There is at least one more week of being in Level 3 lock-down. Why not make the most of that week by checking out more awesome amazing comics, graphic novels, cartoon strips and manga through our Kids’ Reading Room on Overdrive! Check out titles such as:
For Whom the Ball Rolls (Dog Man Volume 7) by Dav Pilkey.
Dog Man has to overcome while having to fight an all-new supervillain! As always Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Dog Man series delivers on its promise of appealing to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of doing good.
Join the Babysitters club in Boy Crazy Stacey. Stacey’s infatuation with a boy (who seems to not be interested in her) gets in the way of her babysitting duties and friendship with Maryanne. A must read for girls.
Karen’s Witch (Baby-sitters Little Sister Graphic Novel Series, Book 1) by Ann M. Martin and Katy Farina.
Karen Brewer lives next door to Mrs. Porter, who wears long robes and has wild gray hair. Mrs. Porter has a black cat named Midnight and always seems to be working in her garden. Karen isn’t supposed to spy on her neighbor, but she’s determined to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch named Morbidda Destiny! Mrs. Porter is getting ready to have a special meeting at her house, and Karen is sure the meeting is for witches. Are they going to cast a spell on Karen? Or will she be brave enough to send them away — once and for all? Another delightful graphic novel that girls will enjoy reading.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Serpent’s Heir.
Hiccup, Toothless, and all their dragon-riding friends from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon films are starting new adventures in comics! Created with the help of the film’s writer, director, and producer Dean DeBlois, these graphic novellas will bridge the gap between the second film and the upcoming third film. More adventures, more dragon lore, and more fun! You won’t have to wait years for more dragons; they are coming to you—in comics!
If you want to borrow these amazing comics and more from our collection of kids comics, all you need is a Wellington City Libraries membership — click here if you don’t have a library card and would like to join online.
As Wellington City Libraries enters another week of being closed, even more awesome new titles are being added all the time through our Kids’ Reading Room on Overdrive! If you like comics, graphic novels, cartoon strips and manga, why not give our collection of kids’ comics a try? Check out titles such as:
Read all about Chi, a lovable and curious kitten who adopted by the Yamada family, who gets up to mischief and many adventures while making new friends along the way. A librarian’s choice and a delightful comic for cat lovers! Guts by Raina Telgemeier.
Raina Telgemeier is back, once again bringing us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about tummy problems, growing up and gathering the courage to face — and conquer — her fears. A delightful and humorous comic and librarian’s choice all the way!
Read all about Johnny Boo, the best little ghost in the whole world, with Boo Power and his adventures alongside his pet ghost named Squiggle. With ghost races, wild loop the loops and even an Ice Cream Monster, there is never a dull moment in this delightful comic book.
Bring a little Strawberry Shortcake into your life with this amazing comic! Read all about how Strawberry Shortcake’s solution to a tropical dilemma convinces her friends that she’s taking a trip to Luau Island. Sounds like a dream vacation, but in the middle of all of the excitement, the residents of Berry Bitty City forget to check their facts before they bid farewell! Ideal for girls and Strawberry shortcake fans!
If you want to borrow these amazing comics and more from our collection of kids comics, all you need is a Wellington City Libraries membership — click here if you don’t have a library card and would like to join online.
Do you like free comics? Do you like winning prizes just for wearing a cool costume? Or for drawing a super nerdy picture? Would you like to meet some of the awesome people behind some of your favourite comics, including the Tea Dragon Society, Snarked, and even Batman?
You can do all that and more at ComicFest 2019, running from Thursday the 2nd to Saturday the 4th of May. Come on down to the National Library, just across the road from the Beehive, for all kinds of super-amazing stuff to do, from drawing workshops to drawing competitions, making your own comic zines to winning your own comic at Free Comic Book Day. ComicFest is one of our favourite times of the literary year, and we’d love to see you all there!
Check out some of the comic books by some of the artists and writers you might get to meet at ComicFest 2019:
Snarked!. Book one, Forks and hope / Langridge, Roger Roger Langridge is one of the insanely talented comic book creators joining us for ComicFest. He’s well known for his work on Thor: The Mighty Avenger and The Muppet Show, but the Snarked! books are probably my favourite by him! They’re set in the crazy world of Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), which only makes them cooler!
The Tea Dragon Society / O’Neill, Katie I totally love Katie O’Neill’s Tea Dragon Society — apprentive blacksmith Greta’s amazing journey is told through the some of the most beautiful art you’ll ever see in a comic book. Don’t miss Katie’s Tea Dragon Workshop during ComicFest — join her in the National Library Programme Rooms on Saturday the 4th of May at 9.00am to see a new species of Tea Dragon take flight before your eyes. I know I can’t wait!
Helen and the Go-Go Ninjas / Sang, Anthony Ant Sang’s Helen and the Go-Go Ninjas should be a go-to comic for older kids. Set in Auckland deep in the future, Helen is enlisted by a group of time-travelling ninjas to save the world from the tyranny of the Peace Balls — will she succeed in her quest? It’s truly a read that keeps you on the edge of your seat right ’til the end. Love it!
There’s heaps more to see and do, and heaps more books to read, at ComicFest 2019. Can’t wait to see you there! Click the banner below to see the whole programme of events.
Hi Kids. Welcome to the Makerspace and movie blog post. Check out all the latest books added to the Wellington City Libraries’ junior non fiction that you need to create your own makerspace area all about coding, 3D printing, minecraft, video capture, arts and crafts. Also included is books and movie trailers on upcoming movies due to be released such as Justice League and Coco.
This large-format photographic book provides a fascinating in-depth look at a LEGO artist’s oeuvre. Chapters explore such subjects as transportation vehicles, animals, life-size work, science fiction, nature, cities, sports, portraits, and even home furnishings and custom apartments! A personalized LEGO compendium perfect for brick-building enthusiasts of all ages.
Explore the art of the Disney movie Coco! Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector. Follow along with word-for-word narration as, together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
“This comprehensive guide celebrates the exciting world of the iconic Justice League Super Heroes, a roster that includes SUPERMAN, BATMAN, WONDER WOMAN, GREEN LANTERN, THE FLASH, AQUAMAN, and CYBORG. A must-have for fans, this book showcases major in-world events in the Justice League’s pulsating story, spanning nearly 60 years of comic book history, and is packed with info on the team’s allies, enemies, bases, origins, and more. Includes artwork from the first Justice League comic book in March 1960 to the crucial Rebirth issues and beyond. The stunning design contains lots of in-world information, including in-depth profiles of characters, key comic book issues, and special features on the Justice League’s greatest adventures.”–Publisher website.
Check out the trailer down below!
Also check out the latest and extended trailer of Star Wars: The Last Jedi!
Over 20 exciting 3D printing projects for kids to design and print their own toys, gadgets, models, and ornaments. Using freely available 3D modelling software and without the need for your own 3D printer, 3D Printing Projects has inspiration and instructions for a wide range of thrilling projects, from simple models you can print and assemble at home to more elaborate builds you can design on screen and then order online.
Featuring more than 300 jaw-dropping records and super-powered by exclusive, instant-access QR codes, this unique collection is the best place to find some of the world’s most amazing records being broken.
Join Ruby on her journey to what goes on inside a computer. This half picture book, half activity book will help kids understand computer logic and introduces programming without having a computer at all.
Also check out Adventures in Coding, where kids will be introduced through storytelling to the basic concepts of coding. With activities included in every chapter, future kid coders will be thrilled to put their own imaginations to work.
Contains accounts of the Mojang team’s epic adventures, comic strips depicting your favourite YouTubers’ adventures, and the experts at Mojang have some challenges for you to try in-game, too. This book finds survival strategy for adventurers, a feature about Adventure Mode, inspiration for adventure map builds and ideas for real-world adventures.
Each page in this interactive handbook offers behind-the-scenes tidbits and trivia about the games that belong on your bucket list, along with parental rating guidelines, series background information, and storyline previews. Gamers can record their personal ratings of each series as they play their way through the list, making notes and critiquing the best and worst parts of each game.
Fearless Captain Maria’s adventure is brought to life by encouraging readers to draw central characters, animate plot lines and create games. With easy-to-follow, illustrated step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks – from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code to building games and much more!
Sir Percival’s brilliant adventure is brought to life by encouraging the reader to draw central characters, animate plot lines, and create games. With easy-to-follow, illustrated, step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks–from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code, to building games, and much more!
Pirate Pierre needs your help to find the lost treasure! With easy-to-follow, illustrated, step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks – from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code, to building games, and much more!
Astronaut Kate’s quest to save Planet Zyskinar is brought to life by encouraging the reader to draw central characters, animate plot lines, and create games! With easy-to-follow, illustrated step-by-step instructions, this book introduces key coding concepts through simple and practical tasks – from drawing shapes and giving instructions in code to building games and much more!
Handcrafted decorations are just a few folds away! Learn how to turn origami butterflies, swans, and tulips into locker magnets, table decorations, and more.
Written by a naturalist who has made it his life’s work to study Minecraft’s mobs, and illustrated with field sketches, Minecraft Mobestiary is the definitive guide to every mob in the game. You’ll find little-known facts about passive, neutral, hostile, utility and boss mobs, as well as more general information about their location, behaviour, threat level and drops.
Hey kids! Check out the latest and greatest new non fiction in the junior collection. Top 10 books to get you ahead in life while having fun along the way. Enjoy!
Can you believe that a wooden duck was one of the LEGO Group’s first toys? Or that 68,000 LEGO pieces are created every minute? Did you know that the evil Overlord is the only NINJAGO® Minifigure to wear a skirt? Or that you’ll find a LEGO croissant piece inside 44 LEGO sets? This book is crammed full of fun and fascinating trivia for LEGO fans of every age. From minuscule Minifigure mugs to the largest LEGOLAND® model, it covers all the places, populations, pieces, and themes that make up the LEGO world. Produced in collaboration with the LEGO Group.
Focusing on specific times of the day that present particular challenges, the book uses illustrations and simple language to describe breathing exercises, stretching, and visualization techniques to help children aged 4-7 keep calm and in control.
Want to get into coding? This fun-filled is the perfect introduction to find out how computers count, how the cloud works and what snakes and camels have to do with writing code. Overall a fantastic introduction to the wonderful world of coding.
Provides instructions for using the Raspberry Pi 3, and explains how it can be used to create stories and games, code music, and build Minecraft worlds.
“Did you know that elephants are the largest land animals in the world? Or that they live in herds headed by their grandmothers? Open this book to learn all about why elephants are incredible, and 10 reasons why you should love them.”– Page [4] of cover.
“Did you know that turtles are as ancient as the dinosaurs? Or that they can hold their breath for hours underwater? Open this book to learn all about why turtles are incredible, and 10 reasons why you should love them.”– Page [4] of cover.
This definitive in-world guide to the Marvel Comics Universe features, in chronological order, every significant Marvel Comic character, location, vehicle, and weapon in the company’s illustrious history. Go on a fact- and fun-filled journey via the first major Marvel heroes, villains, cowboy stars, and comic characters of the 1940s and 1950s to the iconic, timeless Super Heroes and Super Villains of the Marvel Age of the 1960s and beyond, such as Thor, Hulk, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, the Avengers, Storm, Loki, and Green Goblin. Further sections feature key vehicles and technology, magical artifacts, planets, countries, and places, plus a glimpse behind the scenes into Marvel Comics’ creative processes and techniques. Cover artwork is by esteemed comic book artist Adi Granov. Including authoritative text by Marvel Comics experts and spectacular artwork from the original comic books.
The ultimate and complete guide to videogames. The brand-new 2018 edition is packed full of the most up-to-date news, achievements and developments in the gaming world, illustrated with the best and most exciting imagery from this year’s top titles. It also includes gameplay tips and hints, retro facts from classic games, and more.
Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls’ education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty. Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others.
“Middle schooler Rafe Khachadorian faces his greatest challenge yet as he struggles to complete a week-long wilderness survival course to prove to his school administrators that he can succeed”– Provided by publisher.
The many adventures of Johnny Mutton — Johnny Mutton, he’s so him! — Mutton soup — Extras, extras, read all about it! Presents a collection of humorous stories about Johnny Mutton, the young sheep raised as a regular boy.
Archie Greene has lived with his grandmother since he was a baby, but when a mysterious package arrives on his twelfth birthday with instructions to take it to a strange bookshop in Oxford, he finds himself involved with a secret society of people who protect the world’s magical books, and discovers that he has family he never knew about.
Talented ten-year-olds Emily, Bella, Chloe and Grace are sick of teachers assuming they are helpless princesses. When maths whiz Emily Martin’s mother enters her in the local beauty pageant, it’s the last straw – the four friends form the Anti-Princess Club, with the motto We Don’t Need Rescuing. Can they use their awesome skills to show the world that girls want to be valued for more than what they see in the mirror?
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 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 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.
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.
…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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Whom the Ball Rolls (Dog Man Volume 7) by Dav Pilkey.
Boy Crazy Stacey (Babysitters Club Graphix Series, Book 7) by Ann M. Martin and Gale Galligan.
The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel Series, Book 1) by Tui T. Sutherland and Mike Holmes.
Karen’s Witch (Baby-sitters Little Sister Graphic Novel Series, Book 1) by Ann M. Martin and Katy Farina.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Serpent’s Heir.
