comics

New Non fiction and comics!

Katie

Hey kids! The School holidays have ended. Winter is around the corner, which means there will be more days spent indoors. Luckily, Wellington City Libraries has some new non fiction and junior comics in the children’s collection to keep you entertained while indoors. Head on down to your local library and grab hold of these books… before someone else does!

Enjoy!

New Non Fiction!

image courtesy of syndeticsA pharaoh’s manual for ruling his lands.

Want to know how to rule the world? No better way to learn than reading about how a pharaoh of Egypt rules his lands. Funny, witty and full of useful information on the history of Ancient Egypt… and how to be a world leader.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe LEGO movie 2 : the awesomest, most amazing, most epic movie guide in the universe!

Everything is the awesomest, most amazing in the universe with The LEGO movie 2 movie guide. Holds information about the characters, vehicles, and locations featured in The LEGO Movie 2.

You may also like Emmet to the Rescue: The Lego Movie 2!

image courtesy of sydneticsJoin Emmet, Lucy, Batman and Unikitty from THE LEGO MOVIE 2 on their new adventures in this exciting book for children learning to read. Packed with images of THE LEGO MOVIE 2 sets and minifigures, this book will get young fans hooked on reading.

image courtesy of syndeticsFearless and Fantastic! Female Superheroes save the world!

“Meet the amazing Marvel Super Heroes who use their powers to help others and save the day. How does superstar pilot and space explorer Captain Marvel protect Earth from alien threats? Why did genius inventor Moon Girl form a crime-fighting duo with a T. rex named Devil Dinosaur? And how did Gamora become the deadliest woman in the galaxy? Discover the amazing stories of all these female heroes and many more, including Ms. Marvel, Spider-Woman, Squirrel Girl, Shuri, Quake, Black Widow, America Chavez, and Storm.”– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of sydneticsEgyptian Myths.

Discover the Egyptian gods and goddesses and the powers they used to control and change the world. Dramatic photos and illustrations, along with sidebars, facts and infographics help uncover how these myths influenced the culture and daily life of ancient Egypt.

image courtesy of syndeticsGreek Myths.

Make the mythology of ancient Greece come to life through stories of adventure, magical powers and the powerful mighty force of the Greek gods and goddesses who controlled and changed the world forever.

image courtesy of sydneticsRoman Myths.

Discover the Roman Gods and goddesses who used their extraordinary powers to control and change the story forever.

 

New Junior Comics!

im age courtesy of syndeticsHephaistos God of Fire.

Read all about Hephaistos, the god of fire, the latest in the Olympians series by New York Times bestselling author, George O’Connor.

Thrown from Mount Olympus as a newborn and caught by Thetis and Eurynome, who raised him on the island of Lemnos, Hephaistos had an aptitude for creating beautiful objects from a very young age. Despite his rejection from Olympus, he swallowed his anger and spent his days perfecting his craft. His exquisitely forged gifts and weapons earned him back his seat in the heavens, but he was not treated as an equal-his brothers and sisters looked down at him for his lame leg, and even his own wife, Aphrodite, was disloyal. In this installment of George O’Connor’s bestselling Olympians graphic novel series, witness Hephaistos’ wrath in God of Fire as he creates a plan that’ll win him the respect he deserves.

image courtesy of sydneticsMickey Mouse and the fire Eye of Atlantis.

Come along with Mickey, Goofy, and explorer extraordinaire Eurasia Toft for an action-packed adventure, hot on the dangerous trail of an uncharted world! But where there’s action there’s trouble, and our heroes find it with the megalomaniacal Horde of the Violet Hare! Along the way, they’ll uncover new mysteries: Did Earth once have a second moon? Did ancient Atlantis save the planet from a deadly interstellar collision? And, the greatest mystery of all – will Mickey, Goofy, and Eurasia get out of another scrape alive?

image courtesy of syndeticsScooby- Doo Team Up Volume 6.

Scooby Doo and the gang team up with Batgirl, Black Canary, and others as they travel the galaxy solving a number of mysteries.

8 New Non Fiction on Buzzing Bios, STEAM projects and exciting character guides.

Katie

Hey kids!

Check out the latest non fiction in collection! Featured in this post are 8 new books on Buzzing Bios, STEAM projects and exciting character guides.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsHero of the sea : Sir Peter Blake’s mighty ocean quests.

“Sir Peter Blake’s life was filled with adventures. During his 30-year career on the ocean, he sailed around the globe, won the world’s most famous races and broke records. Even his red socks became a national sensation. But no matter how many trophies Peter won, he always knew the survival of our planet was more important”–Publisher information. In picture book format.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMarvel Studios Visual Dictionary.

A new and exciting book where you can join Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow and the Guardians of the Galaxy on a stunning journey though the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics Marvelous makeable monsters : 21 STEAM projects that light up, buzz, launch, and occasionally chomp.

“In this creative project book, STEAM educator Sam Haynor unleashes silly beasts that jump, fly, spin, shake, light up, and even spit. Some creatures are united by their circuits and wires while others are built with more common craft materials. Step by step photos accompany each project. Perfectly safe and fun for younger kids working with adults, most projects can also be tackled by middle-graders with minimal adult help.”

 

image courtesy of syndetics Pokémon super deluxe essential handbook : the need-to-know stats and facts on over 800 characters!

Stats, facts, attacks, types, evolutions, and other information on over 800 Pokémon from every known region.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics Teen trailblazers : 30 fearless girls who changed the world before they were 20.

This fascinating book features 30 young women who accomplished remarkable things before their twentieth birthdays. Visually compelling with original illustrations, this book will inspire the next generation of strong, fearless women.. — Amazon.com.

 

 

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYDNETICS Build your own chain reaction machines.

“With Build Your Own Chain Reaction Machines, you’ll create twelve zany and awesome mechanical contraptions using stuff from around the house.”– Provided by publisher.

Overall, a fantastic book filled with great ideas to keep kids amused, enhance their creative and innovative side. Loved the activities for making your own light switcher, door opener and plant waterer. A librarians choice all the way!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOh boy : a storybook of epic NZ men.

“Stories about Kiwi men who followed their dreams and made the world a better place. An inspiring and essential storybook for children of all ages, grown-ups included. Stories featured in this book are of Billy T. James, Bret McKenzie, Bruce McLaren, Edmund Hillary, Ernest Rutherford, Fred Hollows, Jemaine Clement, Jonah Lomu, Kelly Tarlton, Liam Malone, Neil Finn, Peter Jackson, Richie McCaw, Steven Adams, Taika Waititi, Willie Apiata, Witi Ihimaera and others”–Publisher information. A book that boys must  get their hands on!

 

image courtesy of syndetics The People Awards.

A celebration of 50 famous people from around the world who made history and changed the world for the better.

 

 

Top 10 Childrens comics September 2017

Dusty

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 =)

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

Wild About Reading! Summer Reading Challenge

admin

Yes it’s nearly time to Slip, Slop, Slap and read, relax and rummage through some fantabulous books! Summer Reading Challenge is just around the corner and have we got some great reads lined up for you this Summer!!!

So for those of you new to this and a reminder to the rest of us who feel like last summer was ages and ages ago, here’s what it’s all about…

Down at Wellington City Libraries we have chosen some of our favourite books, and hopefully some of yours, to see how many of them you can get through between the 1st of December to the 31st of January 2018. There are 60+ books on our list so plenty of variety. The idea is to read a book from the list then go to the Kid’s Page on our website, click on the Kids Club and start writing reviews. Even better you get prizes as well! Also each review puts you in the draw for an amazing book bag full of exciting books and things. Don’t belong to the Kids Club yet? It’s easy to join online check out the Kids Page to find out how.

So here’s a little preview of what’s in store for you this summer!

Ever thought of having a raven as a pet? Well that’s what happened to Arabel when her Dad (a London Taxi driver) finds a raven in the middle of the road one night and brings it. From there the crazy wild adventures begin, who knew a raven could reek so much havoc. Read about Arabel and Mortimer ‘s hilarious antics in one of the 4 books in the Arabel and Mortimer series with fantastic illustrations by Quentin Blake.

 

The Doomspell by Cliff McNish is an amazing fantasy trilogy which are a must for all Harry Potter and Northern Lights fans! “Rachel has been having disturbing dreams that start to feel too real. Then one day, she and her brother are ripped through a wall in her house and transported to a dangerous world ruled by a manipulative witch and her ancient underlings.” – Publisher

 

 

Moa by James Davidson. I don’t know about you, but I love reading comics and summer for me is the perfect time to hang out in a hammock with a great big stack of them! Moa is a laugh out loud series and the perfect thing for those hot summer days. “Ride along with Kiwi and Possum on their side-splitting adventures battling mythical creatures and dangerous hunters in colonial New Zealand! This treasury collection contains all five issues of James Davidson’s acclaimed comic series Moa, sure to delight readers of all ages.” – Publisher.

That was just a sneak peak of what’s in store for you over the holiday season and guess what there are another 57+ books to choose from! So keep an eye out at your local library and on our website for the Wild About Reading: Summer Reading Challenge booklet.

What: Wild About Reading: Summer Reading Challenge booklet

When: Available at your local Library from 18th November 2017

9 New “action packed” Non Fiction to curb the winter blues.

Katie

Hey Kids! Welcome to the latest Junior Non Fiction blog post!

July and winter has finally hit and there will days where you want nothing more than to stay inside and hibernate with a hot cup of cocoa and a library book. (Hmmm, sounds like heaven to me!)

Once again, Wellington City Libraries has new “action packed” non fiction bursting through our shelves for your viewing and reading pleasure for boys and girls of all ages.

There are books where the world of Greek mythology, the world of Greek gods and goddesses and… superheroes collides. Not to mention the odd Greek word here and there; Superheroes are featured that boys and girls can look up to; there are books for girls  in the sporting, dancing  and superhero world, hmmm I think I detect a bit of a girl power theme going on and finally books that will help you find the right word for any given situation.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsHow cities work : explore the city inside, outside and underground.

Lonely Planet kids has done it again with “How Cities Work.” This book allows kids the opportunity to explore the city inside, outside and underground, with lots of cool flaps to lift to see inside buildings, not to mention unfold pages to find out what is going on above your head and udder your feet. Overall a fantastic book that gives a full in depth account to city life as you have never seen it before, and already a popular book amongst kids, which is currently hot on the reserve list.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe right word : Roget and his thesaurus.

Lost for words? You can certainly find the right words in this book. “The Right Word” tells the story of Peter Mark Roget, a brilliant man who took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought, who went on the be the creator of Roget’s Thesaurus, one of the most widely used reference books ever published. A biography and a thesaurus all in one, who could ask for more!

DID YOU KNOW: The word “Thesaurus” means “treasure house” in Greek.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Gods and Goddesses of Olympus.

This book briefly recounts the stories of members of the Greek pantheon. Overall a great read and a fantastic introduction to the Greek Gods and Goddesses.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBatman character encyclopaedia.

Brace yourself, Batman and DC Comics fanatics, the latest Batman Character Encyclopaedia has made its way to the shelves at your local library. Discover all the powerful, strange and crazy characters from the world of Batman. Meet your favorite Super Heroes and learn all about the most fearsome super-villains.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWonder Woman: The Ultimate Guide to The Amazon Warrior.

“Keep faith. Trust  to love. Fight with honor. But fight to win.” – Wonder Woman.

This is a motto worth remembering.

Finally a superhero that young girls can look up to! A guide to the world of  demigoddess, Wonder Woman includes seventy-five years of iconic characters, major story arcs, and key issues, along with information on locations, enemies, and allies. This is a must have read for every comic fanatic and a great companion alongside The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus!

Also check the following trailers to Wonder Woman, which has just been released in theatres and Justice League, which won’t be released until sometime in 2018, down below.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Beginner’s Guide to Netball.

Maria Tuta’ia, New Zealand international netball player takes you on journey to help you become or improve your skills in playing netball and perhaps ensure your career as a future silver fern, heehee. You will learn skills such as how to shoot goals under pressure, master passing accuracy and pull off the perfect dodge.  “Features the basic skills every netballer should be familiar with, no matter what their position. Read about the story of netball as well as Maria’s own journey to becoming an international netball superstar”–Publisher information.

image courtesy of syndetics
The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories.

This book hold beautiful retellings of six of the world’s greatest ballet stories are accompanied by two story CDs read by Juliet Stevenson that is bound to enrich library collections and inspire young dancers. This book is in a word… GORGEOUS! A must have read for the budding ballerina and dance enthusiast.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsLots : the diversity of life on Earth.

One, two, three …lots!  Find out in this beautiful and brilliant book how all living things – including us – are part of a big, beautiful pattern and depend on each other for survival. With beautiful words from Nicola Davies and exquisite illustrations by Emily Sutton, this groundbreaking book is certain to enchant and inspire children. Overall a fantastic read that that is suitable for young children and serves as an educational resource on biodiversity and conservation.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe ultimate unofficial encyclopedia for Minecrafters : multiplayer mode : exploring hidden games and secret worlds.

Calling all Minecrafters! Looking for a new challenge? Minecraft strikes again! This book presents information on the world of Minecraft, including how and where to play safely online, playing in creative and survival modes, and server plugins for advanced players.

 

ComicFest is here!

admin

Who likes comics? I do and I know where I’m going to be on Saturday the 6th of May from 9.30am to 5pm, at Wellington Central Library for ComicFest!

We have all sorts of fun activities on offer. Learn how to create your own comic book character, dress up as your favourite comic book character and enter the Cosplay competition, hear about how the new “Thunderbirds Are Go” movie was re-imagined for todays audience and lots of other exciting stuff.

Best of all there are free comics being given away and lots of exciting prizes to be won!

Don’t forget to check out all the wonderful comics and graphic novels that we have at the libraries. One of my favourites has to be Tintin by Herge. This comic hero has his faithful dog Snowy by his side and is aided in his adventures by a cast of colourful characters (see if you can spot Snowy at ComicFest.)

 

 

Syndetics book coverAsterix by Goscinny and Underzo of course is an all time classic and the names of the characters still make me laugh! Set in a little village in Gaul the comics tell the story of Asterix and his best friend Obelix and their numerous adventures through the ancient World. This comic series is one of the most popular all over the World.

 

 

 

Image from SyndeticsBut comics can also have little or few words and really focus on the story through the pictures. Polo: The Runaway Book by Regis Faller, tells an exciting story through colourful pictures taking you on an adventure over the sea and flying through the sky as the characters make friends with each other while searching for the stolen book.

 

 

Image from SyndeticsLittle Robot by Ben Hatke uses very few words to tell the story of a friendship between a lonely child and a small lost and confused robot. They both show initiative and courage to overcome another evil robot and save the day.

So why not try reading some of our fabulous comics here or better still try writing and illustrating your own!

School Journal Exhibition & ComicFest!

admin

Imagine being 110 years old! Well that’s how old the School Journal is turning in May and to celebrate Wellington Central Library is having an exhibition about the School Journal as part of the cool ComicFest 2017.

The School Journal was first published in May 1907, the same year New Zealand became a dominion and it has been going ever since. It’s packed full of stories, cartoons and articles by New Zealanders and many of the people who write and illustrate it are now famous all over the World! The School Journal has helped New Zealanders to find their own voice and has given us an opportunity to show who we were and what it is like to live in Aotearoa.

Over last 40 years comics have been a big part of the School Journal and many comic writers and illustrators have made there “bread and butter” through its pages.

Ask your parents or grandparents what they remember about the School journal and chances are they will have fond memories to tell you. Why not bring them down to Central Library to help prompt their memories.

The exhibition is on now and will run until the 9th of May. Better still come down for ComicFest on the 6th of May, grab some free comics and join in with the many free activities on offer. So hurry on in and find out more about the School Journal and all the amazing people who have contributed to it.

Top 10 Children’s comics December 2016

Dusty

Summer is here! So it’s time to take a pile of comics, find a big shady tree and spend some time letting the gentle breezes turn the pages for you. What would you take with you? Pages of Pokémon? Will you giggle at Garfeild and Titter at Tintin? Some more serious adventuring with Amulet?

There are other really cool titles with great illustrations, we have new titles coming in all the time so come in for a browse or have a look with ComicPlus online.

If you use a tablet or other device you can download so you can read them when you’re you’re out of wifi range or stream them while you’re connected.

1. Pokemon, by Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto

2. Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz

3. Garfield, by Mark Evanier and Jim Davis, Cedric Michiels

4. Big Nate, by Lincoln Peirce

5. Adventure time, by Ryan North and Chris Hastings

6. Tintin, by Herge

7. The Smurfs, by Peyo

8. Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi

9. Asterix, by Goscinni and Udzero

10. Chi’s sweet home, by Kanata Konami

6 new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide

Katie

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!

 

 

 

 

Top 10 children’s comics for November 2016

Dusty

The Pokemon phenomenon continues…

The animation, comic and app have captured the hearts and minds of many, so if you’re coming to the library for comics, reserve your copies to make sure you won’t be disappointed.

Did you know that Lord Evil has written an Adventure Time Encyclopaedia?!  Anything you want to know from about the land of Ooo (from the perspective of Lord Evil) can be found in it’s pages.  Luckily Finn, Jake and Marceline have put notes in the book when Lord Evil gets a bit over the top!

 

Here’s your November Top 10:

1. Pokemon, by Hidenori Kusaka and Yamamoto Satoshi

2. Big Nate, by Lincoln Peirce

3. Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz

4. Garfield, by Mark Evanier

5. Asterix, by Goscinny and Udzero

6. Tintin, by  Herge

7. Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi

8. Adventure time, by Ryan North

9. Chi’s Sweet Home, by Kanata Konami

10. My Little Pony, by Ted Anderson