science

8 New (and not so new) Non Fiction on Lego mania, innovative gaming and science trends!

Katie

Has the back to school blues finally sunk in? Have no fear, there’s more and exciting new non fiction in stock at your local library.

Featured in this blog post are books on the latest and innovative trends in the world of gaming, science and technology, not to mention an old favourite Pokémon, which has been reinvented, evolved and rebranded as Pokémon GO! Not to mention, Lego mania has been unleashed in the library once again with some new and not so new books on the original Lego Movie and the upcoming release of The Lego Batman Movie!  I for one am excited about The Lego Batman movie because this is where the world of Lego, DC comics, innovation, play and imagination comes together and opens you up to a world of endless possibilities, creativity and entertainment.

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Lego Bricks has been applauded by teachers and parents as one of the best toys for learning, building creativity, and strengthening fine-motor skills, not to mention Lego Bricks are an open-ended toy, meaning they can become just about anything a child or adult imagines, including an educational tool. See more about this on  Inner Child Learning,

But enough about Lego, the 8 non fiction books featured in this post will keep you amused and entertained for hours and also will keep you informed and up to date with the latest trends and technological developments in the modern world.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndetics The Lego Batman movie : the essential guide.

To celebrate the upcoming release of The Lego Batman Movie, the spin off of The Lego Movie, which will released in NZ cinemas on the 6th of April just in time for the school holidays, the library has in stock for your viewing and reading pleasure, The Batman movie : the essential guide. This book will enable you to go behind the scenes and discover everything there is to know about The LEGO Batman Movie with this ultimate guide. Featuring the latest LEGO Batman set and mini-figures.

image courtesy of syndeticsWhile you’re at it, why not check out The LEGO movie : the essential guide. This guide will tell you need to know about the original LEGO Movie, including character profiles and location spreads from the upcoming movie.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Lego Movie Handbook.

Seen the movie? (I haven’t – Naughty me!) Now is the time to read the movie handbook. Join Brickburg, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Batman and the rest of the gang in reading this book where you will learn everything you need to know about the Lego Movie, including Stories from Bricksburg’s happiest residents, a special message from President Business and a never before seen episode of Where Are My Pants. Overall I enjoyed this book. It was very funny, humorous, gave me the opportunity to revisit and embrace my inner child and has inspired to go and see the movie.  Also check out the move trailer.

As a special treat, why not check out the latest The Lego Batman Movie trailer here.

image courtesy of syndeticsGaming Live!

Want to watch the BEST gamers in the world but don’t know where to start? This guide enables you to watch the pros in action as they teach you how to dominate your favourite games! A must have resource for the avid gamer!

image courtesy of syndeticsPokémon Go!

The world of Pokémon and mobile games collides with Pokémon GO! The Ultimate Unauthorized Guide. This book is a must-read companion to the hit mobile game that has taken the world by storm.  This guide includes everything you need to know about Lures, PokéBalls, Eggsand much more.

image courtesy of syndeticsThis Book Thinks You’re a scientist!

The title does justice to the information contained within this book.  Read this book and learn all the tricks of the trade of what is essential to becoming a scientist, which includes look, ask questions, wonder and test your ideas. You’ll also do things scientists don’t necessarily do: eat your experiments, levitate paper clips and play a drinking straw like an oboe. There are even portable laboratory pages for you to experiment on, so that by the end, you’ll know how to invent your own fun ways of finding out about the world. Overall, this book is a must have read for the avid scientist enthusiast! 

image courtesy of syndeticsMistakes that worked: The World’s familiar inventions and how they came to be.

Do you know how many things in your daily life were invented by accident? SANDWICHES came about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free. POTATO CHIPS were first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren’t thin enough. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, and X rays have fascinating stories behind them too! Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious cartoons and weird, amazing facts, make up this fun-filled book about everyday items that had surprisingly haphazard beginnings.

image cpurtesy of syndeticsHow Super Cool Stuff Works.

Discover the mind-blowing high-tech inventions of the future in How Super Cool Stuff Works. Contained in this book are incredible images that reveal the secret to inner workings of everything from drones and supercomputers to underwater hotels and flying cars. In short, this book features a futuristic world I don’t think anyone saw coming.

 

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

debbie

Yay – Summer is here and there is nothing better than going to the beach. Swimming in the surf, picking up driftwood, finding pretty shells and looking in rock pools.

We are so lucky in New Zealand because nine out of ten New Zealanders live within 40 km of the coast.  We have a very long coastline. When you put our three main islands together there is over 18,000 km of coast in total length. If you decided to walk along our coast it would take you about 6 months and that’s if you could keep walking day and night non-stop!  I don’t think I will try that!

Have you thought about becoming a seaside scientist? Why not study some rock pools. You might find some sea anemones or maybe a starfish.  Perhaps you might like to hunt for crabs.  Watch out that they don’t bite your toes though. Or maybe you like to look at all the different types of seaweed that may have washed ashore.

Whatever you like doing there is always plenty to see and do at the beach.

And don’t forget to build your sandcastle or create your own artwork in the sand. Draw a face and then use shells, pebbles and seaweed to decorate it.

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

Discover your green thumb and get into gardening this summer!

admin

Gardening is a fun activity to get involved in during the summer months, and one that many people all around the world find very fulfilling.

Gardening is also really good for you in all sorts of ways. Firstly, gardening outside is a great way to get out in the sun and soak up some vitamin D, just don’t forget to be sun smart and chuck on a sunhat and sunscreen before you head outside.

Gardening is  good exercise and an enjoyable way to keep busy and stay active in the summer months. It is also a fun introduction to science and enables us to learn about the natural world around us using all of our senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, sound).

But best of all, gardening makes you happy! In fact, scientific experiments have shown that when you connect with soil, your brain releases a feel-good chemical called serotonin that actually helps to improve your mood. How cool is that!?

Gardening is also a very rewarding activity, as you get to watch all of your hard work grow and flourish (and it might even end up on the dinner table).

Gardening can be a peaceful activity to do on your own, but you can have fun gardening with a friend or family member, or even in a group. You might know someone that likes gardening, perhaps your Grandparent or a neighbour, that you could help out their garden.

If you have limited outdoor space at your house, try starting small using a planter box, an old car tyre, or plant straight into a bag of compost.

The libraries have HEAPS of awesome books on gardening to inspire you and help you get started. Check out the catalogue to find out what’s available in your local branch library and don’t forget children can place reserves for free using your library card all summer long!

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction October 2016

Dusty

What’s so special about October’s most favourite non-fiction library loans?

Literature! It’s been a great year for Children’s literature, with the new Gecko Press Annual filled with stories, songs, poems and illustrations hitting the shelves (find it on the shelf at 828 ANN).

Shakespeare in the library, there’s another performance coming up on December 10 at the Central Library and now…

The Harry Potter play. The much read book is found in the non-fiction section, with the Dewey number: 822 THO (if it’s not being borrowed by some other Harry Potter fan!)

 

But that aside, here were the most borrowed non-fiction items from the library in October:

1. Lego : Awesome ideas, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2. Minecraft : the survivor’s book of secrets, by Stephanie Milton

3. Hacks for Minecrafters : Mods, by Megan Miller

4. Star Wars : absolutely everything you need to know, by Adam Bray

5. Minecraft : Redstone handbook, by Nick Farwell

6. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

7. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by Jack Thorne

8. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

9. Minecraft. Construction handbook, by Matthew Needler

10. LEGO Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Hannah Dolan

7 new children’s non fiction about deadly beasts, famous people and cooking up a storm!

Katie

Kids, the school holidays are flying by and the library has some new and exciting non fiction books for your viewing and reading pleasure. So come on down and grab books about deadly beast that roamed the earth a million years ago, as well as some that only exist in the world of fiction and fantasy; famous people who changed the world and cooking up a storm in the comfort of your own kitchen where the world of Science and The Gruffalo comes to life that will make your tummy rumble.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDay of the Dinosaurs.

Travel back in time to a period where dinosaurs roamed the earth. This amazing book features eye catching illustrations, as well as information about dinosaurs in terms of diet, how they lived on land, water and in the skies, as well as how they defended themselves and their territory  from four different prehistoric periods: the Triassic, the early Jurassic, the Late Jurassic and the Cretaceous. This is a thrilling read for any budding palaeontologist.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAtlas of Animal Adventures.

Prepare for a  journey of amazing discovery. Featured in this is an amazing collection of images and information about every animal known to existence, as well as nature’s most unmissable events from between the two poles, including epic migrations, extraordinary behaviours, and Herculean habits.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGruffalo Crumble and Other Recipes.

Delights such as  Owl Ice Cream, Scrambled Snake, Roasted Fox, and of course… Gruffalo Crumble from the lovable picture, The Gruffalo comes life with this awesome cookbook, filled with recipes and ideas for every meal, that is bound to keep Gruffalo fans of all ages busy in the kitchen. Other tasty favourite that catch eye are caterpillar twists, orange eyes and even a Gruffalo cake. With this book, you are all set for a Gruffalo themed morning/afternoon tea, birthday part or even a Halloween party. These tasty delights are already starting to make my tummy rumble!

 

image courtesy of syndetics.How to draw orcs, goblins, and other wicked creatures.

Where the world of orcs, goblins and artistic creations collide. This simple and easy to read book will teach readers how to draw orcs, goblins, hags, and several other wicked fantasy creatures where you will be able to bring your own Lord of the Rings to life.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsFrida Kahlo : the artist in the blue house.

The artwork and the photographs of Frida Kahlo comes to life with this gorgeous new art book with a charming narrative and fascinating pictures that provide an engaging introduction to the life of Frida Kahlo and her creations.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsScience Experiments you can eat.

Dig into a feast of fun where you’re the scientist and the kitchen is your laboratory. This book that gives you all everything you need where you can test your science theories, make some amazing discoveries and eat your results!  Includes information on how to make rock candy, grape jelly, cupcakes, and popcorn.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsNadia : the girl who couldn‘t sit still.

A cute and easy to read biography of the young Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci. This book goes into full detail of how some of the ways her energy got her into trouble as a child, how she became involved in gymnastics, and how practice and determination led her to become an Olympic champion. This is the greatest picture book biography since Different like Coco.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The School Holidays are here!

admin

Looking for something to do for the holidays? Here’s what’s happening in the library.

During the school holidays we will be celebrating World Space Week by creating Space Movies!

J001033-LIBRARY-july-school-holidays-850x638

Calling all Space, Film and Technology buffs! Bring your own device, or use one of our tablets to showcase Earth from space by creating a stop-motion animated film.

 

Here’s when the events are on at a library near you:

Week 1:

Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library: Wednesday 28 Sept, 11am

Miramar Library: Wednesday 28 Sept, 2pm

Khandallah Library: Thursday 29 Sept, 2pm

Johnsonville Library: Friday 30 Sept, 11am

 

Week 2:

Karori Library: Tuesday 4 Oct, 2pm

Wellington Central Library: Wednesday 5 Oct, 11am

Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library: Thursday 6 Oct, 2pm

Cummings Park (Ngaio) Library: Friday 7 Oct, 2pm

 

Some important notes:

  • Please bring your own device if possible. The library will have a limited number of tablets that can be used on the day.
  • If you bring your own device, it needs to be an Android or iOS tablet or smart phone with a camera
  • Before the event, please download a free app called Stop Motion Studio on to your device.
  • The event is free, and no bookings are required. However due to limited resources and library spaces, librarians may limit numbers on the day depending on how many people turn up.
  • Suitable for ages 7+

Daylight savings is on the horizon…..

admin

Get ready for longer evenings and family BBQs because daylight savings is just around the corner!

Daylight saving, also called ‘summer time’ in some countries, is when we change the clocks by an hour in order to shorten or lengthen the amount of sunlight in the evenings. With summer approaching, we will be turning clocks forward so that we have an extra hour of light before the sun sets at night. Sometimes we refer to this as “springing forward” because we are currently in the Spring season. In Autumn, we “fall back” and turn the clocks back an hour so that it is dark earlier in the evenings over Winter.

The idea of daylight savings was thought up in 1895 by a New Zealander called George Hudson, although many ancient people were flexible in changing the times of their days to suit the sun and seasons.

Hudson studied entomology (insects) and astronomy (space), and wanted more leisure time in the evenings to collect insects. He presented a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society after lots of people became interested in his idea, and the Summer-Time Act was passed in 1927 (nearly 100 years ago).

Daylight savings is practiced in lots of countries all around the world. Many people find that longer evenings allow more time for activities like sports and socialising, however it can be troublesome for some professions such as farming in which workers start their days early. Another benefit of daylight savings is that we can save on energy, as we don’t need to turn our lights on as early in the evening.

In New Zealand, daylight savings happens overnight on the last Sunday of September, which will be the 25th this year. How are you going to spend your extra time?

Check out the library catalogue for inspiration on fun outdoor activities and to learn more about seasons!

6 New children’s non fiction to read just time for spring

Katie

Spring is around the corner… almost. So why not spring on down to your local library and check out some new non fiction in our Junior Collection that can help you with your science homework, help you unleash your inner clothes designer and learn some weird, wonderful and sometimes gross facts from the latest Ripley’s Believe it or not series.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsI Can Make My Own Accessories

Eat you heart out, Christian Louboutin, Karen Walker and Dolce & Gabbana, You don’t have to shop for the latest fashion trends and break your budget to dress in style. This new book, I Can Make My Own Accessories is jam packed full of ideas for making your own fashion accessories! You will be able to make and customize unique, stylish jewelry, hair accessories, bags, belts, and much more. A great book to have on hand for the budding fashion designer.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsAll new Ripley’s Believe it or not : unlock the weird

Believe it or not, it’s back! Ripley’s has a 100% new book out on the weird, wonderful and wacky world records around the world. Come on down to the library and grab this book, where you can read all about how a monk walks on water, a woman that only eats sand and a baby cow born with five mouths. You have to read it to believe it!

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsUsborne Big Picture Atlas

With 15 big and beautifully illustrated maps for you to pore over, use this picture atlas to explore our fascinating world. Find landmarks, discover where different animals and people live around the world, and lots more.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCollins Science Fascinating Facts

This book tells you all you need to know to become the next great scientist! From atoms to lightning, from android robots of the future right back to the start of life on Earth, you’ll learn all about the secrets of science. A brightly illustrated and engaging book, Science offers hours of reading pleasure and is also a great support for schoolwork and projects.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsElectricity

“A hands-on first science series that uses fun and practical activities to explore electricity, light and dark, materials and pushes and pulls.We use electricity all the time so it’s important children know how it works and where it comes from. Discover what an electric circuit is and why static electricity makes your hair stand on end. Using simple explanations and engaging photos, this book encourages children to think about how their senses work, while taking their first steps into scientific discovery.” –Publisher’s website.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDid dinosaurs lay eggs and other questions and answers about prehistoric reptiles

Read this and find out all the answers to every question you have ever had about dinosaurs. Also goes into full detail of  different types of dinosaurs and reconstructs their habits and behaviour.

 

8 New Children’s Non Fiction to read during August – Part Two.

Katie

Impress your friends and teachers further by surprising them with some amazing new facts about animals, world history, science and Minecraft.

Stumped on where you’re going to find these facts? From these amazing 8 new books the library has just purchased.

Get your hands on them before someone else does.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMy first book about our world.

Read this book and find all you need to know about the wonders that take place in our world, like what makes it rain, where do penguins live and how many oceans there are. You will learn fantastic things about our world and at the same have fun doing the quizzes and puzzles enclosed in this book.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft : redstone and transportation.

Learn how to use redstone to build advanced Minecraft structures such as automated doors and powered mine carts.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCars, trucks and trains.

Have you ever wondered why and how the car was invented? From steam cars and trains to experiments with rocket powered and flying cars, It’ll Never Work: Cars, Trucks and Trains explores the history and development of vehicles that have led to the comforts of modern passenger transport that we know today. Each title in this exciting, high-interest series looks at a different area of technology and engineering and reveals the pioneering ideas and scientific thinking that enabled its development, as well as exposing those that proved to be a dead end. Each spread examines a particular example in depth, bringing in other similar ideas where relevant, and revealing that experimentation and failure often pave the way to technology success.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDK findout! Animals.

DK findout! Animals is full of interesting facts about the animal kingdom. With beautiful photography, lively illustrations, and key curriculum information, the DK findout! series will satisfy any child who is eager to learn and acquire facts – and keep them coming back for more! It is packed with up-to-date information, fun quizzes and incredible images of mammals, birds, fish, & reptiles. Discover what makes up a bird, how animals use camouflage to hide, and which animal spends the longest time in bed.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMinecraft Beginner’s Guide.

Minecraft is more than a simple video game. It is also a creative tool that allows players to build and explore their own virtual worlds. A bit of a novice when it comes to Minecraft? Have no fear, this book will bring you up to speed on everything you need to know about Minecraft.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDK findout! Dinosaurs.

DK findout! Dinosaurs is full of dinosaur facts supported by beautiful photography, lively illustrations, and key curriculum information. It is packed with up-to-date information, quizzes, fun facts and incredible images of all their favourite dinosaurs. Discover how fossils are formed, find out which was the biggest dinosaur, and what was the size of a cat. DK findout! Dinosaurs will let children uncover the ancient animals of our planet.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Usborne Medieval World.

A lavishly illustrated guide to the medieval world, covering the years 500 to 1500 and following events worldwide including the Crusades, Marco Polo’s travels to China, the Maya, Aztecs and Samurai, as well as medieval knights and explorers.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHome lab : exciting experiments for budding scientists.

Want to unleash your inner mad scientist.? Homelab can help you with that.  This book will how you how to create fantastic projects, ideal from science fairs using everyday materials that you can find in your own home. Great for science projects and homework.