6 New Non Fiction for the second week of the school holidays

Hey Kids! Check out more amazing new junior non fiction at the library that you must read before the end of the school holidays. Featured in this post are books that will help and inspire you to think, create and innovate in areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Arts. Also few books that will help you find your funny side and inspirational women that changed the world forever.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft Guide to Farming.

In Survival mode you’re constantly in need of food and other useful items. You can find all these things on your travels, but a true survivor knows the importance of setting up their own farming systems. The official Minecraft Guide to Farming will teach you about every aspect of farming. Ages 9+.

 

 


image courtesy of syndeticsRad Girls Can!

Rad girls can… indeed! This amazing book showcases an extraordinary and diverse group of women who set out to achieve the impossible and change the world forever.

 

 


image courtesy of syndeticsArt lab for little kids : 52 playful projects for preschoolers!

Want pre-schoolers to unleash their inner artist?, then this is the book for you! Packed with 52 fun and colourful exercises, this book offers parents and teachers a brand new source of creative art activities, where kids will learn to draw, paint, printmaking, creating sculptures and so many other cool activities. Highly recommended!

 


image courtesy of syndeticsLego Star Wars Ideas Book.

Find a galaxy full of LEGO Star Wars ideas to build – from activities and art, games and challenges, to practical makes and your very own inventions! LEGO Star Wars Ideas Book features imaginative play and building ideas using your own LEGO brick collection, from LEGO projects that take just a few minutes, to builds that take hours! Ages 7+.

 


image courtesy of sydneticsCalling all minds.

“Think. Create. Innovate.” “Temple Grandin explores how to experiment and how to think about science for young readers.”– Provided by publisher.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsKnock knock! : the biggest best joke book ever.

Open this book and open the door to giggles galore! Inside you’ll find more than 1,000 of the most hilarious knock-knock jokes and cartoons ever created–all specially curated by the editors at Highlights. This fully illustrated collection of fun is guaranteed to cause a serious laugh attack–again and again

 

5 New Non Fiction before school starts.

Hey kids!

Another school term is about to start. Why not come down to the library and get some reading out of the way before all the homework piles up. Check out the latest new non fiction at Wellington City Libraries where you will learn all about cooking, animals, cat care and an inspirational woman that defied all the odds and became one of the most influential women in the law profession.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Barbie cookbook.

Join Barbie in the kitchen and whip up delicious meals for you and your friends! In this book, Barbie teaches you to cook over 40 mouth-watering recipes. Each recipe is easy to make and is shown in beautiful color photographs. You’ll find recipes for scrumptious snacks, marvelous main courses and delicious desserts.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRuth Bader Ginsburg : the case of R.B.G. vs. inequality.

An inspiring true story about a courageous Jewish woman dubbed the unsinkable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who despite countless injustices and discrimination against Jews, females, and working mothers, went on to become Columbia Law School’s first tenured female professor, a judge for the US Court of Appeals, and finally, a Supreme Court Justice. A librarian’s choice all the way!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWho am I? : an animal guessing game.

Check out this book which gives readers clues so they can guess which animal will be revealed in a beautiful, full-spread illustration when they turn the page. Playful nouns, adjectives, and verbs describe the characteristics and movements of each animal. Fun and learning in rolled into one!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsI want a Cat.

A unique combination of an engaging story and information about how to choose, prepare and care for a kitten or cat.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to play Guitar in 10 easy seconds.

Learn how to play the guitar in 10 easy lessons. This guide covers information such as how to hold a pick, find each chord, and improvise. Also includes exclusive internet backing tracks.

 

8 New Non Fiction to read during Autumn.

Summer has officially come to an end and we are already days into Autumn – Have you caught sight of any leaves falling from the trees yet? As you’re well aware, Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, so there’s the possibility of shorter and colder days, bringing an end to the warm sunny days at the beach. But have no fear, the library is always stocked full of books to keep you entertained. This blog post features books for girls and boys of all ages that will curb their gaming and sports fetish; channel their inner princess, sports hero, warrior and leader; extra resources to help with homework and get some insight as to what their parents do in the workforce all day.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsSkylanders Universe: : the complete collection : one book, 321 skylanders.

This is one book that all Skylanders fans must get their hands on! Read all about every single Skylander in this book featured from all three smash-hit video games. Includes information about character bios, battle cries and all 256 possible SWAP Force character combinations.

 

Cimage courtesy of syndetics ricket with Kane Williamson : a guide to batting, bowling, fielding and captaincy.

Why is it important to play the ball late? How do you play the perfect cover drive? What should you do to deliver a deadly in-swinger? Join New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson, a superstar of the game, as he talks through his approach to batting, bowling, fielding and captaincy.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Amazing Book of Disney Princess.

Dreams of Disney Princesses and books, come to life with the release of The Amazing Book of Disney Princess. Fans will get to discover more about their favourite fairytale princesses. With stunning pictures, fun facts and an exciting quiz, be transported to their kingdoms and discover their magical world. A must have read for budding fans to channel their inner Disney princess.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThis is a horrible book of foul facts.

This Horrible Book of Foul Facts serves up all the dreadful details of horrible history you’ll ever need to know – from rotten Roman graffiti to terrible teacher tortures and rude royal nicknames, the foul facts are all inside. Want to know: the crushing details about execution by elephant? How to soften your skin Georgian-style, using the skins of puppies? Whose idea of a top treat was mashed deer tongues? Whether you’re desperate to discover which famous rulers were left-handed, raring to read about the top ten dogs of all time, or just aching to ask about assassinating apes, then this book is for you. History has never been so horrible!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Princess and the warrior.

A very sad and tragic Mexican legend about a beautiful princess falling into a deep sleep and her brave warrior vowing to stay by her side, even if she never awakens, eventually turning into volcanoes known as Popocatépetl (“the Smoking Mountain”) and Iztaccíhuatl (“white woman” in Nahuatl, sometimes called the Mujer Dormida “sleeping woman” in Spanish), which overlook the Valley of Mexico. Prepare to have tissues on hand.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAnimal record breakers.

This book holds thousands of amazing facts and spectacular feats. A must have resource for the budding animal enthusiast.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of synedticsBe the change : a grandfather Gandhi story.

“At Grandfather Gandhi’s service village, each day is filled, from sunrise to sunset, with work that is done for the good of all. The villagers vow to live simply and non-violently. Arun Gandhi tries very hard to follow these vows, but he struggles with one of the most important rules: not to waste.”

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWhat do grown-ups do all day?

Ever wondered what your Mum and Dad get up to during their day? Here’s your chance to find out. Read this book and explore fourteen diverse workplaces, then turn the page to find out what each grown-up does there. Features more than 100 jobs. Also a great resource to have on hand if you want to choose a profession and career.

 

6 new non fiction: Buzzing bios, Cooking Madness and the mysterious world of the greeks and… an egg.

Nelson Mandela : it always seems impossible until it’s done.

Read the incredible story of Nelson Mandela, a remarkable man that would fight against discrimination,  his country’s cruel system of apartheid and eventually become president of his country. A great resource to use for anyone studying Nelson Mandela and apartheid.

 

 

Shackleton’s Journey.

This book tells the story of the shipwreck of the Endurance in a sea of ice en route to Antarctica, and the survival of all 28 members of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by Sir Ernest Shackleton.

 

 

 

Complete Children’s Cookbook.

Yummy, yummy, yummy and just in time for the winter season. This book features over 150 delicious recipes to get you and your kids in the kitchen. From eggy bread to sunflower loaves, lamb hotpot to ice cream, there’s a scrumptious recipe for every occasion in the Complete Children’s Cookbook. One word to describe this book, YUM!

 

 

Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece.

This book serves as a wonderful introduction to the world of gods and goddesses of the Olympians. From Zeus to Athena, read about the family of gods and goddesses that the ancient Greeks believed watched over them.

 

 

 

The Olympics of ancient Greece.

Read this book and learn all about the athletes, competitions, and religious ceremonies of the ancient Olympics. Great for a younger audience.

 

 

 

Egg : nature’s perfect package.

Explore how a simple, often colorful, sometimes surprisingly shaped package, reveals nature’s life cycle, unusual animal defensive strategies, parenting behaviour, evolution, and more, in this beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book. Overall this is a fantastic book that gives you insight into the remarkable and mysterious world what really goes on inside an egg and what fantastic animals emerge from eggs.

New Non Fiction: Made up of heroes, phonies, mammals and the dead.

image courtesy of syndetics

Marvel super hero character encyclopedia.

This is a book for all your Marvel fans. Check out this amazing A to Z guide to the Super Heroes of the Marvel Universe – from Ant-Man to Wolverine, and everyone in between! The guide gives detailed descriptions of everyone’s favourite characters including their origins, powers and secret identities. Full of trivia and fun facts on more than 100 heroes, this exciting book is sure to delight Marvel fans, young and old!

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Born in the Wild: Baby Mammals and their parents.

Brace yourself for cuteness! This book is filled with information about every baby mammal, from a tiny harvest mouse ‘pinky’ to a fierce lion cub, needs food, shelter, love, and a family. Also filled with illustrations of some of the most adorable babies in the kingdom and goes into full detail of the traits that all baby mammals share and proves that, even though they’re born in the wild, they’re not so very different from us, after all” Overall a very enjoyable read.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Famous phonies : legends, fakes, and frauds who changed history.

“Famous Phonies: Legends, Fakes, and Frauds Who Changed History is the first in a new nonfiction middle grade series that will explore the underbelly of history, making you question everything you thought you knew about history’s finest. It’s perfect for the history buff, the reluctant reader, or that kid who loves the strange and unusual.”

I never thought I would see this day where they finally publish a book on all the famous legends, fakes and frauds who changed history. If you are in the mood for a little controversy, then check out this amazing book which allows you to see a different side of the famous historical figures you know and admire and all the gory details of their dirty secrets and scandals that shape their phoniness.

A must read book!

 

The day of the dead = El dia de los muertos.image courtesy of syndetics

This book tells the story of two children as they celebrate their ancestors on the vibrant holiday: The day of the dead. With sugar skulls, sweet-smelling marigold petals and joyful songs, Hispanic families welcome back ancestors on this holiday. Complete with lush college and lyrical text in both English and Spanish, this wonderful picture book creates the perfect introduction to this festival (and perhaps also to the Spanish language)

Another must read book!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe beach they called Gallipoli.

Many books have been written about the battles of Gallipoli; the men who went to war and what they faced, the letters, and the tears of those left behind. But this is a book about Gallipoli, the place, and what happened on Gallipoli Beach from April – December 1915. Created by the award winning duo, Australian Children’s Laureate, Jackie French, and renowned artist and illustrator, Bruce Whatley, this powerful and moving book highlights an almost forgotten aspect of Gallipoli: the land itself. This is more than a book about ANZACS; this is a book about and for all of the nationalities who fought at that cove, not matter what side they were on. This is one book to get your hands on and read just in time for ANZAC day.

 

 

 

New Non Fiction: Inspirational Lives, Animal Babies and Sendak in Maori.

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up The World.

Move over, Thomas Edison! Nikola Tesla takes center stage as the man responsible for lighting our lives with electricity! Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Fantastic resource to use for science homework on electricity and a project on a famous scientist.

FACT: Technology such as remote controls, fluorescent lights, X-rays, speedometers, cell phones, even the radio all resulted from Nikola Tesla’s inventions.

 

Helen Keller’s Best Friend, Belle.

Helen Keller has been a truly inspiring icon. Having lost sight and hearing ability at a very young age and with the help of a teacher named Anne Sullivan, Helen learned how to communicate and became an inspiration to the nation when she learned to read Braille, use sign language and even speak. This book tells the story of her unique and special relationship with a devoted Great Dane named Belle, who was a faithful companion to Helen throughout her younger years and got her through (literary) the darkest and loneliest time of her life. Great for ages 4 to 7.

FACT: Pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief, helps children develop and other health benefits like improving your mood, lowering blood pressure and improves immunity.

 

101 Animal Babies.

Prepare to be bombarded with cuteness. If you have a weakness for baby animals (like I do), then you are going to love this book. This book provides  information about over one hundred baby animals and their parents, including chameleons, sloths, and elephants.  Learn interesting and amazing facts such as sloth babies are born in trees, jackal pups babysit their siblings and koala joeys are cousins to kangaroos.

 


Is this Panama?

Sammy, a young Wilson’s warbler, wakes up one frosty August morning near the Arctic Circle, he instinctively knows that it’s time to make his first migratory journey south to Panama. But there’s one problem — where’s Panama? Overall I loved this book! A captivating tale of adventure and discovery as Sammy embarks on his first solo migratory journey south to Panama, while encountering other animals making a similar journey on the way. A great story to educate children on how birds and animals migrate. This is one story you have to read from start to finish if you want to find out whether Sammy makes it to Panama.

 

   

Kei Reira Nga Weriweri (Where the Wild Things Are) and Kei Te Kihini O Te Po (In The Night Kitchen).

The award-winning much-loved children’s picture books Where the Wild Things Are and In The Night Kitchen have now translated into te reo Maori!, which still retains the simplicity and imagination of Maurice Sendak’s wonderful stories. Now is your chance to relive the same lively, creative stories where we join Max on his  adventure to ‘where the wild things are’ where  ‘wild rumpuses’ take place, and the pleasure of things returning to normal and Mickey’s dream of falling into cake mix and flying in a plane of bread dough to find milk for the cake batter ‘in the night kitchen’.

 

You may also like Te Tanguruhau, (The Gruffalo), The Māori language version of the children’s picture book, The Gruffalo about a clever mouse who uses the threat of a terrifying creature to keep from being eaten by a fox, an owl, and a snake, only to have to outwit that creature as well.

Just in time for Race Relations Day that takes place each year on the 21st March.

 

No superheroes: cool comic books without a cape in sight

Comic books, or graphic novels, are a new and very cool addition to our collection. We’ve got all your old favourites, like  Asterix, Lucky Luke and Tintin, but there’s plenty for you if you’d like to try something a bit different.  Superheroes are cool, but if you stick to reading about them you may miss out on some great reads! Here are a few of my favourites.

Hereville

Mirka is an eleven year old girl who lives with her family in a small Orthodox Jewish community. But, as the cover tells you, she’s not like most other girls. In first book, How Mirika got her sword, Mirka has to deal with the unruly pet pig of the local witch. In the second,  Mirka meets a meteorite,  a magical double gets her into all sorts of trouble. But it’s not just fantastic adventures; Mirka, who is hot tempered and reckless,  gets into scrapes with her family and the rest of her community and learns a lot about herself .  Her faith plays an important role in the story and you’ll learn a lot about how belief helps her when she’s feeling down.  There are only two books at the moment, but a third one is on its way.

 

A Game for swallows

A lot of graphic novels for older readers talk about the author’s lives. A game for swallows is about a girl living in Beruit during the Civil War in Lebanon which lasted for 15 years. The city of Beruit was divided and it was very dangerous to try and travel between different parts of the city.  One night, Zeina’s parents go out to visit her grandmother, who lives only a few streets away but don’t come back.  The people who live in their apartment building rally around Zeina and her brother and try to keep their spirits up while they wait for news.  Their neighbours are an interesting group of people who all have their own stories about how they came to be living there and how the war has affected them. This is book, though, is not just about sadness; it also shows how people can keep hope alive and have fun even in the hardest of times.

 

Spera

Spera follows two princesses, Lono and Pira, who go on the run after Lono’s father is killed.  Pira’s mother is an evil Queen who uses black magic, and their only chance for survival is to run to the mythical land of Spera. With them they have a shape-shifting fire spirit called Yonder, who acts as their protector, although the girls gradually learn to defend themselves. Obviously, they have many different adventures on their way, and there are more books to come.  Each different adventure is drawn by a different artist, so as well as being a good story the illustrations are amazing, matching the tone of each story being told. There’s also a second volume of Lono and Pira’s adventures.

 

 

 

The Secret of the Stone Frog

Leah and Alan are a brother and sister who suddenly wake up in a strange world.  This is nothing like you’ve ever seen before, with lions in suits, giant rabbits and talking buildings; everything’s drawn in black and white with lots of detail.  Alone and without help, they must somehow find their way back home.  If you liked Alice in Wonderland, you’ll love this book. It has the same feeling of everything being topsy-turvy and the wrong way round, and Alan and Leah have to work out the rules of this strange place, which is harder than it sounds.

 

 

Lio: there’s a monster in my socks

…and if there is, chances are Lio put it there himself. It’s fair to say that Lio’s not like other kids. He’s a mad scientist with a strange pets and a twisted sense of humour. Each of the comic shows Lio’s attempts to get even with his classmates, get by in class, or pull pranks on who ever is unlucky enough to be near him at the time.  Most of the stories are only a page long, and told in four panels of black and white drawings.  Short, easy to read, and pretty funny.  Of course, Lio doesn’t always suceed in his plans to cause chaos…

 

 

 

 

Salt Water Taffy

Jack and Benny are on vacation. Not to Disney World, not to New York, but to Chowder Bay; a sleepy small town on the coast. There’s no TV, Jack’s gameboy has run out of batteries, and their Dad needs quiet to finish his book.  They soon get dragged into a mystery (of course) and learn that Chowder Bay has all sorts of dark secrets and mysteries. But the book has its funny moments as well, and anyone who’s gone on a vanacation with just Mum and Dad and their annoying sibling (s) understand. In the first book, the boys meet an old fisherman and go off to search for a lake monster.

 

 

Amulet

What would you do with almost unlimited power? This is the question that Emily must answer when she finds an amulet that gives her powers in a strange and magical world.  She and her brother Navin set out to explore this world and rescue their mother from the grasp of the dark forces. This is a great adventure story, and once again, the first in a brilliant series. The illustrations are particularly amazing, as they are in colour and beautifully detailed.

 

 

 

 

Hilda and the Midnight Giant

The cover of this book is a bit misleading. It shows Hilda, the main character, standing among a cluster of small buildings. But Hilda isn’t the giant mentioned in the title…but to say more would ruin the story. It’s quite unique; Hilda takes the existence of creatures of elves and giants for granted. Instead of being taken to a fantasy world, she can recognise the fantastical elements of her own. The illustrations are fantastic (again) and beautiful, despite being quite simple. It’s a must read if you’re looking for a magical story that’s a bit different from all the others.  There’s also another book about Hilda, called Hilda and the Bird parade.

 

Francis Sharp in the grip of the Uncanny

A vivid imagination helps Francis escape the realities of life; he doesn’t get on with his parents and life on the farm  during the Great Depression is hard. Unfortunately, it also gets him into a lot of trouble.  He finds himself in a strange town full of strange creatures with no idea how to get home again.  He does find allies, but his arrival has been noticed. This is a great book, the first in a four part series. While you may take a while to warm up to Francis,  you’ll want to keep reading to work out the mysteries the first book sets up.