fairytales – Kids' Blog

6 New Non Fiction to read before Christmas.

Katie23 December, 2019

Hey Kids!

Check out the latest junior non fiction at Wellington City Libraries!

Featured in this post are 6 books to read before Christmas about classic fairy tales, Harry Potter, Lego, Unicorns and so much more!

Enjoy!

The atlas of classic tales.

Experience the world of eight classic fairy tales through gorgeously illustrated maps of the stories’ magical lands! In every fairy tale, the main characters set off on a journey or a quest. Now, stunningly designed and detailed maps invite readers to join their adventures in an exciting new way. Thanks to the imaginative pen of Claudia Bordin, this follow-up to Atlas of Fairy Tales brings eight enchanting kingdoms brilliantly to life. In a single glance, you can view the castles, villages, forests, and oceans where such beloved figures as Sinbad, Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood, and Thumbelina wander. From Sleeping Beauty and The Snow Queen to The Jungle Book and Aladdin, these stories are sure to delight as never before.

The atlas of fairy tales.

Whether it’s Little Red Riding Hood wandering through the woods or Alice falling down the rabbit hole, almost every children’s classic tells the tale of a protagonist’s journey. This atlas depicts those incredible adventures as never before, in stunningly illustrated maps. Enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of Dorothy and her friends following the Yellow Brick Road, or of Pinocchio’s travels as he tries to become real.

The magical guide to the wizarding world.

Get Potty with Harry Potter and Lego with The magical guide to the wizarding world. A must have read for all the Harry Potter and Lego fanatics!

A world of wizards, witches, and magic awaits! Meet all your favorite LEGO Harry Potter minifigures and discover the secrets hidden within Hogwarts Castle. Relive memorable movie moments, including exciting Quidditch matches and spooky adventures in the Forbidden Forest.

The Ultimate Builder’s Guide in Minecraft.

Build up your Minecraft skills with the Ultimate Builder’s Guide in Minecraft.

Creation is arguably the most important aspect of Minecraft, from mining resources to crafting buildings, vehicles, and even entire worlds … [This book is meant] for players of all ages who want to improve their building skills. [It] will take you all the way from crafting your first shelter to putting the finishing touches to your very own mega-build master classes

Minecraft maps : an explorer’s guide to Minecraft.

Are you ready for an adventure? Minecraft Maps is a visual guide to the Minecraft landscape, created by an explorer on a quest to find the most valuable loot whilst avoiding danger. Explore each of the fifteen major biomes through highly detailed, illustrated maps, then read the explorer’s notes about the unique features and discover an inspirational themed build idea for each. A beautifully illustrated visual guide in its own right, Minecraft Maps is also a survival tool. You’ll learn which biomes are home to the most dangerous mobs, where to look for to exclusive blocks, how to find naturally generated structures and the best places to search for loot. Once you’ve discovered each biome you can get building – construct an ice palace in the ice plains biome and an entire village suspended in the tree canopy above the jungle floor.

The secret lives of unicorns.

Unicorns, we need more of them in our lives. Why not read all about their secret lives in this amazing book! From anatomy to evolution. discover just how much you didn’t know about unicorns in this stunning guide.

6 New Junior Comics and graphic novels

admin8 October, 2019

Hey kids! Welcome to the first month of spring!

Time to spring on down to your local library and check out the latest comics and graphic novels in the children’s collection.

Enjoy!

Dugout : the zombie steals home.

Twins Stacy and Gina Cavallaro are on rival little league teams, and when Gina accidentally unleashes a curse that wakes the dead, Stacy’s misfit team gets coached by a baseball-playing zombie!

Ghost hog.

Truff is the ghost of a young boar, fueled by fury towards the hunter who shot her down. She has a lot to learn about her new afterlife, and thankfully the forest spirits Claude and Stanley are there to guide her! However, they soon find that her parents, along with their fellow animal villagers, have been kidnapped by the malicious mountain demon Mava! Truff wants to help, but… the hunter is finally within her grasp, and if she lets him go, she may never get her revenge! Is vengeance all that being a ghost is good for? Or is there something stronger keeping this little pig tethered to the living world?

Geronimo Stilton 3 in 1 by Geronimo Stilton.

The hit Scholastic chapter book series has been successfully adapted into the best-selling graphic novel series from Papercutz. As Geronimo continues to garner new fans from his animated adventures seen on Netflix and Amazon Prime, Papercutz proudly collects 3 Geronimo Stilton graphic novels in 1! Geronimo Stilton and friends travel back to the past in the Speedrat to save the future from dastardly Pirate Cats. First up, head back to visit the Dinosaurs, then save Mozart from composing a CAT-astrophe, and finally help Geronimo invent the printing press. Fun and educational, Geronimo Stilton has a huge fan following and thanks to the new animated series, that following is getting larger all the time!

Geronimo Stilton, reporter. #2, It’s my scoop!

Geronimo Stilton, top reporter for The Rodent’s Gazette, has a reputation of breaking the top news stories first to the citizens of New Mouse City. But lately, Sally Ratmousen of rival paper ‘The Daily Rat’, has been leaking Geronimo’s secret scoop! Can Geronimo keep the lid on a surprise celebrity guest to the city’s 100 year celebration or will Sally rat him out?

Sonic the Hedgehog : Battle for Angel Island.

“When Neo Metal Sonic–an evil robot with Sonic’s speed, Dr. Eggman’s intellect, and an unbreakable mechanical body–conquers the island to grow his power even more, Sonic and his friends must team-up and take the fight to him. But even with the full power of the Resistance behind him, will Sonic be able to take down Neo Metal Sonic once and for all?”–Provided by publisher.

The singing rock & other brand-new fairy tales.

A genie just wants a chance to grant a wish to the frog who accidentally let him out of his lamp–meanwhile, the frog just wants to be left alone. A witch is tormented by the cheerful (and awful) singing of a persistent bard, but when she finally snaps and turns him into a rock, he just keeps on singing–somehow the power of terrible music overcomes all magic. A wizard wants a pet. An ogre just wants to make beautiful art. Four original, wry and utterly charming fairy tales comprise this new collection for young readers

Keep warm this winter with Disney movies.

Katie8 June, 2019

Hey Kids! Winter is around the corner and there will be more days spending indoors. To curb the winter’s blues… and boredom, why not head on down to your local library and rent some Disney movies to keep you entertained. Featured in this post are recommendations on classic and some what recent Disney movies, with some movie trailers of latest Disney releases coming to theaters later this year!

Enjoy!

Fr… Fr… Frrr…. Frozen

Frozen

You can never go wrong with Frozen. Relive the magic and musical renditions of “Let it go” in this amazing classic about family, friendship and diversity.

Brace yourself, kids! The gang – Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven are back for a chilly instalment of Frozen 2. Judging from this trailer, looks like the sequel is going to be better than the first movie!

You might also like…

Olaf’s Christmas adventure

Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates re-opened and Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realise they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save this first Christmas for his friends.

Also is Maleficent back to her evil ways? Find out by watching the official trailer to Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil.

Chase away the winter blues with some Polynesian themed movies, such as Moana and Lilo and Stitch:

Moana

Moana , a spirited teenager, who like most Disney princesses has a lot on her plate. This involves sailing out on a daring mission to save her island, restore the heart of Te Fiti – the island goddess, fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest and save the world. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures against impossible odds.

Check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack such as How far I’ll go performed by Auli’i Cravalho and You’re welcome performed by Dwayne Johnson.

Lilo and Stitch

They certainly didn’t get that wrong in the wonderful world of Disney with regard to Stitch, a genetic experiment who has escaped from an alien planet and journeys to the lush and tropical Hawaiian Islands. There he is adopted by a lonely tittle girl named Lilo, who thinks he is an innocent puppy.

Check out Walt Disney movies trailers where Stitch gate crashes classic Disney movies such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid! Man oh man, are they funny! A repetitive line throughout the trailers are “Get your own movie!” Hmmm irony?

Also check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack: Hawaiian Roller Coaster ride performed by Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu and New Zealand’s own North Shore Children’s Choir and a cover of Elvis Presley’s hit song, Can’t help falling in love by A-teens.

Take a magic carpet ride into whole new worlds with Pocahontas and Aladdin

Pocahontas II, Journey to a new world

Escorted by dashing British gent John Rolfe, her oversized bodyguard Uti and stowaways Meeko, Percy and Flit, Pocahontas begins an important mission of peace. An eye-opening “new world” awaits her on the bustling streets of London – but so does a deadly new threat from Ratcliffe!

Aladdin

Soar away on a magic carpet ride of nonstop laughs and thrills in one of the most spectacular adventures of all time! Now meticulously restored and enhanced – experience the wonders of Aladdin like never before – In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin and his mischievous monkey Abu battle to save the free-spirited Princess Jasmine from the schemes of the evil sorcerer Jafar. Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape shifting Genie appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery

Here is another trailer to the live action movie, Aladdin, which will be released in theater on May 23rd… not long to go.

Try Toy Story

Brace yourself for another Toy Story adventure with Toy Story 4! When a new toy called “Forky” joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.

Check out the official trailer below!

In the meantime, why not watch the original movies back to back with Toy Story 1, 2, 3, and relive the magic of the Toy Story trilogy/soon to be quadrilogy. DVDs are available at various Wellington City Library branches.

These films are timeless classics that takes you on a journey into the world of the secret life of toys. Join Buzz, Woody, Jessie and lots of amazing toys that unexpectedly embark on adventures that challenge and change them. These films are full of excitement, adventure and will change the way you think of toys.

Get wild with The Jungle Book (Animated and Live Action)

An epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self discovery, guided by panther turned stern mentor Bagheera, and the free spirited bear Baloo.

And, finally, we love Pete’s Dragon…

Pete’s dragon

For years, Mr. Meacham has told tales of the fierce dragon deep in the woods. To his daughter, Grace, these stories are little more than tall tales, until she meets Pete. Pete is a mysterious ten-year-old with no family who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot.

Top 10 Childrens DVDs March 2016

Dusty2 May, 2016

Never-never land has two film adaptations in this month’s Top 10! Through Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, author J. M. Barrie has inspired so many authors that you can find references to them in comics, movies and other books all through the library (we even have a Russian language version!). Even in musical scores Peter Pan magic pervades the library

1. My little pony, friendship is magic

2. Inside out

3. Legends of Chima

4. Strawberry Shortcake

5. Minions

6. Home

7. Dragons

8. Pan

9. Cinderella

10. Tinker Bell and the legend of the NeverBeast

Top 10 children’s DVDs February 2016

Dusty23 February, 2016

The favourites have jiggled around a bit, but when you folk like something, you really like it!

Animation features strongly in the choices for Feb’s top 10. Developing the animated characters is a totally different story when you have the author on hand. The Dragon Riders of Berk feature incredibly different dragons, not just their abilities and personalities but also the physical mechanics of how they would fly, walk and fight. Take a look at how the ideas develop from drawings to the finished dragon. Have you invented your own dragon? What does it look like? eat? how does it fly and land? Let us know in the comments.

1. My little pony, friendship is magic

2. Minions

3. Inside out

4. Legends of Chima

5. Dragons

6. Home

7. Strawberry Shortcake

8. Cinderella

9. Scooby-Doo! 13 spooky tales

10. Paper planes

Top 10 Childrens DVDs for January 2016

Dusty11 February, 2016

Road trips with DVDs? Turns out that it’s now a thing! There are some great DVDs in the Childrens collection to while away the easy summer hours. Our collection has classic series like Scooby-Doo and newer cartoon series following the Lego heroes of Chima, the ponies from the world of Equestria or the Strawberry shortcake gang. Inside out from Pixar has had some great reviews, from the writer of Monsters, Inc., Wall-E and Up, Pete Docter, the little voices in Riley’s head are brought to life as she struggles with the move to a new city. The animation deserves a mention as Pixar uses a more cartoonish style this time round. Heading to Tokyo in the next few months? you can catch the Pixar exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art

1. My little pony, friendship is magic

2. Minions

3. Inside out

4. Home

5. Dragons

6 . Cinderella

7. Scooby-Doo! 13 spooky tales

8. Strawberry Shortcake

9. Legends of Chima

10. Paper planes

Top 10 Children’s DVDs August 2015

Dusty22 September, 2015

Fairy tales retold makes number four in August’s children’s movie faves. Cinderella has gone through so many adaptions! This is latest from Kenneth Brannagh as director (he did the first Thor movie) features a stella cast with Helena Bonham-Carter as the fairy godmother and Kate Blanchette. Brannagh is also slated as director for the new Artemis Fowl movie – based on the series by Eion Colfer. If I was a betting type I would defiantely back that movie as making the Top 10 when it hits the library shelves!

1. My little pony, friendship is magic.

2. Legends of Chima.

3. Strawberry Shortcake.

4. Cinderella

5. Dragons

6. Home

7. Lego friends.

8. Paddington.

9. Dino Dan.

10.Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

5 great new children’s fiction to get you through these chilly winter days

admin23 June, 2015

The Vanishing of Billy Buckle by Sally Gardner

The famous fairy detective agency, Wings & Co, has a big problem. Well quite a few of them actually. There’s the missing giant, Billy Buckle, who has vanished without a trace, and left his giant daughter behind. There’s a surprise visit to the seaside, which uncovers a murder and a stolen diamond. And then there’s that tricky business of the TV talent show. Squat on a squid, this is Emily, Buster and Fidget’s most complicated case yet. – taken from back cover.

Looking Glass Girl by Cathy Cassidy

Alice nearly didn’t go to the sleepover. Why would Savvy, queen of the school, invite someone like her? Now Alice is lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Lost in a wonderland of dreams and half-formed memories, she’s surrounded by voices – the doctor, her worried friends and Luke, whose kisses the night of the fall took her by surprise . . . When the accident happened her world vanished – can Alice ever find her way back? A wonderful modern-day reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Looking Glass Girl is the stunning new book from Cathy Cassidy, an unforgettable tale of friendship and love from one of the UK’s best-loved authors;- www.Goodreads.com

Trash Mountain by Jane Yolen

When the gray squirrels kill his parents, a young red squirrel vows revenge, finding unlikely allies in the rats and gulls of Trash Mountain.

Sock Monkey Into the Deep Woods by Matt Danner & Tony Millionaire

“In this all-new storybook adventure, the sock monkey Uncle Gabby, his button-eyed friend Mr. Crow, and their little doll pal Inches embark on a dangerous plan to rescue their missing human, Ann-Louise, from the vicious Amarok monster that they believe has kidnapped her into the haunted woods! The epic quest that follows takes them by sea, land, and air through breathtaking lands, including a colorful cast of fanciful new characters, including the Trumbernick, the Gardsmen of Bear Town, flying harpies, and a hideous sea monster!”–page [4] of cover

Harvey Angell Beats Time by Diana Hendry

‘After the Great Storm the air was buzzing. Fences were toppled, trees were uprooted. With all the mess in Henry’s town, it didn’t surprise him to find a bundle of trash stuck in his Aunt Agatha’s hollyhocks. But when Henry discovers that the bundle is a baby — a baby with tiny antennae instead of eyebrows, and ears that look like buttercups — he suspects his old friend Harvey Angell is responsible. After all, Harvey Angell does have very special connections! But Harvey Angell is nowhere to be found, and witchy women are lining up around the block, desperate to see the baby. Henry is running out of time. He’s got to find Harvey Angell before this mystery turns into cosmic disaster’.- www.goodreads.com

Top 10 November Children’s DVD’s

Dusty8 December, 2014

A brand new Legends of Chima LEGO DVD (number 7) is about to hit the shelves, so book yourself a copy for the holidays! The Top 10 is peppered with series, but there are a few great standalone movies holding popular position!

1. My little pony, friendship is magic series

2 . Legends of Chima series

3. Dino Dan series

4. Wings

5. Strawberry Shortcake series

6. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series

7. Dinosaur train

8. Maleficent

9. Toy story of terror!

10. Lego friends series

Latest New Kids Fiction

admin27 November, 2014

Nest by Esther Ehrlich

On Cape Cod in 1972, eleven-year-old Naomi, known as Chirp for her love of birds, gets help from neighbor Joey as she struggles to cope with her mother’s multiple sclerosis and its effect on her father and sister.

A Wonderlandiful Life by Shannon Hale.

“When a mysterious being from Wonderland begins to infect Ever After High with a strange magic, everything goes topsy-turvy. Lizzie Hearts, Wonderland’s future queen; Cedar Wood, daughter of Pinocchio; and Madeline Hatter, heir to the Mad Hatter’s Haberdashery & Tea Shoppe, seem to be the only ones who haven’t completely lost their heads. It’s up to them to save their best friends forever after from a curse that threatens to give their school–and their lives–a very unhappy ending”– Provided by publisher.

The Girl who Walked on Air by Emma Carroll

Louie, was abandoned at Chipchase’s Travelling Circus as a baby and dreams of becoming a ‘Showstopper’. She secretly practises the tightrope and dreams of being the Girl Who Walked on Air. Mr Chipchase reluctantly lets Louie perform. She is a sensation, and gets an offer from the sinister, opposition, Mr Wellbeloved to perform… over Niagara Falls. But nothing is quite as it seems and soon Louie’s bravery is tested not just on the highwire but in confronting her past and the shady characters in the world of the circus.

Angels in training by Karen Mccombie

Riley’s life has changed a lot since she discovered the Angelos sister’s secret. You see her new neighbours are a little bit …magical. They know things that no-one else does and that’s why she thinks they can help her find out about mum. But just as she’s about to get some answers, mysterious events start happening at school. As things get stranger and stranger, Riley begins to suspect that they’re the only ones who can work out what or who is behind them.

The Winter Wolf by Holly Webb

Amelia is exploring the huge, old house, where her family are spending Christmas when she finds a diary hidden in the attic. It was written by a boy struggling to look after an abandoned wolf pup. Before she knows it, Amelia is transported into the wintry world of the diary…