Pixar films to watch in 2021 and… a special bonus (tasty) Pixar surprise!

The Pixar movie revolution has arrived at Wellington City Libraries in 2021 and just in time for the wintery-est of time of year. It is an exciting time with the release of a tasty Italian surprise produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. 

image courtesy of amazon.comToy Story2, 3 and 4.

Toy Story was the first Pixar film ever released and changed the world of animation films forever.

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!


image courtesy of amazon.comMonsters Inc.

“In the world behind our closet doors, monsters like Mike and Sulley work hard for their income. To be exact, the monster world depends on our children’s screams: It is their energy that makes lightbulbs glow and cars drive. Sulley, the number one frightener, one day accidentally lets a human child into the monster world. Since kids are supposed to be poisonous and carry loads of diseases, pandemonium ensues. After Mike and Sulley discover that the girl they named Boo actually seems quite harmless, they decide to bring her back through her door into her room. But Boo’s presence is more than just a mere accident. Now, Mike and Sulley have to face an enemy within their own ranks.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of amazon.comMonsters University.

“Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. Monsters University unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of amazon.comBrave.

Be brave and grab life by the kilt with Merida, the feisty, Scottish  princess and skilled archer who dreams of following her own path living her own life, even if it mean defying the traditions and expectations of her family and people. However when her pride gets in the way and a spell is cast upon her mother, Merida must use her wits and skills to “mend the bond caused by pride” and save the day “highlander” style. If you’re not convinced that this DVD is worth watching, have a read of my review here.

image courtesy of amazon.comCars Trilogy.

Take a ride on the wild side with Lightening McQueen and the gang in Cars 1, 2 and 3, that chronicles the secret life of race car driving, from the race car’s point of view. This is a movies that boys will enjoy, especially boys into cars and formula one racing.

Finding Nemo.image courtesy of amazon.com

Go back to where it all began where Marlin goes on an epic quest from the great barrier reef to Sydney in order to find and save his son, Nemo, while meeting and encountering new friends on the way such as surfer turtles that live to 150 years old, vegetarian sharks who have regular meetings and of course, Dory herself, a good-hearted and optimistic regal blue tang with short-term memory loss. (Adapted from Catalogue)

image courtesy of amazon.comFinding Dory reunites the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, along with her friends, Marlin and Nemo on an epic quest to find Dory’s family. The questions that hangs on everyone’s lips are what does she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Favourite moments in the film include Dory as a baby – Boy, she’s adorable!, Marlin and Nemo’s encounter with the seals, Still can’t get the ‘OFFOFFOFFOFF’ aka the seal talk out of my head, Dory making new friends with Hank, an octopus with seven tentacles and who, for a guy with three hearts is very bad tempered, Dory reuniting with her childhood friend, Destiny and the odd cameo of previous characters from Finding Nemo. It is truly unforgettable.


Also check out footage of Baby Dory and the Pixar short film, Piper that was released alongside Finding Dory.



image courtesy of amazon.comThe Incredibles 1 and 2.

The secret life of superheroes comes to life with the Parrs, aka The Incredibles, where you watch them balance secret identities, families and saving the day. Overall, both films are funny, action packed and will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Also check out footage of  the Pixar short film, Bao that was released alongside The Incredibles 2. The film won the Oscar for the Best Animated Short Film in 2019.



image courtesy of amazon.comInside Out.

What happens when your emotions go into overdrive? They manifest in the form of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. This film is set in the mind of a young girl, Riley Andersen, where the five personified emotions try to lead her through life as her parents  move the family to a new city. Some very funny moments in the film, especially when Anger loses his temper, Disgust’s sarcastic and cynical behaviour and finding what role Sadness plays in our lives (Spoiler: Very important role).

image courtesy of amazon.comSoul.

“Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. A misstep takes him from New York City to The Great Before, a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities before going to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human life. As Joe tries to show 22 what’s great about life, he may discover the answers to the most important questions.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of amazon.comCoco.

“Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.” (Catalogue)


Brace yourself for a tasty release of Disney’s and Pixar’s animated film, Luca!

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato (YUM!), pasta (DOUBLE YUM!) and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. Check out the trailer below!

Stay tuned for information for when this film will be released. In the meantime, head on down to your local library and borrow some Pixar movies for a quiet wintery night in with some popcorn and a cup of hot chocolate. Enjoy and stay warm this winter!

Olympians vs. Marvel/DC Heroes: Team Battle 1!

Our first Olympians vs. Marvel/DC Superheroes team battle is upon us. The kings, queens, and prodigal daughters of the Greek gods and superhero comic pantheons come face to face over the pages of their books — who will emerge victorious? That is for you to decide… once you read the books, of course!

1) Zeus vs Thor

The Greek God of Thunder does battle with the Norse God of Thunder in this epic meeting of the gods of the sky!

Starting with the first book in the world of the Olympians, in Zeus: King of the Gods readers meet the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon, and are told his story from his boyhood to his ascendance to supreme power.

Meanwhile in the Norse-inspired world of Marvel comics, join Thor as he battles with frost giants, goes fishing for sea serpents, and tries to figure out who has stolen his hammer. With the trickster god Loki tagging along on his quests, Thor will not only have to squeeze into a wedding dress but also test his strength against a giant’s cat that’s so big he can’t reach its tummy, even on his tip toes.

Pro-tip: This book is part of the Bloomsbury High Low series, which encourages and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate and illustrated stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language.

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics


You might also like:

image courtesy of syndeticsNorse myths : tales of Odin, Thor and Loki.

“The gods of the Vikings come to life as never before in this extraordinary illustrated anthology by Carnegie Medal-winning author Kevin Crossley-Holland and artist Jeffrey Alan Love. These dramatic, enthralling and atmospheric tales are based on the Scandinavian myth cycle one of the greatest and most culturally significant stories in the world – and tell of Odin with his one eye, Thor with his mighty hammer and Loki, the red-haired, shape-shifting trickster. In this stunning collection of myths, the strange world of ancient magic, giants, dwarfs and monsters is unforgettably imagined.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsTreasury of Norse mythology : stories of intrigue, trickery, love, and revenge.

“Classic stories and dazzling illustrations of gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters come to life in a stunning tableau of Norse myths, including those of the thunder god Thor, the one-eyed god and Allfather Odin, and the trickster god Loki. The lyrical storytelling of award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli dramatizes the timeless tales of ancient Scandinavia. This book is the third in the trilogy that includes the popular National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology and National Geographic Treasury of Egyptian Mythology.” (Catalogue)

Also search our catalogue for more books about Thor and Zeus.

2) Athena vs Wonder Woman

Talk about taking sibling rivalry to to extreme! Half sisters, Greek Goddess, Athena and Wonder Woman (Amazon, demi-god and superhero) do battle over who can best fight battles using wisdom over strength. Who do you think will win?

Read the story of Athena, goddess of wisdom and one of the most complex Olympians. This graphic novel retells her many interwoven tales: how she killed Pallas, fought the Gigantes, aided Perseus, and cursed Arachne. Wonder Woman: The Ultimate Guide to the Amazon Warrior showcases stunning Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince comic artwork and examines iconic characters as well as key issues and story lines. Packed with information on allies, enemies, locations, and much more, this book is a must-have book for fans of DC Comics, Wonder Woman comics and characters, and the Justice League of America.

You may also enjoy Diana and the island of no return. It tells the story of a very young Diana who hopes to persuade her mother, Queen Hippolyta, to let her learn how to fight when the world’s most powerful women gather on Themyscira for a festival to celebrate their different cultures. But at the start of the festivities, an unexpected and forbidden visitor — a boy — brings news of an untold danger that threatens Themyscira and all of its sacred neighboring lands. (Descriptions adapted from Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics
3) Hera vs Captain Marvel

Volume 3 of Olympians, Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory, introduces readers to the Queen of the Gods and Goddesses in the Pantheon. This volume tells the tales of the many heroes who sought and won Hera’s patronage — in particular, the famous Hercules. Hera is majestic, proud, and at times severe and vindictive — but always she wields the unquestionable power of a queen of the heavens. So how will she fare in battle against the (unofficial) queen of Marvel heroes and heroines, Captain Marvel?

Join Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel : cosmic cat-tastrophe. Carol’s quiet night with BFF Jessica Drew (a.k.a. Spider-Woman) takes a catastrophic turn when Manhattan’s bodegas are suddenly overrun by a host of angry felines! And not just any felines – Flerkens, the most terrifying, pocket-dimension-holding, tentacle-devouring kitty-look-alikes in the entire universe! Carol’s paw-sitive she can handle the situation on her own, but questions remain: can she overcome the fur-midible foes before it’s too late? How well does the “Find My Phone” function actually work? And will there be more cat puns?! (Description from Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndetics


Zeus vs. Thor; Athena vs. Wonder Woman; Hera vs. Captain Marvel — which team won? Stay tuned for our next Olympians vs. DC?Marvel Superheroes team battle, where we’ll see more of these powerful beings in exciting literary action!

More Books from the ‘Little People Big Dreams’ Series

Little People Big Dreamswritten by Isabel Sánchez Vegara, is a collection of biographies with simple text and eye catching illustrations, about famous people, (mainly women), who pursued a dream no matter how impossible it seemed and who truly made a difference. Wellington City Libraries has various books by Sanchez in the collection and continues to grow with the edition of five new books from the series.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsPrince.

“In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Prince, one of the most iconic performers in music history. From a young age, Prince was obsessed with music. Even though he couldn’t read it, his talent – whether on piano, drums, guitar or vocals – turned him into an icon. Combining funk, disco, soul and almost every other genre out there, his songs are some of the best-loved all around the world. Prince knew that he didn’t have to be like anyone else to be a star – and there was no one quite like Prince. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the music legend’s life.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsJohn Lennon.

“From the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of John Lennon, the boy from Liverpool who dreamed of peace. When John Lennon formed a band while still in school, he couldn’t have known they were about to change music forever. With their exciting new sounds, rebel attitudes and gift for songwriting, everyone went crazy for The Beatles. Today, John is remembered not just as a musical icon, but as a champion of world peace. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the legendary Beatle’s life.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsCharles Darwin.

“From the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Charles Darwin, the scientist who changed the way people see the world. Although he didn’t do very well at school, Charles Darwin was passionately curious about wildlife, humans and plants. After a journey to South America, he developed his landmark theory: that all living things are related. Today, he is regarded as one of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived, and a hero to those who dare to think differently. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the iconic naturalist’s life.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsStevie Wonder.

“Discover the life of Stevie Wonder, the genius behind some of the world’s best-loved songs. At just 8 years old, it was clear that Steveland Judkins was going to be a star. Renamed Stevie Wonder for his astonishing talent on the piano and other instruments, he wrote and performed some of the biggest hits of the 1970s. Stevie became known for his inventiveness, his soulful voice and the social commentary in his lyrics. He is a UN Messenger of Peace and remains one of the music world’s most iconic figures. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the great musician’s life.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsMegan Rapinoe.

“Discover the life of Megan Rapinoe, the world record-breaking footballer and activist. Chasing a ball in the school playground, Megan discovered her calling at a young age. Even if she didn’t always fit in at school, she was a star on the field- and her teammates thought so too. Her passion, skill and leadership took Team USA to Olympic Gold and a World Cup victory, while she continues to champion women’s and LGBTQ+ rights and representation in sport.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsCaptain Tom Moore.

“Discover the life of Captain Tom Moore, the veteran who raised over £30 million for the UK’s National Health Service during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.” (Catalogue)


Coming soon:

We have more books coming soon to the library, but you can place a reserve to ensure you receive it when it arrives:

image courtesy of syndeticsEvonne Goolagong.

“Be amazed by one of Australia’s most inspiring tennis players- Evonne Goolagong – who overcame adversity and went on to win 13 majors, 84 singles, 50 doubles and 5 mixed doubles titles throughout her illustrious career.” (Catalogue)
image courtesy of syndeticsMary Anning.

“Discover the life of Mary Anning, the first palaeontologist and daring fossil hunter.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsMalala Yousafzai.

“When Malala was born in Mingora, Pakistan, her father was determined she would have every opportunity that a boy would have. She loved getting an education, but when a hateful regime came to power, girls were no longer allowed to go to school. Malala spoke out in public about this, which made her a target for violence.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsHans Christian Andersen.

“When Hans Christian Andersen was a little boy, he treated storybooks as jewels to be treasured. He wanted to perform on stage, but was always cast as the troll. Luckily, through theatre, he found a love for writing. He wrote about both the ordinary and fantastic, never talking down to children.” (Catalogue)
Search our catalogue for more books from the Little People Big Dreams series!

Heroes All Around Us

Kia ora!  Hands up if you love superheroes!  We have lots and lots of books about superheroes in the library collection, all your favourites like Spiderman, Captain America, Batman, Wonder Woman, Thor, Captain Marvel, Ironman, and many more.  But do you know that there are superheroes all around us?  Everywhere, in the community, doing good deeds.  Ok maybe they can’t fly, or shoot web from their wrists, or have a seriously cool suit full of gadgets but there are plenty of people who do amazing things every day that make our world a better place.

The thing is, even you can be a superhero.  From recycling, picking up litter at the park or beach or planting a garden to help save the environment to giving a helping hand around your neighbourhood, there are lots of ways you can make the world a better place.  All it takes is thinking about others.

We even have books about everyday superheroes and how to be one yourself.  Here are a few that Sue at Brooklyn Library selected that you might like to check out:

Earth heroes / Dyu, Lily

Read about people all over the world who have found ways that they can help save the planet from climate change. From Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg to the amazing Sir David Attenborough, nature and science documentary film-maker, people are all over the world are taking steps to fight for the future of our planet.

Kids fight plastic / Dorey, Martin

Plastic is everywhere and becomes a big problem when it becomes rubbish.  This book shows you all the ways you can help reduce plastic in our world in no time at all.

Good night stories for rebel girls : 100 immigrant women who changed the world / Favilli, Elena

Read all about 100 amazing immigrant women who changed the world.  All sorts of women from Madeleine Albright to Rihanna can be found in this fabulous book of bedtime stories.

Oh boy : a storybook of epic NZ men / Lipshaw, Stuart

Chock full of stories about epic New Zealand men, from rugby players and mountaineers to ballet dancers and film-makers, there’s something for everyone in this book, and from right here in Aotearoa.

Forever young / Dylan, Bob

A timeless story about growing up from the twentieth century’s most celebrated musician, Bob Dylan.

The great realisation / Roberts, Tomos

This lovely book was created in our time of pandemic, to tell stories of kindness and care in our community.  It shares how we can learn and grow during tough times, and gives us hope for the future.

Be You! / Reynolds, Peter H

You were born to BE so many things. No matter where your journey leads, remember to… Be curious… Be adventurous… Be patient… Be brave… And most of all… BE YOU! A joyful celebration of individuality, persistence and staying true to YOU!

8 New Junior Comics to Read Just in Time for Winter!

Kia ora kids!

Here are some new junior comics that have just arrived at Wellington City Libraries! Head on down to your local library and grab these awesome reads just in time for winter!

Enjoy!


image courtesy of syndeticsInvestiGators.

Time to get your super sleuth on with the InvestiGators, Mango and Brash, sewer-loving agents on their first mission together, who have not one but two mysteries to solve! Can Mango and Brash uncover the clues, crack their cases, and corral the crooks–or will the criminals wriggle out of their grasp? Overall a very humorous read!

image courtesy of syndeticsSnoopy: First Beagle in Space.

“Join Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang as he seeks new milestones in the space race! Even though the first moon landing was 50 years ago, Snoopy has a bold new mission: to be the first beagle in space! Join Snoopy as he sets out on his ambitious quest, while also leading Woodstock and friends as a Beagle Scout and keeping the company of his owner, the round-headed kid Charlie Brown.”–Publisher’s website.

image courtesy of syndeticsCaptain Underpants: George and Harold’s Epic Comix Collection Vol. 2.

Lovable series, Captain Underpants returns with another comic to entertain fans far and wide. “This second collection features even more of George and Harold’s hilarious comix from the first three seasons of the TV show — nearly 200 pages of comics total! Each epic adventure features a brand-new villain from the hit Netflix TV series.”–Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsRocket Raccoon and Groot : tall tails.

If you love adventure, animals, outer space and just about anything in between, this is the book for you! Join Rocket Racoon and Groot in weird and wacky adaptation of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy as you have never seen it before!


image courtesy of syndeticsIllegal.

“Ebo is alone. His brother, Kwame, has disappeared, and Ebo knows it can only be to attempt the hazardous journey to Europe, and a better life, the same journey their sister set out on months ago. But Ebo refuses to be left behind in Ghana. He sets out after Kwame and joins him on the quest to reach Europe. Ebo’s epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his family”–Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Sisters. 1: Just Like Family.

“Meet two wonderful young girls who happen to be sisters-Maureen, and her older sister Wendy. Both are full of personality and a strong sense of independence. So while they may love each other with all their hearts, it’s not always easy for the two of them to be together. After all, when we’re still very young, age differences are much more meaningful. While Maureen may want to hang out with her older sister, nothing could be more embarrassing for Wendy. See how despite all odds, they still manage to get through each day without killing each other… well, at least so far!” — publisher’s web site.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe sisters. 4, Selfie awareness.

Beach vacation with the Sisters! But can their parents stop Wendy from burying Maureen in the sand… permanently?!


image courtesy of syndeticsStig & Tilde. 2, Leader of the pack.

“In their second adventure, Stig and Tilde once again find themselves shipwrecked on a mysterious island. This time, after their shipwreck, Stig & Tilde are welcomed by a pack of feral wolves! With only each other as backup, will they make it out unscathed? Find out in the next exciting adventure!”–Provided by publisher.

6 New books to read before the year ends.

Check out the latest junior comics and non fiction at Wellington City Libraries. Grab them before the year ends.

Enjoy!

Junior Comics:

Mighty Jack and Zita The Spacegirl.

Teaming up with new friend Zita the spacegirl, Jack and Lilly confront an army of dangerous giants and screeds ready to lay siege to Earth and determined to end all human life.

Monkey & Robot.

Presents four stories about best friends Monkey and Robot, who celebrate Robot’s Built-Day, face an exterminator, take care of a parakeet, and learn important things about babies.

Minecraft: Stories from the overworld.

With tales of witch and pillager rivals finding common ground, a heartless griefer who bit off more than they could chew, and valiant heroes new (or not!) to the Overworld, this anthology tells tales that span the world of Minecraft. Featuring stories from star writers Hope Larson, Kevin Panetta, Rafer Roberts, and Ian Flynn and exciting artists Meredith Gran and more, this collection brings together stories from all realms, leaving no block unturned!

 

Junior Non Fiction:

Gardening with Emma.

Gardening with Emma is a kid-to-kid guide to growing healthy food and raising the coolest, most awesome plants while making sure there’s plenty of fun. With plants that tickle and make noise, tips for how to grow a flower stand garden, and suggestions for veggies from tiny to colossal, Emma offers a range of original, practical, and entertaining advice and inspiration.


Children’s first cookbook.

Whip up some yummy treats this Christm with Children’s first cookbook.With recipes for scrummy scrambled eggs, funny face pizzas and a chocolate sundae surprise, Annabel Karmel shows how, togetehr with mum and dad, you can create food that’s delicious and good for you too.Dinosaur Hunter.


Dinosaur Hunter.

The true story of paleontologist Joan Wiffen, whose fossil discoveries proved that dinosaurs lived in ancient New Zealand. In picture book format.

 

7 Non Fiction to read before Christmas.

Hey Kids!

Christmas is less than three weeks away!

Check out the latest junior non fiction at your local library!

Featured in the post are books about New Zealand’s machines and inventions, heroes  from the DC/Marvel universe and Greek mythology, and so much more!

Enjoy!


All about New Zealand Machines and inventions.

Discover the machine used in New Zealand that changed world sport forever! Which machine works best when it’s raining? And which machine is just a load of hot air? You’ll find all the answers inside, together with lots more about machines in New Zealand; their history, present use and their future, including the yacht that can race along at 100 kilometres an hour without getting wet, the two-wheeler that can’t fall over, and the Historic Place that keeps moving around.


The Life-Size Guide to Native Trees.

Pictorial guide to identifying native trees and other common plants of New Zealand’s native forest.


The Elephant.

Elephants have roamed the Earth for millions of years, but only two species remain in the world today: the African elephant and the Asian elephant. Though African and Asian elephants are noticeably different, these enormous, intelligent animals have many similarities, too. Their trunks are powerful enough to pick up even the smallest of berries. With their amazing memories, they find watering holes they haven’t visited in years. Their cushioned feet can detect the powerful footfalls of other elephants from six miles away. And, just as humans are right-handed or left-handed, elephants can be right-tusked or left-tusked!


Greek Myths.

Make the mythology of Ancient Greece come to life for young readers through engaging stories and dramatic photos and illustrations. Discover the gods and goddesses behind the myths and the powers they used to control and change the world. There’s Zeus, the king of the gods who ruled the sky, and Poseidon, the god and ruler of the seas, plus many more. Sidebars, facts and infographics help uncover how these myths influenced the culture and daily life of Ancient Greece.


DC Ultimate Character Guide.

Is Superman the strongest Super Hero alive? Where is Wonder Woman from? Is Darkseid the most evil Super-Villain ever? Who is the fastest man alive? Who are Batman’s allies? Have to know the answers to these questions? Look no further than the DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide: New Edition. Written by DC Comics experts, this illustrated encyclopedia features more than 200 incredible characters and Super Hero teams, including Batman, Harley Quinn, Justice League, and so many more. The DC Comics Universe changed forever following their epic Rebirth event, and so did the characters. This comprehensive guide covers the latest key storylines for each character and includes stunning new images from the comics. It is also packed full of vital statistics and explains each character’s super powers, from indestructibility to sorcery.


image courtesy of syndeticsPowers of a girl : 65 Marvel women who punched the sky & changed the universe.

Dive into the world and the stories behind all of your favourite women in the Marvel Universe, including Captain Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Shuri, Ms. Marvel, Wasp, America Chavez and many more! This gift book showcases the amazing stories, personal victories, and powers of dozens of extraordinary Marvel heroes. Powers of a Girl is sure to excite girls and women of all ages who are looking for inspiration and a little bit of themselves in the heroes they love.


The story of Barbie and the woman who created her.

A beautifully illustrated picture book about Barbie the most famous doll in the world and her visionary creator, Ruth Handler. After noticing how her daughter played with “grown-up” paper dolls, Ruth Handler wanted to create a doll that would inspire little girls to use their huge imaginations and big dreams about their futures. While others told her it wasn’t possible, Ruth Handler proved them all wrong by creating the most famous doll ever. This book will inspire children to believe that anything is possible especially with Barbie! Since 1959, Barbie has shown girls that they can live their dreams. From an astronaut to a chef to a president, she knows that girls can do anything!

Disney Pixar Revolution at Wellington City Libraries!

The Pixar revolution has arrived at Wellington City Libraries and just in time for the wintery-est of school holidays. It is an exciting time with the release of Toy Story 4, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures,

Check out the teaser trailer reaction below! …. Even the toys can’t wait for the movie to be released!

So to celebrate the release of the forth instalment of the lovable classic where toys come to life, why not go down to your local library and check out some other DVDs released by the same companies, such as:

image courtesy of amazon.comBrave.

Be brave and grab life by the horns with Merida, the feisty, Scottish  princess and skilled archer who dreams of following her own path living her own life, even if it mean defying the traditions and expectations of her family and people. However when her pride gets in the way and a spell is cast upon her mother, Merida must use her wits and skills to “mend the bond caused by pride” and save the day “highlander” style.

 

Cars Trilogy.

Take a ride on the wild side with Lightening McQueen and the gang in Cars 1, 2 and 3, that chronicles the secret life of race car driving, from the race car’s point of view. This is a movies that boys will enjoy, especially boys into cars and formula one racing.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.com

 

 


Finding Nemo. image courtesy of amazon.com

Go back to where it all began where Marlin goes on an epic quest from the great barrier reef to Sydney in order to find and save his son, Nemo, while meeting and encountering new friends on the way such as surfer turtles that live to 150 years old, vegetarian sharks who have regular meetings and of course, Dory herself!, a good-hearted and optimistic regal blue tang with short-term memory loss.

image courtesy of amazon.comFinding Dory reunites the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, along with her friends, Marlin and Nemo on an epic quest to find Dory’s family. The questions that hangs on everyone’s lips are what does she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Favourite moments in the film include Dory as a baby – Boy, she’s adorable!, Marlin and Nemo’s encounter with the seals, Still can’t get the ‘OFFOFFOFFOFF’ aka the seal talk out of my head, Dory making new friends with Hank, an octopus with seven tentacles and who, for a guy with three hearts is very bad tempered, Dory reuniting with her childhood friend, Destiny and the odd cameo of previous characters from Finding Nemo.

 

The Incredibles 1 and 2.

The secret life of superheroes comes to life with the Parrs aka The Incredibles, where you watch them balance secret identities, families and saving the day. Overall, both films are funny, action packed and will keep you entertained for hours on end.

image courtesy of amazon.comimage courtesy of amazon.com

image courtesy of amazon.comInside Out.

What happens when your emotions go into overdrive? They manifest in the form of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. This film is set in the mind of a young girl, Riley Andersen, where the five personified emotions try to lead her through life as her parents  move the family to a new city. Some very funny moments in the film, especially when Anger loses his temper, Disgust’s sarcastic and cynical behaviour and finding what role Sadness plays in our lives (Spoiler: Very important role).

 

 

Also check out the amazing books, ranging from official movie/character guides, stories and comics adapted from the Pixar movies such as:

Disney Pixar storybook collection.

This audiobook features retellings of all seventeen Disney-Pixar feature films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and much more!

Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia.

Dive into the wonderful world of Disney.Pixar with this colourful, fact-filled guide to your favourite Pixar characters. Find out more about the greatest and funniest heroes, villains, sidekicks and oddballs from across all 21 movies- including the newest characters from Toy Story 4. For ages 7- 9.

Cars 3 : the essential guide.

Describes the memorable and ever-popular characters, including race car Lightning McQueen, plus key locations, themes, and iconic moments from the movie.

Incredibles 2 : heroes at home.

“Trying to help… Violet and Dash are part of a Super family, and they try to help out at home in two adventures! Can they pick up groceries and secretly stop some bad guys? And can they clean up the house while Jack-Jack is ‘sleeping?’ Find out in these Super stories! Also included in this volume are a variety of activities, and a special feature on how comic books come to life!” — From publisher’s description.

Incredibles 2 : the official guide.

“Discover everything you wanted to know about brave superheroes, dastardly villains and cool vehicles from Incredibles 2, the awesome new sequel to Disney-Pixar’s smash hit movie, The Incredibles. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the Parr family and their old friend Frozone must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. This book covers all the memorable and ever-popular characters, plus key locations, themes and iconic moments from the movie.” — Amazon.com.

Coco : the essential guide.

Explore the art of the Disney movie Coco! Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector. Follow along with word-for-word narration as, together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Toy Story: Woodys Augmented Reality Adventures.

Bring the world of Toy Story, one of the most beloved animated films of all time, off the pages of the book and into your room with Augmented Reality! Since it was first released, Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story has been a global phenomenon. For ages 6+

Childrens DVDs: New Releases.

Hey kids! The school holidays may be over, but Wellington City Libraries has some new DVDs to keep you amused in between school hours and at the weekend! So what are you waiting for? Go down to your local branch and borrow the following DVDs:

image courtesy of amazon.comSpider-Man : into the Spider-Verse.

Miles Morales is the new Spider-Man but must also walk the balance between his personal high school & family life and his life as a superhero. While being Spider-Man, he becomes familiar with the Spider-Verse, where there are endless variations on Spider-Man. One of the Spider-Man variations living inside the Spider-Verse is Spider-Man, Peter B. Parker, who guides Miles in his journey as the new Spider-Man and introduces him to the multitude of other Spider-Men, including Spider-Man Noir and Spider-Ham. All of the various Spider-Men will have to band together when villains threaten the safety of the Spider-Verse and of the world itself.

image courtesy of syndeticsDragons. : race to the edge. Season three.

Hiccup and Toothless are back along with the favorite dragon riders in these two action-packed seasons. The high stakes continue as the riders advance in their hunt for Viggo, Ryker, and their expanded Dragon Hunter army. Tune in as the riders discover that Viggo has a Dragon Eye, a dragon fortress, and sinister plans which include putting a pricey bounty on Hiccup’s head.

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to train your dragon. The hidden world.

Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, Hiccup has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia. When the sudden appearance of female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they’ve known, and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destines are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together-to the very ends of the Earth-to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure.

Also check out the trailer to How to train your dragon. The hidden world.


image courtesy of amazon.comSgt. Stubby.

The true story of a stray dog who joins his new master on the battlefields of the First World War. For his valorous actions, Sgt. Stubby is still recognized as the most decorated dog in American history.

image courtesy amazon.comThe kid who would be king.

Arthur’s legendary weapon, Excalibur. Unfortunately for Alex, the sword also comes with an enemy — the sinister Morgana, who has plans to conquer Britain. Alex’s only chance is to assemble a new Round Table to fight Morgana and save the world.

image courtesy of amazon.comAvengers Assemble:

Captain America.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have saved the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). Known as the Super Soldier, Captain America lives up to his name. From infiltrating the enemy in disguise to being the last one standing in a fight, Steve Rogers is the epitome of a hero.

Hulk.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have saved the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). Known as the Strongest Avenger, the Hulk undertakes missions deemed impossible for the other Avengers. But what is the Hulk without his gamma radiation? Can Bruce Banner be as useful to the team as his big, green, smashing partner?

Iron Man.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have consistently save the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). Clad in his high-tech exosuit and his wealth of knowledge Iron Man is as much of the heart of the Avengers as the Arc-reactor is to his own body.

Thor.

It’s time to celebrate the best of the best, the Avengers Heroes that have saved the Earth from mortal danger (more times than we can count). The Most Worthy of all of the Avengers, Thor encompasses the most honourable traits of a hero and a god. But balancing the responsibilites of the Asgard throne and that of an Avenger is no easy task.

Also check out the trailer to the latest movie in the Avengers series: Avengers Endgame, showing now in local theatres.

Walt Disney 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 new (and old) DVDs produced by Walt Disney and as an added bonus, two special non Walt Disney movie that the entire family will enjoy, as well as entertain and capture hearts of all ages.

Enjoy!

Moana.

A tribute to the Polynesian culture and mythology, and full of heroic exploits of the heroes and heroines that Kiwis will be familiar with, namely Maui, the demigod. The plot follows the adventure and journey of 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. Once again, Disney has put together a movie of epic proportions filled with quirky and memorable characters, as well as an amazing cast, including Kiwi actors, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement and Oscar Kightley. Kids, if those names don’t ring a bell, ask your parents and a Disney Princess in the form of Moana who embodies the qualities of an adventurous, headstrong, practically fearless, and physically capable heroine. An 8/10 all the way!

The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands.

Rough, tough and roarin’ to go, your favorite heroes are back for even more epic adventures! Join Kion and his fearless friends as they defend the Pride Lands and protect the Circle of Life in five action-packed episodes featuring King Simba, the spirit of Mufasa and the hilarious Timon and Pumbaa.

 

 

The Lion Guard: Unleash the Power.

Alone, every hero has his or her own special talent. But when champions work together, the results are “un-Bunga-lievable”! Defend the Pride Lands with Kion and his courageous team in Disney’s breathtaking adventure series based on the legacy of the Lion King. You’ll run like the wind, move mountains and save the day with these five brave friends as they summon their inner powers and help protect the Circle of Life. Packed with action, music and over two hours of fun, The Lion Guard: Unleash the power proves that when heroes join forces, they’re truly a force to be reckoned with!

Beauty and the Beast.

Belle (Emma Watson), a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast (Dan Stevens) in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast’s hideous exterior, recognising the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside. This film is beautifully constructed and made! Overall it was an interesting revamp of the original animated 1992 classic. Filled with the same musical numbers and dance sequences, there a few twists, turns and few surprises during the film. Sorry, no spoilers in this review. The ballroom scene where Belle and the beast are dancing is fantastic. Belle’s dress and the dance moves – WOW, could possibly put the previous Disney Princess, Cinderella to shame! All the characters had a part to play, had more depth, personality and beautifully showcased their uniqueness on screen. As always, the story encourages viewers to look beyond the superficial and to be compassionate, curious, humble, and generous. This movie is a must see and has been worth the long wait. A film that the entire family can enjoy for a quiet night in– especially on a Saturday night! 9/10 all the way!

An added Bonus and non Walt Disney DVDs:

image courtesy of amazon.co.ukRed Dog, True Blue.

Every legend has a beginning. When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather’s cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship, but instead finds myth, adventure, and a friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever.

 

image courtesy of amazon.co.ukFinding Dory.

This movie is in a word, FANTASTIC! Finding Dory reunites the friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, along with her friends, Marlin and Nemo on an epic quest to find Dory’s family. The questions that hangs on everyone’s lips are what does she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Favourite moments in the film include Dory as a baby – Boy, she’s adorable!, Marlin and Nemo’s encounter with the seals, Still can’t get the ‘OFFOFFOFFOFF’ aka the seal talk out of my head, Dory making new friends with Hank, an octopus with seven tentacles and who, for a guy with three hearts is very bad tempered, Dory reuniting with her childhood friend, Destiny and the odd cameo of previous characters from Finding Nemo. Even the Pixar short film, Piper that was released alongside Finding Dory is beautiful and heart warming. Two movies for the price of one, you can’t go wrong. Overall, I loved the film! It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it will make you want to watch it over and over again. It is truly unforgettable. A well deserved 9/10.