New Non Fiction: Celebrating Mothers, Artists, Animal Heroes and 100 inventions that has shaped and changed the world forever.

Amazing Babes.

Amazing Babes was originally written as a gift from a mother to her son. This is a great picture book that celebrates inspirational women from around the world and across generations. All the women in this book had the ideas, determination, and creativity to bring about change in the world, and in learning about their stories we honour their achievements. Overall a fantastic read with striking pictures and simple text that celebrates the achievements of inspirational women such as Gloria Steinman, pioneer of the American women’s movement and Malala Yousafzai, a passionate advocate of worldwide access to education. A great book to celebrate International Women’s day. You may also like Of thee I sing : a letter to my daughters by American president, Barack Obama, where he  writes  a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation in the form of a beautiful letter to his daughters.

 

 

 

Mummy & Me Cook and Craft.

Great books to read and use for  gift ideas for Mum on Mother’s day, like whipping up a yummy pancake  breakfast to serve Mum in bed or making up a bead necklace as a gift. Either way or something that you and Mum can do together. Mummy & Me Cook serves as a great introduction to cooking for kids with its blend of over 20 healthy recipes and fun activities as well as fabulous food facts about everyday ingredients. While Mummy and Me Craft introduces kids  to the wonderful world of crafting. Great was for you and Mum to spend quality time together.

 

 

The noisy paint box : the colors and sounds of Kandinsky’s abstract art.

If you have a project which involves studying a famous artist and abstract art, this biography on Kandinsky is a great resource to use. A fantastic picture book biography that explores how one ordinary little boy named Vansa Kandinsky became one of the most (and first) accomplished painters in abstract art and describes how Vasya Kandinsky’s creative life was profoundly shaped by a neurological condition called synesthesia which caused him to experienced colors as sounds and sounds as colors. A biography, art and music book rolled into one.

 

 

 

 

100 inventions that made history : brilliant breakthroughs that shaped our world.

The wheel, the light bulb, the telephone, the toilet, antibiotics,  denim jeans… This book holds information about 100 inventions that has shaped and changed the world forever. This book is a great resource to use if you are doing a project on inventions.

 

 

 

 

 

Animal Bravery in Wartime.

Read this book and find out all about the brave animals from horses on cavalry charges to messenger dogs and carriers, that helped and risked their lives to help humans in frightening and dangerous situations during the war.The first page of this book opens with the sentence, “Although much is made of human bravery in warfare, the role of animals has been neglected.” I couldn’t agree more.

 

 

 

 

Midnight: The Story of a light horse.

‘A foal is born at midnight, on the homestead side of the river. Coal black. Star ablaze. Moonlight in her eyes.’ On October 31, 1917, the 4th and 12th Regiments of the Australian Light Horse took part in one of the last great cavalry charges in history. Among the first to leap the enemy trenches was Lieutenant Guy Haydon riding his beloved mare, Midnight. This is their story.’

We all know the epic story of War Horse by Michael Morpurgo , but are you ready to read the true story of a real-life war horse? This book tells the story of Midnight, an Australian light horse who took part of one of the great cavalry charges on October 31st 1917 during World War I. Prepare to have tissues on stand by when reading this story.

 

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

With summer now over, Winter is slowly entering the Capital with the cold and nasty periods of gale winds, rain and the odd storm. Also with the school holidays and Easter around the corner, why not pop down to Wellington City Libraries and check out a new range of  non fiction in the Children’s collection for your enjoyment and pleasure, especially as we now have some new handicraft books to give you ideas on potential gifts you can give to your family and friends over Easter, or the odd birthday party here and there.

Check them out here!

The Book of Complete Nonsense.

Are you in the mood for nonsense poems? I am! All your favorite authors including Julia Donaldson, Spike Milligan, Roald Dahl, Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll and a whole lot more are featured in this fantastic book of rhymes and riddles that are bound to fry your brain. As an added bonus author,  Michael Rosen provides tips on how you can write your own nonsense poems. Fantastic to use if you have a creative writing homework assignment.

 

 

 

 

Africa : everything you ever wanted to know.

In the mood for another ‘not for parents’ read? Check out this new book on everything you ever wanted to know about Africa. This book opens up a world of amazing facts and stories  (probably facts and stories your parents don’t even know) about the people, places, History and culture of Africa. 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 last month’s new ‘not for parents’ release: How to be a dinosaur hunter : your globe-trotting, time-travelling guide.

 

 

Philip Pullman’s Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp.

The author of The Dark Materials Trilogy brings to life one of the greatest and classic Arab-Persian stories, (although the story is set in China) ever told. Be prepared to go on a magic carpet ride when reading this vivid retelling of  Aladdin, a poor tailor’s son who becomes a wealthy prince with the help of a magic lamp he finds in an enchanted cave. This is a story that has everything – comedy, drama, fantasy, magic, fear, excitement and a terrific plot.

 

 

 

Brilliant Badges to make yourself.

With School Holidays and Easter just around the corner, this is the perfect book to keep you entertained and give you gift ideas on what to give your family and friends over Easter and even the odd birthday here and there. There are fantastic ideas on how to make your own badges, including how to creat a dotty dinosaur badge, a paper-mache cat badge, a funky bow tie badge, a lollipop badge, a birthday badge  and a feathery chicken badge (A great badge idea for Easter!) Great for kids aged 8 to 12 years.

 

 

 

Crafty Creatures.

Forget buying soft toys when you can make your own, (or maybe get your mum or your nana to help). This book is a treasure trove of animal toys/projects to sew, knit and cross-stitch. It includes over 30 projects ranging from practical phone pouches and coin purses to delightful felt cats and teeny tiny animals ideal for necklaces and key fobs. My personal craft idea favorites from this book are the sock monkeys, ducklings and bunny girls (another gift idea for Easter), giraffes and my little pony, (No, not the Hasbro toys.) Another handicraft book to keep kids entertained over Easter and school holidays. If I could knit or sew, then I would be devouring this book like there was no tomorrow.

 

Top 10 non-fiction for December

Here are the most popular non-fiction books for 2013. These make great school holiday reading, grab one for the Xmas break!

1. Ripley’s believe it or not! by Rosie Alexander (new edition available now!)

2. The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowitz

3. Star Wars character encyclopedia by Simon Beecroft

4. The great prehistoric search by Jane Bingham

5. Roald Dahl’s marvellous joke book by Roald Dahl

6. The horrible history of the world series by Terry Deary

7. Star wars, the clone wars by Jason Fry

8. Art detective by Doris Kutschbach

9. Guinness world records 2014 by Craig Glenday

10. Amazing giant dinosaurs by Marie Greenwood

 

Get creative this summer!

Hey guys, its time to get those art juices flowing for summer. Discover that great masterpiece that you have hidden inside and get creating.

Check out some of these books for lots of ideas and inspiration to get you started. My Art Book shows you how to make fantastic faces based on paintings by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (c.1527-93). He was an Italian artist who could paint ordinary pictures but is best know for his weird faces made up of plants and animals.

Maybe you would like to have a go at making a mosaic like Diego Rivera (1886-1957). He was a Mexican artist famous for his mosaic wall art.

Even something simple like rock painting, frottage, or t-shirt printing, there is heaps to keep you busy.

New Non Fiction: Ideas for the Holiday Festive Season and Summer.

10 Minute Crafts for Summer.

Summer’s around the corner. This new addition to Wellington City Libraries will give you craft ideas for summer you can complete in ten minutes. Use this book to make a fluttery butterfly peg, create a kite and race you very own raft.

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Make Faces.

Feeling bored around home? Why not rummage through your household items  and use this book to get ideas on how to  make faces in unexpected places using everyday objects.

 

 

 

 

 

Noah’s Ark.

Lucy Cousins, the creator of the Maisy has adapted from the Bible story: Noah’s Ark  into a picture book  that young children will enjoy. Cousins stays true to her creative style  with using simple language and vibrant colors that is sure to fascinate and entertain children. This serves as a good introduction to Bible literature. Also great for children that are a fan of the Maisy books.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Jokes.

Christmas is around the corner. How about some Christmas jokes to share with the family? You will laugh yourself silly (or youle laugh yours-elf silly!) with this collection of christmas jokes that is bound to tickle your funny bone. This is one Christmas joke book that you would have to be Christmas crackers not to issue this book out during the holiday period.

Also check out The funniest Christmas joke book ever if you are in the mood for more Christmas jokes.

 

 

Party Cakes to Bake and Decorate.

If you are looking some baking or make tasty treats fro Christmas, check out Usbourne’s new book on how to bake and decorate party cakes. You might even find an idea for an alternative gingerbread house,  (See Gingerbread Cake recipe) over Christmas and house and star decorations that fit perfectly with the Christmas theme. The recipes for multicolored meringues look fantastic and girls, you will be tickled pink with the pink layer cake recipe.  Overall this book is jammed packed with simple and scrumptious party cake recipes that anyone can bake.

For more cooking and baking ideas over the festive season, also check out this year’s previous blog post on Ready. Steady, Cook.

Top 10: Non-Fiction for November

Here are the most popular non-fiction books for November. Grab them while they’re hot!

1. Star Wars by David Reynolds West

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

3. Guinness world records 2014 by Craig Glenday

4. Art detective by Doris Kutschbach

5. The LEGO book by daniel Lipkowitz

6. Guinness world records 2013 by Craig Glenday

7. Wow! Dinosaur by Douglas Palmer

8. The vicious Vikings by Terry Deary

9. Animal record breakers by Steve Parker

10. The Usborne big book of big ships by Minna Lacey

 

Top 10 Non-fiction for August

These are the most sought after kids non-fiction this month. Grab them while they’re hot!

1. Star Wars by David West Reynolds

2. Big book of papercraft by Fiona Watt

3. Star Wars character encyclopedia By Simon Beecroft

4. The LEGO book by by Daniel Lipkowitz

5. Pokemon ultimate handbook By Cris Silvestri

6. The horrible history of the world by Terry Deary

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

8. Art lab for kids by Susan Schwake

9. Guinness world records 2013 by Craig Glenday

10. Space by Rob Lloyd Jones

 

New non fiction : a miscellaneous collection

Definition of miscellaneous, from the Merriam-Webster dictionaryadjective, consisting of many things of different sorts.

500 fantastic facts

This book is definitely a miscellany (that’s a collection of various facts). It doesn’t go into much detail about each fact, but what it lacks in depth it makes up in the sheer number of topics covered.  It starts out with the big picture: the solar system is the first thing to be covered. And then it gets smaller and smaller, ending up with ‘miscellaneous’ facts.  It’s a quick and fun read and a great way to learn information for quizzes! You might also find that you get interested in a particular fact, and want to do some more research…

Do you know Dewey? Exploring the Dewey Decimal System

If you’ve ever looked at our non-fiction collection (which I hope you have!) You’ll have noticed that all the books have a number on their spines. This is because all the books are grouped together by subject, so everything is much easier to find! Melvil  Dewey invented the system in 1876, and it revolutionised the way libraries are organised.  This is great book for younger readers explaining what the different numbers mean and how to use the system to find the book you want.

 

 

 

 

You can fill a swimming pool with your spit! : the fact or fiction behind human bodies 

Rather than just a collection of “gross out” facts, this book takes a hard look at all the urban legends and old wives’ tales about the human body.  In fact, after reading this, you might be able to disprove stuff you’ve found out in other books! Of course, the book can get pretty gross, so don’t read it if you have a sensitive stomach, but it’s really interesting book and well worth a read. If only to work out whether eating your crusts makes your hair grow curly.  (Spoiler: it doesn’t.)

 

 

 

 

Let’s Get Art: children look at contemporary New Zealand Art

If you’ve ever been to an art gallery, you might have been surprised that not all the art consisted of paintings or statues. Some of it might look strange or not like ‘real’ art at all. This book looks at the different kinds of “contemporary” art (art that’s made by living artists) and tries to work out what these weird and wonderful pieces are all about.  It’s a good book  that will show you the different sorts of art that New Zealand artists are making today and will perhaps make you think about what the artworks might mean. It’s also a cool looking book; it’s a mixture of painting illustrations and photographs, so the book’s almost a work of art in itself.

 

 

 

Explore! The most dangerous journeys of all time

The price of glory is often danger; this is what this book will teach you. This is especially true if you were an explorer in the days before modern equipment. Marco Polo,  Roald Amundsen, and Yuri Gagarin are just some of the big names you’ll learn about. Of course, it wasn’t always men who were willing to risk their lives to make great discoveries; Mary Kingsley and Gertrude Bell also undertook dangerous voyages.  This book also has survival tips, although whether you’ll want to venture out into the jungle or to Antarctica after reading this book is entirely up to you!

New Non Fiction: Amazing Series.

 

Art Smart.

Two new books, Paint it! and Make it!  from the Art Smart series has made it to our library shelves. With the school holidays just around the corner, why not check out these awesome new non fiction books, each complete with 12 inspiring projects to try out and get inspired on making  a puppet, sock snake, dino doorstop, (in Make it!) and different painting techniques such as watercolor acrylic and sgraffito (in Paint it!) I thought the project ideas in the books were fantastic, especially the activities for creating your own Picasso self portrait in Paint it! and the get well card project in Make it! These projects are a great way to beat the boredom busters during the school holidays and even better during a rainy day!

 

     

Disgusting & Dreadful Science.

Prepare to be grossed out! Prepare to be shocked and amazed! Prepare to be gut wrenched! Prepare to be enlightened! Boys and girls, the newest (and greatest) resources are here to help you with your science homework (and questions) and ideas for science fair experiments! In Ear-Splitting Sounds, you will learn the awful truth about all the yucky, painful,  disgusting and dreadful aspects of sound, not mention there are some equally gross, but interesting photos contained in this book. Gut-Wrenching Gravity contains even more disgusting facts about gravity! Covers everything from blackouts caused by g-forces to toilet-troubles in space. Glaring Light covers all the most disgusting and dreadful aspects of light. Finally Electric Shocks covers everything you need to know about the most disgusting and dreadful aspects of electricity, like whizzing electrons and static shocks to flying flies and freaky frog legs.

 

    

Animal Family Albums.

You will find books about Cats, Dogs and Horses and Ponies from this series at your local library. Each title in the Animal Family Albums series feature information about all favorite pets and animals which includes descriptions of popular breeds, facinating facts about wild relatives and a quiz to help you discover which breed you would be. The book about cats was a fantastic read. I learned a lot of interesting facts, especially  about Russian Blue cats , which are considered to be good luck and the Manx cats, which are born with either no tail or a short stumpy tail. The book about dogs contained facts about how pet dogs are descended from wolves, and like their ancestors, they like living in packs, which is made up of its human family. It was very interesting to learn while reading about horses and ponies, wild horse herds are normally led by a female and how the herds include other females, foals, a stallion and a few young males.

 

      

World Cultures.

Feel like taking an amazing journey and exploring all the different cultures the world has to offer? There are four new books exploring the  Maasai, Bushmen of Southern Africa, Polynesians and Maori  culture, from the World Culture series. These books are great resources to use that takes an educational look at cultures that are struggling to maintain their traditions in an ever-changing world, so these books are great to use if you are doing an assignment or homework on exploring issues and oppression within different cultures. Each book unveils the traditions, myths and social activities of each culture. Also includes bibliographical references and index. Great for ages 4 to 12 years.

New Non Fiction: Myths, Mysteries and… Time Travel!

London: A Time Traveler’s Guide.

Did you know that London is thousands years old? So when you walk through its busy streets, you are standing on top of history. Forget Doctor Who, With this guide you can travel back in time and discover all the relics of the past, ancient treasures and long forgotten buildings throughout London, England. You will find out all about  of the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, Medieval times, the Tudor, the Victorians to the present day. So come on down to the library and take a fact-filled journey through the history of London, one of the world’s greatest cities.

 

 

 

A City Through Time : From Ancient Colony to Vast Metropolis.

In the mood for some more time travel? Check out this new and  stunning update of the popular original, A City Through Time. Follow the story of a city from ancient colony to vast modern metropolis with full-colour illustrations that will transport you back to another age. Reading this book may be the closest you ever get to what really goes on in a Roman bath-house, a medieval castle or a modern skyscraper. Comes complete with a photographic section that profiles great cities through history and a glossary that tells you what you need to know about architecture, technology, work and costumes throughout the ages. Great  for parents and children to look at together or for school projects.

 

Norse Myths and Legends.

This book explores the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Norse myths and legends so compelling. Forget Thor, the hero from the Marvel comics, now is the time to really study and learn all you have ever wanted to know about the Norse Mythology and the Vikings. As a bonus, you will also discover facts and information that  you didn’t know, like Thor’s favorite weapon was a magical hammer, (Okay, maybe that’s something you already knew), some gods used goats or cats to pull their chariots and gods believed rainbows could be bridges between worlds.

 

 

 

Solving Mysteries with Science.

Do you like reading about the strange  and unknown? With this new series on solving mysteries, you are in for a treat. Read all about the encounters, what scientists and other experts think and the evidence that supports the existence of  The Loch Ness Monster, Mermaids and The Bermuda Triangle.

     

 

Treasure Hunters.

Two new books from the Treasure Hunters series is now available at Wellington City Libraries. Tomb Explores explores all the tombs and treasure you will find in parts of the world such as Egypt, China and South America. You will also discover amazing facts and found out answers to questions like what sort of booby traps were hidden in Pyramids?, Why were the Terracotta Army craftsman ordered to be killed? and Where have tomb explorers used remote-controlled cameras? Great Art Thefts combines the subjects of Art, Mysteries and Crime into one resource. Read all about the great art crime capers that took place throughout history including the theft of the Mona Lisa that took place in 1911, the Boston burglary in 1990 where 13 artworks were stolen and the theft of The Scream in Norway, 1994 during the Winter Olympics.