New Zealand Music Month!

New Zealand Music Month is back again!

May is New Zealand Music Month, which celebrates music from New Zealand, and the people who make it.
So we thought we would share some music, (and picture books) by Kiwi musicians from the children’s collection!

 


image courtesy of nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz

 

For more information, on events and ideas on how to celebrate, visit the following websites:

NZ Music Month official website.

New Zealand Curriculum Online – New Zealand Music Month.

NZ History – New Zealand Music Month.

Enjoy!… and Happy New Zealand Music Month!


 

Songs for Bubbas by Anika Moa.

Move over, The Wiggles! There’s a new (solo) performer, cheeky and beautiful Kiwi songwriter, Anika Moa returns with her albums for children: Songs for Bubbas One and Two. Filled with songs about love, laughter and… animal noises that will keep children… and parents entertained for hours on end!

The albums are half Te Reo Maori, half English. These songs will be enjoyed in every primary school and kindy around the country for years to come.

 

Music box. Vol. 5.

A collection of songs from the NZ Children’s Music Awards performed by various Kiwi musicians.

 

Baby Rock and Rhyme.

Homegrown and performed by Wellington City Libraries’ finest, Baby Rock and Rhyme’s CD contains 33 classic songs and rhymes that babies and parents will enjoy!…

Babies, toddlers and parents can also come, and sign along to these songs during the  weekly interactive sessions of Baby Rock and Rhyme. Available at the following branches:

Miramar Library Tuesday, 10.15am
Island Bay Library Tuesday, 9.30am
Johnsonville Library Wednesday & Thursday, 9.30am
Cummings Park (Ngaio) Library Tuesday, 10.30am
Karori Library Thursday & Friday, 10.30am
Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library Friday, 10.15am
Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library Friday, 9.30am


 

Topp Twins Series

Kiwi performers, and sisters, The Topp twins have published picture story books for children featuring the illustrated text, and CD of classic children’s song, which includes:

image courtesy of syndeticsDo your ears hang low?

“The traditional song ‘Do Your Ears Hang Low?’, performed by the Topp Twins,  featuring a number of animals with differently shaped ears, which includes a hound dog, a mouse, lop-eared rabbit, llama, pig, etc”.

image courtesy of sydneticsThere’s a hole in my bucket!

Henry’s bucket has a hole and as Liza gives the instructions on how to fix it, he in turn gives her all the reasons why he can’t.

image courtesy of sydneticsSkip to the loo, my darlin’

“”Skip, skip, skip to the loo, Skip, skip, skip to the loo, Skip, skip, skip to the loo, Skip to the loo, my darlin’!” There’s a hullaballoo down on the farm. Animals are here, there and everywhere—even in the loo. Sing along to this song with Topp Twins Lynda and Jools. The barn animal mayhem includes sheep, cows, chickens, dog, tractor, horse – and a possum!”–Publisher information.

image courtesy of syndeticsOld MacDonald had a farm.

“Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O, and on that farm he had some fun and games and DRAMAS with those rascally, rowdy farm animals! Cluck, moo, woof and hum along to this all-time favourite song by the Topp Twins”–Publisher information.

 

Other NZ picture books, with music CDs:

image courtesy of syndeticsJungle bells / sung by Anika Moa ; illustrated by Stephanie Thatcher.”

Based on the traditional Christmas song Jingle Bells but rewritten (to same tune) as a jungle holiday animal Christmas. Featuring a cast of jungle characters including elephants, hippos, monkeys and even a dung beetle. Recording sung by Anika Moa”–Publisher information.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Kiwi hokey tokey.

“New Zealand animals all come together to dance to the Kiwi Hokey Tokey. Sheep, Tuataras, Kiwis, you name it!”–From publisher.

You also might like Row, kiwi, row your boat.image courtesy of syndetics


image courtesy of syndeticsThe Wonky Donkey.

An oldie, but a goodie! Winner of the 2010 New Zealand Post Children’s Choice Awards, New Zealand Post Children’s Choice Award, Picture Book Category winner and APRA Children’s Song of the Year, 2008, this very funny, cumulative song, each page tells us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky, cranky, stinky, dinky, lanky, honky-tonky, winky, wonky donkey which will have children in fits of laughter!
You also might like Willbee the Bumblebee. image courtesy of syndeticsWillbee’s yellow and black stripy jumper catches on a thorn and unravels completely, he’s too embarrassed to move. How will he make it home? Suggested level: junior.

image courtesy of syndeticsRow, row, row your waka.

An illustrated picture book and CD audio recording of the song ‘Row, row, row your waka. “New Zealand friends Pūkeko, Kiwi and Hōiho go on a journey. Join them in their waka, perform actions and sing along while you row, row, row. “–Back cover.


 

Non Kiwi Music, (and books) you might enjoy!

Music CDs:

Hits for Kids 2017.

Hits for Kids 2017 features 20 of the hottest hits of the year from some of the biggest names in pop music.

Disney Pixar All time favourites.

Walt Disney Records presents the All Time Favorite songs and scores from favorite Disney-Pixar films in one CD. The album includes music from Toy Story 1, 2, and 3, Cars 1 & 2, Brave, Finding Nemo, and more!

Disney Icon Volume 1,2 3 and 4.

These CDs are part of a series of releases that includes some of Disney’s biggest and best titles from their top animated films.

 

Picture Books… with CDs:

image courtesy of syndeticsHappy!

“Grammy Award winner Pharrell Williams brings his beloved hit song to the youngest of readers in a blend of illustrations and photos of children celebrating what it means to be happy.”–Book jacket front flap.

image courtersy of syndeticsFootloose / music & lyrics by Kenny Loggins & Dean Pitchford.

In this version of the pop rock song “Footloose,” zookeeper Jack joins the zoo animals in an all-night dance party.

5 new children’s non fiction for Term 4

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 children’s non fiction to read before the end of summer.

Looking for some great reads for the end of these long summer days. Look no further! Here’s are some books that are so new that you might be the very first to read them – wouldn’t that be cool!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHairy Tales and Nursery Crimes + Arabian Frights and other Gories.

A classic and an absolute favourite from childhood, Hairy Tales and Nursery Crimes + Arabian Frights and other Gories is a hilarious and sometimes twisted parodies of well-known fairy tales and nursery rhymes. A book where you will be guaranteed to laugh yourself silly.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHello Ruby: Adventures in Coding.

Meet Ruby–a small girl with a huge imagination. In Ruby’s world, anything is possible if you set your mind to it. As Ruby embarks on her adventure, kids will be introduced through storytelling to the basic concepts of coding. With activities included in every chapter, future kid coders will be thrilled to put their own imaginations to work.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA sky of Diamonds.

A story for children about loss, grief and hope.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDia De Los Muertos.

Join the fun and festivities of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)  and learn about a different cultural tradition, and brush up on your Spanish vocabulary, as the town honors their dearly departed in a traditional, time-honored style.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsYou rule! : create your own country.

A fantastic, innovative book that allows you  to design your very own nation, completely from scratch. Believe it or not, this is a book where you get to choose where it is, who can live there and what the rules are, establish your borders, design your flag and take charge. You can be king, queen, big chief, emperor or president. Because right here, right now, you rule!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsI Made That! The Kids’ BIG Book of Craft Idea.

This book is in a word… AWESOME! Not to mention the only craft book you will ever need! You will get ideas on how to  make natural beauty products, (I’m still tickled pink that this book can tell you how to make hair gel!), how to give your room a makeover? and giving your wardrobe a fashion revamp. Plus, for the eco-conscious girl there is lots of information on ethical fashion and cosmetics, sustainable shopping and fair trade. Overall you will have a lot of fun with this book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 21st 2013 is World Poetry Day!!!! Horray!

Horray for World  Poetry Day!

On March 21st 2013, it is World Poetry Day! It’s a chance to grab your favourite poem or book of poetry and read it out to your class, your parents or your friends. World Poetry Day is about reading, writing, publishing and generally enjoying the magic of poetry. So check out a few cool poetry books from the library or even try to write some yourself!

Here are a few to start with :

Jed’s really useful poem by Ragnhild Scamell.

The Hero Beowulf. Retold and Adapted by Eric Kimmel.

 Flamingo Bendalingo : poem form the zoo by Paula Green and fifty children.

100 New Zealand poems for children edited by Jo Noble.

The Word Witch by Margaret Mahy.

Incy Wincy Spider, Greek Myths and Disgusting Facts.

New non-fiction books to get stuck into. Enjoy!

It’s Always Time for a Nursery Rhyme illustrated by Emma Stuart.

‘Hickory Dickory Dock’, ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ and ‘Hey Diddle Diddle.’ You will find all your favorite nursery rhymes in this new and exciting read! Great for preschoolers!

 

 

 

 

 

The Adventures of Achilles by Hugh Lupton, Daniel Morden and Carole Henaff.

This book retells the events of the war between Greece and the city of Troy. Achilles is the son of a king and a goddess and also the best warrior in Greece.  So when Prince Paris claims Helen from a Greek King, and Troy declares war, everyone knows that Achilles will be vital to the Greek cause. This book also includes bibliographical references and comes  complete with two full-length audio CDs. A fantastic book for anyone who is interested and/or studying  Greek Mythology.

 

 

Pokemon: Guide to Pokemon Legends.

For anyone who is a fan of Pokemon, this is the book to read! From Arceus to Zekrom, fans will discover dozens of the most renowned Pokémon of all time in this guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Word Witch by Margaret Mahy.

Do you know about the Word Witch? Has she cast her spell over you? Her name is Margaret Mahy. These are her spells. This is a fantastic book of poems aimed for children written by Margaret Mahy through the whole of her literary life and acquired from a number of literary sources including Learning Media and Margaret’s own private papers. Also accompanied by CD of poems performed by Margaret Mahy.

 

 

 

 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Special Edition 2013.

Nothing is stranger that the truth! Can you believe hair that measures more than 20 feet long?, An ocean that turned into a giant bubble bath?, or a tongue so long that it can reach someone’s eyeball? you find all these  bizarre facts, stories, and photographs featuring strange creatures, people, places, and adventures from around the world in the new Ripley’s Believe It or Not Special Edition 2013.