classic – Kids' Blog

Some great new kids fiction to read these school holidays!

admin20 July, 2018

Yay!!! It’s the School Holidays! So stock your reading shelf with these fab new books available at your local Library!

The Mystery of the Burnt Cottage ; The Find-Outers #1, by Enid Blyton

The Find-Outers is a clever mystery series from bestselling author Enid Blyton, and perfect for fans of The Secret Seven. Someone has set fire to Mr Hick’s cottage, but who could it be? Fatty, Larry, Daisy, Pip, Bets and Buster the dog have their very first case to solve. But it’s not easy being detectives with policeman Mr Goon telling them to “clear orf”. The Find-Outers are determined – they have to solve the mystery before Mr Goon does! First published in 1943, this edition contains the orginal text and is unillustrated.

The Stinky Truth by Joe Berger

It’s the school holidays and Sam and his best friend can’t wait to see Cry Wolfe, the first movie starring their favourite crime-fighting hero. But Sam’s mum has set him a challenge. He can only go and see the movie IF, and only if, he can make it through the entire holiday without telling a single fib. Can Sam go six whole weeks, without a single porky!? WARNING: contains fibs, farts and zumba-dancing mums.

Dark Tricks by Linda Chapman

Do you believe in magic? Sita and her friends do! When they meet the Star Animals, a whole world of adventure unfolds. Sita and her star animal, a deer called Willow, must use their special powers to stop the forces of dark magic. As the Star Friends’ ability to use their magic gets stronger, the forces of dark magic working against them become more intense, too. But the person using dark magic is taking risks – can the girls find out who their enemy is, and confront them once and for all?

The New Kid: Unpopular me by James O’Loghlin

“New kids aren’t cool. Everyone knows that. Eleven-year-old Sam is the new kid at school but he has a plan, or two, or three to make himself the Most popular kid ever. What you are about to read is unforgettable (frog underpants, lonely losers, human umbrellas, bad boys…). It’s bumpy (jumping out a window is never a good idea). It’s the story of kid who wants to be more.”–Back cover.

Greta Zargo and the Amoeba Monsters from the middle of the earth by A.F. Harold

Greta doesn’t know it, but weird wobbling monsters are devouring her neighbours one by one. But right now Greta’a busy trying to find her aunt, who’s gone mysteriously missing… — Adapted from back cover.

Top 10 Childrens comics September 2017

Dusty4 November, 2017

The results are in for the highest issuing comics … School antics and fantasy adventures are winners this time round. The school holidays were a really popular time at the library and now the shelves are filling up again as people return their holiday reads.

There is a new smurf comic in the library collection! Five short stories including how Smurflily came across the wall. What wall you want to know? You might have to reserve copy to find out because it’s quite a popular comic book!

Did you know that you can see the miniatures from the Thunderbirds series here in Wellington? Weta Studio Tours will give you an idea of what your comic characters look like in 3 dimensions =)

Big Nate, by Lincoln Peirce
Pokémon, by Hidenori Kusaka
Amulet series, by Kazu Kibuishi
Garfield, by Jim Davis
Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz
Adventure Time, by Ryan North
The Smurfs, by Peyo
Warriors series, by Dan Jolley
Uncle $crooge and Donald Duck, by Don Rosa
Thunderbirds, by Gerry Anderson

Happy Birthday C. S. Lewis!

admin29 November, 2016

Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland, on the 29 of November 1898 (that’s nearly 120 years ago now). His mother died when Lewis was just 10 years old, and he received his education in boarding schools and with private tutors.

As a small child, Lewis played a lot with his older brother Warren, and the two boys created an imaginary land called ‘Boxen’, which they continued for many years. Perhaps these early experiences were the inspiration for Narnia?

C. S. Lewis married once to an American writer named Joy Davidman. Joy sadly passed away from cancer only four years later. Lewis died in 1963 after suffering a heart attack, exactly one week before his 65th birthday.

Lewis was most famous for writing poetry and novels, but also worked as a university teacher. He was very spiritual as an adult, and wrote a lot about Christianity. C. S. Lewis published a total of 74 books in his lifetime for both children and adults, his most famous series being ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, which were published between 1949 and 1954 when Lewis was in his early 50s.

Since his death, C. S. Lewis’s stories have continued to be very popular and are considered to be classics in British literature. Some have even been made into movies! If you would like to read or listen to a book by C. S. Lewis, head over to the catalogue to check whether any are available in your local library, or place a free reserve.

Movie recomendations and reviews : Walt Disney from A to D

Katie15 September, 2016

Since the 1920’s. Walt Disney has brought some fantastic movies to for families’ enjoyment and entertainment, whether it is in a busy movie theatre or in the quiet comfort of your own home. I have put together a list of must see Walt Disney DVDs, in alphabetical order from A to D. Check out the list and see what movies tickle your fancy and that you want to watch during the drizzly spring weather and during the next round of school holidays.

A is for Aladdin

This movie will take you on a journey of wonders, non stop laughs, thrills and magic carpet rides. In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin battle to save (and win the heart of) the free-spirited Princess Jasmine from the schemes of the evil sorcerer Jafar. Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape shifting Genie, voiced by the late Robin Williams, appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery, love and true meaning of friendship. This movie is 100% recommended! Robin Williams owns the role of Genie and brings a comical and warm hearted presence to the story and absolutely love Princess Jasmine, who is the embodiment of a tough, no nonsense free spirit feminist who refuses to settle for less and abide by the traditions and expectations set out for her, I still recall when my best friend and I went to saw this in the movie theatre, then watched it home on video (Yes, in my day it was video cassettes instead of DVDs), singing along to the songs and wishing we too could soar away on a magical carpet ride.

B is for Brave

Another movie about another tough no nonsense Scottish heroine, named Merida, who determined to be in control of her own destiny sets off a catastrophic chain events that could affect her destiny, as well as the destiny family forever. Now this brave beauty must keep her wits and rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. Seriously, I don’t words can stress enough how much I love this film. As I have mentioned in previous posts, this is one of my favourite Pixar/Walt Disney films and a tribute to my Scottish ancestry. Have a read of my review and my post of Pixar films to be furthered sold on why this is a great movie.

C is for Cinderella and… Cinderella

There’s a saying I am very fond of, courtesy of a wise Chinese philosopher, which is “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In Walt Disney’s animated adaptation, originally released as a motion picture in 1950, the story of Cinderella is told in that context, where she undertakes a magical journey to the palace ball, taking her first step in glass slippers, to escape the life of servitude, the clutches of her abusive step-family and win the heart of the prince that begins all before the clock strikes midnight. Also you might want to check out the live-action reboot of the animated version, have a read of my review to get an idea on why this is a great DVD to watch.

D is for Dumbo

A favourite childhood classic of mine, not to mention one that I cried buckets over! A baby elephant named Dumbo is ridiculed because of his enormous ears, despite his mother’s best efforts to protect him. However a guardian angel arrives in the form of Timothy the mouse, who puts Dumbo’s tormentors in their place and helps Dumbo achieve his full potential and soar to fame as the world’s only flying elephant. A great family movie about the true meaning of friendship and celebrating individuality!

Top 10 Children’s eBooks for August 2016

Dusty29 August, 2016

Harry Potter has taken over the eBook world! The new Harry Potter story has people fascinated with the way it’s been written – just like the play! It makes the book a surprisingly quick read. Which means we’re racing through the reserve list here in the library. Good news for all the fans out there.

There are some great plays here in the library if you like the script form that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was written in. Have you been inspired to put on a play of any of your favourite stories? How did it go? Let us know in the comments.

1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J.K.Rowling

2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J.K. Rowling

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. Rowling

5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by Jack Thorn, John Tiffany and J.K. Rowling

6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling

7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling

8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling

9. The Hobbit, by J. R. R.Tolkien

10. The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kiplong

Top 10 Children’s fiction for August 2016

Dusty24 August, 2016

New releases galore on the Children’s fiction front! There is a new Tom Gates adventure, catch up with Liz Pichon’s hero at your library. And what could be on the 78th storey of Andy and Terry’s treehouse? Any one else find this series a really good way to learn their 13 times tables?

1. Diary of a wimpy kid series, by Jeff Kinney

2. Tom Gates series, by Liz Pichon

3. Treehouse series, by Andy Griffiths

4. Dirty Bertie series, by Alan MacDonald

5. Dork Diaries, by Rachel Renée Russell

6. Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford

7. The Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton

8. The BFG, by Roald Dahl

9. Matilda, by Roald Dahl

10. The hidden oracle, by Rick Riordan

Top 10 Children’s eBooks July 2016

Dusty25 July, 2016

Travelling? Your library has your back! eBooks are available if you’re moving around the city, the country or around the world!

At the top of this month’s list are the tales of the well known wizarding school Hogwarts. Four years ago a very dedicated lady built this incredible model out of Lego! Check out the photos for the details inside and out. But if you’re travelling and want to explore Hogwarts you could look through a virtual model.

Here’s your Top 10 list for July 2016

1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J. K. Rowling

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J. K. Rowling

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J. K. Rowling

5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J. K. Rowling

6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J. K. Rowling

7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J. K. Rowling

8. The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkein

9. Old School: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, by Jeff Kinney

10. The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling

Children’s DVD Reviews: Meet the Robinsons and Maleficent

Katie20 July, 2016

The school holidays are almost done. And while we have some pretty nice days so far, doesn’t mean good old Jack Frost isn’t going to pay Wellington a visit. So if are looking for some more DVDs to watch over the blistery cold periods, why not have a read of my latest reviews of Walt Disney’s movies: Meet the Robinsons and Maleficent, (which aired on TV 2 last weekend),and see if they appeal to you. But you better get your hands on these DVDs quick … before someone else does! I promise you these movies deliver on what Disney does best: Excitement, adventure, action and… a happy ending!

Meet The Robinsons

If you have seen and liked The Incredibles, then this is another Disney movie you must see.

Described as the ‘Back to the Future’ for kids, Meet the Robinsons takes you on a journey that the whole family can enjoy. Lewis is an orphan and brilliant inventor who meets mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, whisking Lewis away in a time machine and together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy, who wants to destroy Lewis in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate that has a huge impact on Lewis’, Wilbur’s and even the Bowler Hat Guy’s future.

I found the film very funny and exciting. The Robinsons are an eccentric family headed by the mysterious patriarch and tech mogul genius, Cornelius Robinson, who Wilbur jokes looks like Tom Selleck. Everyone is strange and unique in their own way, from Frannie – Wilbur’s ‘no-nonsense’ Mum, who conducts frog band, Grandpa who wears his clothes backward, twins Dimitri and Spike who stay in flower pots and Carl a talking robot like C-3PO. But what touched me most about this film the “keep moving forward” motto throughout the film.

I rate this movie: 7/10

Extra: The movie also features a fantastic quote from Walt Disney himself: “Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Walt Disney, Film Producer, Director, Animator, Entrepreneur

Maleficent

This is Sleeping Beauty as you have never seen it before.

The story of Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” is different from its predecessor. But more importantly this story focuses on the evil fairy/villain in the original story, Maleficent. In this version, Maleficent, (Angelina Jolie), who was originally a good fairy and protector of the fairy lands called the Moors, becomes a vengeful, bad fairy, (or ‘turns to the dark side’ in tradition Darth Vader style), after she is betrayed by King Stefan.

To pay him back, she curses his daughter, the infant princess Aurora to a ‘sleep like death’ which she can only awaken from by ‘true love’s kiss’. However things become complicated when Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well. To add more complication to the mix, Maleficent, acting as a surrogate mother, becomes fond of Aurora!

Throughout the film, Maleficent experiences conflict, similar to iconic Star Wars villain, Darth Vader, whether being trapped in the dark side is permanent or whether there is still good in her… and she will save the day.

Overall I found the film very entertaining and without question, does it’s predecessor justice. Lots of things you can expect from a Disney movie: Excitement, adventure, action and… a happy ending!

I rate this movie: 7/10

Extra: While you’re at it, why not grab Sleeping Beauty to watch alongside this movie:

Great children’s movies based on Roald Dahl’s books.

Katie19 July, 2016

The wintery-est of school holidays have started. Are you still stumped on what DVDs to watch during the coldest and blistery of days? With the release of The BFG, based on the lovable story by Roald Dahl, why not go down to your local library and check out some other movies, based on his novels:

Fantastic Mr Fox.

An urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers’ retaliation.

Trivia: Roald Dahl allegedly fashioned Mr Fox after himself.

James and the Giant Peach.

An orphan with terrible aunts for guardians, befriends human like bugs who live inside a giant peach, who take the boy on a journey to New York City.

Trivia: The lyrics for the song “Eating the Peach” were written by Roald Dahl.

Matilda.

Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable.

Trivia: The picture of Miss Honey’s father, Magnus, is actually a portrait of Roald Dahl, the author of the book “Matilda,” upon which the film is based.

DOUBLE TAKE ALERT!

Believe it or not, there are two versions of the same movie adapted from Roald Dahl’s novels. Which version tickles your fancy? Original vs. Remake? You decide!

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) vs. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (2005)

Both DVDs are the same story, but made different years, which is about a young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world’s most unusual candy maker. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is an afternoon-delight film that the whole family can enjoy and is indeed a classic, that follows the story roughly to a tee. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is also a brighter and more colourful film, though it still manages to show the darker side of the story.

Trivia: Roald was reportedly so angry with the treatment of his book (mainly stemming from the massive rewrite by David Seltzer) that he refused permission for the book’s sequel, “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator”, to be filmed.

The BFG (Animated DVD) vs. The BFG (2016 film.)

*** Please be aware that the 2016 film version of The BFG is not yet available at Wellington City Libraries. The DVD release date is yet to be confirmed ***

A girl named Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kind-hearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children.

bfg 2016 Trivia: Roald Dahl has a granddaughter named Sophie, who is an English author and former fashion model.

Trivia: Roald Dahl dedicated The BFG to his late daughter, Olivia, who died of measles at age seven in 1962.

Extra recommendation: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay to this fantastic movie, based on the novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car, by Ian Fleming, the same guy, (believe it or not), who wrote the James Bond series! The movie is about a down-on-his-luck inventor, (played by Dick Van Dyke, who also played Bert in Mary Poppins), turns a broken-down car into a fancy vehicle for his children, and then they go off on a magical fantasy adventure to save their grandfather in a far-off land.

Trivia: Roald Dahl also wrote the screenplay to the James Bond movie, You Only Live Twice.

Top 10 Children’s eBooks for June 2016

Dusty15 July, 2016

The Jungle book has reached the Top 10 for eBooks! Looks like heaps of people might have watched the movie and wanted to find out about the book.

The characters in the Jungle Book have great names from the Hindi language. The name of Mowgli’s wolf mother Raksha means protection and Shere Khan means Tiger leader.

Can you find out what some of the other names mean? Let us know in the comments.

1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling