New Non-Fiction

9 New Non Fiction just in time for winter.

Katie

Hey Kids!

Winter is around the corner and Wellington City Libraries is boiling hot… with some new and fantastic junior non fiction busting from the shelves! Books featured in this post are bestselling books that will blow your mind, get you thinking, unleash your creativity and hopefully change your life for the better! As always, our junior non fiction books always aim to keep you informed and entertain you all at once.

Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHarry Potter: A Journey through a history of magic.

Read this book and go an an icredible journey exploring the hisorty of the magic at the heart of the Harry Potter series, as well as explore a collection of magical artifacts featured in the Britisth Library.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAmazing Brick Mosaics : Fantastic Projects to Build with Lego Blocks You Already Have.

Arts, crafts and Lego Bricks comes alive with this amazing book that contains fantastic mosaic projects to build and create with Lego blocks you already have. Highly recommended and a librarian’s choice all the way!

 

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Good night stories for rebel girls. 2.

The sequel to the sensational New York Times bestseller, Good Night Stories for Revel Girls is an entirely new collection of extraordinary women ranging from Queens, activists, ballerinas, lawyers, inventors, and so much more!

 

image courtesy of syndetics
How to think like a coder without trying.

Want to get into coding but don’t know where to start? This is the book for you! Full of puzzles and exercises that will help you think logically, as well as allow you to put into practice coding skills into everyday situations and opportunities.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsVietnamese children‘s favorite stories.

The tales chosen for this book share the Vietnamese five great virtues: Nhan (Compassion), Le (Rituals), Nghia (Righteousness), Tri (Wisdom), and Tin (Trust). The author notes that her parents used traditional stories to teach children values and morals. Now the author, who is a story teller, uses the same tales to help Vietnamese children learn their traditional culture and values.

 

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50 things you should know about the Vietnam war.

“Between the late 1950s and the early 1970s, the United States was drawn into the longest war in its history. Find out how this major conflict developed, learn about the main battles, and meet the key figures on both sides”–Back cover.

 

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My first Orchestra Book.

Tormod the Troll loves music, but is tired of listening to the same thing repeatedly. He goes in search of more music and meets an orchestra.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsApes to Zebras: An A- Z of Shape Poems.

Shapes, animals, poetry and the alphabet are rolled into one with this gorgeous collection of animal poems! Featuring a full alphabet of animals, birds, and insects, with the odd extinct or imaginary creature thrown in, these beautiful shape poems are a perfect way to introduce children to poetry. Some funny, some serious, there is something here for everyone.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJourneys : young readers’ letters to authors who changed their lives.

Read letters written by young people to authors about how books and poetry have shaped and changed their lives for the better.

5 New Non Fiction for your reading pleasure!

Katie

Hey Kids! More new non fiction in the Wellington City Libraries collection for your reading pleasure! Featured in this post are books about lego (and space!), awesome science projects good for your brain, where the world of mathematics and computers collides and much, much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsBrick by Brick: Space.

What’s better than space or building with LEGO bricks? Building amazing space projects out of your LEGO bricks, of course! Brick by Brick Space provides more than twenty-five amazing projects to build with your LEGO bricks. Follow the easy step-by-step instructions to create space stations, satellites, planets, rocket ships, and more.

Also check out Brick by brick dinosaurs.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCan I touch your hair? : poems of race, mistakes, and friendship?

Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is black, present paired poems about topics including family dinners, sports, recess, and much more. This relatable collection explores different experiences of race in America. Great for ages 8 and up. Just in time for Race Relations Day.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAttack on Circuit City.

Hot from the Maths Quest series, check out Attack on Circuit City, where you must thwart the attacks using your statistical knowledge. Finding the answers enables readers to advance through the story, learning more about maths – focusing on statistics – with every step they take. Clues are dotted along the way, and wrong turns will direct readers towards the right answer! Action, adventure and mathematics all rolled into one amazing book!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBrain Lab for kids.

“Brain Lab for Kids is an interactive and hands-on book that takes readers on an exciting journey into the functions of the brain through enlightening experiments and creative activities.”– Provided by publisher.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMy first ballet class : a book with foldout pages!

A cute little interactive book for young children that features foldout pages and use photographic images to detail the basic dance instructions involved in ballet.

 

 

 

 

5 New Non Fiction from the ‘DK findout!’ series, lego, coding and augmented reality.

Katie

Hey Kids!

Check out the latest new non fiction at Wellington City Libraries. Lots of cool books about from the DK findout! series, lego, coding and augmented reality. Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsBrick by Brick dinosaurs.

Brick by Brick dinosaurs will teach you how to build more that 15 amazing prehistoric projects, with clearly illustrated step-by-step instructions. An ideal book for anyone who loves lego and dinosaurs.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCoding for kids : create your own videogames with Scratch.

Explains how to use the programming language Scratch to create computer games, presenting projects that can be altered as young readers gain proficiency.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWorld War I.

Have you ever wanted to find out how the First World War began? Or how soldiers lived and fought in trenches? This book from the DKfindout! series is packed with surprising facts and amazing pictures for World War 1. It’s a small book filled with big ideas. — Cover.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHuman Body.

Look inside your brilliant body with DK’s brand new human body book. DKfindout! Human Body will satisfy any child who is eager to learn and acquire facts – and keep them coming back for more! From gooey gastric juices, to our amazing brains, and everything in the human body in-between, this book will give kids the understanding they crave about how our bodies work. DKfindout! Human Body explains the complex systems like digestion that keep us ticking over, and will satisfy any budding biologist.DKfindout! Human Body will surprise and delight young readers aged 6 to 9.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMicromonsters.

“IExplore Micro Monsters is an amazing book that reveals the tiny creatures all around us that are normally invisible to the human eye. Marvel at these incredible mini monsters – and watch as Digital Magic makes them leap off the page! Fact-filled spreads give the reader background information on each tiny beast: where it’s found, what it does and how it survives in even the harshest conditions, from skin cells to outer space! Then simply open the app on your smartphone or tablet to trigger the AR action and awaken the Digital Magic. The book comes to life using the latest technology of augmented reality with the free app. All you need is a smartphone or tablet.”–bookdepository.com.

6 New Non Fiction: Coding, dance and world wonders.

Katie

Hey Kids!

Check out the latest junior non fiction at Wellington City Libraries. This post features new books in the wonderful world of robotics, coding and dance!

Enjoy!

Robots.

Get an up-close look at all kinds of cool robots, from cyborgs and humanoids to robots in movies, with amazing images and mind-blowing facts. Also check out Coding, which ties in with the Robotics theme, and is packed with fascinating facts and amazing pictures from the world of coding.

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndetics

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Washington, DC. (City Trails)

Lonely Planet Kids has done it again with the latest release from the City Trails series all about Washington DC – Capital city of USA! Read this book and uncover of the best kept secrets, tourist attractions and more exciting information about Washington DC! Coolest attraction in this book is the house that looks like a watermelon.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsNational Theatre : all about theatre.

Read this book and go backstage at the National Theatre and hear from experts on every aspect of stagecraft, from acting and directing to set building, costume design and prop-making. A definitive theatre book for anyone interested in theatre and acting.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Top Dance Tips.

Jazz, ballet, tap, and hip hop-there are so many different sides to dance. Learn the ins and outs of dancing all sorts of styles like a pro!

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBallerina : a step–by–step guide to ballet.

Leap into the world of ballet with this beautiful guide and accompanying DVD!

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWrite to me : letters from Japanese American children to the librarian they left behind.

A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps. Prepare to have tissues on hand. A librarian’s choice all the way!

 

8 new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide – Part Two!

Katie

The countdown to Christmas and the end of 2016 continues.  And the new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide theme continues!

So for your reading pleasure, the library has some new non fiction available from your local library.

Check out books about what DreamWorks characters  like to eat for supper, fantastic guide on popular film and TV characters,  famous children’s authors and even more about Star Wars.

Also Kiwi Christmas song, Summer Wonderland by Ronan Keating  is now available to stream and download from all your favourite music streaming flavours. But you can’t bothered, check out the clip right here, complete so you can sing along and take part in the festive cheer while  strolling through a summer wonderland.

To recap, Summer Wonderland is a Kiwi spin on a much beloved classic Christmas carol Winter Wonderland, with a lyrical twist for the Southern Hemisphere and recorded for Air New Zealand.  This Christmas carol really showcases and beautifully captures the sprit and essence of a Kiwi Christmas of tucking into ham and pavlova, playing cricket, mozzie spray and tan marks. Check it out!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Ultimate DreamWorks Cookbook.

Trolls has finally been released in theatres and to continue the celebration, check out the ultimate DreamWorks cookbook. Have you ever wondered about the secret ingredient in Mr. Ping’s noodles? Do you know how the Croods cook their dinner or how the penguins get their bellies filled? In the Ultimate DreamWorks Cookbook you can find the answers to all of these questions, and many more. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, all are featured in this fun and nutritious cookbook from DreamWorks.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDoctor Who: A History of Humankind.

History and Doctor Who all rolled into one, Imagine that?! The doctor has corrected this Coal Hill School Hisotry textbook with his own notes and illustrations that is jammed packed full of the real history about our very special planet.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne Official Spy’s Handbook.

This one book that every potential spy needs to get it’s hands on. Covers everything that a good spy needs to know about secret codes, spy rings, dead drops, disguises, tracking, shadowing, hiding, sending message, decoding signal and observation skills.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsJeff Kinney.

Read all about the man who brought Diary of a Wimpy Kid to life! Simple text and full-color photographs introduce readers to Jeff Kinney.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDr. Seuss.

Read all about the man who brought The Cat in the Hat, Horton hears a who and The Lorax to life! Simple text and full-color photography introduce beginning readers to Dr. Seuss.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMoana.

Find out everything you need to know about the newest Disney heroine, Moana, and her hero Maui, on their incredible journey across the South Pacific. Discover the beautiful locations of Oceania, including breathtaking underworlds along with frightening sea creatures! This book is packed with stunning images of Moana’s quest and provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the most thrilling moments from the movie.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsTop 10 of everything 2017.

Move over, Guinness World Records, Top 10 of everything 2017, that ranges from video games, insects, movies, sports and so on, will enthral and amaze you for hours… not days… not weeks… but all year long!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars Galactic Atlas.

Calling all Star Wars fans, here is you chance to explore a galaxy far, far away in this stunning guide to the worlds of Star Wars. This book is jam packed full of  superb full colour, covers everything from Alderaan and Naboo to Tatooine and Yavin 4, taking in the epic stories, strange creatures and glorious vistas of the entire saga. Check out the official trailer for the latest release from the Star Wars franchise: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, in which a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. Exciting!

 

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!  See you in 2017!

6 new children’s non fiction summer entertainment guide

Katie

December marks the first month of summer, the countdown to Christmas and the end of 2016. Let’s hope 2017 is an even better year! So for your reading pleasure, the library has some new non fiction available from your local library for lazy days in sun – if cricket doesn’t tickle your fancy or the occasional rainy days. Check out books about Marvel’s heroes, Star Wars, building your own lego creations and classic childhood favourites. Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Cuckoo and the warbler.

The cuckoo and the warbler tells the unique story of one of the most remarkable wildlife relationships in New Zealand, between pipiwharauroa, the shining cuckoo, and riroriro, the grey warbler. Although rarely seen by humans, the interaction of these two native birds is a striking example of nature’s inventiveness – a drama that comes to life through the exquisite illustrations of Heather’s hunt’s latest book.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Ultimate Peter Rabbit.

A childhood classic and favourite of all time. Journey into a world where Beatrix Potter’s creations comes to life in the gorgeous visual guide. Meet the real Peter Rabbit, (Beatrix Potter’s childhood pet), discover real life places that inspired all of Potter’s works and pore over original archive illustrations, sketches and photographs.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAwesome Lego Creations.

A must have for all the lego fans out there! Grab hold of this book and have a blast with building new lego toys, including animals, scenes and working contraptions.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Amazing Book of Star Wars.

Start your Padawan’s training off right with The Amazing Book of Star Wars, the perfect introduction for young fans to the Star Wars galaxy. Large pictures and short, simple sentences bring Star Wars to life for children as they learn about the brave heroes, helpful droids, amazing aliens, and powerful foes from the saga. Favorite characters and fascinating vehicles are explored in a fun, age-appropriate way, from Yoda and Luke Skywalker to the Millennium Falcon and BB-8″–Publisher’s website.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMaui and other Maori Legends.

A very special collection of exciting, magical Maori myths and legends of adventure and intrigue. A great resource to have on hand for Maori language week and Matariki.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMarvel : absolutely everything you need to know … 

Packed with fun facts, bizarre-but-true tales, and quirky insights into everyone’s favorite Marvel comic characters, including The Avengers, Spider-Man, and Daredevil. little-known facts and information about the iconic Marvel characters.

 

 

 

To celebrate summer and Christmas, check out this awesome clip where Irish pop star, Ronan Keating and Kiwi actor, Julian Dennison put a Kiwi spin on a much beloved classic Christmas carol Winter Wonderland, with a lyrical twist for the Southern Hemisphere and recorded for Air New Zealand.  In Summer Wonderland, the duo sing about prickles on the lawn, passing around a can of mozzie spray, and tucking into pavlova. This Christmas carol really showcases and beautifully captures the sprit and essence of a Kiwi Christmas! Check it out!

 

 

 

 

5 New children’s non-fiction to read during November.

Katie

You might be thinking ahead to the summer holidays, but that’s no reason not too keep filling your head with cool facts and amazing information. Here’s some great new non-fiction to cram into your heads (not actually – we’d rather like it if you read and returned them to the library instead)

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOrigami Festivals Divali.

I realise it’s a little late, but this is a great book to have on hand for Diwali next year. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated for five days with various activities and food. This book explores the festival and the story behind it and features six simple origami projects for your own festive fun! The book shows how people around the world decorate their homes with lights and rangoli patterns, and how they end the Diwali celebration with a special day for brothers and sisters.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAnimation lab for kids : fun projects for visual storytelling and making art move.

In Animation Lab for Kids, artists, teachers, and authors Laura Bellmont and Emily Brink present exciting, fun, hands-on projects that teach kids a range of animation techniques.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Olympic Games.

This book brings you all the excitement of the biggest multi-sport event in the world. Comes complete with dramatic photos of competitors in action and charming illustrations telling the story of the Olympics.

 

 

 

Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire’s Book of Greek myths.image courtesy of syndetics

An introduction to the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece includes all of the D’Aulaires’ original detailed illustrations. In a relaxed and humorous tone, these splendid artists bring to life the myths that have inspired great European literature and art through the ages.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSuch stuff : a story-maker’s inspiration.

A wise Chinese philosopher once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This book beautifully chronicles Michael Morpurgo’s journey to becoming one of the greatest of Children’s literature to date. In this book, he shares his insights and dreams to reveal some of the fascinating ingredients he uses to create the tales we love.

 

 

5 new children’s non fiction for Term 4

Katie

Term 4 has started and the library has some new and exciting non fiction books for your viewing and reading pleasure. This blog post features non fiction about celebrating diversity, unleashing your inner graphic novelist and techno wiz and  reciting poetry and nursery rhymes on a midsummer’s evening. Why not take a look at these books and decide a trip to the library is in order. Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsPride: Celebrating Diversity and Community.

Read all about Pride Day, which is a celebration about embracing diversity and fighting for freedom and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people around the world.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to make Awesome Comics.

For the avid comic lover, this book could be considered the holy grail of comics! Read this book and get the chance to become a comic ‘Jedi’ master where your innovative ideas, plot and stories for comics comes to life! Learn how to invent awesome characters, tell thrilling stories and best of all, how to draw so you can make your very own awesome comic!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA poem for every night of the year.

This is probably one of the most beautiful books I have seen all year in the junior non fiction collection. This is a magnificent collection of 366 poems to share for every night of the year. The poems – together with introductory paragraphs – have a link to the date on which they appear. Shakespeare celebrates midsummer night, Maya Angelou International Women’s Day and Lewis Carroll April Fool’s day. Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family, it contains a full spectrum of poetry from familiar favourites to exciting contemporary voices.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCreate with Code.

Collaborate with your friends and start your very own CoderDojo Nano club, with its own website! In this handbook, covering HTML, CSS and JavaScript, you will find clear, step-by-step instructions, followed up by open-ended prompts and challenges which encourage the reader to take the initiative.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Puffin Book of Nursery Rhymes.

Complete with beautiful illustrations by Raymond Briggs, the much-loved creator of The Snowman, this favourite classic of nursery rhymes is now available for a whole new generation of children. With over 250 nursery rhymes, including both well-known favourites and hidden gems, this collection has something for every child.

 

 

 

6 New Non Fiction to cook up a storm!

Katie

Grab hold of these new non fiction books during the school holidays start so you can cook up a storm, whether it is in your own kitchen or backyard.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe ultimate guide to being a superhero

Want to unleash you inner gourmet superhero? Have no fear, we have just the book for you. The ultimate guide to being a superhero is packed with recipes, manoeuvres, and gadgets for every aspiring superhero. Is sure to delight every superchild, every fan of the classic comic book genre, and every parent looking for great party ideas. Recipes include: Kryptonite Jell-O Secret Identity Sandwiches Sidekick Salad Kapow! Cupcakes Super Power Punch And much more!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOutdoor Science Lab for kids

The great outdoors is nature’s own science lab and you can find lots if fun experiments just outside your back door. This book, complete with 52 fun science activities can bring your own personal outdoor science lab to life. Great for families to do together where they can anything and everything about science while enjoying the sights and scenes of the great outdoors. Great for ages 7+.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Help Yourself Cookbook For Kids

Want to get on the clean eating path? This irresistible cookbook can help empower children to take charge of their own nutrition help you. Also full of  60 appealing  (and healthy) recipes, and cool facts, such as dehydration causes you brain to shrink. Hmmm, makes you want to reach over for that water bottle.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsSecrets of Animal Camouflage

This is your chance to discover who is hiding in the wild and the secret world of animal camouflage. Shine a light behind the page and see… a world filled with great surprises in the animal kingdom.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsFashion rebels : style icons who changed the world through fashion

Calling all fashion rebels! We finally have a book that can help you bring out your innovative fashion creativity and where you can break the rules! Buried deep within the pages, is information female designers and icons, such as Coco Chanel, Marie Antoinette and Katharine Hepburn who treated fashion as an act of fearless creativity, set their standards as to what they would wear rather than follow trends ad as a result changed the fashion industry, as well as the world forever!

 

image courtesy of sydneticsThe young chef : recipes and techniques for kids who love to cook

This book teaches kids to cook and think like a chef, with 100 delicious recipes, essential techniques, insider tips, fun facts, and more. A must have read for the enthusiastic, budding chef!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Children’s Non-Fiction September 2016

Dusty

Harry Potter in the Non-Fiction section? What’s going on?

As the new Harry Potter book came out in the format of a play, or script, it can be found with other theatrical greats in the literature section where the other plays hang out.  The play version of The Witches by Roald Dahl hangs out there along with Shakespeare!

 

1. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

2. LEGO, by Daniel Lipkowitz

3. Minecraft, by Megan Miller

4. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

5. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

6. Harry Potter and the cursed child, by Jack Thorne, J. K. Rowling and John Tiffany

7. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

8. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam

9. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa Lehtimaki

10. How Maui found his father and the magic jawbone, by Peter Gossage