Magazines for Kids: In Print and Online

You might have a stack of books waiting for you to read, but sometimes flicking through a magazine is enough! They are colourful, have interesting bytes of info, and if you want to delve further, there are always more in-depth articles for you to read.

Wellington City Libraries have loads of kids’ mags for you to browse and issue – both as hard copies and online. There is something in the catalogue to cater for every taste. There are also a number of ways you can access these magazines. It’s as easy as tahi-rua-toru!

  1. Selected hard copies of kids’ mags are available at all our branch libraries… come in and have a rummage! Kids’ mags are free to issue on a child’s or young adult card, and are issued for ONE week.
  2. The latest issues of kids’ e-mags are available on OVERDRIVE or LIBBY to borrow using your library card. You can then read them on your device at your leisure.
  3. Have you checked out Press Reader? This is an online newspaper and magazine database that is free for Wellington City Libraries patrons to use, and has a great selection of kids’ mags for you to browse online.

Here’s just a small selection to whet your magazine appetite:

You might like a little bit of everything, why not try:

Overdrive cover K-Zone

It’s jam-packed with fun including movie news, gaming goss, comics and stacks of puzzles, quizzes, activities and posters. Every issue is themed around something special, be it superheroes, videogames or even K-Zoner favourites like pranks and jokes. (Overdrive description)

If tech and gaming is where it’s at for you:

Minecraft world magazine.
“Minecraft World is the essential monthly guide to the planet’s best videogame: Minecraft! In each issue, we’ll be keeping you bang up to date with what’s happening in Minecraft, as well as sharing secrets, essential tips, advice and the very latest news. We’ll be also serving up brilliant Minecraft constructions, expert hints, answering your questions, and packing page after page with as much as we possibly can about the game! Whether you’re playing Minecraft on a computer, a portable device or a games console, Minecraft World is going to be your essential independent guide to getting as much out of the game as possible. And none of the game’s monsters will be safe from us either.” (Catalogue)

Overdrive cover Scratch: Learn to program the easy way,

“Anyone can code. Certainly, writing the next Minecraft or programming complex simulations from scratch will require a deeper knowledge, but anyone and everyone has the potential to learn some basic coding skills, then take those skills and write a simple program. […]

The projects in this magazine are fun, so that kids and adults will enjoy making them, and playing them once they are done. They are also easy to customise, so that novice programmers can take what we have put together, change it and make their own mark.” (Adapted from Overdrive description)

Fun ideas for preschoolers:

Overdrive cover DOT Magazine,

“Aimed at preschoolers, DOT carries stories and games all aimed to foster imagination, creativity and fun in children aged 5 and under.” (Overdrive description)

You want to know how this big, beautiful planet works?

National geographic kids.
“National Geographic Kids magazine – the perfect balance between learning and fun! A must-have for children ages 6 and up. Each issue is packed with colorful photos, games, puzzles, fun features and facts about animals, science, technology, and more.” (Catalogue)

National Geographic little kids.
“National Geographic Little Kids magazine – perfect for children ages 3 to 6. Irresistible photos and simple text to enhance early reading experiences, along with games, puzzles, and activities, that turn playtime into learning time.” (Catalogue)

Is current affairs your interest?

Overdrive cover The Week Junior

“The Week Junior is a brilliant current affairs magazine for children aged between 8 and 14. It’s filled with fascinating stories and information, written to engage curious young minds and encourage them to explore and understand the world around them.” (Overdrive description)

What about animals and pets?

Overdrive cover Animal Tales

“Animal Tales is a children’s animal and poster magazine perfect for animal-loving kids between the ages of six and twelve. It’s filled with heart-warming animal stories, articles that will educate, and an extensive fun and games section- plus a series of six collectible animal posters will be included in each issue.” (Overdrive description)

Are you keen to know how everything works?

How it works.
“Welcome to How It Works, the magazine that explains everything you never knew you wanted to know about the world we live in. Loaded with fully illustrated guides and expert knowledge, and with sections dedicated to science, technology, transportation, space, history and the environment, no subject is too big or small for How It Works to explain.” (Catalogue)

Or maybe the stars and universe is your jam:

Overdrive cover Astronomy for Kids,

“Get 200+ astronomy facts, activities, & fun for kids exclusively from Astronomy magazine.This 100 page special issue includes engaging and fun articles, hands-on STEM activities, and even a 12-page comic by Michael Bakich, Astronomy Senior Editor and longtime planetarium educator.” (Overdrive description)

Does ancient Egypt really interest you?

Overdrive cover All About History Book Of Ancient Egypt

“All About History is the stunningly realised new magazine from the makers of How It Works and All About Space. Featuring beautiful illustrations, photos and graphics depicting everything from ancient civilisations to the Cold War, All About History is accessible and entertaining to all and makes history fun for the whole family.” (Overdrive description)

 

 

New Non fiction and comics!

Hey kids! The School holidays have ended. Winter is around the corner, which means there will be more days spent indoors. Luckily, Wellington City Libraries has some new non fiction and junior comics in the children’s collection to keep you entertained while indoors. Head on down to your local library and grab hold of these books… before someone else does!

Enjoy!

New Non Fiction!

image courtesy of syndeticsA pharaoh’s manual for ruling his lands.

Want to know how to rule the world? No better way to learn than reading about how a pharaoh of Egypt rules his lands. Funny, witty and full of useful information on the history of Ancient Egypt… and how to be a world leader.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe LEGO movie 2 : the awesomest, most amazing, most epic movie guide in the universe!

Everything is the awesomest, most amazing in the universe with The LEGO movie 2 movie guide. Holds information about the characters, vehicles, and locations featured in The LEGO Movie 2.

You may also like Emmet to the Rescue: The Lego Movie 2!

image courtesy of sydneticsJoin Emmet, Lucy, Batman and Unikitty from THE LEGO MOVIE 2 on their new adventures in this exciting book for children learning to read. Packed with images of THE LEGO MOVIE 2 sets and minifigures, this book will get young fans hooked on reading.

image courtesy of syndeticsFearless and Fantastic! Female Superheroes save the world!

“Meet the amazing Marvel Super Heroes who use their powers to help others and save the day. How does superstar pilot and space explorer Captain Marvel protect Earth from alien threats? Why did genius inventor Moon Girl form a crime-fighting duo with a T. rex named Devil Dinosaur? And how did Gamora become the deadliest woman in the galaxy? Discover the amazing stories of all these female heroes and many more, including Ms. Marvel, Spider-Woman, Squirrel Girl, Shuri, Quake, Black Widow, America Chavez, and Storm.”– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of sydneticsEgyptian Myths.

Discover the Egyptian gods and goddesses and the powers they used to control and change the world. Dramatic photos and illustrations, along with sidebars, facts and infographics help uncover how these myths influenced the culture and daily life of ancient Egypt.

image courtesy of syndeticsGreek Myths.

Make the mythology of ancient Greece come to life through stories of adventure, magical powers and the powerful mighty force of the Greek gods and goddesses who controlled and changed the world forever.

image courtesy of sydneticsRoman Myths.

Discover the Roman Gods and goddesses who used their extraordinary powers to control and change the story forever.

 

New Junior Comics!

im age courtesy of syndeticsHephaistos God of Fire.

Read all about Hephaistos, the god of fire, the latest in the Olympians series by New York Times bestselling author, George O’Connor.

Thrown from Mount Olympus as a newborn and caught by Thetis and Eurynome, who raised him on the island of Lemnos, Hephaistos had an aptitude for creating beautiful objects from a very young age. Despite his rejection from Olympus, he swallowed his anger and spent his days perfecting his craft. His exquisitely forged gifts and weapons earned him back his seat in the heavens, but he was not treated as an equal-his brothers and sisters looked down at him for his lame leg, and even his own wife, Aphrodite, was disloyal. In this installment of George O’Connor’s bestselling Olympians graphic novel series, witness Hephaistos’ wrath in God of Fire as he creates a plan that’ll win him the respect he deserves.

image courtesy of sydneticsMickey Mouse and the fire Eye of Atlantis.

Come along with Mickey, Goofy, and explorer extraordinaire Eurasia Toft for an action-packed adventure, hot on the dangerous trail of an uncharted world! But where there’s action there’s trouble, and our heroes find it with the megalomaniacal Horde of the Violet Hare! Along the way, they’ll uncover new mysteries: Did Earth once have a second moon? Did ancient Atlantis save the planet from a deadly interstellar collision? And, the greatest mystery of all – will Mickey, Goofy, and Eurasia get out of another scrape alive?

image courtesy of syndeticsScooby- Doo Team Up Volume 6.

Scooby Doo and the gang team up with Batgirl, Black Canary, and others as they travel the galaxy solving a number of mysteries.

6 New Non Fiction

Hey kids!

Check more and amazing new junior non fiction books added to the children’s collection at Wellington City Libraries! Check out great books on history, exploring, outdoor adventures and a classic fairy tale retold.

Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMeet the Ancient Egyptians.

With vibrant artwork and snappy text, learning about Ancient Egypt has never been cooler! Get to know the basics on from gods and worship to mummification, with easy, humorous text that is reminiscent of the best-selling Horrible Histories series. James Davies’ stunning artwork and infographics provide a fresh non-fiction approach. Age 6+.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Also check out Meet the Ancient Romans and get to know the ancient Romans and history in this bright and snappy series. A great way to learn and have a laugh at the same time.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsUltimate explorer guide : explore, discover, and create your own adventures with real National Geographic explorers as your guides.

Filled with in depth information and inspiration, this book will take you on a daring adventure through the land, sea and ski. A great handbook for budding explorers looking for an adventure.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe New Zealand Wars.

“The story of the 19th century New Zealand Wars, a part of New Zealand’s history that many people wish they knew more about. The book describes how the wars came about, where and when they were fought, who was involved, and how they affected women and children. It explains the emergence of Kīngitanga or Māori King movement, the land confiscations and the story of Parihaka. Other chapters look at war memorials, graves and monuments, the work of the Waitangi Tribunal, how the wars have featured in New Zealand art, music and literature, and how they are being remembered today, including new ways of working towards understanding and reconciliation. The story is told in an accessible way full of fascinating detail, eye-witness accounts, illustrations and little known facts, with lists of websites, resources and books for those who want to discover more.”–Publisher description.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSnowWhite and the seven dwarfs : a tale from the Brothers Grimm.

This book retells the classic fairy tale of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Overall a beautifully retold tale with stunning and captivating illustrations. A librarian’s choice all the way!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics101 fun outdoor activities for children : have fun outside!

The pillars of play, explore, learn and arts and crafts come together in 101 outdoor activities for children. Take a journey in the great outdoors with this amazing book filled with 101 activities that will keep you busy from dawn until dusk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come on a time travelling adventure!

If you could travel back in time to any point in history, where would you go?

Right back to the Stone age being chased by a saber tooth tiger. Maybe in Ancient Egypt helping build the great pyramids or how about being a Viking sailing on one of their great ships.

What about going the other way – into the future. What do you think our world will be like? Maybe we could be living on Mars!

How do you feel about time travel? Do you think that one day we might be able to travel to any point in time or do you think that’s just weird.

Either way it is fun to read books on time travel and we have heaps of choice for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 new children’s non fiction to read in term 3.

Here is your chance to discover a hidden world beneath the surface of things. Whether it is what goes on deep within the bowels of a city, what is really going on inside the human body. Or even what is going on right outside your backyard.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPeeking under the city.

Tall building and bright lights. Honking  and cool water fountains. This is what a city looks like above ground. But what wonders lie beneath? Let’s go below the streets and take a peek.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPeeking under your skin.

Arms, leg and a big smile. Waving hands and dancing feet. This is what a person looks like from the outside. But what wonders lie inside? Let’s go below your skin and take a peek!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPeeking Underground.

Leafy trees and green grass. Chirping birds and children playing games. This is what the earth looks like above ground.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsEgyptian Mummy: The Embalmer’s Handbook.

Prepared to be dazzled and spellbound the glorious mysteries of ancient Egypt. Read this and discover a civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and discover how they embalmed their dead. Contains beautiful illustrations, a guide to Egyptian coffins, ‘true or false’ quizzes, and a spectacular gatefold image of the River Nile.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe beginners guide to netball.

Willing to bring out your inner Silver Fern? This check out this fantastic beginners guide to netball. This book features the basic skills every netballer should be familiar with, no matter what their position. Read about the story of netball as well as Maria’s own journey to becoming an international netball superstar.

 

 

 

New Non Fiction: The Ancient world and toilet humour.

You Can Get Sucked Down An Aeroplane Loo!

If you like Ripley’s Believe it or not, then you will love this book. You Can Get Sucked Down An Aeroplane Loo! will allow you to explore the greatest urban myths, legends and tales of all time and will fill you in once for all whether they are true or false. In other words, this is the book that will teach you how NOT to be a sucker. Overall I enjoyed this book, which was a barrel of laughs. I don’t think you will be surprised of shocked over which blunders are false, however I think the ones that are true will surprise you.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndetics

Feel like a trip to the Ancient world? Be rest assured that you don’t have to call on Doctor Who to make sure the trip is possible when you have these awesome books right here. Usborne books have done it again with the Visitor’s Guide to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome, that is packed with essential time tourist tips on anything and everything you need to know about the Ancient world.

Ancient Egypt covers a wide range of information on how to behave at an Egyptian party and how to make a mummy, while Ancient Rome advises you one what to eat, where to go and how to come back on one piece.

Speaking of coming back in one piece…

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Why not check out this awesome handbook The Usborne Official Roman Soldiers Handbook, that provides all the helpful hints and tips on how to survive in Ancient Rome… and if you join the Roman Army. This book also reveals all the gruesome truths of life in the Roman army including what soldiers ate, what they wore and how they lived. Overall I think this book is an excellent read. I feel the witty illustrations complement the text which creates a friendly and accessible introduction to Roman history.

These books from Usborne series are ideal for anyone who is a fan of the Horrible Histories series and has a keen fascination for history.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Just joking 5.

Looking for a joke book that is not going to bore you with endless knock, knock jokes? Look no further. This book presents a variety of jokes and facts, including knock-knocks, tongue twisters, riddles, silly animal photos and traditional question and answer jokes. Overall, I think it’s a fantastic book. Loved the jokes. I even managed to have a go at the tongue twisters, some easy, others take a lot of concentration.

Top 10 Non-Fiction for June

Most popular facts for Children:

1.   Star Wars by David West Reynolds

2.   Star Wars character encyclopedia edited by Simon Beecroft

3.   Ripley’s believe it or not!  edited by Rosie Alexander

4.   Beware the Sith by Shari Last

5.   The horrible history of the world by Terry Deary

6.   The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowitz

7.   Guinness world records 2013 by Craig Glenday

8.   Guinness world records 2014 by Craig Glenday

9.   Treasury of Egyptian mythology by Donna Jo Napoli

10. Wow! dinosaur by Douglas Palmer

Top 10 Non Fiction for May

Favoured fashionable facts

1.  Star Wars character encyclopedia by Simon Beecroft

2.  Ripley’s believe it or not! edited by Alexander, Rosie.

3.  Guinness world records 2014 edited by Craig Glenday

4.  The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowitz

5.  Treasury of Egyptian mythology  by Donna Jo Napoli

6.  Moshi Monsters by Steve Cleverley

7.  The LEGO movie by Hannah Dolan

8.  See inside the First World War by Rob Lloyd Jones

9.  Art detective by Doris Kutschbach

10. Big book of papercraft by Fiona Watt

 

Most popular non-fiction books in April

Here are the most popular children’s non-fiction books for April! Grab them from your library NOW!

 

1.   Star Wars by David Reynolds

2.   Ripley’s believe it or not! series by Rosie Alexander

3.   Star Wars character encyclopedia by Simon Beecroft

4.   Pokemon ultimate handbook by Cris Silvestri

5.   Treasury of Greek mythology by Donna Jo Napoli

6.   Cat by Juliet Clutton-Brock

7.   The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowitz

8.   Wow! dinosaur by Douglas Palmer

9.   The Usborne big book of big machines by Minna Lacey

10.  Treasury of Egyptian mythology by Donna Jo Napoli

 

New Non Fiction: New Non Fiction: Just in time for Easter and School Holidays Redux.

Special Effects Make up Artist

Have you ever been scared by a creature you have seen at the movies and wondered how those creatures were created? This book holds all the answers and more! Special Effects Make up Artist holds information on everything you have ever wanted to know about special effects and how something simple as make up can bring monster, zombie and an alien to life on the big screen. Also contains behind the scenes information on how your favorite movies characters from films such as Stars Wars and The Muppets come to life.  Also a great book to use if you are looking for costume ideas for Halloween.

 

Maps.

In need of a great atlas? Check out Maps. This is one of the most fantastic books I have ever come across. What is great about this atlas (and perhaps different from most atlases) is that not only does it contain information about geographical features and political borders, but also places of interest, iconic personalities, native animals and plants, local peoples, cultural events, and many more fascinating facts associated with each region. Great to use for geography homework.

 

 

 

 

Angry Birds Playground Dinosaurs.

“Fly with your favorite Angry Birds characters as they travel back in time on a zany search to find their eggs. Kids will be hooked on this wacky mystery as they analyze and observe the wonderful world of dinosaurs as they are building basic skills through fun and fascinating activities”– Provided by publisher.

Angry Birds are back!… and this time instead of losing their eggs, they have found something amazing. If you enjoyed Angry Birds Playground Animals, then you will love Angry Birds Playground Dinosaurs. This book is a great way to learn about dinosaurs, while at the same time joining the angry birds on a prehistoric adventure. This book has all the excitement and adventure you will ever need to be entertained. Also full of activities and quizzes to test your knowledge.

 

First Big Book of the Ocean.

This book screams ‘curious commotion in the ocean!’ National Geographic Kids First Big Book of the Ocean is an adorable animal reference that holds all the information you could ever want and need on the sea’s high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures. More than 100 charming animal photos illustrate the profiles, with facts about the creatures’ sizes, diets, homes, and more. This book serves as a great introduction and companion guide for kids who are interested and studying marina wildlife and biology.

 

 

 

Treasury of Egyptian mythology : classic stories of gods, goddesses, monsters & mortals.

If you are bored with Fairy tales, Greek mythology, why not try some Egyptian mythology?  This book presents an illustrated tableau of Egyptian myths, combines narrative accounts of the stories of the Sun God Ra, the Sphinx, and numerous pharaohs and queens along with historical, cultural, and geographic facts. This is a treasure that will be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

Also check out Treasury of Greek mythology : classic stories of gods, goddesses, heroes & monsters.

 

 

 

 

Recycled Crafting for Kids.

Homemade play dough! Homemade watercolor paints! Homemade chalk! Homemade crayons!  I cannot believe my ears! Yes this book tells you how you can make those things in your own home and in your own time by using recycled materials to make toys and games . Other ideas (and some of my personal favorites include ankle bells, marble mazes and magnetic fishing games. You can have fun and do your bit for the environment at the same time. And just in time for the school holidays. Also holds some old favorites from Eco-friendly crafting with kids like creating musical instruments, like a box guitar and invisible ink. This book will make kids want to play with household objects, like a cardboard box rather than the latest (and sometimes expensive) toy.

 

Amazing Masks to Make Yourself.

“Masquerade! Paper faces on parade. Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you.” – The Phantom of the Opera.

Here is another awesome read to keep you amused over the school holidays where all you need is just some simple house hold items. Whether you planning a masquerade party or in need of some good old fashioned handicraft entertainment, this book is jammed pack full of mask ideas such as a tiger face made from a basket, a teapot and even a spooky skeleton that is guaranteed to glow in the dark and scare off every ghoul and goblin alike.