8 new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide – Part Two!

The countdown to Christmas and the end of 2016 continues.  And the new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide theme continues!

So for your reading pleasure, the library has some new non fiction available from your local library.

Check out books about what DreamWorks characters  like to eat for supper, fantastic guide on popular film and TV characters,  famous children’s authors and even more about Star Wars.

Also Kiwi Christmas song, Summer Wonderland by Ronan Keating  is now available to stream and download from all your favourite music streaming flavours. But you can’t bothered, check out the clip right here, complete so you can sing along and take part in the festive cheer while  strolling through a summer wonderland.

To recap, Summer Wonderland is a Kiwi spin on a much beloved classic Christmas carol Winter Wonderland, with a lyrical twist for the Southern Hemisphere and recorded for Air New Zealand.  This Christmas carol really showcases and beautifully captures the sprit and essence of a Kiwi Christmas of tucking into ham and pavlova, playing cricket, mozzie spray and tan marks. Check it out!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Ultimate DreamWorks Cookbook.

Trolls has finally been released in theatres and to continue the celebration, check out the ultimate DreamWorks cookbook. Have you ever wondered about the secret ingredient in Mr. Ping’s noodles? Do you know how the Croods cook their dinner or how the penguins get their bellies filled? In the Ultimate DreamWorks Cookbook you can find the answers to all of these questions, and many more. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, all are featured in this fun and nutritious cookbook from DreamWorks.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDoctor Who: A History of Humankind.

History and Doctor Who all rolled into one, Imagine that?! The doctor has corrected this Coal Hill School Hisotry textbook with his own notes and illustrations that is jammed packed full of the real history about our very special planet.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne Official Spy’s Handbook.

This one book that every potential spy needs to get it’s hands on. Covers everything that a good spy needs to know about secret codes, spy rings, dead drops, disguises, tracking, shadowing, hiding, sending message, decoding signal and observation skills.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJeff Kinney.

Read all about the man who brought Diary of a Wimpy Kid to life! Simple text and full-color photographs introduce readers to Jeff Kinney.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDr. Seuss.

Read all about the man who brought The Cat in the Hat, Horton hears a who and The Lorax to life! Simple text and full-color photography introduce beginning readers to Dr. Seuss.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMoana.

Find out everything you need to know about the newest Disney heroine, Moana, and her hero Maui, on their incredible journey across the South Pacific. Discover the beautiful locations of Oceania, including breathtaking underworlds along with frightening sea creatures! This book is packed with stunning images of Moana’s quest and provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the most thrilling moments from the movie.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsTop 10 of everything 2017.

Move over, Guinness World Records, Top 10 of everything 2017, that ranges from video games, insects, movies, sports and so on, will enthral and amaze you for hours… not days… not weeks… but all year long!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars Galactic Atlas.

Calling all Star Wars fans, here is you chance to explore a galaxy far, far away in this stunning guide to the worlds of Star Wars. This book is jam packed full of  superb full colour, covers everything from Alderaan and Naboo to Tatooine and Yavin 4, taking in the epic stories, strange creatures and glorious vistas of the entire saga. Check out the official trailer for the latest release from the Star Wars franchise: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, in which a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. Exciting!

 

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!  See you in 2017!

Children’s Christmas Fun

Santa PhotographSchool is almost finished and Christmas is just about here.  Its time to think of all that Christmas stuff you need to do before the man in the big red suit arrives.

First of all,  have you sent your Christmas letter to Santa? I’m sure you have plenty of things on your wish list.

Next you have to think about what gifts you can make for your family and friends.

Don’t forget that you can do some Christmas baking. Everyone loves baking! I think the Not-so Frosty the Snowman would be a big hit!

After that you could spend some time playing fun Christmas games.

And last but not least make sure you come along to The 12 Storytimes of Christmas at your local library.

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas everyone!

 

J002027-Library-StorytimesChirstmas-850x638px-01

 

6 new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide

December marks the first month of summer, the countdown to Christmas and the end of 2016. Let’s hope 2017 is an even better year! So for your reading pleasure, the library has some new non fiction available from your local library for lazy days in sun – if cricket doesn’t tickle your fancy or the occasional rainy days. Check out books about Marvel’s heroes, Star Wars, building your own lego creations and classic childhood favourites. Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Cuckoo and the warbler.

The cuckoo and the warbler tells the unique story of one of the most remarkable wildlife relationships in New Zealand, between pipiwharauroa, the shining cuckoo, and riroriro, the grey warbler. Although rarely seen by humans, the interaction of these two native birds is a striking example of nature’s inventiveness – a drama that comes to life through the exquisite illustrations of Heather’s hunt’s latest book.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Ultimate Peter Rabbit.

A childhood classic and favourite of all time. Journey into a world where Beatrix Potter’s creations comes to life in the gorgeous visual guide. Meet the real Peter Rabbit, (Beatrix Potter’s childhood pet), discover real life places that inspired all of Potter’s works and pore over original archive illustrations, sketches and photographs.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAwesome Lego Creations.

A must have for all the lego fans out there! Grab hold of this book and have a blast with building new lego toys, including animals, scenes and working contraptions.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Amazing Book of Star Wars.

Start your Padawan’s training off right with The Amazing Book of Star Wars, the perfect introduction for young fans to the Star Wars galaxy. Large pictures and short, simple sentences bring Star Wars to life for children as they learn about the brave heroes, helpful droids, amazing aliens, and powerful foes from the saga. Favorite characters and fascinating vehicles are explored in a fun, age-appropriate way, from Yoda and Luke Skywalker to the Millennium Falcon and BB-8″–Publisher’s website.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMaui and other Maori Legends.

A very special collection of exciting, magical Maori myths and legends of adventure and intrigue. A great resource to have on hand for Maori language week and Matariki.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMarvel : absolutely everything you need to know … 

Packed with fun facts, bizarre-but-true tales, and quirky insights into everyone’s favorite Marvel comic characters, including The Avengers, Spider-Man, and Daredevil. little-known facts and information about the iconic Marvel characters.

 

 

 

To celebrate summer and Christmas, check out this awesome clip where Irish pop star, Ronan Keating and Kiwi actor, Julian Dennison put a Kiwi spin on a much beloved classic Christmas carol Winter Wonderland, with a lyrical twist for the Southern Hemisphere and recorded for Air New Zealand.  In Summer Wonderland, the duo sing about prickles on the lawn, passing around a can of mozzie spray, and tucking into pavlova. This Christmas carol really showcases and beautifully captures the sprit and essence of a Kiwi Christmas! Check it out!

 

 

 

 

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Christmas Storytime at Johnsonville Library!

You better watch out, you better not cryJ002027-Library-StorytimesChirstmas-850x638px-01

Better not pout, I’m telling you why:

Christmas storytime is coming to town!!!

Hitch up your reindeer and come on down to Johnsonville Library on Friday 16th December  at 6.30pm for our extra special late night Christmas Storytime.

Whether you have been naughty or nice come along and enjoy some Christmas stories,  festive songs and some fun Christmas games

Come dressed up in your favourite Christmas costume,  or maybe you have some special Christmas pyjama’s that you like to wear.

Either way you will have some merry, merry fun at this free family event.

 

 

Get crafty this Christmas with homemade gifts

The giving of gifts at Christmas time is a long held and well-known tradition across the world.

Some people believe that this started as a Christian tradition to reminder us of the gifts given to baby Jesus by the three wise men at his birth. However, other records date back to ancient Roman celebrations when people thought that their generosity would bring good fortune in the year to come.

Either way, exchanging gifts has become an expectation, and Christmas can be an expensive time of year for many families. A great way to save money and make gift giving more personal is to create your own Christmas presents, and with school holidays starting in the next few weeks you might just need some extra activities to keep you busy!

Making your own gifts for Christmas also allows you to get really creative and give something your own signature style, and there are so many different directions you can go in.

Some cool ideas to get you inspired are: sweet treats like fudge or gingerbread cookies, artwork or sculptures, jewellery, candles, cosmetics or even a home-sewn soft toy. Just chuck a colourful ribbon on it and, voila! A thoughtful, inexpensive gift that your friends and family are going to love.

 

We have a great selection of Christmas craft and cooking books for kids, so head over to the catalogue to start searching and reserving your copy today!

                

The 12 Storytimes of Christmas

J002027-Library-StorytimesChirstmas-850x638px-01Come one, come all! Jump on your sleigh and slide down to your local library to get into the festive spirit at one of our special family Christmas Storytimes.

These free events are lots of fun with games and activities, carols and festive stories. We would love to see you in your best Christmas costume, or cozy pyjamas.

 

Island Bay Library: 8 Dec, 6.30pm

Karori Library: 8 Dec, 6.30pm

Brooklyn Library: 12 Dec, 6.30pm

Cummings Park (Ngaio) Library: 12 Dec, 6.30pm

Wellington Central Library: 14 Dec, 6.30pm

Wadestown Library: 15 Dec, 6.30pm

Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library: 15 Dec, 6.30pm

Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library: 15 Dec, 6.30pm

Johnsonville Library: 16 Dec, 6.30pm

Newtown Library: 16 Dec, 6.30pm

Miramar Library: 19 Dec, 6.30pm

Khandallah Library: 22 Dec, 6.30pm

 

Deck the halls! We look forward to seeing you there. (No need to book; just turn up)

4 new children’s non fiction to read during August

Impress your friends and teachers by surprising them with some new facts. Where are you going to learn these facts? From these amazing 4 new books the library has just purchased. Get your hands on them before someone else does.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSpectacular Friendship Bracelets.

Girls, this is your chance to show your friends how much you care. This book will give you step by step instructions and ideas on how to make friendship bracelets for your gal pals and add instant fashion to any outfit. This is one book that girls must get their hands on.

 

Fresh in from National Geographic:

image courtesy of syndeticsCelebrate Christmas.

This book discusses the meaning of and traditions surrounding the celebration of Christmas. Yes, I know it’s a little early for Christmas. But best to grab it while it’s still early so you can get up to date with anything and everything you want and need to know about Christmas, especially if you want to plan your Christmas get-together and/or party ASAP.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCelebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur.

If you are of and/or interested in the Jewish faith, then you might be interested in this book. Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur describes how the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are celebrated around the world.

 

 

Awfully Ancient.

image courtesy of syndeticsGory Gladiators, Savage Centurions and Caesar’s sticky end.

This book outlines the interesting and the odd – the historical and the humorous – from the beginnings of the Roman Republic to the fall of the Roman Empire

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie Review: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

image courtesy of amazon.comJust because Christmas is over doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an this all-time Christmas Classic. Join Kevin McCallister once again as he embarks on another ‘Home Alone’ journey where he accidentally boards the wrong plane and ends up in New York City instead of Florida, where the rest of his family has gone.

He has plenty of cash and credit cards to enjoy a nice stay at a posh hotel and turns the Big Apple into his own personal playground. There he meets up with the Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv, who are plotting a huge holiday heist.

It is up to Kevin to save the day die-hard style with a battery of booby traps the bumbling bandits will never forget.

Overall a fantastic movie. Better than the first! 7/10.

 

 

Top 10 Children’s Comics December 2015

Peanuts a.k.a. the Charlie Brown comics a.k.a. Snoopy has been a trusty high favourite in the  rankings. You know that Snoopy has his own christmas song? There’s also the movie! You can supplement your Christmas telly with A Charlie Brown Christmas (it even has a dance routine!).  Have some of your own Christmas routines? Let us know in the comments below.

  1. Big Nate, by Lincoln Peirce
  2. The complete Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz
  3. Pokémon, by Hidenori Kusaka
  4. Asterix, by Goscinny and Udzero
  5. Adventure time, by Ryan North
  6. Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi
  7. Chi’s sweet home, by Kanata Konami
  8. Garfield, by Mark Evanier
  9. Babymouse, by Jennifer L. Holm
  10. Uncle $crooge and Donald Duck, by Don Rosa

 

 

 

Merry Christmas from the Kids’ Blog!

We hope you have a great Christmas holiday. Us librarians will also be taking a break and having a holiday too.

 

The libraries will be closed over the Christmas and New Year long weekends. You can find the opening hours on our website.

Library storytimes are also on holiday and have now finished for 2015. They start back on the 6th of January onwards.

 

Don’t worry if you haven’t managed to stock up on your holiday reading. Our e-library is open 24/7 throughout the holidays. You can download eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics and magazines to your device.

 

Don’t forget to write Kids’ Club reviews for your reading – there are lots of prizes up for grabs. And if you happen to read a title that’s on our Summer Reading Challenge list then you’ll go into the draw for an amazing prize pack drawn at the end of January.

 

We hope you have a fun and happy festive season. See you in 20161