New trailer of The Lion King released!

The countdown begins to the release of the live action film, The Lion King!

Released in theatres on July 18th and 25 years since the release of the original and animated film. Just in time for the school holidays!

A new trailer has been released and overall, it is amazing!

You will get to see all the beloved characters of the film, including Mufusa, Rafiki, Scar and Simba, (as a baby, child -EEEKK! Prepare for an overload of cuteness- and an adult), and of course, lovable duo: Timon and Pumbaa!

It shows promise that this film will be even better than the original, as well as the most anticipated movie of the year.

The Lion King boasts an all-star cast featuring Beyoncé as Nala, Donald Glover  as Simba, Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogan as Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar and James Earl Jones returning to his role as Mufasa.

So what are you waiting, check out the trailer!

Enjoy!

In the mean time…

Why not watch the original movie and relive the magic of a timeless Disney classic of all time. DVDs are available at various Wellington City Library branches.image courtesy of amazon.co.uk

I cannot recommend The Lion King enough! You will laugh. You will cry. You will be guaranteed to sign along to songs such as Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and Can you feel the love tonight.

Also check out songs featured in the movie soundtrack: Circle of Life and Can you feel the love tonight? by Elton John.

Children’s DVD Reviews and Recommendations.

The school holidays have begun! There will be days during the Easter break where the library will be closed. So if are looking for some entertainments,  why not have a read of my latest reviews of new DVDs: Mary Poppins Returns and The Nutcracker and the four realms.

And some oldies but goodies, Maleficent, (which aired on TV 2 last weekend), and Despicable Me 3, (which aired on TV 3 last weekend).

But you better get your hands on these DVDs quick … before someone else does!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsDespicable me. 3.

They saved the best for last! Gru, the reluctant antihero of the previous films has come a long way from being a supervillian. He is married to his Anti-Villain league partner, Lucy, an involved father to Margo, Edith and Agnes and is working for the good guys bringing in the bad of the bad. However things go pear-shaped when Gru is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy, Balthazar Bratt, a character completely stuck in the 80s with his music and his dance moves and armed with expanding bubble gum as his weapon of choice.  But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother-a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps-one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad. Will Gru complete his path back to the dark side?, you have to watch the film to find out.

Overall, a hilarious film! The minions are funnier than before! Agnes’ obsession with unicorns intensifies where she embarks on a quest to find a long lost legendary unicorn… only to end up with a one horned goat, (spoiler) and the showdown or “dance fight” between Gru and Balthazar Bratt, is funny and cheesy.

I rate this movie: 7/10!

image courtesy of amazon.comThe Nutcracker and the four realms.

This it The Nutcracker as you have never seen it before!

Based on the original story and ballet of The Nutcracker, Clara finds her way into a mysterious parallel world. She teams up with a soldier named Philip aka The Nutcracker in search of a key to unlock a box from her late mother. However things take a turn when it is up to Clara to brave the Fourth Realm to find the key and return harmony to the unstable world. Throughout this film, things aren’t always what they seem. You will find yourself wondering what lies is the mystery box, at times second guessing who the true heroes and villains are throughout this film and whether Clara will find what she is truly looking for.

This film is very entertaining and a fresh retelling of the original story and ballet of The Nutcracker.

I rate this movie: 7/10!

image courtesy of amazon.comMaleficent.

This is Sleeping Beauty as you have never seen it! The bad fairy was once a good fairy.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful, pure-hearted young woman called Maleficent, who had anidyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land and she is betrayed by her childhood friend, King Stefan. Bent on revenge, Maleficent places a curse upon Stefan’s newborn infant Aurora. However things take a turn while acting as an unofficial fairy godmother, Maleficent becomes fond of Aurora.

Poor Maleficent experiences conflict, similar to iconic Star Wars villain, Darth Vader, whether being trapped in the dark side is permanent or whether there is still good in her… and she will save the day.

Overall a great (alternative) retelling of  the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.

I rate this movie: 7/10.

Have a look at the trailer to the upcoming sequel: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which is scheduled to be released late October 2019.


image courteay of amazon.com

Mary Poppins Returns.

After Mary Poppins departed London, Jane and Michael Banks grew up into loving and responsible adults. When Michael becomes a single father of three children: John, Annabel and George, (named after and is a polar opposite of George Banks), after the death of his wife, Mary Poppins revisits the Cherry Tree Lane home again to try to help Michael and his family cope and move beyond their grief. Time passes quickly for most normal mortals. Mary Poppins has never been normal. Although it’s now the 1930s, she looks exactly the same. Her message to Michael, Annabel, John, George and Ellen, the family’s housekeeper, about enjoying life and loved ones is also still the same, even during hard and uncertain times..

This film is Mary Poppins at its best! With a fresh cast, new songs and additional characters, Mary Poppins Returns is fresh story and promising sequel that also stays true to the original film.

I rate this movie: 7/10.

Happy Birthday… and death day William Shakespeare!

April is the month for celebrating Easter, ANZAC Day and the birth… and death of famous English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare.

This year marks Shakespeare’s, or the Bard of Avon, (assumed) 455th birthday on the 26th of April and 403rd death anniversary on the 23rd April.

 

How to celebrate?

In addition to the traditional birthday party, cake and presents, why not read all about his life, from his early and humble beginnings in Stratford upon Avon, England to conquering the stage in Queen Elizabeth’s court and the Globe Theatre.

image courtesy of sydneticsMuch ado about Shakespeare : the life and times of William Shakespeare : a literary picture book.

Take a peek behind the curtain to discover the boy, the youth, the man behind some of the greatest works of literature. The life and times of William Shakespeare are richly imagined in this unique biography told using quotes from the Bard himself.

image courtesy of sydneticsWilliam Shakespeare : scenes from the life of the world’s greatest writer.

Follow the amazing life of William Shakespeare, vividly described in words and pictures, with graphic dramatisations of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.

image courtesy of syndeticsShakespeare.

Find out how in Eyewitness Shakespeare and discover the fascinating life and times of one of the world’s greatest playwrights. Travel back in time and follow Shakespeare from his birth in the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon to theatre life in 16th century London. Eyewitness reference books are now more interactive and colourful, with new infographics, statistics, facts and timelines, plus a giant pull-out wall chart, you’ll be an expert on Shakespeare in no time. Great for projects or just for fun, learn everything you need to know about Shakespeare.

 

Read and relive your favourite Shakespeare plays. Wellington City Libraries holds a huge array of plays, including The Taming of the ShrewRomeo and Juliet, Twelfth NightAs You Like It and King Lear.

image courtesy of sydneticsimage courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of sydnetics

 

 


 

You also might be interested in…

image courtesy of syndeticsShakespeare edited by Marguerite Tassi.

A collection of thirty-one of playwright and poet William Shakespeare’s most famous verses, sonnets and speeches.

He was the world’s greatest playwright, and the English language’s finest writer, Shakespeare is the man the Oxford English dictionary credits as having invented over 1700 common words, and to whom we owe expressions such as ‘fair play’, ‘break the ice’, and ‘laughing stock’. The continued timelessness and genius of his work will be celebrated the world over on his special day.

image courtesy of sydneticsShakespeare retold.

This illustrated volume features seven classic plays by William Shakespeare, retold by E. Nesbit. Shakespeare Retold contains a selection of Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies, including Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as a historical timeline, a list of suggested reading materials, and a short biography of the bard himself.

 

Have some fun with William Shakespeare!

image courtesy of syndeticsPop-up Shakespeare.

“Discover beloved playwright William Shakespeare’s plays and poetry in this spectacular novelty book from the Reduced Shakespeare Company comedy troupe. Featuring dramatic pop-ups and foldouts and loaded with jokes and fascinating facts, this hilariously informative and fully immersive look into the Bard’s world invites you to experience Shakespeare’s works as you’ve never seen them before!” — Back cover.

image courtesy of syndeticsWhere’s Will? : find Shakespeare hidden in his plays.

Each play in this book begins with a summary of the plot and descriptions of the characters. On the following page is a detailed picture showing the setting of the play and within it you can find the characters, William Shakespeare , and a spotted pig.

 

Watch movies inspired by Shakeaspeare’s plays:

image courtesy of amazon.co.ukThe Lion King… inspired by Hamlet.

You can never go wrong with an oldie but a goodie.

Tricked into thinking he caused his father’s death, Simba, a guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future King. However when the fate of his kingdom is threatened, he is forced to return and take his place as King.

image courtesy of sydneticsGnomeo & Juliet… inspired by Romeo and Juliet.

Caught up in a feud between neighbors, Gnomeo and Juliet must overcome as many obstacles as their namesakes. But with flamboyant pink flamingoes and epic lawnmower races, can this young couple find lasting happiness?


Also check out the sequel, Sherlock Gnomes.image courtesy of syndetics

Garden gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet, recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.

 

ANZAC Day 2019

ANZAC Day is a very special public New Zealand holiday that falls this year on Thursday 25th April.

What is ANZAC Day?

ANZAC is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and is a very special day where New Zealanders and Australians remember the men and women that served and lost their lives in War.

Why is ANZAC Day celebrated on 25th April?

April 25th was the day when the New Zealand and Australian soldiers first landed at Gallipoli in 1915.

image courtesy of syndetics

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndetics

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do we commemorate this day?

  • Going to the Dawn Parade and watching the service men and women march to their local war memorial where they are met by family and the community.
  • Going to the ANZAC Day Service were the community come to lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.
  • Wearing a red poppy. Why? These flowers were the first to bloom over the graves of soldiers in France and Belgium and have become a symbol of remembrance.
  • Eating ANZAC biscuits. Why? The biscuits were sent by wives and women’s groups to soldiers abroad because the ingredients did not spoil and the biscuits kept well during naval transportation.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Where can I find information about the ANZACs and Anzac Day?

ManyAnswers has a page dedicated to websites, resources and ways to search for information about the ANZACs and ANZAC Day. You can also refer to this previous post, which  provides a list of websites that will provide you with reliable information about ANZAC Day and World War 1.

Will the libraries be open on ANZAC Day?

We are closed on ANZAC Day and will open usual hours from Friday 26th April.

Also check out these amazing stories about ANZAC Day.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsAnzac Day : the New Zealand story : what it is and why it matters.

“This book exposes the rich history behind Anzac Day, seeking to answer the many questions children often ask their parents and teachers around the 25th of April every year. It covers all aspects of Anzac Day, from the Gallipoli Campaign and the Great War, right through to the format of the commemorative services held annually throughout the country. The author identifies important memorials around New Zealand, examines the national anthem, the tradition of Anzac biscuits and the Last Post, Reveille music, plus much more. She also offers websites and projects for further study. The thoroughly researched information is presented alongside numerous images, both historic and contemporary, giving children a very clear view of the significance and background to Anzac Day”–Publisher information. Suggested level: primary, intermediate, junior secondary.

 


image courtesy of syndeticsMy grandad marches on Anzac Day.

“This is a simple, moving look at Anzac Day through the eyes of a little girl. It explains what happens on the day and its significance in terms that a young child can understand.”–Back cover.

image courtesy of syndetics

War Horse.

Joey the horse recalls his experiences growing up on an English farm, his struggle for survival as a cavalry horse during World War I, and his reunion with his beloved master.Joey the horse recalls his experiences growing up on an English farm, his struggle for survival as a cavalry horse during World War I, and his reunion with his beloved master.

 

image courtesy of syndetics ANZAC Animals.

“True tales of the mascots and working animals that helped Anzac soldiers, sailors, pilots and medics do their jobs in wartime. You’ll meet some well-known animals, such as Murphy the donkey, who carried the wounded in Gallipoli, and Caesar the Red Cross Dog. But also included are the hard-working horses, camels and mules, and the dogs that barked a warning when enemy planes were approaching, as well as the mischievous monkeys that had the men laughing”–Publisher information.

 

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYNDETICSThe Anzac violin : Alexander Aitken’s story.“This a WWI-era picture book intended for children and based on true events and a real-life young soldier from Dunedin named Alexander Aitken, who was a brilliant mathematician and a gifted violinist, as well as an artifact – the violin – that has survived the war and remains on display at Otago Boys High to this day”–Publisher information.

 


image courtesy of syndeticsThe ANZAC Puppy.

“This story is based on the true story of Freda, a dalmatian and the dog mascot of the NZ Rifles during World War 1. It’s a simple story about the reality of war, hardship, friendship and love”–Publisher information.

image courtesy of syndeticsCaesar the Anzac dog.

A fictionalised account of Caesar the bulldog, the mascot of the 4th Battalion (A Company) New Zealand Rifle Brigade, who served in World War One and died in action. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Anzac tree.

Inspired by the story of two soldiers who planted two trees on their farm before they headed to the Great War, the story of the Anzac Tree is one that looks at the lives of those left behind in times of war.

 

 

International Spanish Language Day – April 23rd 2019

Kia ora and hola!

Estoy en le biblioteca. I am at the library.

Here at Wellington City Libraries we are celebrating International Spanish Language Day on Tuesday April 23rd.

Hablas espanol? Do you speak Spanish?

Hablo un poco de espanol. I speak a little Spanish

Join us! We invite you to explore bilingual books at your community library.

And, keep having fun while you practise ! There are magical books here just waiting for you to savour them.

Última parada de la calle Market by Matt de la Peña 
A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday things.

Elmer by David McKee, 
All the elephants of the jungle were gray except Elmer, who was a patchwork of brilliant colours until the day he got tired of being different and making the other elephants laugh.

Cucú-tras by Francesca Ferri
This book invites you to play a fun game: the “Cucú-tras”. This book has great illustrations with cheerful colours and you will have fun lifting the flaps to find different farm animals.

La lección de August by R. J. Palacio

Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

Upcoming movie releases… in the library and on the big screen!

Hey Kids! The school holidays and Easter creeping up.

Wellington City Libraries has a batch of new releases on DVDs that will be available ASAP to borrow from your local library.

Also check out the trailers to upcoming movies that will be released onto the big screen just in time for the holidays!.. and others that will be released later on throughout the year.

Enjoy!

New release Children’s DVDs:

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Grinch.

Christmas comes early this year… around Easter with the release of the third screen adaptation of the Grinch, made by the film company, Illumination, who also made Sing, The Secret Life of Pets and the Despicable Me film series, and who has epic, and sometimes disastrous plans on running Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. A movie guaranteed to make you laugh and definitely not ruin your Easter break.

Check out the trailer!


You might also like Sing, The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me, 2, 3 and Minions.

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndetics

 

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of sydnetics

 

 

 

 


Check out The Secret Life of Pets 2 movie trailer! Release date: 20th June.


image courtesy of syndeticsLEGO Jurassic world. The secret exhibit.

With the grand opening of Jurassic World’s new super-secret dinosaur exhibit just days away, only one thing is missing, the dinosaurs! In order to get the job done, Simon Masrani enlists his newly-hired assistant, Claire Dearing, to ensure the new attraction opens on time, or else. Unfortunately, Owen Grady, the animal behaviorist Claire hired to deliver the dinosaurs, is late. Owen’s mission turns out to be far more difficult than anyone could have imagined.

 


image courtesy of syndeticsYou might also like LEGO Jurassic world. The Indominus escape, The LEGO Movie and The Batman LEGO Movie.
Check out THE LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part movie trailer. Release date: 11th April.


image courtesy of amazon.comRalph breaks the internet.

Ralph and Penelope are faced with a new challenge when they begin the search for a spare part to fix a beloved videogame: how to navigate the internet. When trying to fix Sugar Rush the pair become engrossed in the World Wide Web after a router is plugged into the local arcade space, forcing them to find a wheel to replace the router with and get the arcade up and running again. Traversing through this new, technological landscape won’t be easy, with the duo coming across new worlds, cultures, and characters that present difficulties along the way.

You might also like Wreck it Ralph.

 

image courtesy of amazon.comGoosebumps 2.

After accidentally releasing Slappy, three friends must lock the evil puppet and his creatures back into Stine’ book before he takes over.

You might also like Goosebumps.
Movies to watch in movie theatres these school holidays!

Wonder Park. Release date: 11th April.

Missing Link. Release date: 18th April.

Avengers Endgame. Release date: 24th April.

Coming soon to theatres:

Toy Story 4. Release date: 27th June.

Frozen 2. Release date: 28th November.

Movie Review: Dumbo

Last weekend I went to see Dumbo at the movies and it is in a word, FANTASTIC!

This movie is a must see and has been worth the long wait.

Tim Burton, (director of the 2005 movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1941 Disney classic.

 


Struggling circus owner Max Medici, enlists a former star , Holt Farrier and his two children, Milly and Joe, to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When Milly and Joe discover that Dumbo can fly, with the help of feathers as a good luck charm, it soon becomes the main attraction — bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus.

image courtesy of flicks.co.nz

The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention of villain, V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, however with less than honourable, and perhaps sinister intentions. And it’s up to Milly, Joe and the circus performers to save the day by rescuing Dumbo, and his Mum from the evil clutches of Vandevere.


 

Overall I feel Tim Burton did an amazing job with this live action retelling of Dumbo.

Dumbo steals the show with his cuteness, baby blue eyes, inquisitive nature and flying antics. I enjoyed the moments where Dumbo was able to confront and give his tormentors their just deserts by hose down, the tender moments he had with his mother, the warm and loving relationships he had with the children and circus performers who become his surrogate family and advocates, and even (spoiler), where he saves the day!

This movie encourages the characters of the film and viewers to look beyond the “oversized ears” and to be compassionate, kind, curious, humble, and generous. To be accepting and appreciating of the unique qualities that all people, animals and creatures possess.

All the other characters, Holt, Milly, Joe, the circus performers, and even the villain, brings the film to life, gives it depth and will keep you entertained from start to finish, and eager for the long awaited, well deserved and surprising happy ending that Dumbo gets.

As promised, the film delivered at being amazing, entertaining, heart warming, and definitely heart breaking where it is recommended to have tissues on stand by.

 

A well deserved 9/10… and highly recommended movie that the whole family can enjoy at the weekend and Easter break!

Three Disney Live Action film movie trailers!

The wonderful world of Disney comes to life, (literally) with the remake of three classic and entertaining animation movies to the big screen… and in live action. Three movies that I watched during my childhood and still remain favourite of mine to this day.

Warning: This blog post contains three movie trailers filmed in live action sequence, filled with cute baby animals, where there will be lots of “awwwwww’s” in unison, movies trailers filled with singing and dancing and a humanoid genie that grants wishes and at times acts as a surrogate parent.

Dumbo.

Release date: 28th March.

Tim Burton, (director of the 2005 movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory),  directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1941 Disney classic. Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists a former star and his two children to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When the family discovers that the animal can fly, it soon becomes the main attraction — bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus. The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention of V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture. So far, looks like it’s going to be amazing, heart warming, and I suspect at times, heart breaking movie for the whole family to enjoy. Dumbo is the epitome of  cuteness. The song, “Baby of mine” is eerily beautiful, haunting and makes you want to cry. Maybe best to have tissues on stand by.

Aladdin.

Release Date: 23rd May.

Guy Ritchie directs this live-action retelling of the original animated 1992 Disney classic, with Will Smith the wish-granting Genie.

If this film is anything like the original, you will be taken on a journey of wonders, non stop laughs, thrills and magic carpet rides.  In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin battle to save (and win the heart of)  the free-spirited Princess Jasmine from the schemes of the evil sorcerer Jafar. Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape shifting, humanoid Genie, played by Will Smith, appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery, love and true meaning of friendship. The trailer is in a word… AWESOME! Will Smith owns the role of the genie!

 

The Lion King.

Release Date: 18th July.

The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau helms this CG-animated re-imagining of the 1994 Walt Disney classic. Stars Donald Glover as Simba.

The Lion King, based on the original animated movie… and one of my favourite films! It is scheduled to be released on July 18th 2019, which marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film. Exciting! While you’re waiting, why not come on down to your local library and rent the original film! As a recap, The Lion King, tells the story of Simba, a delightful lion cub who is heir to the throne of the pride lands. However, when Simba’s father is killed… by Simba’s treacherous uncle, Scar, poor Simba, feeling guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile until the moment where he must confront his uncle and reclaim his identity , as well as destiny as the future King. Another movie trailer filled with (wild) animals and cute baby animals!!! (Spoiler: Simba as a baby in his Mum’s arms and being presented to the entire African animal population)

More! Top 5 must-see Christmas DVDs for Children

It’s coming close to Christmas Day, have you picked up a Christmas themed DVD to watch during the holiday season? Check this weeks (and final) Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs blog post for the year!

image courtesy of amazon.com1) My Little Pony : A very Minty Christmas.

For all you Little Pony fans, check out their Christmas themed movie. The “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane” is an important part of Ponyville – it’s the beacon that shows Santa Claus the way to the town during the holiady rounds each year. But when Minty accidentally breaks it, Minty is determined to do anything tov save Christmas, and together with all of her friends, they discover that Christmas can come any way.


image courtesy of amazon.co.uk2) Get Santa.

It looks like Santa (Jim Broadbent) has got himself in a bit of a pickle when he crashes his sleigh in a garden shed, his reindeer are found running loose through the streets of London, and to top things off he is wanted by the police! Desperate to return to Lapland in time for Christmas, Santa asks Tom (Kit Connor) and his dad Steve (Rafe Spall) for help. Overall, a hilarious and heartwarming Christmas adventure for the whole family.


image courtesy of syndetics3) Barbie. A Perfect Christmas.

Join Barbie and her sisters Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea as their holiday vacation plans turn into a most unexpected adventure and heartwarming lesson. After a snowstorm diverts their plane, the girls find themselves far from their New York destination and their holiday dreams. Now stranded at a remote inn in the tiny town of Tannenbaum, the sisters are welcomed by new friends and magical experiences.


image courtesy of syndetics4) Frozen in Time.

Young siblings Eric and Pattyare about to take off on a thrilling, and chilling, adventure! After damaging their grandfather’s most treasured possession, a strange clock, they throw the whole world into a crazy time continuum, where Christmas Day is repeated over and over. The only way they can restore order is to travel to the North Pole and repair the clock in Santa’s workshop. With less than a day to go, Eric, Patty, and Grandfather frantically zip off to the frozen wonderland. All they have to do is figure out the complicated solution, carefully mend the clock, and get back home in time to fix Christmas!


IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM5) Santa’s Apprentice.

“We follow Nicholas, a 7 year old Australian boy on his adventure as he struggles with the ups and downs of being the next Santa Claus. It’s a big responsibility that would scare the bravest boy. Nicholas wants to be the best Santa ever and will learn a few lessons along the way. But Christmas has a way of making even the biggest mishaps alright and thanks to his loving mentors, Santa and Waldorf, Nicholas learns, as we all do, the true meaning of Christmas”–Container.


Check out the trailer for “Mary Poppins Returns“, an all new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Released on New Year’s Day!


And as a final Christmas gift… Check the official teaser trailer for the live action movie, The Lion King, based on the original animated movie… and one of my favourite films! It is scheduled to be released on July 18th 2019, which marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film. Exciting! While you’re waiting, why not come on down to your local library and rent the original film! As a recap, The Lion King, tells the story of Simba, a delightful lion cub who is heir to the throne of the pride lands. However, when Simba’s father is killed… by Simba’s treacherous uncle, Scar, poor Simba, feeling guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile until the moment where he must confront his uncle and reclaim his identity , as well as destiny as the future King.

On behalf of the Children’s team at Wellington City Libraries, we would love to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year!

Top 5 Must see Christmas DVDs for Children.

Hey Kids!

Here’s another round of “Top 5 Christmas DVDs” for this week!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndetic1) The Naughty List.

A very cute story about two elves and a reindeer that land themselves on the dreaded “Naughty List.” But when the entire the North Pole comes down with food poisoning, they must redeem their Naughty List status by finding a way to save Christmas. This film will make you think again about doing anything naughty during Christmas.


image courtesy of amazon.co.uk2) Nativity!

What started as a simple school nativity play turns into a royal fiasco of quarrelling parents and over-excited children, when primary school teacher Paul Maddens boasts that his ex-girlfriend Jennifer, a Hollywood Producer, is coming to see his show with a view to turning it into a film. (Major lie!). Maddens’ only hope is to get back in touch with Jennifer and lure Hollywood to town so that everybody’s Christmas wishes come true.


image courtesy of amazon.com3) Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas.

Join Manny, Sid,  Diego, Ellie, Peaches and Scat during this holiday season in Ice Age : A Mammoth Christmas. When Sid accidentally destroys Manny’s heirloom Christmas rock and ends up on Santa’s “naughty list,” he leads a hilarious quest to the North Pole to make things right – and ends up making things much worse. Now it’s up to Manny and his prehistoric posse to band together and save Christmas for the entire world! Over 25 minutes of humour, laughter and holiday cheer from start to finish.  Anyone who is a fan of the Ice Age movies will love this!


image courtesy of amazon.co.uk4) Santa Claws : it’s a holiday cat-astrophe!

If you are a cat lover, this is one movie to snuggle up with your kitty and some popcorn to watch! When Santa suffers a major allergic reaction where he  can’t fly the sleigh or deliver presents anymore, it’s up to a litter of  kittens to deliver the rest of the presents to all the boys and girls before sunrise and save Christmas.


IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM5) The Cat in the Hat knows about Christmas.

‘Twas the day before Christmas and all through the yard the Cat in the Hat and his guests partied hard. When the party was over, and the guests all departed one poor baby reindeer was left broken-hearted! Can the Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick and the Fish help make come true little Ralph’s Christmas wish? To be with his family, in far-off Freeze-Your-Knees. Will you help see him home? Come be our guests, please!


Check out the trailer for “Elliot the littlest Reindeer“, and another Christmas themed movie to watch on the big screen this holiday season.

When Blitzen announces his retirement on December 21st, a miniature horse has 3 days to fulfill his lifelong dream of earning a spot on Santa’s team at the North Pole try-outs.