Megan Miller
  4. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling
  5. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell
  6. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft
  7. Minecraft : Construction Handbook, by Matthew Needler
  8. The Batman movie : the essential guide, by Julia March
  9. Dog, by Juliet Clutton-Brock
  10. Guinness World Records 2017, Craig Glenday editor in chief

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction February 2017

Lego has always been a favourite in the Children’s non-fiction collection, but have you ever considered using your own lego collection to make history?  Not only is the 2017 Guinness World records in the Top 10 but, they are also accepting bids for the largest Lego pyramid ever… with teams of unlimited size! So round up your mates, and their mates and their… so on and so on and who knows, Guiness World record 2018 could contain your name!

  1. Minecraft : the survivors’ book of secrets, 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. The LEGO ideas book, by Daniel Lipkowitz
  5. Star Wars Character Encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft and Pablo Hidalgo
  6. Master builder : Hack for Minecrafters, by Megan Miller
  7. Minecraft : Construction Handbook, by Matthew Needler
  8. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa Lehtimäki
  9. Lego DC comics Super heroes character encyclopedia, by Simon Hugo and Cavan Scott
  10. Guinness World Records 2017, Craig Glenday editor in chief

Top 10 children’s non-fiction for December 2016

This month’s Top 10 has so many great books in it!  The new Annual a group of New Zealand writers, illustrators, musicians and poets have come together, sourced by Kate deGoldi and Kate Paris from Gecko Press.

Lego and Minecrafters have the virtual and real life block worlds covered and beautiful photos from Vesa  Lehtimäki show off the lego model world.

Maori myths and legends illustrator and author Peter Gossage, died this year, so it’s a fitting tribute that his books should still be so popular with younger readers.  His iconic images live on in the books he created.  His illustrations were also part of animated versions, here for your viewing pleasure.

 

Here’s your Top 10 for December: 

1. LEGO, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2. Hacks for Minecrafters, by Megan Miller

3. Harry Potter and the cursed child, by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling

4. Minecraft : Redstone Handbook, by Nick Farwell

5. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft and Pablo Hidalgo

6. Minecraft. Construction Handbook, by Matthew Needler

7. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa  Lehtimaki

8. Pokemon gotta catch ’em all! published by Scholastic

9. Annual edited by Kate de Goldi and Susan Paris

10. Maui and other Maori legends, by Peter Gossage

 

8 new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide – Part Two!

The countdown to Christmas and the end of 2016 continues.  And the new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide theme continues!

So for your reading pleasure, the library has some new non fiction available from your local library.

Check out books about what DreamWorks characters  like to eat for supper, fantastic guide on popular film and TV characters,  famous children’s authors and even more about Star Wars.

Also Kiwi Christmas song, Summer Wonderland by Ronan Keating  is now available to stream and download from all your favourite music streaming flavours. But you can’t bothered, check out the clip right here, complete so you can sing along and take part in the festive cheer while  strolling through a summer wonderland.

To recap, Summer Wonderland is a Kiwi spin on a much beloved classic Christmas carol Winter Wonderland, with a lyrical twist for the Southern Hemisphere and recorded for Air New Zealand.  This Christmas carol really showcases and beautifully captures the sprit and essence of a Kiwi Christmas of tucking into ham and pavlova, playing cricket, mozzie spray and tan marks. Check it out!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Ultimate DreamWorks Cookbook.

Trolls has finally been released in theatres and to continue the celebration, check out the ultimate DreamWorks cookbook. Have you ever wondered about the secret ingredient in Mr. Ping’s noodles? Do you know how the Croods cook their dinner or how the penguins get their bellies filled? In the Ultimate DreamWorks Cookbook you can find the answers to all of these questions, and many more. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, all are featured in this fun and nutritious cookbook from DreamWorks.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDoctor Who: A History of Humankind.

History and Doctor Who all rolled into one, Imagine that?! The doctor has corrected this Coal Hill School Hisotry textbook with his own notes and illustrations that is jammed packed full of the real history about our very special planet.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne Official Spy’s Handbook.

This one book that every potential spy needs to get it’s hands on. Covers everything that a good spy needs to know about secret codes, spy rings, dead drops, disguises, tracking, shadowing, hiding, sending message, decoding signal and observation skills.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJeff Kinney.

Read all about the man who brought Diary of a Wimpy Kid to life! Simple text and full-color photographs introduce readers to Jeff Kinney.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDr. Seuss.

Read all about the man who brought The Cat in the Hat, Horton hears a who and The Lorax to life! Simple text and full-color photography introduce beginning readers to Dr. Seuss.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMoana.

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 images of Moana’s quest and provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the most thrilling moments from the movie.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsTop 10 of everything 2017.

Move over, Guinness World Records, Top 10 of everything 2017, that ranges from video games, insects, movies, sports and so on, will enthral and amaze you for hours… not days… not weeks… but all year long!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars Galactic Atlas.

Calling all Star Wars fans, here is you chance to explore a galaxy far, far away in this stunning guide to the worlds of Star Wars. This book is jam packed full of  superb full colour, covers everything from Alderaan and Naboo to Tatooine and Yavin 4, taking in the epic stories, strange creatures and glorious vistas of the entire saga. Check out the official trailer for the latest release from the Star Wars franchise: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, in which a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. Exciting!

 

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!  See you in 2017!

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction for November 2016

Star Wars fans are having a great lead into the holidays with the release of Rogue One. There are some great materials related to the space epic in the library, some of them remain exclusively in the library! The reference shelf has some amazing paper engineering – known as pop-up books.  If you don’t see the Star Wars : a galactic pop-up adventure on the shelf, ask at a desk and you’ll get to see the glowing lightsaber appear from the pages!

 

1.  LEGO Books, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2.  Minecraft ; The survivors’ book of secrets, by Stephanie Milton

3.  Harry Potter and the cursed child, by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling

4.  Star Wars, by Adam Bray

5.  Star wars ; complete vehicles, by David West Reynolds

6.  Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

7.  Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

8.  Guinness world records 2016, edited by Craig Glenday

9.  Lego DC comics Super heroes character encyclopedia, by Simon Hugo

10.Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller

6 new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide

December marks the first month of summer, the countdown to Christmas and the end of 2016. Let’s hope 2017 is an even better year! So for your reading pleasure, the library has some new non fiction available from your local library for lazy days in sun – if cricket doesn’t tickle your fancy or the occasional rainy days. Check out books about Marvel’s heroes, Star Wars, building your own lego creations and classic childhood favourites. Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Cuckoo and the warbler.

The cuckoo and the warbler tells the unique story of one of the most remarkable wildlife relationships in New Zealand, between pipiwharauroa, the shining cuckoo, and riroriro, the grey warbler. Although rarely seen by humans, the interaction of these two native birds is a striking example of nature’s inventiveness – a drama that comes to life through the exquisite illustrations of Heather’s hunt’s latest book.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Ultimate Peter Rabbit.

A childhood classic and favourite of all time. Journey into a world where Beatrix Potter’s creations comes to life in the gorgeous visual guide. Meet the real Peter Rabbit, (Beatrix Potter’s childhood pet), discover real life places that inspired all of Potter’s works and pore over original archive illustrations, sketches and photographs.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAwesome Lego Creations.

A must have for all the lego fans out there! Grab hold of this book and have a blast with building new lego toys, including animals, scenes and working contraptions.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Amazing Book of Star Wars.

Start your Padawan’s training off right with The Amazing Book of Star Wars, the perfect introduction for young fans to the Star Wars galaxy. Large pictures and short, simple sentences bring Star Wars to life for children as they learn about the brave heroes, helpful droids, amazing aliens, and powerful foes from the saga. Favorite characters and fascinating vehicles are explored in a fun, age-appropriate way, from Yoda and Luke Skywalker to the Millennium Falcon and BB-8″–Publisher’s website.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMaui and other Maori Legends.

A very special collection of exciting, magical Maori myths and legends of adventure and intrigue. A great resource to have on hand for Maori language week and Matariki.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMarvel : absolutely everything you need to know … 

Packed with fun facts, bizarre-but-true tales, and quirky insights into everyone’s favorite Marvel comic characters, including The Avengers, Spider-Man, and Daredevil. little-known facts and information about the iconic Marvel characters.

 

 

 

To celebrate summer and Christmas, check out this awesome clip where Irish pop star, Ronan Keating and Kiwi actor, Julian Dennison put a Kiwi spin on a much beloved classic Christmas carol Winter Wonderland, with a lyrical twist for the Southern Hemisphere and recorded for Air New Zealand.  In Summer Wonderland, the duo sing about prickles on the lawn, passing around a can of mozzie spray, and tucking into pavlova. This Christmas carol really showcases and beautifully captures the sprit and essence of a Kiwi Christmas! Check it out!

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction October 2016

What’s so special about October’s most favourite non-fiction library loans?

Literature! It’s been a great year for Children’s literature, with the new Gecko Press Annual filled with stories, songs, poems and illustrations hitting the shelves (find it on the shelf at 828 ANN).

Shakespeare in the library, there’s another performance coming up on December 10 at the Central Library and now…

The Harry Potter play. The much read book is found in the non-fiction section, with the Dewey number: 822 THO (if it’s not being borrowed by some other Harry Potter fan!)

 

But that aside, here were the most borrowed non-fiction items from the library in October:

1. Lego : Awesome ideas, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2. Minecraft : the survivor’s book of secrets, by Stephanie Milton

3. Hacks for Minecrafters : Mods, by Megan Miller

4. Star Wars : absolutely everything you need to know, by Adam Bray

5. Minecraft : Redstone handbook, by Nick Farwell

6. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

7. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by Jack Thorne

8. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

9. Minecraft. Construction handbook, by Matthew Needler

10. LEGO Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Hannah Dolan

5 New children’s non fiction : Your one stop shop to information, entertainment and curbing your sweet tooth!

Check out this range of new children’s non fiction which is your one stop shop to information about world records, entertainment that will take you to a galaxy far, far away and chocolate delights that will curb your sweet tooth! Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGuinness World Records 2017.

Kids, prepare to be amazed by this new publication of Guinness World Records 2015. Contains thousands of records that span every field of human and non-human endeavors, including science and technology, animals, sports, geography, arts and entertainment, education, hobbies and pastimes, unusual rituals, and many others. Guinness World Records 2015 is crammed with new and updated records, and never-before-seen photography. It’s out of this world.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars Year by Year.

The definitive history of “Star Wars” chronicling four decades of the world of “Star Wars”; decade by decade, year-by-year, month-by-month. Everything is covered, from the influences and creation of all six “Star Wars” movies, to the toys, books and video games that have shaped the “Star Wars” dynasty. The month-by-month format is brought to life by images from the movies, TV series, comic books and more.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMy First Cat Book.

My first cat book contains simple and fun ways to care for your feline friend and is ideal for children aged 7 years and over. This is a great book to have on hand, especially for younger children if you are considering adding a cat into your family.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe gloriumptious worlds of Roald Dahl.

This scrumdiddlyumptiious delight is full of unusual letters from odd characters, curious photographs of strange objects and sensational newspaper clipping describing marvellous occasions – there are even illustrations by the fabulous Quentin Blake. Also check out Chocolate Delights. Now who doesn’t love chocolate? Here’s you chance to indulge you sweet tooth with these amazing chocolate creations. The giant freckles are a major winner with me! This book is soooo good you almost want to eat it! I’ll bet Roald Dahl and Willy Wonka would give up their last chocolate bar to get their hands on this book! Great resource to have on hand for birthday parties, high teas and gift ideas.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA wombat in my drawer.

From an opera-loving seal to a drunk rampaging pig, this book features and celebrates the weird, wild and adorable world of Australia’s animals.