Just arrived at your local Library: 5 new children’s fiction

Return to Groosham GrangeImage courtesy of Syndetics by Anthony Horowitz

In the wickedly funny sequel to Groosham Grange by bestselling author Anthony Horowitz, someone is trying to destroy David Eliot’s school. A year ago, he’d have been happy to see the end of Groosham Grange and its ghoulish teachers. Now, he’s on course to win the Unholy Grail, a cup of magical power presented to the star pupil. But a series of suspicious mishaps sees the gap between David and new boy Vincent King narrow alarmingly. Someone, it seems, is trying to stop David winning – and, worse, threatening Groosham Grange itself!

 

 

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly, Locker HeroImage courtesy of Syndetics by Rachel Renee Russell

Max Crumbly is about to face the scariest place he’s ever been – South Ridge Middle school! Max has been home-schooled by his grandmother until now, and he’s begged his parents to finally let him start attending middle school. He’s starting to question that choice, though, with the Thomas Silver Problem. As in, the fact that Tommy keeps stuffing Max in his locker. If only Max could be like the hero in all the comics he likes to read – or the ones he draws – and magically escape the locker and defeat Tommy. Unfortunately, Max’s uncanny, almost superhuman ability to smell pizza from miles away won’t exactly save any lives or foil bad guys. But that doesn’t mean Max won’t do his best to be the hero his school needs!

 

 

Girl vs. boy band. The Right TrackImage courtesy of Syndetics by Harmony Jones

When three noisy, mischievous rising stars of a British boy band come to Los Angeles to make their first album, they stay in the home of a record producer and her seventh-grade daughter, a talented but painfully shy singer-songwriter, urged by her best friend to step into the spotlight.

 

 

 

The Harp and the RavenvineImage courtesy of Syndetics by Ted Sanders

Horace F. Andrews and his friend Chloe are Keepers of magical objects of extraordinary power. But as the presence of a new Keeper is made known, they are drawn into a struggle to find out who she is and where her loyalties lie. As Horace and Chloe adjust to their newfound talents – Horace can see the future and Chloe can walk through walls – a girl called April is drawn toward the Keeper stronghold, the Warren. She comes with a Tan’ji of her own, though it is damaged and there is no telling what will happen if it cannot be made whole again. Accompanied by a mysterious woman with a power of her own and the young boy leading them in the right direction, April is being pursued by a pack of sinister hunters.

 

 

CounterstrikeImage courtesy of Syndetics by Peter Jay Black

The Urban Outlaws face their biggest challenge yet. They have to break into the Facility and find the ultimate weapon – Medusa – before Hector does. But there are five levels of security to crack and a mystery room that has Jack sweating whenever he thinks about it. But the clock is ticking. Hector is determined to have the weapon and release doomsday, and it is down to the Urban Outlaws to stop him. Can Jack come up with a plan in time?

 

 

Top 10 Children’s Fiction May 2016

There are some terrific series in the lists for May.  Adventure, laughs and brave heroes of a young age taking on the extraordinary and the very ordinary – both can be pretty daunting!

There’s lots of reading going on with the long winter evenings, some of it will be the finalists in the New Zealand Post Book awards.  I wonder if any of these will make it into the Libraries’ Top 10??  Remember Hell Pizza are really keen to tempt you into expanding your world of imagination, wonder and delight by rewarding you with pizza!  Every seven books entitles a lucky reader (5-12 years old) to a free pizza. Yum!

 

Here’s your Top 10 novels for May 2016:

1.Diary of a wimpy kid, by Jeff Kinney

2. Tom Gates series by Liz Pichon

3. Storey Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths

4. Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford

5. Dirty Bertie series by Alan MacDonald

6. Percy Jackson series, by Rick Riordan

7. Ruby Redfort series by Lauren Child

8. Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce

9. The Secret Seven, by Enid Blyton

10.Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone, by J. K. Rowling

Reserve the new Harry Potter book

Yes, you read the title right – there is a new Harry Potter book being released soon.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set 19 years after the last book in the series, and is about Harry and his Son Albus Severus as dark forces from the past and present intertwine.

This book is not actually written by J. K. Rowling, but is instead based on a popular stage show written by Jack Thorne. The stage show script has been turned into a novel with J. K. Rowling’s blessing.

The book is due to be released on July 31st. Until then you can reserve your copy through our library catalogue. We will also have a eBook version of the novel.

You can find out more about the novel’s plot at Pottermore.

Exciting!

5 new children’s fiction at your local library

These winter days and nights are great for getting stuck into a book and being swept away on countless adventures. Here are 5 new books that have just hit our libraries. Grab them while they’re hot!

The Curse of the Cairo Cat by Dan Metcalfe

Welcome to the British Museum, home to Lottie Lipton: nine-year-old investigator extraordinaire! Lottie loves living in the museum with Great Uncle Bert but, when the Golden Cat of Cairo disappears at the launch of a new exhibition, Lottie’s home is under threat. Can Lottie, Great Uncle Bert and Reg the caretaker follow the clues and find the cat in time, or will Lottie lose her home forever?

 

 

The Parent Problem by Anna WilsonImage courtesy of Syndetics

Skye Green’s mum is driving her insane! When she’s not posting EMBARRASSING pictures of Skye online or experimenting with BIZARRE clothing, she’s forever taking up new hobbies – and her latest obsession is ballroom dancing! It’s only a matter of time until she waltzes down the street in spandex and sequins – and to make matters worse, Skye’s younger brother is wildly (and irritatingly) enthusiastic about Mum’s new hobby, and about wearing Mum’s sparkly new outfits! As if this wasn’t HORRIFIC enough, Skye’s mum has also enlisted the new neighbour’s son to come and ‘babysit’ when she’s at dance class, and he’s only a year older than Skye! Talk about MORTIFYING in the EXTREME! At least Skye’s best friend, Aubrey is there to help Skye cope with her family’s madness. They’ve been friends since before they can remember, and nothing will ever, EVER change that …right?

 

 

CImage courtesy of Syndeticsentaur School by Lucy Coats

Demon has always counted on his magical medicine box to help him cure the sick beasts on Mount Olympus. But Chiron, his new healing master, insists Demon learn to find the cures on his own. Demon’s new skills are soon put to the test when he must save an ailing phoenix–or face the wrath of its fiery guards.

 

 

 

 

Nancy Parker’s Diary of Detection by Julia LeeImage courtesy of Syndetics

On this day 24th June 1920 I turned fourteen. I plan to have a very exciting future now that I have thrown off the SHACKLES of SCHOOL! A detective is what I would most like to be. I cannot think of any reason why I could not be one. Except perhaps I am too young. And I don’t like blood. Nancy Parker has recently been engaged in her first position – as a housemaid for the very modern Mrs Bryce. It’s not Nancy’s dream job (she’d rather be investigating crimes like they do in her beloved six-penny thrillers) but as Mrs Bryce starts to entertain her new neighbours with lavish parties, it becomes clear that something strange and interesting might be afoot. Local burglaries, a cook with a deep, dark secret – and Mrs Bryce’s own glamorous but murky past. Will Nancy solve the mysteries while still keeping on top of her chores? A hilarious and energetic middle-grade mystery, narrated part in the third person and part through Nancy’s journal.

 

 

Chaos in CluckbridgeImage courtesy of Syndetics by Jennifer Gray

Danger is looming over Cluckbridge Town. A cobra has escaped from the local zoo and is after the local birdlife. And if that isn’t bad enough, the dastardly Most Wanted Club are back and causing trouble, too. Can Agent Cluckbucket and the Elite Chicken Squad vapourise the cobra’s venom and keep the birds of Cluckbridge safe?

 

 

 

Top 10 Children’s eBooks April 2016

Fantasy and adventure are the picks for those that read electronically.  You can stream or download titles easily using the Library apps from Borrow Box or Overdrive.  Where will your adventure take you?

Theme parks can recreate the magic of locations created in the imagination of authors and give you a taste of what it’s like to wander around in them. Universal Studios has recreated Daigon Alley and Hogsmeade complete with wands, butter beer and a fire breathing dragon atop of Gringotts.  Now the challenge is on! what amazing location in a book or comic would you like to see recreated? Let us know in the comments below.

 

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by, J.K.Rowling

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by, J.K.Rowling

3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by, J.K.Rowling

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by, J.K.Rowling

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by, J.K.Rowling

6. The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien

7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by, J.K.Rowling

8. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by, J.K.Rowling

9. The Ugly Truth: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, by Jeff Kinney

10. Mission Hurricane: The 39 Clues: Doublecross Series, by Jenny Goebel

Magical New Fiction

Love adventure, magic and romance? Fall in love with Amy Alward‘s new book ‘The Potion Diaries’!

“A tiny bead of blood bloomed where the knife point pressed against the tip of her finger”

Oh no! The princess of Nova is accidentally poisoned by her own love potion. It’s the chance of a lifetime for Sam’s alchemist family, who have been mixing magic potions for generations …but can Sam find the cure and save their crumbling reputation?

With the nation’s media watching her every move, Sam overcomes incredible dangers and impossible dilemmas in order to hunt down the ingredients: a mermaid’s pearl, pink jasmine, Eluvian ivy, hair from an abominable and a unicorn’s tail.

Can Sam save the now dangerously powerful princess by winning the contest? And just how close are she and her handsome enemy Zain willing to get in the meantime?

Grab this new book from your local library today or head on over to the catalogue to reserve a copy!

(Note: this book is ideal for older children and young teens)

Top 10 Childrens fiction March 2016

There’s a great mix of new and classic authors in the  Top 10 for March. The Fantastic Mr Fox has some cool adaptations in the Library.  The film is available on DVD and…. as an outdoor movie coming up on April 16 at Kahurangi School in Strathmore. Got the Fantastic Fox buzz? if you’re interested in something on the theatrical side there’s the play!  Have you taken part in the play? Let us know in the comments.

 

Here are your Top 10 for March:

1. Diary of a wimpy kid, by Jeff Kinney

2. Tom Gates, by Liz Pichon

3. Storey Treehouse Series, by Andy Griffith

4. Dirty Bertie, Alan MacDonald

5. Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford

6. Big Nate, by Lincoln Peirce

7. Once Upon a Dork, by  Rachel Renée Russell

8. Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone, J. K. Rowling

9. Captain Underpants and the sensational saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot, by Dav Pilkey

10. Fantastic Mr Fox, by Roald Dahl

Top 10 Childrens eBooks March 2016

Get the jump on your mates for the school holidays. eBooks from overdrive are a great way to make sure you get all the books in a series. David Walliams has some collections to download. So if the book you’re looking for is out from your local library, check the eLibrary collections just in case.

Jeff Kinney rules the countdown for March, think you’re a fan? Well, a group of people in Minneapolis made a musical they like it so much!

 

Here’s your top 10:

1.  The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

2.  The Ugly Truth: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 5, by Jeff Kinney

3.  Billionaire Boy, by David Walliams

4.  Ratburger, by David Walliams

5.  The Third Wheel: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 7, by Jeff Kinney

6.  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K.Rowling

7.  Surf’s Up Geronimo! & The Wild, Wild West: Geronimo Stilton Series, Books 20 and 21, by Geronimo Stilton

8.  Cabin Fever: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 6, by Jeff Kinney

9.  Last Straw: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 3, by Jeff Kinney

10.The Son of Neptune: The Heroes of Olympus Series, Book 2, by Rick Riordan

Top 10 children’s fiction February 2016

Diary of a Wimpy kid is still numero uno! Is it the allure of cartoon/comic content? Check out Jeff Kinney drawing his characters here!

The popular Liz Pichon with Tom Gates and Rachel Renée Russel with Nikki Maxwell (dork diaries) have great drawings as part of their stories too

1. Diary of a wimpy kid series, by Jeff Kinney

2. Tom Gates series, by Liz Pichon

3. Treehouse series, By Andy Griffiths

4. Harry Potter series, by J.K.Rowling

5. Where’s Wally? by Martin Handford

6. Dirty Bertie, by Alan MacDonald

7. Dork Diaries, by Rachel Renee Russel

8. Ruby Redfort series by Lauren Child

9. Big Nate series, by Lincoln Peirce

10. Awful Auntie by David Walliams

Drawings as part of the story are a great way to connect with characters and situations in a book. Has anyone checked out The Marvels? This beautiful book (the cover is smothered in gold leaf) tells the grand tale of shipwreck and adventure. Told in pictures, the first part of the book has expressive drawings that lead you through the story.  The written half pieces together the mysterious and wonderful story of the performing Marvel family.

New school year means new children’s fiction to try

We know you’re excited about the new school year school starting, and we reckon you should get excited about these new titles too! Give them a go; try something new!

Sammael’s Wings by Hilton Pashley

“Everything Jonathan loves is threatened. His angel father is wounded and lost, and his demon mother is missing in Hell. When his great-aunt Sammael, an archangel, returns from exile, Jonathan finally has a chance to bring his family back together. But a terrible new enemy wants to create chaos and fear throughout the universe, and he needs Jonathan’s wings to do it. Jonathan must go through Heaven and Hell to save them all…”–Back cover.

 

A Galaxy Too Far Away by Jamie ThomsonImage courtesy of Syndetics

Harry was just an ordinary teenage boy from Croydon when he was abducted by aliens and accidentally became the captain of their starship. His quest to get back home to Earth continues – but now he’s acquired an alien ‘son’ and a new spacecraft, and he’s being pursued by an eight-foot robot bounty hunter.

 

The Swish of the Curtain by Pamela BrownImage courtesy of Syndetics

When seven bored children discover an abandoned chapel in their home town, they decide to renovate it and to form the Blue Door Theatre Company. The talented and resourceful group soon discover that they are serious about their theatrical ambitions, but will their parents stand in their way?

 

The Power of Poppy Pendle by Natasha LoweImage courtesy of Syndetics

Ten-year-old Poppy will do anything to realize her dream of becoming a baker, although her parents insist she attend Ruthersfield, the exclusive girls school for witchcraft, where she excels despite her dislike of magic. Includes baking tips and recipes.

 

 

Pieces of Why by K.L. GoingImage courtesy of Syndetics

Twelve-year-old Tia lives in a white slum in New Orleans with her mother, and her whole world revolves around singing in the gospel choir with her best friend, Keisha–but when practice is interrupted by a shooting outside the church, and a baby is killed, Tia finds that she cannot sing, and she is forced to confront her feelings about her incarcerated father who killed a girl in a failed robbery years before.