coding

8 New Non Fiction that will unleash your inner play, creativity and jedi.

Katie

Hey Kids! The school holidays may be over, but the fun hasn’t stopped here at the library. We have some fantastic new junior non fiction that will unleash your inner play, creativity and jedi! This week’s post features books related to Star Wars, toys for boys and girls, minecraft, and so much more. Also featured is special Star Wars themed surprise… wait for it… The latest trailer to Star Wars: The Last Jedi! YAY! This movie is scheduled to be released on the 14th of December. An excellent treat during the summer holidays and Christmas! Time to grab your tickets, because judging by this trailer, it looks to be an awesome, action packed movie… with more fight scenes, jedi training and Luke Skywalker himself!

Enjoy… and may the force be with you!

Star Wars Made Easy.

“Get a handle on the world’s most popular saga with quick Q&As and at-a-glance illustrations. You’ll never confuse a Jedi and a Jawa again!” –P.4 of cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars : absolutely everything you need to know.

Provides fans of the Star Wars movies and television programs with lists, facts, and trivia about the characters and settings in the films and includes behind the scenes information about how the films were made.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars coding projects.

Star Wars Coding Projects is a step-by-step visual guide to coding fun projects in Scratch and shows you everything you need to know to create cool computer projects, animations, and games.

 

 

 

See the latest trailer to Star Wars: The Last Jedi down below! Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsWWE : absolutely everything you need to know.

This is a book that boys and WWE fans will want to get their hands on! This book is full of fantastic facts, incredible information, and uncanny trivia about everything in the WWE Universe.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe amazing book of My little pony.

Not to worry girls, here is a special book that you will wants to get your hands on! Children will love discovering more about the land of Equestria in this early years reference book. Large pictures, fun fold-out pages with extra large images, and short, simple sentences bring the characters to life for children ages 5 and older. Favorite My Little Pony characters, including Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Princess Celestia, and locations are explored in a fun way. Includes fantastic giant poster featuring a collection of My Little Pony characters. This book takes me back to my childhood!

image courtesy of syndeticsMaster the art of fidget spinning.

“Tap into the phenomenon of fidget spinning with the world’s first book dedicated to the tens of millions who spin for pleasure, relaxation or focus today. First invented as a tool to help restless, ADHD or autistic children focus, the finger spinner was designed with skateboard bearings to achieve spin. It quickly became a fad and then a global craze that is also making its way into the corporate toy market”–Back cover.

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft: Guide to Redstone.

Pick up the basics of the redstone components and their uses, discover how to make working circuits, and create incredibly complex builds using your new skills. With insider info and tips from the experts at Mojang, this is the definitive guide to redstone in Minecraft.

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsUltimate LEGO Star Wars.

This is a complete, unrivaled encyclopedia of the LEGO Star Wars theme. Fans will have an all-encompassing companion to the LEGO Star Wars cultural phenomenon. Produced in large format and featuring beautiful imagery, this is an indispensable guide for young fans and a stunning reference work for adults.

 

5 New Non Fiction to read during the school holidays!

Katie

We are into week two of the school holidays and the library has more new non fiction in the collection. Check out the new books featured in this post about learning how to code (for girls), New Zealand and Japanese poetry and wonders that will blow your mind!

Enjoy!

Girls who code : learn to code and change the world.

This book introduces the relevance of coding and shares down-to-earth explanations about coding principles and real-life stories of women programmers who work at such places as Pixar and NASA. image courtesy of syndetics

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAre you an echo? : the lost poetry of Misuzu Kaneko.

In early-1900s Japan, Misuzu Kaneko grew from a precocious bookworm to an instantly-beloved children’s poet, but her life ended prematurely and her work was largely forgotten. Decades later, her poems were rediscovered just in time to touch a new generation devastated by the tsunami of 2011. This volume includes a biography of Kaneko followed by a selection of her poems in both English and the original Japanese.

image courtesy of syndeticsDesign, animate, and create with computer graphics.

Learn how to design, animate and create incredible computer graphics using free software. With easy-to-follow, illustrated step-by-step instructions, create all types of projects, from Pop Art posters and photo cubes to game animations and a 3D city. Inspiration is offered from key artists, from the graffiti art of Banksy to the geometric art of Piet Mondrian. Each of the five chapters focuses on a key area of computer graphics, explaining the concepts and how to use the software, then offering projects that progress in difficulty from simple to “wow”. Instructions are always easy to understand, with possible areas of confusion picked out.

imgae courtesy of synedticsTop 10 of everything 2017.

“History, pop culture, nature, sports, geography, random oddities :With more than 300 pages, this quirky collection of lists includes just about everything you didn’t know you wanted to know. Get ready to learn about the fattest herbivores, canyons much deeper than the Grand Canyon, the hugest creepy crawlers (eek!), a record-breaking hot air balloon ride, and which animals you never want to race … because you will lose”–Amazon.ca.

image courtesy of syndeticsAnnual 2 : a New Zealand miscellany.

By popular demand, the Annual is back! Jam packed full of an intrepid mix of fiction, comics, poems, essays, art and high jinks for 9 to 13 year olds! All-new content from New Zealand’s best writers and illustrators, commissioned and edited by Kate De Goldi and Susan Paris.

 

8 New Non Fiction to step into spring with.

Katie

Hey kids. Winter is nearly at an end. Come on down to your local library to check out the latest new non fiction to step into spring with!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding Projects in Python.

A fantastic resource that provides simple steps on how to write in code in the popular programming language, Python that will kick start your coding journey where you can improve your programming skills and learn to create, remix and customise your own projects.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDinosaurs.

A lively introduction to the mighty beasts that once ruled the world, where children can lift the flaps to learn about what life was like back then. Young readers will be amazed as they find out how dinosaurs hunted and defended themselves, the ways in which the landscape continued to change, which dinosaurs made the best mothers, and much, much more. This book features over 30 sturdy flaps to lift.

image courtesy of syndeticsPokemon deluxe essential handbook : the need-to-know stats and facts on over 700 Pokemon.

This book shares facts on over seven hundred Pokemon and includes information on the new Kalos characters and the Mega Evolved Pokémon.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMoana: The Essential Guide.

Read this book and 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 information and  images of Moana’s quest and provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the most thrilling moments from the movie. Overall, I think this book is amazing and serves as a wonderful companion alongside the movie. It is also a great learning tool to help young girls begin their path to finding themselves and becoming strong and emerging leaders.

image courtsy of syndeticsThe Travel Book.

It’s never too early to plan your O.E. This book will certainly help you on your way to help you plan your trip by making sure you are aware of every country in the world and help you get ideas on what places you would like to visit. You will also find out information about thousands of amazing facts on wildlife, how people live, sports, food, festivals and a wide range of other quirky insights on every page. Every single country gets its own dedicated page, and a mix of wow photography and beautiful illustrations brings each land to life. For readers aged 8 years and up.

image courtesy fo sydneticsHow to be good at Math.

This book offers illustrated, step-by-step explanations of mathematical concepts needed for ages seven to eleven, and grades two to five.– Source other than Library of Congress.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJason and the Argonauts.

“The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the earliest recorded Greek myths. Here, master artist Robert Byrd has created a striking telling of the legend for a new generation of readers. Complete with explanatory notes and illustrated back matter, Jason and the Argonauts traces each step of our hero’s journey, from the Golden Fleece’s origin story and Jason’s childhood to his triumphant return with the prize and eventual death. Deftly designed to accommodate glorious large pictures and captioned insets, the book is not only a great story, but a wealth of information about ancient Greece”–Publisher.

image courtesy of sydneticsStar Wars: Drawing Manual.

The Star Wars drawing book that no Star Wars fan should be without. Learn to draw the iconic starships, droids, and speeders of the Star Wars saga, including the X-wing, Millennium Falcon, Star Destroyer, TIE Interceptor, Slave I, BB-8, AT-AT and more. Follow clear, step-by-step instructions to complete 15 stunning projects from a galaxy, far, far away. Each drawing sits on a perspective grid that will help you to see what your drawings will look like as three-dimensional objects. The grid consists of a vanishing point with perspective lines leading away from it. Star rankings are also provided to indicate the difficulty level of each drawing. There are hours of entertainment for Star Wars fans young and old. Look out for Star Wars: Dot to Dot; Star Wars: Art Therapy Colouring Book; Star Wars: Doodles; Star Wars: Galaxy of Colouring; and, Star Wars: Colouring by Numbers.

New Non Fiction: Junior Non Fiction to get you started on your journey to Beyond the Page.

Katie

Hey Kids! Hope you enjoyed some of the fabulous events at the Beyond the Page Festival. Check out some junior non fiction books to help you follow up some of the events that took place at this memorable festival. Hopefully your creativity, literary and digital knowledge has been inspired. This post kicks off with books on coding – to collaborate with the Meet The Robots and Lego Challenge.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding Games in SCRATCH.

Coding computer programs is one of the most valuable skills for anyone to have. Written for children with little to no coding experience, Coding Games with Scratch guides children through building platform games, puzzles, racers, and 3-D action games. Schools have incorporated computer coding into their curriculum, beginning as early as kindergarten to ensure students understand the languages and uses of computer coding. The step-by-step guides are simple and easy to follow with Minecraft-style pixel art. Children will learn essential coding skills while having fun and creating games to play with their friends. The many different styles and types of games are covered, such as classic and arcade games. When people learn to code in Scratch, they learn important strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas. Coding Games with Scratch empowers children to be creative and to have fun while teaching them practical real-life skills. Great for ages 9 to 12 years old.

Also check out:

image courtesy of syndeticsComputer coding games for kids.

Your kids will be building computer games and learning code in no-time with ‘Computer coding games for kids’. Kids can enter the world of programming in this illustrated guide packed with step-by-step explanations showing kids how to build all types of games, from puzzles and racers to 3D action games. The perfect way to introduce a reluctant child to coding, ‘Computer coding games for kids’ shows kids how to have fun with Scratch by creating games. Simple instructions and graphics breakdown coding with Scratch so kids learn all the code they need to build, play and share their favourite games with friends.

image courtesy of syndeticsHelp your kids with computer coding : a unique step-by-step visual guide, from binary code to building games.

This unique guide is full of fun exercises and helpful tips that will help children learn all aspects of coding. Step-by-step explanations make the complex art of programming clear, teaching the basics of JavaScript, Python, and C++. Eventually building to more advanced projects, Help Your Kids with Computer Coding will have children and parents alike creating their own games, apps, 3-D models, animations, and websites in no time. 

image courtesy of syndetics365 Things to do with Lego Bricks.

“365 Things to Do with LEGO® Bricks inspires you to look at your LEGO bricks in new and exciting ways. This interactive book features imaginative play and building ideas, from LEGO projects that take just a few minutes and require a handful of bricks to inspirational build ideas and activities to keep you occupied for hours. Visual tips and advice from LEGO fan builders will encourage you to get creative and have fun while learning new building skills such as building your own LEGO pet, challenging your friends to make the tallest LEGO tower against the clock, and creating a LEGO treasure hunt. 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks is full of games and activities that will keep you busy every day of the year, “–Amazon.com.

image courtesy of sydneticsThe Lego Ideas Book: Unlock your imagination.

Features all-new LEGO® building projects, tips to supplement and enhance your LEGO creations, inspirational builds, and expert advice from LEGO Master Builders.

10 New Non Fiction: Heroes-Gaming-Mythology-Programming Winter Madness at the library!

Katie

School holidays are around the corner and Wellington City Libraries is bursting with Junior Non Fiction on their shelves for your viewing pleasure and entertainment. All the resources you need to get schooled up on folklore, mythology, coding, computer programing and much, much more! Let the heroes-gaming-mythology-programming winter madness at the library begin!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsDC Comics Super Heroes: The Awesome Guide.

“Ever wondered where Superman got his powers, or how The Flash became so speedy? Or why Wonder Woman flies an Invisible Jet, and why Batman has so many cool vehicles? All the answers and more can be found in this totally awesome guide to LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes. Discover the origins of the Justice League and their secret identities. Gasp at the amazing superpowers and learn all about their incredible collections of gadgets and vehicles. Who will win the fight between good and evil? It’s time to find out!”

 

image courtesy of syndetics

The amazing book of Marvel Spider-Man.

Now that you have had your DC fix, why not have some Marvel for added measure. Check out this amazing book on Spiderman, his friends and foes. A great resource to have on hand just in time for Spiderman: Homecoming. Check out the trailer down below.


image courtesy of syndeticsTimeline : a visual history of our world.

Translated from the Dutch. Originally published under the title ‘Tijdlijn’.

 

 

 

Multicultural Stories from…

image courtesy of syndetics India.

A collection of traditional stories retold from the folktales and epics of India, including “Dead Man Walking,” “Valmiki–the Highway Poet,” and “The Goddess with her Hands Full.”

 

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsWest Africa.

From the flesh-eating ghosts to the fearsome Sasabonsam Monster and the tale of a man named Hate-to-be-contradicted, these exciting stories are about tricks and magic, cunning heroes and wicked villains, and the threats of terrifying ghost.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft: Guide to Exploration.

The mysterious world of Minecraft is just waiting to be explored. But danger lurks around every corner and survival can prove difficult for even the bravest adventurer. The official Minecraft Guide to Exploration from Mojang will help you to survive and thrive. You’ll learn how to find resources, craft equipment and protect yourself from hostile mobs. Discover which biomes to avoid when starting out, how to build a mob-proof shelter and where to look for naturally-generated structures laden with loot. With insider info and tips from the experts at Mojang, this is the definitive guide to exploration and survival in Minecraft.

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon Encyclopedia.

“This up-to-date, comprehensive encyclopedia features: fascinating facts and figures about Pokémon and their world; the definitive reference for key characters, battles and places; every region, including Kalos; Pokémon life lessons; Ash’s story, his friends … and enemies!”–Back cover.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCool mythology : filled with fantastic facts for kids of all ages.

This fun book is a fascinating introduction to world mythology, broken up into handy bite-sized chunks. It covers all the main world mythologies, including Sumerian, Incan, African, Native American, African, Egyptian, Persian, Hindu, Norse and, of course, Greek and Roman, including the famous Olympians (Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and others). It begins with a selection of creation myths from different cultures (for example the Dreamtime of Aboriginal Australian mythology) and delves into individual stories from mythology, such as Perseus meeting Medusa and Pandora’s box. It covers fantastical mythological creatures from the fearsome Manticore from Persian legend to the modern-day Yeti, plus giants, dragons and the Phoenix. It explores mythological places like Atlantis and various versions of the afterlife, from the idyllic Arthurian Avalon to the rather less pleasant Yomi, the dark and gloomy underworld of Japanese mythology. Ancient myths are still relevant to today’s society, explaining traditions and giving lasting moral lessons.

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding Games in SCRATCH.

Coding computer programs is one of the most valuable skills for anyone to have. Written for children with little to no coding experience, Coding Games with Scratch guides children through building platform games, puzzles, racers, and 3-D action games. Schools have incorporated computer coding into their curriculum, beginning as early as kindergarten to ensure students understand the languages and uses of computer coding. The step-by-step guides are simple and easy to follow with Minecraft-style pixel art. Children will learn essential coding skills while having fun and creating games to play with their friends. The many different styles and types of games are covered, such as classic and arcade games. When people learn to code in Scratch, they learn important strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas. Coding Games with Scratch empowers children to be creative and to have fun while teaching them practical real-life skills. Great for ages 9 to 12 years old and great to have on hand for the ‘Meet The Robots’ event at your local library.

Also check out:

image courtesy of syndeticsComputer coding games for kids.

Your kids will be building computer games and learning code in no-time with ‘Computer coding games for kids’. Kids can enter the world of programming in this illustrated guide packed with step-by-step explanations showing kids how to build all types of games, from puzzles and racers to 3D action games. The perfect way to introduce a reluctant child to coding, ‘Computer coding games for kids’ shows kids how to have fun with Scratch by creating games. Simple instructions and graphics breakdown coding with Scratch so kids learn all the code they need to build, play and share their favourite games with friends.

image courtesy of syndeticsHelp your kids with computer coding : a unique step-by-step visual guide, from binary code to building games.

This unique guide is full of fun exercises and helpful tips that will help children learn all aspects of coding. Step-by-step explanations make the complex art of programming clear, teaching the basics of JavaScript, Python, and C++. Eventually building to more advanced projects, Help Your Kids with Computer Coding will have children and parents alike creating their own games, apps, 3-D models, animations, and websites in no time. 

5 new children’s non fiction for Term 4

Katie

Term 4 has started and the library has some new and exciting non fiction books for your viewing and reading pleasure. This blog post features non fiction about celebrating diversity, unleashing your inner graphic novelist and techno wiz and  reciting poetry and nursery rhymes on a midsummer’s evening. Why not take a look at these books and decide a trip to the library is in order. Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPride: Celebrating Diversity and Community.

Read all about Pride Day, which is a celebration about embracing diversity and fighting for freedom and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people around the world.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to make Awesome Comics.

For the avid comic lover, this book could be considered the holy grail of comics! Read this book and get the chance to become a comic ‘Jedi’ master where your innovative ideas, plot and stories for comics comes to life! Learn how to invent awesome characters, tell thrilling stories and best of all, how to draw so you can make your very own awesome comic!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA poem for every night of the year.

This is probably one of the most beautiful books I have seen all year in the junior non fiction collection. This is a magnificent collection of 366 poems to share for every night of the year. The poems – together with introductory paragraphs – have a link to the date on which they appear. Shakespeare celebrates midsummer night, Maya Angelou International Women’s Day and Lewis Carroll April Fool’s day. Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family, it contains a full spectrum of poetry from familiar favourites to exciting contemporary voices.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCreate with Code.

Collaborate with your friends and start your very own CoderDojo Nano club, with its own website! In this handbook, covering HTML, CSS and JavaScript, you will find clear, step-by-step instructions, followed up by open-ended prompts and challenges which encourage the reader to take the initiative.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Puffin Book of Nursery Rhymes.

Complete with beautiful illustrations by Raymond Briggs, the much-loved creator of The Snowman, this favourite classic of nursery rhymes is now available for a whole new generation of children. With over 250 nursery rhymes, including both well-known favourites and hidden gems, this collection has something for every child.

 

 

 

Want to learn how to code?

admin

Feb 2016 workshop posterThen come along to these coding workshops in February:

Adults: Monday 22 February, 9.30am-3.30pm, Mezzanine Meeting Room, Central Library

Ages 10-14: Tuesday 23 February, 9.30am-3.30pm, Mezzanine Meeting Room, Central Library

Ages 10-14: Thursday 25 February, 9.30am-3.30pm, Mezzanine Meeting Room, Central Library

Ages 15-18: Friday 26 February, 9.30am-3.30pm, Mezzanine Meeting Room, Central Library

 

Here’s your chance to make the next Flappy Bird by learning game strategy, coding and heaps more at these FREE workshops run by Gamefroot!

Registrations are essential and need to be completed online. Places are limited.