Books

Graveyard Shakes: Kids’ Comics for Halloween!

Jessie Bray-Sharpin

Spooky season is upon us, and we just so happen to have you covered for some great reads from our comic and graphic novel collections.

If you like the idea of a witch who uses her cauldron to make pizza, an avenging-warrior-ghost-hog, or a girl who meets her new best friend by summoning a spirit at a seance tea party, then these are for you!

Junior Comics

Witches of Brooklyn [1] / Escabasse, Sophie
“Effie moves to Brooklyn to live with her strange aunt and soon discovers that she might be a witch.” (Catalogue)

Graveyard shakes / Terry, Laura
“When Katia runs away from her private boarding school her sister Victoria goes looking for her, accidentally stumbling into the underworld of a nearby graveyard inhabited by ghosts and a man named Nikola, who is preparing a sinister spell.” (Catalogue)
Séance tea party / Yee, Reimena
“After watching her circle of friends seemingly fade away, Lora is determined to still have fun on her own, so when a tea party leads Lora to discovering Alexa, the ghost that haunts her house, they soon become best friends.” (Catalogue)

Ghost hog / Weiser, Joey
“Truff is the ghost of a young boar, fueled by fury towards the hunter who shot her down. She has a lot to learn about her new afterlife, and thankfully the forest spirits Claude and Stanley are there to guide her! However, they soon find that her parents, along with their fellow animal villagers, have been kidnapped by the malicious mountain demon Mava! Truff wants to help, but… the hunter is finally within her grasp, and if she lets him go, she may never get her revenge! Is vengeance all that being a ghost is good for? Or is there something stronger keeping this little pig tethered to the living world?” (Catalogue)

Skull Cat. Book 1, Skull Cat and the curious castle / Shurtliff, Norman
“It’s Scully the Cat’s first day as the new garden-keeper at a spooky castle… but when everyone goes missing, is he brave enough to become a hero? Draw your sword and let’s find out! Even though the castle is an eerie place, full of dark secrets, Scully is excited to start his new job and prove himself to be a great gardener. But wait a minute… what happened to all his co-workers? Were they devoured by bloodthirsty vampires? Spooked by a love-struck ghost? Pranked by a comic-reading goblin? Enchanted by a sleepy sorcerer? Will Scully have to become the hero and uncover the truth behind Le Dark Chateau? He never signed up for this!!”– Publisher’s website.” (Catalogue)

Sorceline / Douyé, Sylvia
“For as long as she can remember, Sorceline has had a knack for the study of mythical creatures. Now a student at Professor Archibald Balzar’s prestigious school of cryptozoology, she’s eager to test her skills and earn a spot as one of Balzar’s apprentices. But for all her knowledge of gorgons, vampires, and griffins, Sorceline is mystified by her fellow humans. While she excels in her studies, she quickly clashes with her classmates, revealing her fiery temper. When one of her rivals suddenly disappears, Sorceline must set aside her anger and join the quest to find her. But the mystery only deepens, leading Sorceline on a journey far darker and more personal than she expected.” (Catalogue)

YA Comics

Unfamiliar. 1 / Newsome, Haley
“Young kitchen witch Planchette gets an incredible deal on a new house in a magical town. Turns out, there’s a reason: it’s haunted! After unsuccessfully attempting to get these unwanted ghosts to leave, she realizes the only thing to do is to help them with their problems. Along the way, she befriends a shy siren who hates being popular, a girl battling a curse, and a magically-challenged witch from a powerful coven.” (Catalogue)

Summer spirit / Holleville, Élizabeth
“Summer for Louise means sand, surf, and… the supernatural. Louise spends every summer at her grandma’s house with her older sister, cousins, and Rodin the dog. But, this year, her plans to relax and read comics on the beach are about to be turned upside down by a mischievous ghost, bored with being forced to haunt the same house. While the other girls are wrapped up in romance and teenage problems, Louise takes refuge with her new paranormal BFF, determined to escape the drama and just enjoy her summer break, something that is proving to be a lot harder than she anticipated.” (Catalogue)

The Okay Witch / Steinkellner, Emma
“Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.” (Catalogue)

Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau | Tokelau language week!

Zoe Miller

Mālo ni!

It’s time for Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau | Tokelau language week 2023! Our theme this year is:

Ke Olatia ko ia Tokelau i tana Fakavae | Tokelau to Prosper Within its Foundation.

Tokelau Language and Culture

The nation is made up of the three atolls (ring-shaped coral islands) Nukunonu, Atafu, and Fakaofo, known as the Union Islands, until 1946 when Tokelau (north-wind) became the official name.

Tokelauans are New Zealand citizens. There are more than 8500 Tokelauan people in New Zealand today – five times the population of the islands themselves (about 1600)! We’re very lucky to have more Tokelauans in Wellington than anywhere else in the world, living and contributing a lot to our shared culture!

Events

Join us at Te Whare Pukapuka o Te Takapū o Patukawenga| Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library for a special Tokelauan Storytime and Fatele Dance on Tuesday, 24 October 2023, 3:30 – 4:30pm

Celebrate Tokelau language and culture with some special guests who will share some stories and some fatele dance. Bring your elders and children and join in the fun!

Listen to a beautiful Tokelau pehe – a song – from Tokelauan-Kiwi singer Olivia Foa’i


Alafapeta | Alphabet

The Tokelau alafapeta is made up of fifteen mataituhi (letters).

There are five vaueli (vowels): A – E – I – O – U

And ten konehane (consonants): F – G – K – L – M – N – P – H – T – V

3 of these consonants are pronounced a bit differently to English though:

F – sounds more like a breathy W, like when you blow out a candle.

G – is pronounced Ng. The Tuvaluan word for “language” – Gagana – is pronounced Nga-nga-na.

H – makes a “Hyuh” sound when placed before the letters A, O or U. The word hau sounds like “hyau”.

Helpful words

Mālō ni  — Hello

E ā mai koe? — How are you?

Ko au e mālohi, Fakafetai — I am well, thank you.

Ko koe te mata mālohi — You look well

Te mānaia o te aho — It’s a beautiful day

Ōmamai tātou hihiva fakataki — Come, let us dance!

Io! — Yes!

Te lelei ō koe — Well done!

Tōfā nī — Goodbye!

Kaokao — Armpit

Learn even more phrases using the Tokelau Language Cards from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples!

Tuhi | Books

We have two NEW 2023 books in Gagana Tokelau by David Riley!

Three of the stories below are bilingual, so you can read them in either English or Tokelau.

librarian holds 4 tokelau books

Here is Ethan a librarian at Newtown holding the new books from David Riley and two other classics.


Lightning boy /Ko te tama ko Uila by David Riley (2023)

Sometimes the least likely person is the one who solves a problem. That’s what happened to Uila the day that danger came to his family. Find out how in Lightning Boy, a bilingual legend from Tokelau.

The pearl shell necklace /Ko te kahoa pā by David Riley (2023)

How much would you do for someone you love? Kalokalo-o-te-la loved Hina so much he gave everything he had for her. Find out how in The Pearl Shell Necklace, a bilingual legend from Tokelau–Back cover.

Havali fakaua ki te fale/ Walking home in the Rain by Feauaʼi Amosa Burgess

Four Tokelauan kids have fun and play pretend in the rain on their way home from school.
Tokelau heroes / Riley, David

Part of David Riley’s beloved Pasifika Heroes series – Tokelau Heroes tells the inspirational stories of achievers who have Tokelauan ancestry. It includes legends like Hina; historical figures such as Ihaia Puka; and contemporary heroes like Opetaia Foa’i (Father of Olivia Foa’i mentioned above).

For more information about Tokelau, you may visit:

Detective Fiction for Kids: Historical Heroines!

Jessie Bray-Sharpin

As well as classics like Nancy Drew and The Famous Five, we have some wonderful kid detectives bringing mystery and day-saving antics to our shelves! Here are some of our favourites that all happen to be set in times past, from 1700s London to 1930s Hong Kong, and are all the start of their respective series.

We have the unstoppable Deepdean duo, Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells of the Wells and Wong Detective Agency, in the Murder Most Unladylike series. This series truly gets better as it goes on, with highlights being A Spoonful of Murder and Death in the Spotlight – but individual favourites may be particular to each reader.

Drama and Danger provides a gripping read starring another detecting pair – Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle- and also offers an educational picture of 18th century London through the eyes of Black residents and real historical figures and events. We look forward to the second book in the Lizzie and Belle Mysteries!

Aggie Morton and her new friend Hector provide a charming take on some grisly crime scene investigating in The Body Under the Piano; their characters inspired by queen of crime-writing, Agatha Christie, and her fictional detective, Hercule Poirot.

Explore more from our catalogue in the list below:

Junior Fiction

The body under the piano / Jocelyn, Marthe
“A smart and charming middle-grade mystery series starring young detective Aggie Morton and her friend Hector, inspired by the imagined life of Agatha Christie as a child and her most popular creation, Hercule Poirot. For fans of Lemony Snicket and The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency. Aggie Morton lives in a small town on the coast of England in 1902. Adventurous and imaginative but deeply shy, Aggie hasn’t got much to do since the death of her beloved father . . . until the fateful day when she crosses paths with twelve-year-old Belgian immigrant Hector Perot and discovers a dead body on the floor of the Mermaid Dance Room!” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The detective’s guide to ocean travel / Greenberg, Nicki
“For as long as she can remember, Pepper Stark has wanted one thing: to join her father, the Captain, aboard the magnificent RMS Aquitania on a voyage to New York. She has never been allowed to set foot on her father’s ship, until now. From the decadent food to the star-studded passenger list, travelling First Class on Aquitania is every bit as glamorous as Pepper had imagined. And most dazzling of all is American stage sensation Perdita West, wearing the world-famous Saffron Diamond around her neck. When the priceless jewel disappears mid-voyage, Pepper unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the crime. With the Captain’s reputation at stake, Pepper and her new friends set out to solve the mystery. But finding a missing diamond isn’t so easy on Aquitania, where everyone has something to hide.” (Catalogue)

Murder most unladylike / Stevens, Robin
“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.” (Catalogue)

If you enjoy the Murder Most Unladylike series, we recommend the spin-off based on Hazel Wong’s younger sister, May:

The ministry of unladylike activity / Stevens, Robin
“1940. Britain is at war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies.

Enter May Wong: courageous, stubborn, and desperate to help end the war so that she can go home to Hong Kong (and leave her annoying school, Deepdean, behind forever). May knows that she would make the perfect spy. After all, grown-ups always underestimate children like her.

When May and her friend Eric are turned away by the Ministry, they take matters into their own hands. Masquerading as evacuees, they travel to Elysium Hall, home to the wealthy Verey family – including snobby, dramatic Nuala. They suspect that one of the Vereys is passing information to Germany. If they can prove it, the Ministry will have to take them on.

But there are more secrets at Elysium Hall than May or Eric could ever have imagined.” (Catalogue)

Premeditated Myrtle : a Myrtle Hardcastle mystery / Bunce, Elizabeth C
“When twelve-year-old aspiring detective Myrtle Hardcastle learns her neighor in quiet Swinburne, England, a breeder of rare flowers, has died she is certain it was murder and that she must find the killer.” (Catalogue)

Drama and danger / Williams, J. T.
“Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solving mysteries. And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they’ve seen something suspicious on stage. Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery – and becoming best friends. But can they work out what’s going on in time to prevent a murder?”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Comics

Goldie Vance. Volume one / Larson, Hope
“Move over Nancy, Harriet, & Veronica. There’s a new sleuth on the block! Sixteen-year-old Marigold “Goldie” Vance lives at a Florida resort with her dad, who manages the place. Her mom, who divorced her dad years ago, works as a live mermaid at a club downtown. Goldie has an insatiable curiosity, which explains her dream to one day become the hotel’s in-house detective. When Charles, the current detective, encounters a case he can’t crack, he agrees to mentor Goldie in exchange for her help solving the mystery.” (Catalogue)

Enola Holmes : the graphic novels, Book one / Blasco, Serena
“Fourteen-year-old Enola Holmes wakes on her birthday to discover that her mother has disappeared from the family’s country manor, leaving only a collection of flowers and a coded message book. With Sherlock and Mycroft determined to ship her off to a boarding school, Enola escapes, displaying a cleverness that even impresses the elder Holmes. But nothing prepares her for what lies ahead.” (Catalogue)

The Loud Librarian: New Kid’s Books in the Library Collection

Kath Read

We have so many new books for kids in the collection this month!  All age groups have lots of new books to choose from and there are exciting new books about every subject you can dream of.  We have selected a few here to get you started:

Picture Books

The loud librarian / Beatrice, Jenna
“A little librarian with a larger-than-life voice finds her niche in this sweet, and uproarious story about being true to yourself–no SHHH required! When loud-voiced Penelope becomes student-librarian, she is determined to prove she is perfect for the job while staying true to herself.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The red jacket / Holt, Bob
“Bob loves his red jacket. The red jacket makes other seagulls notice him and even speak to him. But when a wave washes it away, will Bob lose his cool and his newfound friends, too? Bob Holt’s spare text and humorous artwork come together perfectly in this charmingly humorous tale about “fitting in,” and confidence.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Blue Bison needs a haircut / Rothman, Scott
“Blue Bison prides himself on always looking clean and neat, so when he goes for a haircut and discovers every place is closed, he is very upset, but his little sister Bubble Gum Bison and her utterly ridiculous idea saves the day.” (Catalogue)

Chapter Books

Amber Brown is not a crayon / Danziger, Paula
“Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are a great team until disaster strikes and Justin has to move away. Will be they be able to work out their recent fight before it’s too late?” (Catalogue)

The house that whispers / Thompson, Lin
“Eleven-year-old Simon and his siblings, Talia and Rose, are staying the week at Nanaleen’s century-old house. This time, though, it’s not their usual summer vacation trip. In fact, everything’s different. It’s fall, not summer. Mom and Dad are staying behind to have a “talk.” And Nanaleen’s house smells weird, plus she keeps forgetting things. And these aren’t the only things getting under Simon’s skin: He’s the only one who knows that his name is Simon, and that he and him pronouns are starting to feel right. But he’s not ready to add to the changes that are already in motion in his family.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

In the shadow of the wolf queen / Hargrave, Kiran Millwood
“Ysolda has lived her life in the shadow of the wolf queen’s tyrannical rule but, safe in her forest haven, she has never truly felt its threat. Until one day when a mysterious earthquake shakes the land and her older sister Hari vanishes in its wake. Accompanied by her loyal sea hawk, Nara, Ysolda embarks on a desperate rescue mission… she soon finds herself embroiled in a quest for a magic more powerful than she could ever have imagined.” (Abridged from catalogue)

Comics

Global / Colfer, Eoin
“Told in alternating voices, twelve-year-old Sami, from a village along the Bay of Bengal, and fourteen-year-old Yuki, from Northern Canada, strive to protect their homes from the encroaching damage brought on by climate change.” (Catalogue)

SandyPants / McGrath, Raymond
“Big and Little Blue are two lovable and lively little penguins. There are three, simply illustrated stories in the book, each one featuring two friends, Big Blue and Little Blue, nicknames Bigsies and Littles. Each story is connected by a wellbeing theme, and is designed to offer children coping strategies for navigating friendships, understanding emotional responses, and the importance of mindfulness and being yourself.” (Catalogue)

Things in the basement / Hatke, Ben
“It was supposed to just be a normal basement – some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they’ve moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he’s never seen before… As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom… and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.” (Abridged from Catalogue)

Non-fiction

Universal guide to the night sky / Harvey-Smith, Lisa
“Wherever you are in this world, whether that be in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, in the city or a remote region, this book guides you through the remarkable features of planet Earth’s starry sky. Receive a personal tour through the wonders of the universe from astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith. Explore comets and meteors, stars, planets and moons. Find galaxies and glowing gas clouds. Spot supernovae and enjoy eclipses. Learn everything you need to know about binoculars, telescopes and photographing the stars. You will never look up at the stars in the same way again.” (Catalogue)

Born reading : 20 stories of women reading their way into history / Krull, Kathleen
“Once books change their brains, girls change history. Discover the foundation of reading that empowered some of the world’s most influential women in this collection of 20 biographies.” (Catalogue)

Destination : Mars / Spray, Sally
“Learn all about planet Mars with the Space Station Academy students and their robot teacher in these fun and vibrant story-based science books for children aged 7+.” (Catalogue)

For more new kids books in the collection, go to: What’s new / October 2023 (wcl.govt.nz)

Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue | Niue Language Week 2023

Zoe Miller

Fakaalofa lahi atu!

This week, from Sunday 15 October to Saturday 21 October, we are celebrating Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue | Niue Language Week 2023.

Our theme this year is:

Fakatūleva e Vagahau Niue mo e Tau Aga Fakamotu ma e Tau Atuhau | Sustain Niue Language and Culture for Future Generations.

Niue Language and Culture

According to the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, “Vagahau Niue has been registered with UNESCO as an endangered language, so one of the challenges is the preservation of Vagahau Niue and Niue culture.”

Niue leaders and community groups are working hard to keep Vagahau Niue / Niue Language and Culture going so that the next generation (your children and your childrens’ children) can learn the unique knowledge of the island, its history, its people and their values.

This is tricky becasue there are only about 1,900 people who live in Niue. Most Niuean people live outside the country, over 30,000 in Aotearoa/New Zealand and about 6,000 in Australia!

Young New Zealand-born Niueans have said that Vagahau Niue and Niue Culture are avenues to stay connected with their parents and grandparents; it is their sense of identity.

For people who aren’t Niuean, you can support by learning about Niue culture and people who have  made some amazing contributions to Aotearoa/ New Zealand.

Events

Join us at Newtown Library for a special Niue Language Week Storytime! We have special guest elder Mailigi Hetutu visiting Newtown Library this year to share some special stories from Niue and some childrens games. This session is most suitable for 4-6 year olds. Fakaalofa lahi atu ku a mutolu oti — everyone is welcome!

To get you excited for more stories in Niuean, head on over to our YouTube channel where you can watch and listen to our librarian Lewis (now the Pasifika Librarian at Porirua Libraries!) read a special bilingual story — Fifine pulotu mo e tofuā | The artist and the whale by David Riley — in English and Vagahau Niue.

This video was recorded as part of our celebrations for Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue back in 2021. We would like to thank Lewis and David for allowing us to share this beautiful story with you throughout Niue Language Week — fakaaue lahi, David! Make sure to check out the Reading Warrior website to find more stories of the Pacific from David and his collaborators.


You can find even more events on the official NZ Niue Language Week Facebook page and on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website.

10 Fun Fast Facts about Niue

  1. Niue is the world’s largest raised coral atoll
  2. It was created 2-3 million years ago
  3. Niue is just one island
  4. It takes around two hours to drive around the entire island
  5. It has some of the clearest waters in the world because no rivers or streams run off into the ocean
  6. There is a prison on the island’s golf course
  7. Niue is one of the last countries in the world to see the sunset
  8. Niue has no traffic lights

Te Kupu Fakafeleveia | Useful Words

Vagahau Niue                      English
Fakaalofa lahi atu               Greetings/Hello
Fakaalofa atu                       Greetings/Hello
Fakaalofa lahi atu ki a mutolu oti              Greetings Everyone
Mutolu kia                            Goodbye – to those who are leaving
Nonofo ā mutolu kia          Goodbye – to those who are staying
Fakamolemole                     Please
Fakaaue Lahi oue tulou     Thank you

Language is a wonderful way to connect with others and celebrate diversity. You can learn even more phrases by using the Niue Language Cards from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples!

Tau tohi | Books

We have many Niue language books in our library collection, and you are most welcome to borrow them today! Here are some of our favourites, but you can also visit this link to find even more children’s books in Vagahau Niuē at your local library.

We are the rock / Riley, David
“In We are the Rock contemporary Niueans, historical and legendary figures tell their stories of focus, expression and achievement.” (Catalogue)

Tau kukukuku ha AkoTau kukukuku ha Ako = Ako’s hugs / Fuemana-Foaʿi, Lisa 

“Ako shows his affection towards his family by giving them hugs, including the family cat and his cuddly toy, Kuku, the fruit bat.” (Catalogue)

Of course you can! = E maeke he taute e koe / Hinge, Karen

“Jeremy is starting at a new school. He’s not too sure about how he will fit in. But the other students make him welcome and every time he thinks he can’t do something they say … “Of course you can!” That is until the day they go to the swimming pool.” (Catalogue)

Tau Matatohi faka-Niue Niue Alphabet with English TranslationTau matatohi Faka-Niue : Niue alphabet with English translation / Ikenasio-Thorpe, Bettina  

A short introduction to the alphabet! In the same series, we also have an introduction to colours and counting numbers!

The woman who was swallowed by a whale : a tale from Niue / Wilton, Briar
“The woman who was swallowed by a whale is a folktale ; Niue : rock of Polynesia is a short factual introduction to the country and culture.” (Catalogue)

Kuaka visits Niue / Peterson,Vanessa
“Uses a story format and the concept of bird migration to introduce places in Niue, food and customs.” (Catalogue)

Tales of Niue nukututaha : in Niuean and English / Feilo, Zora
“A collection of twelve stories in both English and Niuean set on the island if Niue, this is the author’s reinterpretation of myth, legend and storytelling from her native land. Each story is lavishly illustrated by Niuean artist Lange Taufelila.” (Catalogue)

The artist and the whale = Fifine pulotu mo e tafuā : a Niue legend / Riley, David
“Mataginifale is a Niue superhero with a difference. She isn’t known for her super powers, but for her super creativity. One day she had an argument with a whale that tested her thinking skills too.” (Catalogue)

Niuean for kids / Jahri Jah Jah
“Learn to speak words and phrases in Niuean. This book packs in many common words and phrases., including greetings, colours, numbers, body parts, animals and farewells. It is a great resource for anybody wanting to learn some basic words in Niuean. Suitable for ages 1+.” (Catalogue)

Niue stands alone / Tu tokotaha a Niue / tau tala tuai ne talahau e David Riley ; fakaliliu e Mele Nemaia ; tau fakatino mai ia Chad Robertson / Riley, David
“Have you ever done something so embarrassing you just wanted to hide? Fao and Huanaki know how that feels. They once did something embarrassing too. But they found a way to turn it into something good.” (Catalogue)

Coconut delight = Fakafetuiaga fiafia ha ko e Niu / Riley, David
“Some of the sweetest fruits in the world grow in Niue. There’s fua futi (bananas), fua mago (mangoes) and fua loku (pawpaw). But niu (coconut) might be the most important of them all. How did the niu get to Niue? Find out how in Coconut Delight, a bilingual legend from the Rock!” (Catalogue)

That’s it from us today! We hope you enjoy Niue Language Week 2023! Fakaaue lahi oue tulou.

What Comes Next? Warriors

Grace Hancox

Many parents will be familiar with the challenge of finding their tamariki interesting and exciting books to read after they finish a fantastic series, and the library is here to help. In our series “What Comes Next?” we provide some recommendations for children after they’ve finished a popular series. Last month we looked at the hilariously unlucky Series of Unfortunate Events, and this month we have focused our attention on the long-running Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter.

For many tamariki the Warriors books are one of the first big series they really dive in to. And whether they make their way through all the books or are looking for something to read after they’ve gotten their fill, we’ve done our best to find something for everyone. We haven’t included the other Erin Hunter books in this list, but if you haven’t read them yet then check out Seekers, Survivors and Bravelands. 

Librarian’s tip — If you are reading the Warriors series and aren’t quite sure what order you’re meant to be reading them in, we recommend visiting Fantastic Fiction, who’ve done all the hard work of putting all those books in reading order for you!

Younger Kids:

Young kids have quite a few options when it comes to animal-focused books with lots of adventure. Kathryn Lasky’s Guardians of Ga’Hoole is simply excellent, and Lucky by Chris Hill is sure to delight kids, with a fun squirrel as the main character. Animorphs by Katherine Applegate needs no introduction to many people, who wouldn’t remember a book where kids gain the power to transform into animals? Finally, a newer book with panthers as main characters is The Lost Rainforest by Eliot Schrefer.

The capture / Lasky, Kathryn
“When Soren, a barn owl, arrives at St. Aggie’s, a school for orphaned owls, he suspects trouble and with his new friend, a clever elf owl named Gylfie, embarks on a perilous journey to save all owls from the danger at St. Aggie’s.” (Catalogue)

Mez’s magic / Schrefer, Eliot
“Caldera has forever been divided into those animals who walk by night and those who walk by day. Until the eclipse. Now Mez has discovered that she can cross the Veil and enter the daylight world. Her magical power has unknown depths, but she must rush to discover it after a mysterious stranger arrives at her family’s den, bearing warnings of a reawakened evil. Saving Caldera means Mez must leave her sister behind and unite an unlikely group of animal friends to unravel an ancient mystery and protect their rainforest home.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Lucky / Hill, Chris
“Every day is a fight for survival when you’re a young squirrel lost in the world. And for Lucky, it gets even tougher when he finds out he’s the only red squirrel in a city park fought over by grey ones. Lucky needs fortune on his side to win a place in their hearts. But when he discovers a plot that threatens his new home, is his luck about to run out?”–Back cover” (Catalogue)

Invasion / Applegate, Katherine
“When Jake, Rachel, Tobias, Cassie, and Marco stumble upon a downed alien spaceship and its dying pilot, they’re given an incredible power … a power they must use to outsmart an evil greater than anything the world has ever seen.” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

If you’re on the older side, and looking for Young Adult reads with similar energy to Warriors then we’ve found a few books you’ll probably enjoy. While Gone by Michael Grant doesn’t have any animals, it does have teenagers with mysterious powers trying to solve a mystery in a Lord of the Flies-esque society. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater does have animals in the form of werewolves as main characters and Protector of the Small by Tamora Pierce is an excellent fantasy series sure to delight fans of Warriors who enjoyed the political intrigue.

Gone / Grant, Michael
“In a small town on the coast of California, everyone over the age of fourteen suddenly disappears, setting up a battle between the remaining town residents and the students from a local private school, as well as those who have “The Power” and are able to perform supernatural feats and those who do not.” (Catalogue)

Shiver / Stiefvater, Maggie
“In all the years she has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house, Grace has been particularly drawn to an unusual yellow-eyed wolf who, in his turn, has been watching her with increasing intensity.” (Catalogue)

First test / Pierce, Tamora
“Ten-year-old Keladry of Mindalen, daughter of nobles, serves as a page but must prove herself to the males around her if she is ever to fulfill her dream of becoming a knight.” (Catalogue)

Hopefully you’ve found something to dive into after finishing Warriors, and catch us next time for another blog on a popular series, we haven’t quite decided which one yet, so feel free to drop some suggestions down below!

Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti | Fijian Language Week 2023

Isabel Echeverria

Bula…

… and welcome to Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti | Fijian Language Week 2023! Fiji is a tropical paradise located in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. The friendly people of Fiji welcome visitors with open arms, and their culture is rich and vibrant.


Fijian Language Week runs from Sunday 8 – Saturday 14 October. Our theme this year is:

Me vakabulabulataki, vakamareqeti, ka vakaqaqacotaki na vosa vakaviti | Nurture, preserve, and sustain the Fijian language

If you’re just starting to learn about Fiji, here are some quick iwiliwili vakasakiti — some fascinating numbers — to get you started:

  • Humans have been living in Fiji for over 3,000 years!
  • There are more than 330 Fijian islands, but you’ll only find people living on about 110 of them.
  • Fiji started forming around 150 million years ago, caused by volcanic activity under the sea!
  • The largest island — Viti Levu — makes up 57% of Fiji’s total land area, and holds three quarters of the whole population.

Let’s celebrate Fijian Language Week by exploring the culture of Fiji, visiting your local library for fantastic resources, and embracing the theme of nurturing, preserving and sustaining the Fijian language.

Kai | Kakana

A plant with green, heart-shaped leaves.

Yaqona, also known as the kava plant. Image: Piper methysticum (leaves) by Forest & Kim Starr on Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 DEED.

As in many Pasifika nations, traditional Fijian foods leans on local resources like fish, coconut, kumara, and taro.

Yaqona — a pepper plant found across many Pacific islands — can be made into a beverage called kava, which adults in Fiji drink at celebrations and ceremonies.

Lovo is a meal cooked underground, much like our hāngī in Aotearoa. It requires a lot of preparation and a variety of ingredients, so it’s usually only made for big events like weddings or festivals. Here’s a rough idea of how it’s laid out:

Image: supplied by author.


Useful Words | Vosa Veivukei

Let’s encourage everyone to learn the Fijian language by using simple words and phrases in your everyday conversations. Here are some examples of everyday words you might use:

Ni sa bula vinaka | Greetings/Hello
Ni sa bula vinaka kece sara | Greetings Everyone
Ni sa moce | Goodbye
Kerekere | Please
Vinaka vakalevu | Thank you
Drau sa vakacava tiko? | How are you?
Au daumaka tiko, vinaka | I am fine, thank you
O cei na yacamu? | What is your name?
Na yacaqu ko | My name is ______
Lutu na niu, lutu ki vuna | The coconut falls close to its roots

Language is a wonderful way to connect with others and celebrate diversity. You can learn even more phrases by using the Fijian Language Cards from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples!

Discover Fiji through books!

Look for books about Fiji’s culture, history, and of course, the Fijian language. You can find some more books in the Fijian language on our catalogue here.

Vunimaqo and me : mango tree collections / Kamali, Daren

“A collection of poems, coupled with images that deepen the words, channelling the many voices and the stories of those who found connections and shelter by the mango tree. The author was born and raised in Suva, Fiji, but is now based in New Zealand. In English with some Fijian words, includes a glossary.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Fijian reference grammar / Schütz, Albert J.
“This book is based on over fifty years of research on the Fijian language–both the standard language and its many dialects. It does not attempt to follow any particular linguistic theory, but in contrast, focuses heavily on describing the language in context. The data that it is based on include material written and spoken by Fijians–ranging from the advice offered by the author’s colleagues in the Fijian (monolingual) Dictionary Project to Fijian-language newspapers and textbooks, to recordings of loanwords and casual conversations, and–most recently–the text and DVD of a recent Fijian play, Lakovi. ” (adapted from Catalogue)

My ocean home Fiji / Casey, Penelope
“My Ocean Home Fiji is a beautiful children’s book that tells the story of Tui and his Fijian friends, who explore the magical world under the sea.” (Catalogue)

Fijian for kids / Jahri Jah Jah
“Learn to speak words and phrases in Fijian. This book packs in many common words and phrases., including greetings, colours, numbers, body parts, animals and farewells. It is a great resource for anybody wanting to learn some basic words in Fijian. Suitable for ages 1+” (Catalogue)

Counting in Fijian / Jahri Jah Jah
“Simple illustrations and text introduce the numbers from 1 to 15 in the Fijian language. Suggested level: junior.” (Catalogue)

Fiji / Sorovi-Vunidilo, Tarisi
“The islands of Fiji are full of rich history and culture. Describes the history, customs, geography, and culture of the people who live there, and provides authentic vocabulary words for an immersive experience. Includes a glossary, index, and bibliography for further reading.” (Catalogue)

Let’s come together to make a difference, one word at a time. Vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) for joining us in this exciting celebration of Fijian Language Week!

Unlocking Your Inner Artist!

Grace Hancox

The second week of our Art Through the Ages | Toi Puta Noa i Ngā Tau​ school holiday programme is well underway! To celebrate, we thought we’d put together some pukapuka that your tamariki might enjoy as they discover their inner artist!

Here are some fantastic books from our collection which will help you learn techniques, discover artists, and inspire you to create your own masterpiece. You haven’t missed out on all of our holiday programming yet either, we have another jam-packed week full of artistic events to come! Be sure to check out the event pages linked below for what’s happening at your local library.

A portrait of Leonardo : the life and times of Leonardo da Vinci : a literary picture book / Bixley, Donovan
We would be remiss if we didn’t include this award-winning book by New Zealander Donovan Bixley! This ties in perfectly with our Paint Like Michelangelo event because Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo (who are not only members of the teenage mutant ninja turtles) were also Renaissance painters.
How art works / Hull, Sarah
“What is art? Where do artists get their ideas from? How do artists make pictures look real ? This lively book answers these questions and many more, to explore how art works. It features scores of cartoons and over 65 full-colour reproductions, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Bridget Riley and Damien Hirst. Illustrations: Full colour throughout.” (Catalogue)
A day at the gallery / Gould, Nia
“This quirky and creative search-and-find book takes children, room by room, through a wonderfully illustrated art gallery.” (Catalogue)
How to be an artist / Abadzis, S. Natalie
“Explore your creative side as you discover the artist that lies within. Each of the fun activities included in this book will teach you about a different area of art and design. Learn about the history and theory of art, before getting your hands dirty while creating your very own masterpieces.  From mark making to woodwork, and photography to sculpture, there’s a project for every art-aficionado to get stuck into. Covering composition and perspective, illusion and paper engineering, this art activity book for kids has it all.” (Adapted from catalogue)
Modern art explorer : with 30 artworks from the Centre Pompidou / Harman, Alice
“Featuring a diverse range of modern artists and their works, Modern Art Explorer takes young readers on an undercover adventure to discover the stories behind famous works. Featuring Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and many more, this book brings readers the stories behind thirty famous artworks. Modern Art Explorer goes undercover and turns each work of art inside out, providing children with an ability to understand what each piece is all about. Buoyed by award-winning illustrator Serge Bloch’s cheeky and energetic illustrations, this book prompts children to think about how art comes into being and to take a deeper look at the ideas within each work.” (Adapted from catalogue)
The colours of history / Gifford, Clive
“Why did Roman emperors wear purple? When was ‘chrome yellow’ invented? Which colour is made from crushed beetles? What green pigment might be used to build super-fast computers of the future? From black to white, and all the colours in between, every shade has a story to tell. Each colour group is introduced with a double-page spread illustration, followed by illustrated entries exploring the ‘colourful’ history of particular shades. With vivid, thought-provoking illustrations and engaging, bite-sized text.” (Catalogue)
Art and how it works : an introduction to art for children / Kay, Ann
“This enticing introduction to art appreciation for children looks at art history, themes in art, and art techniques – from cave paintings to modern art. Children will learn to step back, think, and look at art in a new way. This fabulous book explores themes in art, including women in art and symbolism in art. Kids will be encouraged to look closely at a painting and understand why and how it was made. By tapping into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths), Art . . . And How it Works helps with the understanding of colour and the materials artists use. The mathematical side of art will be highlighted and kids will learn about patterns and shapes in art. The book looks at the history of art for kids – from prehistoric paintings, Impressionism, abstract art, through to the art of today. It includes biographies of major artists from Fra Angelico to David Hockney. Art . . . And How it Works cuts through the jargon that surrounds the art world and offers a fresh, new, and accessible approach for kids.” (Catalogue)

Remaining events taking place during the second week of the holidays:

More information about each of these events can be found on our original school holiday programme blog post!

Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu | Tuvalu Language Week 2023

Stephen Clothier

Tālofa…

…and welcome to Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu | Tuvalu Language Week 2023! Fakafetai — thank you for joining us in celebrating this beautiful Pasifika nation.

Tuvalu Language Week runs from Sunday 1st to Saturday 7th of October 2023. The theme for Tuvalu Language Week this year is:

Fakatumau kae fakaakoi tau ‘gana ke mautu a iloga o ‘ta tuā. | Preserve and embrace your language to safeguard our heritage identities.

It’s important that we support and protect Tuvaluan people and culture, now more than ever, as their homeland faces a very serious threat.

Due to global warming, the 9 islands that make up Tuvalu are being swallowed by the sea, and it’s predicted that they’ll be impossible to live on within 50-100 years. Without a homeland to anchor their way of life, Tuvaluan traditions and culture are at terrible risk of extinction.

But we can all help to keep Tuvalu alive if we take some time to learn and share Tuvaluan language and culture; spread knowledge and raise awareness throughout Aotearoa and beyond.

Food | Kai

An image of pulaka plants growing in a muddy pit.

Image: Pulaka Pit by Luigi Guarino on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0 Deed.

Like all Pasifika nations, Tuvaluan kai draws heavily on their island resources, like coconuts and seafood. The majority of the working population are farmers, and can happily feed themselves with food produced in their own backyards. The most common crop is pulaka — swamp taro — which grows underground, making it less likely to be damaged by strong weather or rising tides.

Fekei is a popular dessert in Tuvalu, made by wrapping a mixture of coconut cream and grated pulaka in the leaves of the pulaka plant.

Helpful Words | Pati Aoga

Hello! — Tālofa!

My name is ___ — Toku igoa ko ___

Good luck! Cheers! Be well! — Manuia!

Have a good day! — Manuia te aso!

Have a good night! — Manuia te pō!

Have a good journey! — Manuia te malaga!

This lady will pay for everything! — A mea katoa e ‘togi nē te fafine tēnei!

My hovercraft is full of eels — Taku hovercraft kō fonu i pusi

Learn even more phrases using the Tuvalu Language Cards from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples!

Books | Tusi

Au e foliki? = Am I small / Winterberg, Phillip
“‘Am I small?’ – Tamia is not sure and keeps asking various animals that she meets on her journey. Eventually she finds the surprising answer…” This book has been translated into Tuvaluan, and is a bilingual story, meaning it has English and Tuvaluan side-by-side. (Adapted from Catalogue)

A librarian is holding three bilingual books in Tuvaluan in front of the Pasifika language display at Newtown Library

Librarian Ethan shows off some of these beautiful bilingual books at Newtown Library!

Bilingual Tuvaluan Stories / Sioni, Alamai Manuella
Alamai Manuella Sioni and illustrator Chad Robertson have put out a fantastic series of 8 bilingual Tuvaluan picture books — a mixture of legends and stories about life in Tuvalu.

The ili of Funafuti = Te ili o Funafuti / Kaveinga, Meli
“Describes the process used by the women of Funafuti (Tuvalu) to make a fan from coconut palms.” (Catalogue)

The gifts of Pai and Vau = Meaalofa a Pai mo Vau / Riley, David
“Pai and Vau are Nanumea superheroes who created beautiful things in our world. One day a stranger named Tefolaha came to their island. “This is now my island,” he declared and challenged them to a contest. What kind of contest did he dream up? What would Pai and Vau do if they lost?” (Catalogue)

Visit our catalogue to find more books in Gana Tuvalu!

Chinese Language Week 2023 (English)

wcl staff

Read this post in Simplified Chinese!

Read this post in Traditional Chinese!

Da Jia Hao! Neih Hou! 大家好! 你好! This year, we are going to observe Chinese Language Week, a celebration that aims to raise the profile of Chinese languages in New Zealand, from the 17th of September to 23rd of September! Chinese languages are beautiful and special languages. The Chinese characters not only tell you how to say a word, but also show you its meaning. Even more incredible, is the history of written Chinese languages can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (1766 – 1122BC). It is one of the oldest written languages in the world.

There are 302 dialects in the Chinese language, and different places have their own mother tongue. For example, you will hear Shanghainese in Shanghai, or Sichuanese in Sichuan. Most people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, and in Taiwan, people use Taigi. If you go to Malaysia or Singapore, you’ll find people who speak Hokkien, Cantonese and Hakka! Here in New Zealand, most Chinese speakers use Yue or Cantonese, followed by Mandarin.

Chinese characters can be divided into Simplified Chinese characters and Traditional Chinese characters. Simplified Chinese characters were developed from Traditional Chinese characters. Simplified Chinese is written from left to right, just like English script. However, Traditional Chinese is written from right to left, and it should be read from top to bottom. Today, Simplified Chinese characters are widely used in China, Malaysia, Singapore, while Traditional Chinese characters are primarily used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Library Events

Mandarin Storytime – 10.30 – 11.00am, Sunday 17 September

Te Awe Library, 29B Brandon Street, Wellington. 

To celebrate Chinese Language Week we have a special preschool storytime in Mandarin – we’d love to see you there!

Pre School-Storytime in Mandarin – 10.30 – 11.00am, Wednesday 20 September

Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown.

Fun stories, ancient poetry, songs and rhymes for children aged 4-8 years old with their caregivers.

Children’s Storytime in English and Mandarin – 11.00 – 12.00pm, Saturday 23 September

Karori Library, 247 Karori Road, Karori.

We are happy to announce a Chinese Storytime to celebrate Chinese Language Week of 2023. The session will be in Mandarin and English!

Get ready for engaging storytelling, ancient Chinese Tang poems, exciting songs that will entertain the whole whānau.

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop – 2.00 – 3.00pm, Saturday 23 September

Newtown Library, 13 Constable Street, Newtown.

Come and experience Chinese Calligraphy. Grind your own ink and use writing brushes for the first time. Let’s learn together.

Trilingual Storytime – 10.30 – 11.00am, Monday 25 September

Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library, 158 Main Road (Cnr Cambridge Street & Main Road), Tawa.

Celebrate Chinese Language Week with a special storytime in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Recommended for children aged 2+ years with their caregivers.

Trilingual Storytime – 10.30 – 11.00am, Tuesday 26 September

Johnsonville Library, 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville.

Celebrate Chinese Language Week with a special storytime in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Recommended for children aged 2+ years with their caregivers.

Traditional Chinese Painting ​ 国画体验 – 10.30 – 11.30am, Thursday 28 September

Johnsonville Library, 34 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville

Join us at the library to learn about and try your hand at traditional Chinese painting. Our expert will share his traditions and techniques with you, then you can try creating your own artwork! Recommended for children aged 8+ with their caregivers.

Traditional Chinese Painting ​ 国画体验 – 12.30 – 1.30pm, Thursday 28 September

Karori Library, 247 Karori Road, Karori

Join us at the library to learn about and try your hand at traditional Chinese painting. Our expert will share his traditions and techniques with you, then you can try creating your own artwork! Recommended for children aged 8+ with their caregivers.

Traditional Chinese Painting ​ 国画体验 – 3.00 – 4.00pm, Thursday 28 September

Te Awe Library, 29b Brandon Street, Wellington Central

Join us at the library to learn about and try your hand at traditional Chinese painting. Our expert will share his traditions and techniques with you, then you can try creating your own artwork! Recommended for children aged 8+ with their caregivers.

Books in English

To celebrate Chinese Language Week, do not forget to check our children’s collection. We have a wide range of books in the junior fiction and non-fiction section and picture books introducing Chinese customs and culture:

Dim sum, here we come / Lam, Maple
“Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can’t wait to see everyone, especially Grandma. I’m going to eat lots of shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, egg tarts, and my favourite–char siu buns. We will have to order enough for us all to share. So what are you waiting for? Dim sum, here we come!” (Catalogue)

Cang Jie : the inventor of Chinese characters / Li, Jian
“In ancient times under the reign of Yellow Emperor (about 2500 B.C.), people kept records by piling stones and tying knots. One day, Cang Jie, a historical official who tied knots to keep records under Yellow Emperor, unexpectedly made a big mistake. Feeling very guilty, he was determined to find out a better way for keeping records. […] In this multicultural children’s story, kids will find out that there is a story behind every Chinese character. Children will also learn about basic Chinese characters and how to make them.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The Anchor book of Chinese poetry
“Unmatched in scope and literary quality, this landmark anthology spans three thousand years, bringing together more than six hundred poems by more than one hundred thirty poets, in translations-many new and exclusive to the book-by an array of distinguished translators. Here is the grand sweep of Chinese poetry, from the Book of Songs-ancient folk songs said to have been collected by Confucius himself-and Laozi’s Dao De Jing to the vividly pictorial verse of Wang Wei, the romanticism of Li Po, the technical brilliance of Tu Fu, and all the way up to the twentieth-century poetry of Mao Zedong and the post–Cultural Revolution verse of the Misty poets. […] The Anchor Book of Chinese Poetry captures with impressive range and depth the essence of China’s illustrious poetic tradition.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

All about China : stories, songs, crafts and games for kids / Branscombe, Allison
“Take the whole family on a whirlwind tour of Chinese culture and history with this award-winning, delightfully illustrated book complete with stories, activities, and games. This Chinese children’s book is perfect for educators and parents wishing to teach kids about this fascinating Asian country. Travel from the stone age through the dynasties to the present day with songs and crafts for kids that will educate them about Chinese language and the Chinese way of life.” (Catalogue)

Let’s make dumplings! : a comic book cookbook / Amano, Hugh
“Includes dumpling history and lore, this comic book cookbook invites readers to explore the big little world of Asian dumplings and proves that intricate folding styles and flavourful fillings are achievable in the home kitchen.” (Catalogue)

Chinese / Dickmann, Nancy
“This book takes a light-hearted look at the characters and creatures from the Chinese mythological stories. These myths come from different cultural groups, and they include stories about how the world came to be, as well as folk tales and stories with a religious message. The stories are full of gods, monsters, animals, ghosts and nature spirits. The book is structured as a ‘Who’s Who’ of the culture’s myths and legends and has a gossipy, informal tone, allowing the characters’ personalities to come through.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Chinese children’s favorite stories / Yip, Mingmei
“A collection of children’s legends and tales from China. This volume of beloved Chinese stories contains a delightful selection from the rich store of Chinese folklore and legend. Discover the many delightful animal characters as well as Chang-E, the famous Eight Immortals, and Guan Yin, goddess of compassion. Retold for an international audience, the beautifully illustrated stories will give children aged six to ten in other countries a glimpse into both the tradition and culture of China.” (Catalogue)

Books in Mandarin

We also have a good amount of books in Mandarin that can let you practice your Mandarin! Check out some of our favourites below, or visit the catalogue to find more children’s books in Chinese languages!

First words. Mandarin / Mansfield, Andy
“Bring the Mandarin language to life with this beautifully illustrated children’s book from Lonely Planet Kids, an imprint of Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel guide and phrasebook publisher. Perfect for the whole family, First Words Mandarin features 100 words to use while travelling, from food and transport, to animals and weather. Each word is accompanied with a bold illustration and a simple pronunciation guide to make the vocabulary fun and easy to learn.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The little monkey king’s journey = Xiao Wukong / Li, Jian
“Long, long ago, a little Monkey was born from an old magic stone which suddenly cracked open after lying in the sunlight and moonlight for thousands of years. Although he was an orphan, the Little Monkey was extremely talented. Fortunately, the Monkey King in the mountain adopted him. […] During his journey, with the help from the Immortal Turtle, the Phoenix, the Dragon King and the Immortal, the Little Monkey gained a powerful body. Could he eventually save the life of the Monkey King?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xia tian de cai hong = Summertime rainbow / Yang, Belle
“In this story presented in both English and Chinese, bunnies hop through the meadow on a beautiful summer day, spotting blue sky, white clouds, yummy green grass, and other colorful sights.” (Catalogue)

Home for Chinese New Year : a story told in English and Chinese / Wei, Jie
“The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions. This Chinese children’s story tells a delightful trip with lots of cultural details along the way! Jia Jun’s Dad worked out of town all year around. Now it’s time for him to come home. He took a train, bus, three-wheeled motorcycle, ferry-boat and even walked for many miles. He finally made it home and had a reunion dinner with his family on New Year’s Eve. […] In a few days, Dad was ready to head back to work, but it was certain that Dad would be home again next year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Xiao lao shu yu jin zhong zi = The little rat and the golden seed : a story in English and Chinese / Li, Jian
“Age range 5+ Learn how the clever Little Rat earned his place as one of the Chinese Zodiac Animals. This adorable Chinese-English bilingual children’s book tells the story of the Little Rat and the Grandpa — unlikely allies who embark on an adventure to find a golden seed. They encounter rough seas, fierce guards and tall mountains, but — in the end — bring home a golden rice seed and save the village from going hungry.” (Catalogue)

Start your own Chinese language adventure at the library today!

– Thanks to Wei Jing, Kirk & Isabel for creating this blog post