New Non Fiction: Prepare to go Bear Crazy, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” and brace yourself because the Doctor is in!

The Doctor is in!

Boys and Girls, brace yourself because Wellington City Libraries two new Junior Non Fiction Books on Doctor Who and just in time… before the school holidays.

Doctor Who: Essential Guide to 50 Years of Doctor Who.
By reading this book, you learn all the  fascinating facts on all eleven incarnations of the Doctor’s adventures in space and time, as well as his helpful companions and fearsome foes. Find out all about the Doctor’s TARDIS, his regenerations, and much, much more! Overall a great book that many fans of the series would enjoy, however might be suitable for ages 10 and up. If this book interests you, you might also want to check out  Doctor Who: The Official Doctionary.

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics
Doctor Who: The Visual Dictionary.

This book presents an introduction to the popular science fiction television program, dsicussing its characters, plot lines, villains, gadgets, monsters, aliens, weaponry, and spaceships. Overall not a bad read. The style and presentation of this book is similar to Star Wars visual dictionaries. Another book that will be enjoyed by Doctor Who fans. If this book interests you, you might also want to check out Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary.

 

 

 

 

 

RSPCA Animal Care.

The RSPCA  or the Royal Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the United Kingdom has published two new books on animal care.

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsAll About… Cats and Kittens and All About… Rabbits and Other Small Animals

Overall I think these pet guides are fantastic. Would be ideal for children 9 years and over. Contains lots of information on how to care for rabbits/cats, helping it settle in, types of of behavior to grooming, playing, popular names for  rabbits/cats, and going to the vet.  Also contains some history of The RSPCA in the United Kingdom.
You also might want to check out Looking after Cats and Kittens and Looking after Rabbits.

FACT ABOUT CATS: While chocolate is bad for a cat, yogurt makes a tasty treat. According to Pet Smart NZ, the organisms in yogurt can be especially helpful when your pet is on antibiotics since these medications can alter the “good’ bacteria in the intestines. Most pets will enjoy the addition of a tablespoons of yogurt to their food.

FACT ABOUT RABBITS: Pet rabbits are related to the wild rabbits, hares and pikas. Hares are bigger than rabbits, with longer ears and stronger legs which enables them to run very fast, while pikas are smaller than rabbits and live in North America and Asia.

 

 

 

Bear Crazy…!

image courtesy of syndetics
Kali’s Story: An Orphaned Polar Bear Rescue.

Brace yourself for cuteness and… an orphaned polar bear. This book tells the story of orphaned polar bear Kali (pronounced Cully) as he is rescued and whisked away to the Inupiat village of Kali (Point Lay in English), then being raised and reared at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, with zookeepers filling in for his mother and finally finding a permanent home at the Buffalo Zoo with, Luna, a female polar bear as a companion. Overall I enjoyed this book. Absolutely loved the photographs that chronicles Kali’s infant hood. I reckon this is a book that will be thoroughly enjoyed by all age groups and a fantastic addition to the junior non fiction collection just in time for  the school holidays.

You will also like Vicks: The Polar Bear Cub and My Polar Animals Journal : In Search of Polar Bears, Penguins, Whales and Seals.

FACT ABOUT POLAR BEARS: Male polar bears pee down, while female polar bears pee straight behind them.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Wild About Bears.

Wild about bears? You will be after reading this book. This book contains facts and pictures of eight different bear species, ranging from polar bears, sun bears and sloth bears. You will learn everything there is to know about bears, including information about their traits, characteristics and habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

image courtesy of syndetics
Brutal Games! History’s most dangerous sports.

Forget sports like Rugby, Gymnastics and Horse riding, this book on history’s most dangerous sports takes words like ‘dangerous’, ‘extreme sports’ and ‘life and death situations’ to a whole new level. After reading this book, two words come to mind:  adrenaline rush. Facts about bull riding, cave diving, jousting and gladiator games, you will have all the information you need to release your inner daredevil.

 

 

 

 

If you like the Horrible Histories and Weird World of Wonders series, you might want to give these two new series a go.

Hard Nuts of History.image courtesy of syndetics image courtesy of syndetics

To kick things off, Check out Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, which is part of Hard Nuts of History series. Read all about history’s hardest hard nuts. Who were the most famous (and not so famous) ruthless, brave, fearless and intrepid men and women of all time? Could you fight in the greatest battle ever, or wow the whole world with your brain power?
These awesome books are bursting with remarkable tales of triumph and bravery. You will be amazed and astounded by some of history’s hardest heroes. The books have a similar tone as Horrible Histories and Weird World of Wonders series, comes complete with the silly bits, but perhaps without the gory bits. There is a lot less pages and the text is more simplified, so I think this series will appeal to younger audiences.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What They Don’t Tell You About….

In the ‘What They Don’t Tell You About….’ series by Bob Fowke, there are books on Romans in Britain, Ancient Greeks and Vikings.  If you are looking for another series to read after Horrible Histories, I would recommend the ”What They Don’t Tell You About….’ series. There is a lot of history, gory bits,  silly humor and the odd puzzle in these books, so prepare for lots of reading… and laughing! Definitely no boring bits in this series. Great for anyone who is a fan of Horrible Histories and Weird World of Wonders. Also great for anyone who likes/is interested in History, comics, puzzle books and silly humor.

Here’s something new!

 

When a baby elephant is left orphaned on the African savannah, Bat, a young herdsboy takes her home and cares for her. But Bat’s grandmother knows that Meya cannot stay with them for ever – the call of the wild will always be sounding in her soul.

And there are rumours born on the wind; frightening stories of kidnapping and suffering and war. Bat and his closest friend, Muka, are catapulted into a new life of unimaginable terror. Now memories of their village world feel so far away. Will the bond between elephant and child remain strong enough to save them?

 

 

Thirteen year old Ming is used to a life of constant hunger and fear in Maoist China. His father, an archaeologist on the brink of losing his job and being sent to a brutal labor camp is convinced that Emperor Qin’s ancient lost tomb is located near their remote village. One day, when Ming’s father is away, local farmers discover pieces of a statue, a soldier made out of terra-cotta. Ming is astonished when its clay head begins to speak.

New Non Fiction: Interesting facts, Noodlemania and Greek Mythology strikes again!

Noodlemania!: 50 Playful Pasta Recipes.

Forget two minute noodles. Check out Noodlemania. This cool book contains 50 playful pasta recipes that make dinnertime more fun and gives you an excuse to play with your food. This book has been cleverly written as the author, Melissa Barlow adds twists to dishes to indeed make them playful, for example making robots out of macaroni and pretzels, etc. However my personal favorites were making ladybugs (or ladybirds as we call them) out of tomatoes and black olives, making gnomes out of hard boiled eggs and tomatoes and purple pasta monsters… You have to read the recipe to find out how to make them, (one key ingredient being purple food coloring) This is one book you will go noodle crazy over!

 

 

 

How to be a dinosaur hunter : your globe-trotting, time-travelling guide.

Well Lonely Planet, you have done it again by releasing another awesome book! (not for parents.) Kids this is your chance to read everything you need to know about being a young explorer (and perhaps the next Bear Grylls), how to become a famous dinosaur hunter, covering what it was like in the age of the dinosaur, what clues to look for and what equipment to pack, Danger ratings show which dinos are safe to approach and which will eat you for lunch!

Another brand new read from the Country Series Book from Lonely Planets that  is not a guidebook and it is definitely not for parents. Great for ages 8 to 11 years. Also check out Not for Parents U.S.A. Everything you ever wanted to know.

 

 

The Odyssey.

You are in for a treat with the retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey, one of the greatest stories of  Greek mythology and literature of all time. Read all the exciting and thrilling adventures of the hero of the story, Odysseus as he faces a storm, shipwreck, terrifying monsters and the fury of the gods as he journeys home after the Trojan war. The question on everyone’s lips is will he ever make home and what happens when he does? In order to find out, you have to read the book.

You might also be interested in reading The Adventures of Achilles by Hugh Lupton, Daniel Morden and Carole Henaff.

 
Think Again.

This book with definitely make you THINK AGAIN about everything you thought you knew, but most importantly gives you all the gives you account of all the TRUE facts  about all the body bloopers, animal errors, science slip-ups, historic howlers, world wonders,  blunders and perhaps even some facts you may not find in Ripley’s Believe it or not and Guinness World Records. This book will also be good for homework and research as it covers curriculum-linked subject areas.

Also check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not Special Edition 2014 and Guinness World Records 2014.

 

 

 

Greek Myths Stories of Sun, Stone and Sea.

This book brings to life ten of the greatest stories from the world of Greek mythology starring meschievous gods and goddesses, brave heroes and heroines, and amazing magical animals. Read all about how spirited girls like Atalanta who can run faster than all her unwanted suitors only to be tricked by three golden apples,  the goddess Athena challenging the over-proud Arachne to a weaving contest and the deeds of heroes, such as Perseus’s killing of the Gorgon Medusa and rescuing the princess Andromeda from a dragon by turning it to stone.  This book also features the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. This is a treasure that will be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

 

 

 

Richard Hammond’s great mysteries of the world.

Are you a fan of mysteries of the world and  Richard Hammond? Well, you are going to love this book. Richard Hammond’s great mysteries of the world gives the low down of some of the greatest mysteries around the world and a crash course on how to an world explorer. Prepare to be taken on a journey to discover the truth behind the world’s strangest occurrences, explore the ancient pyramids, stonehenge and the Bermuda Triangle, hunt for werewolves, vampires, aliens and the Abominable Snowman. Overall this is a great book for all ages. A great resource to use for history homework and assignments.

New Non Fiction: Folk Tales, Great Warriors and Monkeys making chocolate.

The Barefoot Book of Jewish tales.

This is a fantastic addition to the library’s collection. This collection includes eight delightful tales from the Jewish tradition. Each story has been chosen for its appeal to families and each has a simple yet powerful, message.  Written by Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, herself a mother of three, this is a fantastic set of stories to share and to treasure. Includes two story CDs narrated by Debra Messing. Great for ages 7 years and over.

 

 

 

 

The Life Cycle of a cat.

This is a great picture book for young children that gives a fascinating introduction to how tiny new born kittens (there’s even a pictures of new born kittens) turn into fully grown cats. You will also discover how they use play to learn and how the mother cat teaches them to hunt.

 

 

 

 

 

Project History.

  

Ever wanted to learn more about Greek and Roman history? Interested in crafts and activities related to these subjects? Check out The Greeks andThe Romans. These books allows you to discover the world of Greek and Roman history through an exciting combination of information and step by step activities. Fun activities in the book about The Greeks include making a Greek Theater Mask, an abacus and a model of the Parthenon, while activities featured in The Romans include making a laurel wreath, a model chariot and collages of gods and goddesses. Great source of entertainment over the school holidays or on a wet day.

 

 

 

 

No Monkeys, No Chocolate.

Sounds like the sort of book to make your mouth water? When you think of chocolate, you might think of a chocolate bar, a birthday cake, or a glass of chocolate milk. But where does chocolate come from? This book tells about the cocoa bean, which grows in the tropical rain forests and how the animals and other living things play an important part, even the monkeys. This book will change the way you think about chocolate… forever.

DID YOU KNOW: About thirty to forty cocoa beans (inside a cocoa pod) is just enough to make one chocolate bar.

 

 

Breaking the spell : Stories of magic and mystery from Scotland.

Ready for excitement and adventure? Ready to meet witches, kelpies, fairies, selkies, brave warriors and courageous girls?

Forget the traditional  fairy tales and Greek mythology! Celtic Folk Tales are in!

This book is a wonderful treasure that holds a collection of ten magical and funny stories from Scotland, complete with fantastic illustrations that tells stories about an underwater monster that can turn itself into a white horse, a girl whose mother is half seal, half human and a boy who is turned into a fairy but saved by a brave heroine that will leave you spellbound!

Also check out An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales and Spellbound: Tales of Enchantment from Ancient Ireland if you are in the mood for some more Celtic Folk Tales.

 

Greatest Warriors.

Ready to meet and find out all about the most impressive fighters in history? Check out these books in the Greatest Warriors series: Roman Soldiers, Knights and Vikings and find out all there is to know about the armour, weapons and fighting styles contained in these three amazing books. The illustrations/photographs are amazing and really portray  dramatic recreations of historical events.

Things that will make you go WOW and the World of Wearable Arts!

Things that will make you go WOW!

The WOW series are books unlike any you have ever seen before. Loads of topics, hundreds of pictures, thousands of words, squillions of amazing things to discover and explore…

Find it. See it. Know it…in..

Wow! Dinosaurs.

This book contains information about all the dinosaurs you know and heard of. True to it’s word, Wow! Dinosaurs is crammed full of information that is presented in a way I have never encountered in any other book. It’s a science lab, a museam, a board games and a search engine all rolled into one. You will also a skeleton of a Stegosaurus, giant ocean reptiles as they might have looked in their natural habitat and how they might have died. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I have. Great for ages 8 to 11 years.

 

 

 

 

Wow! Ancient History.

This book is even better than the dinosaur book. Forget the internet, everything you have ever wanted to know about the ancient world is in one resource. Wow! Ancient History! Crammed full of incredible information about Babylonian architecture, Egyptian Pharoahs, the Roman army, Buddhist monasteries of the Mauryan Empire and South American temples. It’s like a time machine, a search engine and an archaeological dig all rolled into one.  There are loads of history-related topics, hundreds of pictures, thousands of words and loads of amazing things for you to discover and explore.

 

 

 

 

Wow! Science.

Have a science project about the living world?, The earth? Matter and materials? Energy and forces? Space? Look no further, Wow! Science has everything you need and all the answers to ensure you get that well deserved A++! Included in this book are simple explanations and photographs that introduce basic science concepts. Great for primary and intermediate level.

 

 

 

 

Wow! Animal.

Last and certainly not least. Wow! Animal contains facts about every bird, animal, reptile, fish, insect and believe it or nor worm known to man. This book is your one stop world zoo, natural history museam and search engine all rolled into one. So what are you waiting for? Find it. See it. Know it.

 

 

 

 

 

Fairtrade and Fashion.

The True Cost of Fashion: How to shop to change the world.

Strictly speaking this is not a book about wearable arts, but it’s a real eye opener to the possible  reality of where the clotes we buy may come from. By reading this book, you will find out all you need to know about the supply chain, the conditions workers endure and who really makes the profit on the final purchase of the garments you buy. Also discover what enviromental impacts your fashion purchases will have on this planet and find out the answers to the following questions: What does fairtrade mean?, How can retailers make and sell clothes so cheaply and how much do you sepnd on clothes?

 

 

 

 

 

Eco Chic.

Hmm, echo chic indeed. If you are an eco girl looking for fabulous ideas to revamp your room or who loves to set fashion trends and showcase your style? Wellington City Libraries has two new books from this series: Crafts for styling your wardrobe and Crafts for revamping your room. Crafts for styling your wardrobe contains step by step instructions on how you can customize, upcycle and re-vamp your clothes the eco friendly way. Crafts for revamping your room. contains step by step projects to upcycle, customise and add sparkle to your bedroom. You will also learn all about fairtrade, sustainable shopping, ethical fashion and how to achieve your fashion and bedroom design goals without compromising the enviroment.

 

The World of Wearable Arts!

To celebrate WOW, a two hour show held annually in September in Wellington, New Zealand to an audience of 50000 over a twelve show season. Wellington City Libraries has some new and amazing non fiction that can gurentee you creating your own wearable arts award event!

Wearable wonders.

“An introduction to the World of Wearable Art Awards with history and examples, interviews, photographs etc., in a workbook which details how to make your own Wearable Art creation using various art and craft techniques”–Publisher information. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.

Renowned author-illustrator Fifi Colston shares her years of expereince in the visual and wearable arts in this new book where you will learn how to WOW the world with your very own wearable wonder using simple objects such as petals, shells, cardboard, old cans and drink bottles that can be showcased in the world of  wearable arts awards or used as a costume, prop, landscape, weapon and even a creature on stage and in the film industry. A great resource to use and read if you are doing a school/drama production and/or consideirng a career in fashion, set and costume design. Perhaps local schools will find inspiration and ideas for next year’s Smokefree Stage Challenge.