Children’s DVDs: New Releases in October 2021

Spring is around the corner! Unfortunately not much is happening in terms or events and celebrations under Level 2. Not to worry, why not spring on down to Wellington City Libraries for some new children’s DVDs to keep you entertained, amused and give you a few laughs. So what are you waiting for? Go down to your local branch and borrow the following DVDs:

image courtesy of amazon.comRaya and the last dragon.

“Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world; it’s going to take trust as well.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comThe Croods. A new age.

“The Croods need a new place to live. So, the first prehistoric family sets off into the world in search of a safer place to call home. When they discover an idyllic walled-in paradise that meets all their needs, they think their problems are solved, except for one thing. Another family already lives there: the Bettermans.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comPeter Rabbit 2.

“The lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comTom & Jerry : the movie.

“When Jerry moves into a fine hotel on the eve of an important society wedding, the event planner hires Tom to get rid of him. Unfortunately, the battle which follows is big enough to destroy the wedding, her career, and possibly the hotel — so the sworn enemies decide to work together to save it all.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comZog and the flying doctors.

“Pearl and Gadabout are now a flying doctor trio, caring for creatures including a mermaid, a unicorn and a sneezy lion. However when bad weather forces them to land at the palace, Pearl is locked up by her uncle, the king.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comThe War with Grandpa.

“Peter is thrilled that Grandpa is coming to live with his family. That is, until Grandpa moves into Peter’s room, forcing him upstairs into the creepy attic. And though he loves his grandpa he wants his room back – so he has no choice but to declare war. With the help of his friends, Peter devises outrageous plans to make Grandpa surrender the room. But Grandpa is tougher than he looks. Rather than give in, Grandpa plans to get even.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comCruella.

“Cruella, which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.” (Catalogue).



image courtesy of amazon.comSpirit untamed : the movie.

“Spirit untamed is the next chapter in the beloved franchise full of adventure, family and friendship. Free-spirited Lucky Prescott moves to Miradero to join her estranged father. She is decidedly unimpressed with the sleepy town until she discovers a unique tie to her late mother, who was a fearless horse-riding stunt performer. She quickly forms a bond with a wild mustang named Spirit and makes two new pals who love horses as much as she does. When a heartless wrangler plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucky and her friends set off on an epic journey to rescue the horse who has given her an unbreakable connection to her mother’s legacy.” (Catalogue).


image courtesy of amazon.comLuca.

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.

Equestrian Events at the Olympic Games

Equestrian is the sport of horse riding. It is one of the few Olympic sports in which men and women can compete against each other and is the only Olympic sport that involves animals.

Olympics EquestrianIt is a unique sport in that both horse and rider are considered to be a team, and both are declared medal winners. This is to recognise that it takes many years of training by horse and rider to develop the special skills required for these events.

Equestrian has three different disciplines. They are jumping, dressage and eventing. For each of the three disciplines, there is an individual and a team event.

Equestrian events date back to the Olympic Games in ancient Greece. The Greeks would train their horses to be useful during times of war. In 680BC, chariot races and horseraces were both contested at the Greek Games.

Jumping was the first equestrian event to be included in the modern Games. It was introduced in 1900. Dressage and eventing were added in 1912.

New Zealand has 8 member in the 2016 Equestrian team. They include riders such as Sir Mark Todd, Jonathan Paget and Jonelle Price. You can find lots of information about each team member here.

You can also find out lots of information relating to equestrian and other sports here at Rio 2016 Olympics.

Go New Zealand!!!!!!

4 great new books for kids

Clare and her Captain by Michael Morpurgo

On holiday in the Devon countryside, Clare is bored by her parents’ squabbling and longs for an adventure of her own. Her summer is transformed by a new friendship with retired horse Captain and his reclusive owner. This is a must-have for every fan of Morpurgo’s classic storytelling and Rayner’s highly sought-after artwork, and a gift to treasure for young and old.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsMemoirs of a Neurotic Zombie by Jeff Norton

“My name is Adam Meltzer and the last thing I remember was being stung by a bee while swinging at a robot-shaped pinata on my twelfth birthday. I was dead before the candy hit the ground”. ‘Memoirs of a neurotic zombie’ is narrated by the hilarious Adam Meltzer – pre-teen, worrywart, and now zombie. Adam’s family gets the fright of their lives when he turns up at their door … three months after his funeral. Soon Adam’s back at school trying to fit in and not draw extra attention to himself, but when he sees his neighbour Ernesto transform into a chupacubra, and the beautiful Corina (Adam’s number one mega-crush) turns out to be a (vegan) vampire, undead life is never going to be the same again. This is a hilarious adventure caper all about friendship and being yourself … even if you’re undead.”

 

The Doldrums by Nicholas Gannon

An eccentric like all Helmsleys, eleven-year-old Archer escapes his overprotective mother and recruits two friends, Oliver and Adelaide, to help him plan a rescue of his long-lost grandparents, world-famous explorers who disappeared atop an iceberg in the Antarctic.

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsUpside Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski

With their magic being unpredictable, Nory, Elliott, Andres, and Bax are sent to the upside-down magic room at Dunwiddle Magic School.

 

 

Get your hands on these 6 new kids fiction books

Image courtesy of SyndeticsA Funny thing Happened on the Way to School by Benjamin Chaud

A humorous story about imaginative excuses for being late to school. Sophisticated picture book.

 

 

 

 

Murder Most Unladylike Image courtesy of Syndeticsby Robin Stevens

Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong set up a secret detective agency at Deepdean School for Girls to solve the murder of their Science Mistress, Miss Bell.

 

 

 

 

 

Jim’s LettersImage courtesy of Syndetics by Glyn Harper

A moving story of two brothers separated by the First World War, based on the thousands of letters sent by and to Anzac soldiers fighting at Gallipoli.

 

 

 

 

White Horse of Zennor and other storiesImage courtesy of Syndetics by Michael Morpurgo

“At the furthest edge of Britain where the sea gently washes over the land and myths brush against reality, lies Zennor. Set in a churchtown where men become beasts and ghosts roam freely, are haunting and unforgettable tales where magic lies around every corner.” -back cover.

 

 

 

 

The Leaky Battery Sets Sail Image courtesy of Syndetics Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates ; 1  by Gareth. P. Jones

Causing chaos wherever they sail, the robotic Steampunk Pirates are roaming the high seas, hunting for gold! But the evil Iron Duke has other ideas…He’s determined to capture the pirates in return for a handsome reward from the King.

 

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe Bad Book by Andy Griffiths

‘WARNING! This book contains nothing but bad stories,

bad drawings,

bad poems,

bad cartoons,

and bad riddles about bad characters doing bad things. It is a BAD book’- (inside cover).

 

 

Awesome New Fiction to read

Looking for a warm winter read? Here are the latest hot books we have added to the library. Grab one before they get cold1

Monster and Chips; Food Fright By David O’Connell

Meet the amazing monster customers and sample the foul-food served up daily at Fuzzby’s diner – the third book in this innovative series from incredibly talented author and illustrator, David O’Connell.
Somewhere hidden in the city is a very special diner. What’s so special about it? Well it does the best chips anywhere and the customers are monsters  (Goodreads.com)

 

 

 

The Ratcatcher’s Daughter by Pamela RushbyImage Courtesy of Syndetics

It’s 1900. Thirteen-year-old Issy McKelvie leaves school and starts her first job – very reluctantly – as a maid in an undertaking establishment. She thinks this is about as low as you can go. But there’s worse to come. Issy becomes an unwilling rat-catcher when the plague – the Black Death – arrives in Australia. Issy loathes both rats and her father’s four yappy, snappy, hyperactive rat-killing terriers. But when her father becomes ill it’s up to Issy to join the battle to rid the city of the plague-carrying rats. (Goodreads.com)

 

 

 

Brave by Wendy ConstanceImage courtesy of Syndetics

13,000 years ago. Wild Horse has been sent to prove his bravery by bringing a runaway girl back to her tribe before she’s taken by wolves. But Blue Bird doesn’t want to be found, and persuades Wild Horse to join her and a rescued sabre-tooth cub. It’s the greatest adventure of their lives, and they must fight with spear, tooth and claw to survive.

 

 

 

 

The Dark Wild by Piers Torday (sequel to The Last Wild)Image courtesy of Syndetics

Twelve-year-old Kester thought he had discovered the last wild animals in the land. He thought his adventure was over. He was wrong. Below the sparkling city of Premium, deep underground, a dark wild remains: animals who believe the time is right to rise up against their human enemies.  And soon Kester realises: he is the only one who can stop them.
Kester Jaynes saved the animals. Can he save the humans too? (Goodreads.com)

 

 

 

Exile by Shannon MessengerImage courtesy of Syndetics

Sophie is settling in nicely to her new life in Havenfield. She’s getting to spend time with rare, precious species– including the first female Alicorn, who shows herself to Sophie and trusts no one but her. Sophie is tasked with helping to train the magical creature so that the Alicorn can be revealed to the people of the lost cities as a sign of hope. But the secrets buried deep in Sophie’s memories remain, and before long she’s back in incredible danger, risking everything to find the answers to questions that could save not only her life, but the life of someone close to her…

 

New Non Fiction: Skills that every kid should know.

Move over wikihow, Wellington City Libraries has a new range of junior non fiction that provides you information where you can learn skills on the following:

How to use an iPad.

My iPad for Kids.

No doubt, the iPad is a great device… and toy. There has never been a a consumer device like the iPad that kids (and adults) are instantly and universally embraced.  However, even such a device like the iPad that could use some modifications and adjustments that could make it even more kid friendly. My iPad for Kids is here to help kids, parents  (and you!) get the most out of your iPad2, iPad 3rd or 4th generation, or iPad mini running iOS 6. Using full-colour, step-by-step tasks, My iPad for Kids provides  step-by-step instructions on various topics which includes iPad setup, customization, syncing accessing the Internet, applications and learning how to use your iPad for home, school, and just for fun! Best for ages 12 years and over.

 

 

 

How to start your own business.

The Quick Experts Guide to Starting your own business.

You’re never too young to start your own business. Why not start now? Part of the series, Quick Expert’s Guides this book is aimed at ‘tweens’ interested in starting their own business whether it is offering services in tidying up  gardens, ironing shirts or even designing your very own social networking site. This book includes features that break down all the  technical/scientific/complex aspects of starting your own business , inspirational case studies, activities, the do’s and don’t’s of business management and a final project to test the reader’s new skills. Chapter round-ups also offer tips on key words and phrases as well as boosting self esteem and confidence, in order to walk the walk and talk the talk of a true expert.

 

 


The Glamorous Girl’s Book.
Girls, it’s time to get your glam on! This book tells you everything you need to go from being glum to glam! You will learn how to walk in high heels, make your own jewelry box, jazz up a boring hairstyle and accessorize yourself brilliantly. The ideal book for girls that will teach them to be confident, fabulous and gorgeous.
 

 

 

 

 
How to speak horse?!


How to Speak Horse.
Yes, believe it or not horses can talk and everyone can learn how to speak horse. But have you ever wondered how horses ‘talk’ to each other?, How do they ‘talk’ to you and how can they ‘talk’ back? This book will show you how. You will learn how horses use body language to communicate, easy groundwork exercises you can do to learn your horse’s body language and how to use your own posture and movement to ask your horse to go forward, stop, turn and follow. Also includes a dictionary of common horse body signals to help get you started.  An ideal guide for pony-mad kids that will teach you how to read body language and talk back to your equine friend.
 

 

 
How to know everything!

5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything.)
For someone who wants to know everything about… everything, this is the book for you. Newly published by National Geographic Kids, this book is bursting with 5.000 awesome facts about everything, including a baby whale gains 200 pounds everyday, snakes use their tongues to help them smell and that the human brain is 78% water.  There’s even two pages of facts about peanut butter and a frog that smells like peanut butter!
 

 

 

 

How to teach, inspire and amuse any boy and girl for hours on end.

 
This series presents Boys Miscellany and Girls Miscellany, which is full of weird, wacky and wonderful facts that are essential for every boy and girl should know. Boys Miscellany will tell you everything you need to know on how to spot a man-eating shark,  a list of superhero sidekicks, details of dangerous dolphins and tales of meat-eating plants. Girls will learn all they need to know in Girls Miscellany.  This book will teach, inspire and amuse any girl for hours on end. They will learn interesting facts and information,  including the top ten problems for cave girls, superpowers every girl should have, how to confuse a pigeon and  which woman has the longest legs in the world.
You will also like The Dangerous Book for Boys and The Daring Book for Girls.
 

How to get these awesome new books? Pop on down to your local library!

fiction, Fiction or … FICTION !!!

Holidays are  over, but I am sure you will still have plenty of time to enjoy these new books. Look here for some good new books to share with your mates at school!

Check this out…

Infinity RING, a Mutiny in time by James Dashner

When best friends Dak Smyth and Sera Froste stumble upon the key to time travel – a handheld device known as the Infinity Ring – they’re swept up in a centuries old war for the fate of humankind. Recruited by a secret society named the Hystorians, the kids learn that history has gone disastrously off course. Now it’s up to Dark, Sera, and young Hystorian Riq to travel back in time to fix the Great Breaks.

Fix the past and save the future.. This first book of the “Infinity Ring” series will lead you into a tremendous adventure !

The book includes an all-new, top secret Hystorian’s Guide to unlock the next episode…

8 years old and +

 

 Jade at the Champs by Amy Brown

In the second of the Pony Tales series, Jade Lennox faces a new challenge. Now that her dad is out of prison and has a job in Flaxton, she can prepare her beloved pony, Pip, for the national Pony Club Champs. She has made the junior team, and her coach is Olympic gold medallist, Michaela Lewis. But when Pip develops laminitis, Jade must ride Dorian, the exquisite but temperamental grey. Can they become a partnership in time? Will Pip ever recover? And will saving another abused pony jeopardize her own chances of winning the championship?

This book is the volume 2 of the Pony Tales series. Perfect for all horse and pony lovers !

9 years old and +

 

Drowned Ammet by Diana Wynne Jones

The people of Holand are being crushed by their evil ruler, so when the Freedom Fighters come up with a plot to kill him, Mitt is keen to play a part. But this is not just any part, it’s the star role – the assassin.

But when the plot goes terribly wrong Mitt finds himself alone and on the run in a dangerous place, full of enemies…

This is the second book by the best-selling author Diana Wynne Jones. This book will appeal to all fantasy audiences !

10 years old and +

 

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Penny Packer

Stella loves living with Great aunt Louise in her big old house near the water on Cape Cod for many reasons, but mostly because Louise likes routine as much as she does, something Stella appreciates since her mom is, well, kind of unreliable. So while Mom “finds herself”, Stella fantasizes that someday she’ll come back to the Cape and settle down. The only obstacle to her plan? Angel, the foster kid Louise has taken in. Angel couldn’t be less like her name – she tough and prickly, and the girls hardly speak to each other.

But when tragedy unexpectedly strikes, Stella and Angel are forced to rely on each other to survive and they learn that they are stronger together than they could have imagined.

A surprising novel of friendship and family which will make you think about who you belong to…

10 years old and +

 

Judy Moody and Stink, the Holly Joliday by Megan McDonald

Judy Moody is making a list and checking it twice, but all Stink really wants this year is snow. It hasn’t snowed on christmas in Virginia in more than one hundred years, however, so what are the chances that that will change? But who is this new mail man who looks like a jolly old elf and seems to know a lot about weather patterns?

 

Curl up with the newest comedy about Stink and Judy Moody, you will already feel like it’s Christmas time!

6 years old and +

Equestrian at the Olympics

Do you love horses? I do and I can’t wait to watch the equestrian events at the Olympics. My favourite is the eventing but equestrian also includes individual and team events in jumping, dressage and three day eventing. In all these disciplines both horse and rider have to display skill, speed and smooth movement. It takes many years of practice for horse and rider to become a great team.

Equestrian is one of the few sports where all events are open to both men and women and it is a unique sport at the Olympics because both rider and horse are considered a team, and both are declared medal winners.

New Zealands most successful equestrian is Mark Todd and he will be competing at the Olympics this year. Mark along with his horse Charisma  won back to back Olympic Gold medal in eventing in 1984 and 1988. He was also voted Rider of the Century by the International Equestrain Federation.

If you would like to learn more click on Equestrian events at the Olympics to get up to date details of all the events as well as other great information.