christmas – Kids' Blog

Top 5 must-see Christmas DVDs for Children

Katie21 December, 2015

It’s coming close to Christmas Day, have you picked up a Christmas themed DVD to watch during the holiday season? Check this weeks (and final) Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs blog post for the year!

1. Get Santa.

It looks like Santa (Jim Broadbent) has got himself in a bit of a pickle when he crashes his sleigh in a garden shed, his reindeer are found running loose through the streets of London, and to top things off he is wanted by the police! Desperate to return to Lapland in time for Christmas, Santa asks Tom (Kit Connor) and his dad Steve (Rafe Spall) for help. Overall, a hilarious and heartwarming Christmas adventure for the whole family

2. Nativity!

What started as a simple school nativity play turns into a royal fiasco of quarrelling parents and over-excited children, when primary school teacher Paul Maddens boasts that his ex-girlfriend Jennifer, a Hollywood Producer, is coming to see his show with a view to turning it into a film. (Major lie!). Maddens’ only hope is to get back in touch with Jennifer and lure Hollywood to town so that everybody’s Christmas wishes come true.

3. Santa Claws : it’s a holiday cat-astrophe!

If you are a cat lover, this is one movie to snuggle up with your kitty and some popcorn to watch! When Santa suffers a major allergic reaction where he can’t fly the sleigh or deliver presents anymore, it’s up to a litter of kittens to deliver the rest of the presents to all the boys and girls before sunrise and save Christmas.

4. The Original Christmas Classics.

Check out the amazing selection of your favourite Christmas movies which include Frosty the snowman (1969) — Frosty returns (1992) — The legend of Frosty the snowman (2004) — Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer — Mr. Magoo’s Christmas carol — Cricket on the hearth — Santa Calus is comin’ to town — The little drummer boy.

5. It’s a very merry Muppet Christmas movie.

Join Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang in this heart-warming holiday classic, where the Muppets discover what matters most is their love for each other, even when things go wrong. This movie also features a celebrity cast including David Arquette, Joan Cusack and Whoopi Goldberg, and a show-stopping musical numbers like ‘Moulin Scrooge!’ Overall a funny, uplifting, heart-warming holiday classic that will bring joy to the world every Christmas season! You can’t go wrong with a Muppets movie!

On behalf of the Children’s team at Wellington City Libraries, we would love to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year!

Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs for Children!

Katie16 December, 2015

Brace yourself this week for another round Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs! to watch over the Christmas break!

1. The Naughty List.

A very cute story about two elves and a reindeer that land themselves on the dreaded “Naughty List.” But when the entire the North Pole comes down with food poisoning, they must redeem their Naughty List status by finding a way to save Christmas. This film will make you think again about doing anything naughty during Christmas.

2. Home Alone : The Holiday Heist.

In the fifth and final instalment in the Home Alone franchise, Ten-year-old Finn Baxter thinks his family’s new house in Maine is haunted. But the truth might be even scarier. A trio of thieves are after a priceless painting hidden in a secret room by the previous owner. So when Finn and his sister find themselves home alone, Finn rigs up an elaborate array of techno-gadgets and booby traps to protect his pad from the bumbling criminals trying to break inches. Overall a great film that can be enjoyed by all ages and an even greater finish to the Home Alone franchise.

3. Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas.

Join Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Peaches and Scat during this holiday season in Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas. When Sid accidentally destroys Manny’s heirloom Christmas rock and ends up on Santa’s “naughty list,” he leads a hilarious quest to the North Pole to make things right – and ends up making things much worse. Now it’s up to Manny and his prehistoric posse to band together and save Christmas for the entire world! Over 25 minutes of humour, laughter and holiday cheer from start to finish. Anyone who is a fan of the Ice Age movies will love this!

4. Arthur Christmas.

On Christmas at the North Pole, Santa’s youngest son looks to use his father’s high-tech operation for an urgent mission. Overall a very humorous and heart-warming story. A great one to watch with the entire family.

5. My Little Pony : A very Minty Christmas.

For all you Little Pony fans, check out their Christmas themed movie. The “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane” is an important part of Ponyville – it’s the beacon that shows Santa Claus the way to the town during the holiady rounds each year. But when Minty accidentally breaks it, Minty is determined to do anything tov save Christmas, and together with all of her friends, they discover that Christmas can come any way.

Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs for Children

Katie11 December, 2015

In the mood for a Christmas themed DVD to watch during the holiday season? Check this weeks Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs!

1. Home Alone.

One of my favourite movies from childhood. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without youngest son, 8-year-old Kevin, (Macaulay Culkin) uses being ‘home alone’ to his advantage, by doing all his favourite things, eating his favourite food and finally being ‘the man of the house.’ But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home. A Die Hard movie for kids!

2. Elf : Buddy’s musical Christmas.

Based on the Broadway musical based on the hit Christmas movie, tells the story of Buddy the elf and his quest to reunite with the human father he never knew existed. While Buddy’s sincerity and idealism are commonplace at the North Pole, these attributes are rejected in cynical New York City. But through song, dance, and relentless good cheer, Buddy rekindles the spirit of Christmas for the entire city.

3. The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Based on Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s named Scrooge’s, (played brilliantly by Michael Caine) path to redemption on Christmas Eve. Another childhood favourite featuring talented actor and the Muppets.

4. The Polar Express.

Based on the beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is about a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

5. Miracle on 34^th Street.

The holiday season is in full swing when a cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes, an ample belly and a snowy beard is hired as Macy’s department store Santa. He claims his name is Kris Kringle and soon fills everyone with Christmas spirit… except for his boss, Doris Walker, who’s raising her daughter to not believe in Santa. But when Kringle is declared insane put on trial, everyone’s faith is put to the test as young and old alike face the age-old question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Ho Ho Ho! Get your stockings ready… Christmas is coming!

admin12 November, 2015

We want to get in the festive season with you at our 12 Storytimes of Christmas.

Catch a sleigh ride into your local library between December 7th and 18th for a special festive family storytime. Come in your pyjamas or favourite Christmas costume for songs, stories and fun for the festive season.

Cummings Park Library: 7-Dec, 6pm
Island Bay Library: 10-Dec, 10.30am
Khandallah Library: 10-Dec, 6pm
Wadestown Library: 10-Dec, 6pm
Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie): 10-Dec, 6pm
Newtown Library: 11-Dec, 6pm
Miramar Library: 14-Dec, 6pm
Brooklyn Library: 14-Dec, 6pm
Central Library: 16-Dec, 6pm
Karori Library: 17-Dec, 6pm
Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library: 17-Dec, 6pm
Johnsonville Library: 18-Dec, 6pm

These storytimes are free, and perfect for the whole family. No bookings required.

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction for January

Dusty5 February, 2015

There are some truly dedicated fans out there – Star Wars, Lego, Minecraft people I’m looking at you!

1. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

2. The LEGO ideas book, by Daniel Lipkowitz

3. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

4. Lego Star Wars, by Simon Beecroft

5. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

6. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

7. Horrible Christmas, by Terry Deary

8. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler

9. Star wars, the clone wars, by Jason Fry

10. Star Wars rebels, by Adam Bray

A Very Merry Khandallah Christmas

admin5 January, 2015

Little Khandallah Library had a super cute Christmas storytime! The children had heaps of fun singing carols, doing a Christmas quiz and listening to the presenter, Raissa, read cool festive books from our collection.

Raissa read ‘I’m Not Santa’ by Jonathan Allen. I know those Baby Owl books are very funny. Here’s the blurb:

“Baby Owl is just out in the snowy woods, playing with his sled… so why does Baby Hare insist on mistaking him for Santa? Is Santa the only one allowed to wear a red hat? And doesn’t Baby Hare know the difference between a sled and a sleigh?

It’ll take no less than a surprise visit from the jolly old man himself to settle this case of mistaken identity!” Goodreads.

Raissa read a swashbuckling version of A Night Before Christmas. It’s predictably named ‘A Priate’s Night Before Christmas’ I personally think it’s so cool to see a girl pirate bringing Christmas cheer to her fierce crew.

Here’s a description of what’s in store: “Young mateys will find plenty of holiday joy in this humorous, colorful, and thoroughly piratical version of the beloved Clement C. Moore classic. On this ship of mischievous brigands—who have visions of treasure chests, not sugarplums, dancing in their heads—you wouldn’t expect a visit from nice St. Nick. Instead, here comes Sir Peggedy, with his peg leg and hook arm, cracking his whip and driving eight giant seahorses: Salty, Scurvy, Sinbad, Mollie, Cutthroat, Cross-Eyes, Roger, and Jolly.” Goodreads.

Raissa also read ‘Dinosaur Vs. Santa’ . This is from a hilarious series of books where Dinosaur verses many different things including bedtime and school. Dinosaur always wins because, well, he can roar and others things can’t.

Here’s the blurb from this cool read: “Dinosaur is getting ready for Santa! He tackles many challenges–decorating, making presents for Mom and Dad, trying not to be naughty–and defeats each one with his trademark ROAR! But on Christmas Eve, when he hears some rustling downstairs, he can’t resist a peek. Will our feisty red friend meet his match in the man in the red suit? Complete with sparkly silver foil on the front cover and a removable letter to Santa for little ones to personalize, this funny and sweet book is a must-have for the holiday season.” Goodreads.

The 13 people who came along to the storytime had a lovely time. Do keep your eyes peeled for future evening events at Khandallah Library!

xmas3l

Christmas Storytime at Johnsonville Library

debbie4 January, 2015

We had a wonderful time at our jam packed Christmas storytime at Johnsonville Library last week.

Along with Christmas stories, songs, mystery Christmas presents and giant Christmas crackers we had a visit from a very important guest. Santa had made a very special winter wonderland where all the children were able to visit and chat with him. He even had some special treats.

Check out our pictures.

Merry Christmas!

admin24 December, 2014

Baubles Merry Christmas to everyone, we hope you have a wonderful day!

We librarians get a break too, so all libraries will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. All you eager readers will be happy to know that we’ll be open again on the 27th of December.

For those that can’t wait, you can download eBooks and eAudiobooks from our eLibrary.

Christmas non-fiction for children

Katie15 December, 2014

It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. Check out some of the huge collection of non-fiction books that Wellington City Libraries has to offer!

Craft it up Christmas!

10 minute Christmas crafts.

Christmas things to stitch and sew.

Craft it up : Christmas around the world : 35 fun craft projects inspired by traveling adventures.

Cooking up a Christmas Storm!

Christmas cooking.

Christmas cookies! : a holiday cookbook.

Christmas fairy cooking.

Christmas Carols.

The Usborne book of Christmas carols.

My very first Christmas carols.

Fun facts and Information about Christmas.

Horrible Christmas.

Christmas.

The Usborne Christmas treasury.

Christmas reads

debbie12 December, 2014

If you are looking for some great books to read over Christmas then you might like to check out some of these Christmas titles having recently arrived by reindeer!

It is Christmas Eve, and the Famous Five are very excited about their mountain of presents – even Timmy! But when Timmy barks furiously he is sent outside, leaving a thief free to steal all the presents. Can Timmy still manage to save the day?

Meet Billy….he’s Bonkers! The Christmas celebrations have begun! But Bill gets trapped by a snowman, weed on by a puppy and burped on by his relatives, he decides….it’s a totally crazy Christmas!

The Bell family are preparing for the best Christmas ever until Olivia and Jo’s cat Bonnie goes missing! Can Lulu help her friends find Bonnie before Christmas Eve?

Emma Jacks is Agent EJ10. She goes to Spy School. Christmas can be full of surprises – even at Spy School! Join EJ10 on a special Christmas lesson!

Jacqueline Wilson Christmas Cracker is packed with brilliant Christmas stories, including a brand-new tale from classic favourite Tracey Beaker where Tracey gets the lead part in her Christmas play! There are festive puzzles, tasty Christmas recipes, perfect present tips, and fun Christmas facts.

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