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Step into Spring with this great selection of new kids fiction from your Library!

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Image courtesy of SyndeticsRubies and Runaways by Janine Beacham

“During a service at Yorke’s Cathedral, a young boy bursts in, declaring that his sister has been kidnapped. Soon Rose finds herself tangled up in a mystery involving fake antiques, a maodorous factory and a secret society of chimney sweeps. Tea is brewing and so is murder…” – back cover.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsArchie Greene and the Raven’s Spell by D.D Everest

Archie Green and his friends have been rewritng the magic spells contained within books, but someone is using their power for evil.

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsRowan Oakwing by E.J Clarke

“There’s a strange magic to London parks. When the sun sets and the gates are closed, tiny winged creatures come to life. The only way to meet them is to become one. And if you become one, there’s no way back. Rowan cries herself to sleep in Hyde Park and wakes up ten centimetres tall, with tiny oak-leaf wings. She’s about to go on an adventure in the hidden world of fairies and foxes. But Rowan’s quest will be perilous, with fearsome enemies at her heels. If she wants to get home, she’ll need to find the courage she never knew she had, and discover powers she’d never even imagined …” — Back cover. 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsLet’s Pretend We Never Met by Melissa Walker

If it were up to Mattie Markham, there would be a law that said your family wasn’t allowed to move in the middle of the school year. After all, sixth grade is hard enough without wondering if you’ll be able to make new friends or worrying that the kids in Pennsylvania won’t like your North Carolina accent. But when Mattie meets her next-door neighbor and classmate, she begins to think maybe she was silly to fear being the “new girl.” Agnes is like no one Mattie has ever met — she’s curious, hilarious, smart, and makes up the best games. If winter break is anything to go by, the rest of the school year should be a breeze. Only it isn’t, because when vacation ends and school starts, Mattie realizes something: At school Agnes is known as the weird girl who no one likes. All Mattie wants is to fit in (okay, and maybe be a little popular too), but is that worth ending her friendship with Agnes?

Some exciting new kids fiction books for you to enjoy!!!

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Here’s an exciting selection of the newest Kids Fiction books to hit the shelves at your local library!  Get your homework done and snuggle up warm with your duvet and one of these!

The Lost Staff of Wonders by Raymond ArroyoImage courtesy of Syndetics

When the storied Staff of Moses responsible for summoning the plagues of ancient Egypt vanishes from the museum in Perilous Falls, Will Wilder is suspect number one. As the river runs with blood, sharp-toothed frogs surround his home, and clouds of swarming gnats choke the streets, Will must rely on his supernatural ability, everything he learned from his training, and help from his friends, siblings, and Great-Aunt Lucille to find the missing staff and unmask the hidden evil before time runs out for all of them.

Image courtesy of SyndeticsBattle of the Heroes by Kate Forsyth

The quest comes to an end as Tom, Quinn, Elanor and Sebastian return to Wolfhaven with their four magical beasts and the gifts they bear. Will they be in time to stop Lord Mortlake’s deadly plot?

 

 

The Worst Years of My Life by James PattersonImage courtesy of Syndetics

Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he’s got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off. With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school’s oppressive Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class – 5,000 points! Running in the hallway – 10,000 points! Pulling the fire alarm – 50,000 points! But when Rafe’s game starts to catch up with him, he’ll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he’s finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he’s been avoiding.

Image courtesy of SyndeticsChitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon by Frank Cottrell Boyce

When Big Ben takes off like a rocket after the World Cup, it takes a visit to the moon and the help of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s previous owners, the Pott family, to save Chitty and Little Harry.

 

 

Stick Cat by Tom WatsonImage courtesy of Syndetics

While admiring the view of the city from his friend Edith’s apartment, Stick Cat notices that Hazel, the bagel maker, is in danger across the alley, and he devises a plan to rescue her.

 

Family Fort Night

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Family Fort story time

Come to Khandallah Library on the last Thursday of each month at 6pm for fun, family-friendly themed activities for kids and their families. On Thursday the 30th of March, we’re having “Family Fort Night” – bring your pillow and your favourite teddy and help turn the children’s area into one giant pillow fort for the evening. They’ll be stories, songs and activities so come in your PJs, if you’re feeling extra adventurous! These are fun events for children of all ages and their caregivers.

Keep an eye out at Khandallah Library for more information or ask any of our friendly librarians!

Some fun new fiction for you to try out!!!

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Image courtesy of SyndeticsHappy Bethday by Knife & Packer

So I’m being chased through the park by a pack of angry zombies, I’ve got cake mix on my face and MY MOST EMBARRASSING PHOTO EVER IS IN THE SCHOOL MAGAZINE! Beth Orsen is back for her third hilarious adventure. And with a zombie party, Granny’s baking contest and Beth’s baby photos accidentally being printed in the school magazine, life is about to get messy again!

Image courtesy of SyndeticsPodkin One Ear by Kieran Larwood

A thick white blanket covers the wide slopes of the band of hills known as the Razorback Downs. Podkin One-Ear is a legend: a fearsome warrior rabbit whose reputation for cunning and triumph in battle has travelled the ages. When a travelling bard arrives at Thornwood Warren on Midwinter night, he is warmly welcomed. In return for food and lodging, he settles down to tell the tale of Podkin One-Ear – and soon the rabbits are enthralled to hear the story of how one lost little rabbit overcame the cruellest enemy imaginable, and became the greatest warrior their land has ever known.

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWelcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird

Twelve-year-old Omar and his brothers and sister were born and raised in the beautiful and bustling city of Bosra, Syria. Omar doesn’t care about politics – all he wants is to grow up to become a successful businessman who will take the world by storm. But when his clever older brother, Musa, gets mixed up with some young political activists, everything changes. Before long, bombs are falling, people are dying, and Omar and his family have no choice but to flee their home with only what they can carry. But no matter how far they run, the shadow of war follows them – until they have no choice but to attempt the dangerous journey to escape their homeland altogether. But where do you go, when you cannot go home?

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWhat not to do if you turn Invisible by Ross Welford

Turning invisible at will: it’s one way of curing your acne. But far more drastic than 13 year-old Ethel Leatherhead intended when she tried a combination of untested medicines and a sunbed. It’s fun at first, being invisible. And aided by her friend Boydy, she manages to keep her extraordinary ability secret. Or does she…? When one day the invisibility fails to wear off, Ethel is thrown into a nightmare of lies and deception as she struggles to keep herself safe, to find the remedy that will make her seen again – and solve the mystery of her own birth…

Image courtesy of SyndeticsAn Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo

It’s 1944. Elizabeth and Karli live in Dresden where their mother works at the zoo. When the zoo director announces that the dangerous animals must be shot to prevent them running amok if the town is bombed, the childrens’ mother moves a young elephant into the back garden to save her. Then the allied bombs begin to fall and the whole family, elephant included, must flee the city.

 

Wonderful New Kids Fiction to try!!!

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It’s back to school time, so be sure to grab these new kids fiction books from your local branch Library to read once you’ve done all your homework!

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsArtie and the grime wave by Richard Roxburgh

Artie and his best friend Bumshoe have stumbled upon a Cave-of-Possibly-Stolen-Stuff, and along with it a gang of shady characters including scary Mary, fang-toothed Funnel-web and the devious Mayor Grime. Artie and Bumshoe’s attempt to solve the mystery sparks a chaotic chain of events that involves kidnapping, puppy-dog cutlets, modern art and pioneering the sport of the bungee- wedgie. It’s a sticky situation and if Artie’s going to escape, he might need help from family, friends, a little old lady, a small dog and the Fartex 120Y.

 

Strike lightning  by Steven ColeImage courtesy of Syndetics

When James stumbles upon a horrific sight, he knows things are not what they seem. His school is determined to make him believe what happened was an accident, but James believes what he saw was murder. The significance of the events at school only come to light in the course of an adventure that takes James across Europe and puts him within range of a warmongering villain. Has James got what it takes to triumph over this man, the worst kind of enemy, who boasts a new kind of weapon?

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe Amazing Adventures of  Little Freddie Whitemouse by Elizabeth Jane Howard

This book following the magical journey of a mouse who wishes to be anything but himself. The trouble was that Freddie really did not like being a mouse. ‘It’s just a phase,’ his mother said, but it wasn’t …Little Freddie Whitemouse, of No.16, Skirting Board West, simply hates being a mouse. Mice are terribly small, frightened of everything, and aren’t allowed to have any fun at all. Instead, he longs to be a fierce tiger, king of the jungle floor; or someone’s treasured dog, able to run and play all day. So when a sorcerer toad hears Freddie’s pleas and offers his assistance, there is really little else Freddie could ask for. So as not to make any rash decisions, Freddie agrees to spend a week as each animal. But what will he discover on his amazing adventure? And will he ever want to be just a plain old mouse again?

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWhat Dog Knows by Sylvia Vanden Heede

When Wolf finds a fact-filled book in the library, he thinks he will at last outsmart his clever cousin Dog. Who knows more about robots, dragons, knights and pirates? And what about setting traps, playing tricks, and chewing bones? What Dog knows is packed with information, activities, quizzes, rhymes, stories, and curious conversations between Wolf and Dog.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe Haunted House Project by Tricia Clasen

“Since her mom died, Andie’s family has crumbled. Instead of working, her dad gambles away insurance money, while her sister, Paige, has put her future on hold in order to pick up extra waitressing shifts. Andie’s afraid of what will happen if people find out just how bad things are. She’s not sure how long she can hide the fact that there’s no food or money in the house…or adults, for that matter. When her science partner suggests they study paranormal activity, Andie gets an idea. She wants a sign from her mom-anything to tell her it’s going to be okay. Maybe the rest of her family does too. So she starts a project of her own. Pretending to be her mother’s ghost, Andie sprays perfume, changes TV channels, and moves pictures. Haunting her house is Andie’s last hope to bring her family back into the land of the living.”–From publisher’s website.

 

Don’t forget Father’s Day!

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Father’s Day, a special day for celebrating our Dad’s, is coming up on September 4. In New Zealand, we observe Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September each year, although many other countries celebrate the occasion in either March or June.

Father’s Day allows us to recognise the important role father’s play and appreciate everything they do for us. A father doesn’t have to be biological either, it might be your step-dad, foster dad, uncle or friend that you want to celebrate.

 

Father’s Day dates back all the way to the middle ages (that’s over 600 years ago!), when people of the Catholic faith honoured fatherhood with a celebration on March 19th, the feast day of Saint Joseph. Father’s Day didn’t arrive in New Zealand until the early 20th century (about 100 years ago), when we adopted the tradition from the United States of America.

 

 

There are lots of ways families celebrate Father’s Day around the country, but giving gifts, enjoying a special meal together and letting dad put his feet up are a few popular traditions.

Have a think about the things your dad likes and get creative to make it a truly special day just for him. Does your dad enjoy the outdoors? You could take him fishing or go for a bush walk. Does your dad have a sweet tooth? Why not treat him to some homemade goodies. Is your dad a handyman? Create something crafty to show your love. Otherwise you might just like to spend time together!

 

Check out the library catalogue for loads of craft, cooking and activity ideas, or head over to the Kiwi Families website for more inspiration.

5 New kids fiction books to warm your heart on these freezing winter days

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The Adventures of Alfie OnionImage courtesy of Syndetics by Vivian French

Alfie Onion has just set off on a great adventure …but only to carry his brother’s luggage. It’s his elder brother, Magnifico Onion, who’s destined to win their family a Happily Ever After. But when it turns out Magnifico isn’t half the hero he’s cracked up to be, it falls to Alfie to save the day – with a little help from his loyal dog, a talking horse and a couple of meddling magpies.

 

 

Perijee & MeImage courtesy of Syndetics by Ross Montgomery

When 11-year-old Caitlin discovers a shrimp-like alien creature on the shores of her island home, she takes responsibility for teaching it about the world. Mostly, this just involved stopping little Perijee from eating everything. Caitlin becomes increasingly close to her alien friend, treating him like a brother. There’s only one problem – Perijee won’t stop growing. Then the authorities try to hunt him down and through his fear, Perijee disappears and starts causing trouble. Caitlin must leave home and travel across the country to try and convince Perijee to stop destroying everything before it’s too late.

 

 

Binny Bewitched by Hilary McKayImage courtesy of Syndetics

Binny Cornwallis has lost some money.  Money that wasn’t really hers in the first place. With her best enemy Gareth and her beloved dog Max she turns detective to track it down, but the Cornwallis family are anything but helpful. Little brother James and his friend Dill are having an adventure of their own and big sister Clem is acting very strangely. And on top of all this, Binny suspects their next-door neighbour may be a witch …

 

 

The Girl of Ink and StarsImage courtesy of Syndetics by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella dreams of the faraway lands her cartographer father once mapped. When her friend disappears, she volunteers to guide the search. The world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.

 

 

Emily Sparkes and the Backstage Blunder by Ruth FitzgeraldImage courtesy of Syndetics

‘It’s school play season, and Emily Sparkes has landed herself a starring role… not.  In fact it’s the most HUMILIATING role in the history of all time – even worse than the time she was cast as a duck. (Quack, quack.)  Emily’s friends Chloe (pretty much a Hollywood-star-to-be, daahling) and Zuzanna are very excited.  Partly because, for the first time ever, they’ll be performing in a gala at the local theatre like proper actors!  But things take a turn for the worse when they meet the other school who’ll be performing.  The girls from Mag Hall have a history with Chloe that seems a bit mysterious.  It’s going to take some real Emily Sparkes creativityness to get to the bottom of things!’ – taken from book cover.

 

New Kids Fiction to get you through these colder winter days!

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With winter settling in what better time to rug up with a warm blanket, a cup of milo and some of these new Kids Fiction books from your local library!

Hour of the BeesImage courtesy of Syndetics by Lindsay Eagar

This novel blurs the line between truth and fiction as Carol unravels the fantastical stories of her mentally ill grandfather. When she and her family move to his deserted ranch in order to transfer him to a care home, Carol struggles to cope with the suffocating heat and the effects of her grandfather’s Alzheimer’s. Bees seem to be following her around, but the drought means this is impossible. She must be imagining things. Yet when her grandfather chooses her as the subject for his stories – tales of a magical healing tree, a lake, and the grandmother she never knew – Carol sees glimmers of something special in what her parents dismiss as Serge’s madness. As she rethinks her roots and what she thought she knew about her family, Carol comes to the realization that Serge’s past is quickly catching up with her present.

 

 

How to Capture an Invisible Cat by Paul TobinImage courtesy of Syndetics

Every Friday the 13th, 6th grade genius and inventor extraordinaire Nate Bannister does three not-so-smart things to keep life interesting. This time, he taught a caterpillar math, mailed a love letter, and super-sized his cat Proton before turning him invisible.

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsTeresa by Deborah Abela

Teresa and her family survived the bombing of their home and went hungry during the long siege of their island during the war. Life in peace time is still hard. Her parents want a better life, and so apply to migrate to Australia to find it. But after the long voyage to Sydney, there are more testing times ahead for Teresa as she tries to learn Australian ways, avoid the bullies and do well at school. She is not about to let anything stop her from making her family and her nanna back in Malta proud of her.

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe Secrets we Keep by Nova Weetman

Clem Timmins has lost everything – her clothes, her possessions, her house and her mum. Now living in a tiny flat with her dad, Clem has to start a new school and make new friends. On her first day, Clem tells Ellie that her mum died in a house fire and immediately regrets it when Ellie latches on and confides that her own mother is dying of cancer. When Clem receives a letter she doesn’t want to read, it becomes clear she can’t run from her past forever, especially when the truth appears right in front of her face.

 

 

Wicked’s WayImage courtesy of Syndetics by Anna Fienberg

Will could walk a tightrope and juggle bananas as he went. ‘One day you’ll be the star of a circus,’ his mother told him. ‘But until then, you must be a secret.’ For each year pirates came to the islands to steal young boys for their crew. And if that happened to you, well, you may as well kiss your life goodbye. So what’s a young lad to do when his mother disappears and pirates arrive at his door?..Will takes courage from a crazy truth-telling parrot, and his mother’s advice: ‘Keep putting one foot in front of the other and your eyes on the prize.’ But will this be enough to survive the perils at sea? And will that infuriatingly polite boy called Horrendo finally tip the balance?..A high-seas pirate adventure about scoundrels and blaggards, devilish treachery, and finding the most precious treasure of all…

New fiction for children – Get your hands on them now!

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More new books! It’s like they are just flying in the doors simply so they can fly back out again in your hands. You know what to do… find them in your local library or seek them out on our catalogue.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsPAX by Sara Pennypacker “After being forced to give up his pet fox Pax, a young boy named Peter decides to leave home and get his best friend back”– Provided by publisher.

 

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWaiting for Callback by Perdita and Honor Cargill Geek Girl meets Fame meets New Girl in this brilliantly funny new series! When Elektra is discovered by an acting agent, she imagines Oscar glory can’t be far away, but instead lurches from one cringe-worthy moment to the next! Just how many times can you be rejected for the part of ‘Dead Girl Number Three’ without losing hope? And who knew that actors were actually supposed to be multi-lingual, play seven instruments and be trained in a variety of circus skills? Off-stage things aren’t going well either – she’s fallen out with her best friend, remains firmly in the friend-zone with her crush and her parents are driving her crazy. One way or another, Elektra’s life is now spent waiting for the phone to ring – waiting for callback. Can an average girl-next-door like Elektra really make it in the world of luvvies and starlets?

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe nine lives of Montezuma by Michael Morpurgo This is the story of the nine lives of a very special cat, from impetuous young kitten to the king of the farmyard. Wherever Montezuma goes, adventure and excitement are sure to follow.

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsElectrigirl by Jo Cotterill Holly Sparkes was just your average 12-year-old, that was, until she’s hit by a bolt of lightning. Now Holly is EXTRAordinary. Like a human battery Holly can generate a massive amount of electricity in seconds, which could come in handy if she’s ever going to solve the mystery of her best friend’s disappearance. Because when you’re dealing with the likes of Professor McAvity and her mysterious CyberSky corporation, you need all the help you can get!

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsJust my Luck by Cammie McGovern Since entering fourth grade, Benny Barrows worries that he will never be good at anything, that he is responsible for an accident that sent his father to the hospital, and that his attempts at winning a school contest will never be noticed.