Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love

Valentine’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, originated more than 1000 years ago in the Roman Empire, although the exact history is unknown.

It started off as a day to honour Saint Valentinus, a Roman priest who died in the name of his Christian religion.

Valentine’s Day didn’t become a celebration of love until 800 years later in the late 14th century, when an English poet named Geoffrey Chaucer referenced Saint Valentine in a love poem he had written about the engagement of the King and Queen.

Poetry has therefore remained popular on Valentine’s Day, and you might have heard this well-known phrase (or variations of it):

Roses are Red, Violets are blue,

Honey is sweet, and so are you.

 

Nowadays, people from countries all around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving chocolates, roses and handwritten cards to the ones they love, as well as spending time together.

Although it is traditionally a romantic occasion, many people also choose to celebrate special friendships on Valentine’s Day.

Why not create your own cards and gifts to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them?

 

Visit our catalogue to find out more about Valentine’s Day and for great crafted gift ideas. Here are some to get you started:

       

7 new children’s non fiction to make learning fun

Chess Endgames For Kids.

Master the art of chess by reading this book and learn vital skills and a few key endgame techniques will dramatically increase your confidence, as you  will understand what positions to aim for and which to avoid.

 

 

Guinness World Records 2016.

Contains thousands of records that span every field of human and non-human endeavors, including science and technology, animals, sports, geography, arts and entertainment, education, hobbies and pastimes, unusual rituals, and many others. Guinness World Records 2015 is crammed with new and updated records, and never-before-seen photography.

 

LEGO minifigure year by year : a visual history.

Check out this amazing book jam packed full of visual history, fantastic photographs and profiles of more than 2,000 minifigures and other Lego characters.

 

 

 

Historium.

Welcome to the museum! Here you will find a collection of objects from ancient civilisations. Objects of beauty, functionality, war, life, death and burial. As you wander from room to room, explore the magnificence of what civilisations have left behind over thousands of years of human history! Great for ages 8 to 12 years old.

 

 

Neil Armstrong and travelling to the moon.

Fly to the moon and back with Neil Armstrong and travelling to the moon. Read all about hoe Armstrong trained for his mission, what he found on the moon and what astronauts eat in space.

 

 

 

The World’s Craziest records.

Feel like a change from Guinness World Records or Ripley’s believe it or not, then check this exciting book  that describes some of the craziest, silliest, and most extraordinary records achieved by people around the world.

 

 

The World’s Oddest Inventions.

Describes some of the oddest, strangest, and most bizarre inventions from around the world

 

 

 

6 new non fiction staring a blue whale, issac newton, angry birds and a special guest called cupcake.

The Science Book.

The Science Book is an inventive visual take on astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. With eye-catching artwork, step-by-step diagrams, and illustrations that break down complicated ideas into manageable concepts, The Science Book will have readers conversant in genetic engineering, black holes, and global warming in no time. Along the way are found mini-biographies of the most well-known scientists, and a glossary of helpful scientific terms.

 

 

The Blue Whale.

A picture book all about blue whales, who could ask for more. This book is one a word – gorgeous. It is full of relatable facts from every day life that help to make the size and habits of the blue whale easily comprehensible and engaging. Especially great for a younger audience.

 

 

 

Issac Newton.

Read all about the life of Issac Newton, the man who discovered gravity when an apple fell to the ground and came up with the three basic ideas that are applied to the physics of most motion.

 

 

 

Custom confections : delicious desserts you can create and enjoy!

Feast your eyes on a book that you can sink your teeth into. Mmmm, custom confections. All the delicious deserts that you can create and enjoy! This book contains step by step instructions and photos on making all the delicious sweet treats known to man from red velvet cookies to tiramisu. A great book to have on hand for your next high tea or bake sale. Great for ages 9 to 13 years.

 

 

Tell Me Everything.

Want to know the answers to hundreds of the world’s most fascinating questions? Then check out this book and discover over 300 information packed pages that will take you through everything, including the world, the human body, history and science and technology. Whether you are looking up information for a project or coursework or out of interest, Tell Me Everything has all the answers.

 

 

Angry Birds Friendship Bracelets.

Angry Birds Friendship bracelets presents instructions for creating over fifty woven friendship bracelet patterns based on the personalities of the different Angry Bird characters.

 

 

 

 

*** Special Guest alert!

Also check out Bake Sale. A junior comic about a cupcake called… Cupcake, who runs a successful bakery with his best friend, Eggplant, but dreams of going abroad to meet his idol, Turkish Delight, who is the most famous pastry chef in the world.

3 new non fiction: Inventions, quiz whizzes and a fairy tale as you have never seen it before

Walt Disney’s Cinderella.

This is Cinderella as you have never seen it before. The story of Cinderella has been told over and over, but has never been touched by the magic found in this book. This book captures the essence of Cinderella perfectly. The story is beautifully told, with equally beautiful and eye catching illustrations.

 

Quiz whiz. 4, 1,000 super fun mind-bending totally awesome trivia questions.

Ready to absorb mind blowing facts and test your intellect? Then check out this amazing book jam-packed full of brain tickling multiple choice and true or false questions. This book also presents one thousand trivia questions and answers on various subjects, from biology and technology to mathematics, history, and popular culture, including innovative map, photographic, and game show quizzes.

 

Genius! The Most Astonishing Inventions of All Time.

Read this book and check out all you need to know about the great (and sometimes surprising) inventions that created our 21st-century world, and the brilliant, and often brave, inventors who dared to think the unthinkable and do the impossible. From Archimedes machine for carrying water up hill, to Edisons electric light bulb; from the Wright brothers first powered flight to the Saturn V space rocket; from Gutenbergs printing press to Tim Berners-Lees creation of the worldwide web each gripping story of invention, struggle and perseverance is told in fascinating detail. Great for kids around the age of 9+ with an interest in technology, science and history.

 

 

Top 10 children’s non-fiction for May

There’s a varied set of popular facts whisking out the library door for autumn time reading. World War One fascination has continued from the ANZAC centenary with some great books.  Philippa Werry, a NZ Post book awards Children’s finalist has created a great store of facts and stories surrounding ANZAC day in her book and her blog.  Star wars and minecraft still have a special place in the Top 10 – of course they do

1.  Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

2.  Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

3.  Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller

4.  The LEGO ideas book, by Daniel Lipkowitz

5.   Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

6.  Minecraft,  by Nick Farwell

7.  Anzac Day, by Philippa Werry

8.  World War I, by Simon Adams

9.  Marvel super hero character encyclopedia, by Scott Peterson

10. See inside the First World War, by Rob Lloyd Jones

Explore ANZAC day and WW1 with these great websites

Are you looking for reliable online info about World War One? We have created a lit of great websites that you can go to for info on the causes of the war, the treaty that ended that war, ANZAC Day and Gallipoli, New Zealand’s involvement, and websites that provide info on casualties and gravesites.

 

Websites about the causes of World War One

 

 

Websites about the Treaty of Versailles

 

 

Websites about ANZAC Day

 

 

Websites about New Zealand’s involvement

 

 

Websites with ANZAC Poetry

 

 

Websites with casualties, wounded, and graves information

 

 

Websites with primary sources

 

 

General World War One sites

 

You are also welcome to chat live with an online librarian, who will help you with your research and finding online resources. AnyQuestions is a government-funded homework help service for New Zealand School Students. It’s open 1pm – 6pm Monday to Friday. Go to the site, type in your question, and chat to a librarian who will help you with your question and finding online information sources. It’s fun and free!

 

8 New Non Fiction for children: Facts and Myths

Childrens book of mythical beasts & magical monsters.

This is a very captivating introduction to the wonderful and infamous world of beats and magical monsters that dwell in mythology. This is your chance to read and discover the fantastical tales and amazing worlds that these beasts and monsters inhabit, from Grendel’s attack on Beowulf to Aztec legends and the fall of Atlantis. With epic tales of brave heroes and evil deeds the Children’s Book of Mythical Beasts and Magical Monsters unravels the mythical world.

 

 

Children’s Book of Philosophy.

Dive into the minds of the world’s most famous philosophers and discover the answers to the world’s big questions – the perfect introduction to philosophy for younger readers. From Socrates and Aristotle to Kant and Confucius, meet the thinkers and theories which shaped our world. Find answers to life’s big questions such as ‘Who am I?’ or ‘Should I ever tell a lie?’ and what philosophy is. How do you know whether you’re awake or dreaming? Is the world real? Why do we need rules?

 

 

National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Why?

Why am I special? Why do I have dreams and nightmares? Why does my skin wrinkle in the tub?

Find out all the answers and more by reading this amazing book of Why?

 

 

Creaturepedia.

Welcome to this collection of best-loved animals from all over the world, chosen for their special talents and characteristics, with fun illustrations. Meet ‘the architects’, the ‘noisy neighbours’, the ‘homebodies’, the ‘forever faithfuls’, the ‘champions of forgetfulness’ and more in this alphabetically ordered encyclopedia. With fascinating facts, curious creatures and characterful cartoons, this book will keep young explorers busy for hours.

Ten of the best myths

Read the fantastic books: Giant Stories, Mythical hero stories, Animal Stories and Gods and Goddesses that each hold ten wonderful retellings of ancient world myths and legends, such as the battle between David and Goliath, Theseus battling the minotaur, the epic race between the tortoise and the hare, Pandora and the forbidden box and believe or not, famous Marvel hero, Thor in a dress! These stories are bound to  fascinate and educate young readers. Great for ages 9+.

Back to school with New Non Fiction.

image courtesy of syndeticsRipley’s Believe it or not: Special Edition 2015.

Yep, Believe it or not, The fascinating files of Robert Ripley are back and jam packed with more creepy facts and crazy feats than ever before, which proves there’s nothing stranger than the truth. Don’t believe me? Read the book and read all about how a pygmy goat likes to take pony rides, a parrot who refuses to take off his jumper and a 14 year old girl who has run marathons on seven continents.

 

Inventions in 30 seconds.image courtesy of syndetics

Ever wanted to know things in just 30 seconds. Brace yourself… because there is a book that tells you everything and anything you need to know about inventions in just 30 seconds. Read Inventions in 30 seconds and discover fast-track facts and information about 30 inventions it’s hard to imagine living without. Best back to school read you must get your hands on!

Epic Rubber Band Crafts.image courtesy of syndetics

Who would have thought a simple item like a rubber band could be such an innovative craft idea when creating headbands, bracelets and so much more. Read this book and check out 15 amazing projects for sensational rubber band accessories which will allow you to take your rubber band skills to the next level with more bands, more techniques, more looms and more awesome! A fantastic book to keep you entertained during the summer holidays.

Moses : the true story of an elephant baby.image courtesy of syndetics

If you have a weakness for baby animals, then this is one book (and Librarian’s Choice!) you must read. Read and learn all about elephants, how to protect them and read all about (and meet) Moses, an orphaned elephant baby from Malawi, Africa, who is curious, loving, and full of mischief! Overall a beautiful, heart warming story that can be enjoyed by everyone!

Christmas non-fiction for children

It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. Check out some of the huge collection of non-fiction books that Wellington City Libraries has to offer!

Craft it up Christmas!

image courtesy of syndetics10 minute Christmas crafts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas things to stitch and sew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCraft it up : Christmas around the world : 35 fun craft projects inspired by traveling adventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooking up a Christmas Storm!

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas cooking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas cookies! : a holiday cookbook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas fairy cooking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Carols.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne book of Christmas carols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMy very first Christmas carols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun facts and Information about Christmas.

image courtesy of syndeticsHorrible Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsChristmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne Christmas treasury.

New Non Fiction: Amazing Facts.

Big Book of When.image courtesy of syndeticsRead this book and find out all the answers to questions such as when was the first text message sent and when did people start using clocks. This book also contains great photos, timelines, diagram and more than 801 fascinating facts.

image courtesy of syndeticsZoom In.
Move over Magic Eye and Actual size, Zoom In takes you on a journey where you encounter ordinary objects, like an eye or the head of a felt tip that are magnified a hundred times. Overall this book is a fantastic read full of amazing super-magnified images that will leave you guessing what they actually are.

image courtesy of syndeticsDoctor Who: How to be a Time Lord.
A must have read for all you Doctor Who fans. This ancient book contains thousands of years of time lord wisdom everything you need to know in order to become the next Doctor Who.

Girls who rocked the world.image courtesy of syndetics
Girls who rocked the world is the ultimate girl power book that pays tributes to many famous and influential young women that changed the world, such of Joan of Arc, Mother Teresa and Coco Channel.

Horrid Henry’s Ghosts.image courtesy of syndetics
Check out Horrid Henry’s guide to all the weird, wonderful, hilarious and horrid facts about anything and everything you have ever wanted to know about… Ghosts.

image courtesy of syndetics image courtesy of syndetics A Mob of Meerkats and Other Mammal Groups and A pod of Dolphins and other sea mammal groups.
Prepare to be overloaded with cuteness and amazing facts when reading these books about mammals. These books tell you everything you need to know about their habitat, how they communicate, find food and care for their young. Great resources to use for homework and projects about mammals.