New kids chapter books for you to try!

Here’s 5 great new kids fiction books from your Library to help get you through these chilly winter days!!!

Image courtesy of SyndeticsBad Mermaids by Sibeal Pounder

Mermaids Beattie, Mimi and Zelda are enjoying a summer on land with legs when they receive a strange CRABAGRAM ordering them to return home at once. Some seriously BAD MERMAIDS are on the loose and the girls are the only ones who can stop them. If they’re going to save the day, they’ll need answers. And a clam car. Definitely piranha-print nail polish. Possibly not the talking seahorse. CAN THEY DO IT? Filled with magical mysteries, fabulous fashion, and a serious piranha problem, Bad Mermaids brings a whole new twist to the underwater world of mermaids. Ages 9+

 

Below Zero by Dan SmithImage courtesy of Syndetics

When Zak’s plane crash-lands on Outpost Zero, a small Antarctic research base in one of the most isolated places on Earth, he discovers a cold, dark nightmare. The power’s out and the people who live there have disappeared. Worse, as he searches for answers, bizarre visions suggest a link to something else – deep beneath the ice – which only he can understand.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsBattlefront by Michael Adams

One hero lost in a raging tsunami. One sign pointing to a deadly battle. One day left until the end of… everything. (taken from back book cover)

 

 

 

 

Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria ParrImage courtesy of Syndetics

“Astrid Glimmerdal loves to spend her days racing down the mountainside on her sledge and skis – the faster the better! She just wishes there were other children to share in her adventures. Instead, she has to put up with a grumpy 74 year old for a best friend (although secretly, she knows she wouldn’t have it any other way). Astrid’s world is about to be turned upside down, however, first by the arrival of a strange family, and then a mystery woman. Her best friend, Gunnvald, has been keeping a secret from her – one that will test their friendship to its limits. Everything is changing in Astrid’s world and she’s not happy about it. Luckily, she has a plan…A feisty and irrepressible heroine, Astrid is sure to charm readers in this modern classic in the making.” –Publisher description.

 

 

Get Ready to Run; Chase #1  by Linwood BarclayImage courtesy of Syndetics

Chipper is a very special dog. As part of a top-secret, multi-million dollar experiment to create the ultimate canine spy technology, Chipper’s whole life has been spent within the walls of a secret organization known only as The Institute. Chipper is supposed to be more machine than mutt, but something’s wrong and The Institute knows it. He’s about to be terminated. Across the state, twelve-year-old orphan Jeff Conway is working all hours at his aunt Flo’s lakeside cabin business. He misses his parents, his old life, and the dog he had to leave behind. When Chipper escapes and Jeff finds himself part of the chase, The Institute’s most ruthless agent is hot on their tail, and he wants Chipper dead … at any cost.

 

5 New Non Fiction for term 2

Hi Kids!

Here’s some more new non fiction just been added to the Children’s collection. Books that will keep you entertained for the start of term 2.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndetics101 Dog Tricks.

Packed with step-by-step photos and training tips and techniques, 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition will teach you everything you need to know to involve your children in training the family dog.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPoetry for kids: William Shakespeare.

A collection of thirty-one of playwright and poet William Shakespeare’s most famous verses, sonnets and speeches.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics
Star Wars: Encyclopedia Of Starfighters and Other Vehicles.

Learn about over 200 of your favourite Star Wars vehicles, from the A-wing to the Y-wing. Want to know how the Millennium Falcon made the Kessel Run in such a short distance? Don’t know your X-wing from your Y-wing? Not sure what type of craft Slave I is? Look no further than the Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles. Age 7+.

 

 

image courtesy of sydentics
If you lived here : houses of the world.

Features detailed, bas-relief collage spreads of dwellings in other world regions and historical times to explain how different people live and have lived, from a village house in South Africa to a floating green house in the Netherlands.

 

 

image courtesy of sydnetics
When Paul met Artie : the story of Simon & Garfunkel.

Long before they became one of the most beloved and successful duos of all time, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were just two kids growing up in Queens, New York — best friends who met in a sixth-grade production of Alice in Wonderland and bonded over girls, baseball, and rock’n’roll.

 

 

New Kids Fiction books for you to kick back and relax with (once you’ve finished your homework!)

School is back! so here’s 10 wonderful new kids fiction books for you to chose from, to help you get back into the swing of things! Grab them today from your local Library! 🙂

Image courtesy of SyndeticsBronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

When Sunflower, a young city girl, moves to the countryside, she grows to love the reed marsh lands – the endlessly flowing river, the friendly buffalo with their strong backs and shiny round heads, the sky that stretches on and on in its vastness. However, the days are long, and the little girl is lonely. Then she meets Bronze, who, unable to speak, is ostracised by the other village boys. Soon the pair are inseparable, and when Bronze’s family agree to take Sunflower in, it seems that fate has brought him the sister he has always longed for. But life in Damaidi is hard, and Bronze’s family can barely afford to feed themselves. Will the city girl be able to stay in this place where she has finally found happiness?

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsMatt Millz by Harry Hill

Meet Matt Millz – Britain’s Youngest (and funniest!) Comedian! Matt may be small but he is truly mighty on the comedy circuit. Well, he is in his head anyway. When the school holds a talent show, Matt has the opportunity to demonstrate that he’s got the magical chutzpah quip to take him all the way to the Apollo. With the help of his diminutive manager, Kitty Hope, and his hapless form teacher, as well as the school brute, his heartthrob and Rob his best friend, Matt learns what it takes to be really funny . . . A hilarious new book from National TreasureT and real-life (very) funny man Harry Hill.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsMez’s Magic by Eliot Schrefer

Caldera has forever been divided into those animals who walk by night and those who walk by day. Nightwalker panthers, like young Mez and her beloved sister, have always feared daywalkers as creatures of myth and legend. Until the eclipse. Now Mez has discovered that she can cross the Veil and enter the daylight world. Her magical power has unknown depths, but she must rush to discover it after a mysterious stranger arrives at her family’s den, bearing warnings of a reawakened evil. Saving Caldera means Mez must leave her sister behind and unite an unlikely group of animal friends to unravel an ancient mystery and protect their rainforest home.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsArmstrong & Charlie By Steven B. Frank

“During the pilot year of a Los Angeles school system integration program, two sixth grade boys, one black, one white, become best friends as they learn to cope with everything from first crushes and playground politics to the loss of loved ones and racial prejudice in the 1970s”– Provided by publisher

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWinterhouse by Ben Guterson

Elizabeth, eleven, spends Christmas break at Winterhouse hotel under strange circumstances, where she discovers that she has magic, and her love of puzzles helps her solve a mystery.

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsBah Humbug! by Michael Rosen

This Christmas, join Michael Rosen and Tony Ross with their unforgettable retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic. In a school theatrical production of ‘A Christmas Carol’, the boy who plays Scrooge is extra nervous because his very busy father is in the audience. However, it’s likely his father won’t stay for the duration, due to business. As always. Will the classic story’s message of Christmas cheer and family love reach his father’s distracted heart?

 

IImage courtesy of Syndeticsvy by Katherine Coville

A young girl helps her grandmother care for magical creatures.

 

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsGoodly and Grave in a deadly case of murder by Justine Windsor

The second page-turning adventure in this sharp-witted, magical mystery series. When reports come in that valuable magical objects are being stolen, Goodly and Grave are on the case, but just when they think they know whodunit their prime suspect turns up – murdered! Will Lucy be able to track the real villain without putting herself in deadly danger…? An page-turning mystery with a magical twist.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsGrover’s New Friends by Claire Garth

Grover McBane is a lucky dog. He has a new family, and he’s making friends at the park. But Grover’s owner, Annie, needs his help. A puppy called Peanunt has arrived at the animal shelter and is scared and confused. Thank goodness Grover and his new friends from the dog park are there to help! What will happen to Peanut? Where will he go?

Chinese New Year & Special Storytimes at the Library

Come down to Wellington Central Library and Civic Square to celebrate the Chinese New Year: The Year of the Dog, with special storytime events for pre-schoolers and their families presented by the Ni Hao Children’s Community.

We have 2 Storytimes for you at Wellington Central Library on Saturday the 17th of February which will be in Chinese, but guess what? It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak Chinese you are going to have lots of fun listening to another language and doing activities all about the year of the Dog. Bring along a toy dog, dress in your New Year clothes (or Dog costume), or just come as you are, to share familiar stories and songs like ‘Spot the Dog’ or ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’…but in Chinese! Don’t forget while you are down at Central Library to check out all the fun activities that are going to be happening outside in Civic Square.

What: Chinese Storytimes

When: Saturday 17th of February

Time: 9.30-10am & 3-3.30pm

Where: Wellington Central Library

DVD Review: A Dog’s Purpose.

A Dog’s Purpose.

A heart-warming movie about the eight life journey of Bailey/Ellie/Tino/Waffles/Buddy and Bailey.. again as he tries to find himself and his purpose in life.


This movie will make you laugh, make you cry, feel warm and fuzzy, and will make you develop an appreciation, as well as respect for the aptly named man’s, as well as woman’s best friend, which Bailey/Ellie/Tino/Waffles/Buddy and Bailey proves time and time again throughout the movie, clearly staing his purpose and teaching a few lifelong lessons along the way. Be prepared to have tissues on hand. I haven’t seen a better movie dogs since Red Dog. A librarian’s choice all the way!

7/10!!!

Don Bluth Children’s DVDs in the library.

Winter has finally arrived in the Capital and in the library. Why not head down to your local library and issue some DVDs, which you can watch in the comfort of your own home, with a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa.

Why not check some DVDs produced by Don Bluth, one of the greatest chief animators since Walt Disney. Also while you’re at it, learn interesting facts about some of the movies, voice actors and encounter some uncanny (Walt Disney) connections.

Enjoy!

New in the collection:

All Dogs Go to Heaven.

“Set in 1939 New Orleans, this colourful musical animation centres on Charles B. Barkin, who gives up a stay in Heaven to a return to Earth. Charlie is a roguish German shepherd with the charm of a con man and the heart of a marshmallow. He’s out for revenge against the double-crossing former partner who killed him, a pit bull terrier known as Carface. Charlie finds himself an unlikely guardian to a lonely little orphan named Anne-Marie. Her astounding ability to talk to animals and her strong sense of right and wrong leads this unlikely pair on an adventure packed with thrills, laughs, tears and love as Charlie seeks redemption, all the while risking damnation.”–Container.

Thumbelina.

Follow your heart and nothing is impossible. A girl no bigger than her mother’s thumb feels all alone in the world knowing she is the only person her size. Her wish for a companion at last comes true when the prince of the faerys arrives at her window sill. However, the niave Thumbelina’s life goes downward from there when a toad kidnaps her. While she tries to find a way home, she begins to grow up and learns about hope with the help of the friends she always wanted.

FACT: The actress, Jodi Benson, who voices Thumbelina also voices Ariel in Walt Disney’s animated film, The Little Mermaid. Both films are based on the books written by Hans Christian Andersen.

FACT: The actor, Gilbert Gottfried, who voices Beatle also voices Iago in Walt Disney’s animated film, Aladdin.

You may also like:

Anastasia.

An animated film based on the true story of the lost Russian princess Anastasia and her quest for her true identity. A mix of adventure, romance, comedy and music.

FACT: The actress, Angela Lansbury, who voices Anastasia’s grandmother also voiced Mrs Potts in Walt Disney’s animated film, Beauty and the Beast.

American Tail Trilogy.

Three for the price of one, check out the American Tail trilogy which consist of An American tail, An American tail : Fievel goes west and An American tail : the treasure of Manhattan Island which chronicles the story of Russian mouse, Fievel and his family emigrating to the United States and having lots of exciting adventures along the way, as well as trying to settle into a new country, forming new friendships and alliance’s  and dodging feline enemies along the way.

image courtey of amazon.comThe land before time. 6 disc collection.

Six for the price of one, check out all six movies in The Land Before Time series. “Everybody’s favourite pre-historic friends are back in movies 1 to 6 in the exciting Land Before Time series. This collection features fantastic animation, enchanting songs and touching storylines that guarantee hours of fun for the whole family. You will get to know Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, Ducky, Petrie and all the other Land Before Time characters as their exciting adventures unfold. So come along and join the enchanted world of Land Before Time with stories about friendship, bravery and adventure!”–Container.

FACT: The actress, Judith Barsi, who voices Ducky in the first movie, The Land Before Time, also voices Anne-Marie in All Dogs Go to Heaven.

 

Movie Review: Footrot Flats: A Dog’s Tale.

Rattle your dags, boys and girls and feast your eyes on an oldie but a goodie Kiwi Classic and childhood favourite of mine that comes to the small screen in the form of Footrot Flats: A Dog’s Tale. Featuring the characters from the late Murray Ball’s “Footrot Flats” – New Zealands most beloved local cartoon strip.

image couresty of Amazon.com

Join Dog, Jess, Wal, Cooch, Horse, Major, Rangi, Pongo, Cheeky and “those bloody Murphys” , where Dog goes on ‘a journey of a thousand miles’, and an epic adventure. You will bear witness to his first encounter with the sexy Jess, his loyal devotion to Wal Footrot, whom he saves from a fate worse than death; his adventures with Horse, the cat with the barracuda jaw and fishhook claws; his brilliant cowardice and mighty nose, pitted against the dastardly schemes of the villainous Murphys, their hell hounds and the Croco Pigs.

This film will also keep you entertained and glued to the small screen. Not to mention it’s jam packed full of Kiwi words, sayings and slang and references to Kiwi culture! The soundtrack, by Dave Dobbyn is mind blowing filled with famous popular Kiwi classics such as Slice of Heaven and You Oughta to be in love. Overall this film is VERY FUNNY! I laughed all the way through, especially during the part where Wal is serenading Cheeky with a love ballad  aka You Oughta to be in love, (see youtube clip down below!), Dog gets ambushed by an army of rats and the battle to the death with the deadly croco-pigs!

A film that can be enjoyed by all ages and a great film to watch with the family over fish and chips on a Saturday night. 6/10 all the way!

 

7 New Non Fiction to read during the last days of spring.

It’s less than three weeks till the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Pop on down to your local library and check out the latest new junior non fiction that will take you on a journey into the wonderful world of animals, fairies, Star Wars and Harry Potter. Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA first book of animals

From blue whales to bumblebee bats and everything in between, A First Book of Animals takes you all over the planet to visit all kinds of different creatures.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars: complete locations

Check out this updated, expanded guide to a galaxy far, far away and discover a universe of information of the Star Wars galaxy, which includes brand-new material from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With eight brand new artworks, and an incredible range of location cross-sections, illustrations, and photographs, Star Wars: Complete Locations is the essential guide for anyone wanting to find their way around the galaxy far, far away.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHarry Potter Cinematic Guide

Prepare to enter the world of Harry Potter by reading this cinematic guide which holds an outstanding collection of photographs and quotes, featuring Harry Potter, describing his life at Hogwarts, his relationships with friends and family, and his battles with Voldemort.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHermione Granger : cinematic guide

Girl power is rolled into one with The Essential Film Companion for Hermione Granger! Throughout all eight HARRY POTTER films, Hermione shows her wisdom and daring on her adventures with best friends Harry and Ron, secretly brewing Polyjuice Potion, rescuing Sirius Black with a Time-Turner, and creating Dumbledore’s Army. Revisit these moments and more from the girl who proved that Muggle-borns can be the most skilled witches and wizards of all.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRon Weasley : cinematic guide

Harry Potter’s sidekick, Ron Weasley finally gets his own starring role in his own Essential Film Companion! This collection of photographs and quotes from all eight HARRY POTTER films takes a closer look at Ron’s life, including his time at Hogwarts, family and friends, and dangerous battles against the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsFairy World

Read this book and step inside a world of magic, enchantment and mystery as you enter the realm of the fairies. A great book for girls to enjoy.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMy first Dog Book

This essential guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your dog and basic training techniques, with easy step-by-step instructions, from sit, down, and stay to walking to heel on the lead.

Fun Kids’ Fiction: Springtime Reading!

Spring is here, and some sunny days have started happening! YAY! The perfect weather to relax and lose yourself in one of these fantastic new kids fiction books which can now be found at your local library.

 

Quest for JusticeImage courtesy of Syndetics by Sean Fay Wolfe

New players join the game Minecraft every day. But dark forces are at work on the Elementia server, and when Stan, Kat, and Charlie arrive on the scene, they quickly find themselves in peril. The King has passed a law banishing all lower-level players from the server by the next Proclamation Day. Anyone who tries to help the noobs will be silenced. With the natural forces of the game closing in anf the King’s deadline approaching, Stan, Kat, and Charlie must work together to unravel the mysteries of Elementia and lead the battle for justice.

 

 

Dragonfly SongImage courtesy of Syndetics by Wendy Orr

The little girl found under a bush has no name and cannot speak. Is she a miracle child who escaped the raiders, or is she a bad-luck child, the one who called the Bull King’s ship to the island? No one sees the mama-stone around her neck, with the sign of the dragonfly. And only Luki, in training to leap the bulls, knows that she charmed the viper who would have killed him. When the girl turns twelve, she discovers her name – Aissa – and she knows that her one chance to live freely is to become a bull dancer, and be taken away to the island of the Bull King.

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsGorilla Dawn by Gill Lewis

The thrilling, heartbreaking, and inspirational new story from award-winning storyteller Gill Lewis. Deep in the heart of the African jungle, a baby gorilla is captured by a group of rebel soldiers. Imara and Bobo are two children also imprisoned in the rebels’ camp. When they learn that the gorilla is destined to be sold into captivity, they swear to return it to the wild before it’s too late. But the consequences of getting caught are too terrible to think about. Will the bond between the gorilla and the children give them the courage they need to escape?

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWilf the Mighty Worrier is King of the Jungle  by Georgia Pritchett

Things Wilf was worried about before: 1) Fish sucking his toes when he goes for a paddle 2) Garden gnomes coming to life 3) Losing his ‘How to Stop Worrying’ leaflet. Things Wilf is worried about now: 1) Alan coming on holiday with him 2) Alan raising an army of terrifying animals in his quest for world domination 3) Being the only person who can stop Alan. As usual.

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog, Master of Disguise by Jeremy Strong

Streaker, the fastest dog in the world, is on the run again!  There’s a mysterious pet-napper at large, Dad wants to send Streaker to behaviour boot camp and Trevor and Tina think they can save her with hair extensions and dye! No wonder Streaker’s desperate to escape!

4 new Non Fiction you must get your hands on before the school holidays.

It’s less than a week away until the school holidays and the library has some fantastic new non fiction that you must get your hands on… FAST. These books are guaranteed to keep you amused, busy and entertained throughout the school holidays.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDoctor Who: The Essential Guide : Twelfth Doctor Edition

This is the one book that Doctor Who fans must get their hands on, especially before the school holidays. Check out the new essential guide to Doctor Who, with  all twelve incarnations of the Doctor. With fascinating facts from all of space and time, as well as information on the Doctor’s helpful companions and fearsome foes, this book will tell all about the Doctor’s TARDIS, his regenerations, and much, much more!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to look after your human

Want to know how to look after your dog, from a dog’s perspective? Believe it or not, this is exactly what this book does. One dog has at last agreed to share the insights gained through years of hard experience: Maggie Mayhem has trained some of the world’s most stubborn humans (including her co-author Kim Sears), and so there is no better canine to explain the complexities of human behavior and guide you through the ownership journey.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSleepover Party

Throw the ultimate overnight bash! There’s only one thing more exciting than a sleepover – and that’s planning one. Covering everything from games and quizzes to pamper ideas and midnight feasts, you’ll never be short of ideas with Sleepover Party. It’s packed full of party inspiration, activities and themes that will leave your friends talking for days.Sleepover Party is the must-have book for every slumber party.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Best of Children’s Arts and Crafts

The Best of Children’s Art and Crafts brings you all the best arts and crafts projects for children from The Australian Women’s Weekly craft books. There’s hours and hours of fun with step-by-step projects on drawing and painting, printing, puppet-making, dyeing, weaving and stitching, plus much more. Presented with clear and concise instruction, this book is and invaluable resource for parents, teachers and childcare professionals. Suitable for children of all ages. Great book to have on hand for the upcoming school holidays.