sea creatures

5 Pixar Movies to watch these school holidays

Katie

Just in time for the wintery-est of school holidays. With the release of Finding Dory, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, why not go down to your local library and check out some other DVDs released by the same companies:

image courtesy of amazon.com

Finding Nemo (2003)

Go back to where it all began where Marlin goes on an epic quest from the great barrier reef to Sydney in order to find and save his son, Nemo, while meeting and encountering new friends on the way such as surfer turtles that live to 150 years old, vegetarian sharks who have regular meetings and of course, Dory herself!, a good-hearted and optimistic regal blue tang with short-term memory loss.

 

image courtesy of amazon.com

The Incredibles (2004)

Looking for a DVD where action, Superheroes and Disney are combined? Look no further, Check out The Incredibles, a movie that follows a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their powers and live a quiet suburban life. Mr. Incredible’s desire to help people draws the entire family into a battle with a villain and his killer robot.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.com

Cars (2006)

A hot-shot race-car named Lightning McQueen gets waylaid in Radiator Springs, where he finds the true meaning of friendship and family. This is a movies that boys will enjoy, especially boys into cars and formula one racing.

 

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.com

WALL-E (2008)

In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot named WALL-E, inadvertently embarks on a space journey, to reunite with new found friend, fellow robot named EVE, that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

 

 

image courtesy of amazon.com

Up (2009)

Seventy-eight year old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his home equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway named Russell. This is the movie that came up with sayings and references such as ‘Adventure is out there!”, “the cone of shame.”, and where Kevin can be a girl’s name and Dogs can talk, not meaning woof, woof but actual words like: “My name is Dug. I have just met you, and I love you.”

5 New Non Fiction just in time for Autumn

Katie

Looking for some new non-fiction reads? Expand your brain with these 5 new titles that are just hitting your library shelves. There’s animals, history and bad guys in the mix – something for everyone!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOcean: a children’s encyclopaedia.

Descend into the vast, hidden depths of earth’s oceans and discover an amazing world in this stunning visual encyclopaedia.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCelts.

The Celts were fearsome warriors, but they also developed trade routes across Europe and made beautiful jewellery. Find out about Celtic tribes, how Boudicca rebelled against the Romans, and how the Celts celebrated with feasts and festivals.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsDoes a seal smile?

Does a Seal Smile? explores the meanings of body and facial expressions in wild animals and people. A funny, kid-like question (“Does a coyote smile?”) is shown with a realistic scenario (coyote howling), and thoughts/facts about how animals express themselves.

 

Top 50 villains.image courtesy of syndetics

Prepare for something… horrible. New to the Horrible Histories series, this book will introduce you to 50 of the most vilest villains imaginable. From gangs of gangsters to maniacs who massacre, come face to face with the biggest baddies in history.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsZoo Animals.

Arts and craft, and the ability to create your own personal zoo. Zoo Animals, makes all this possible. This book shows you how to craft all kinds of zoo creatures and has bucket loads of extraordinary facts about them as well.

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction December 2015

Dusty

Minecraft dominates the non-fiction top picks this month!

Want to know what Minecraft authors do in their spare time? Author Megan Miller has some of her builds online. Matthew Needler and Phil Southam founders of  FyreUK has helped bring real life and gaming together by working with the United Nations’ block by block project. Public spaces in places such as Undugu playground in Kibera, Nairobi are added as a template in Minecraft for people to add their ideas as to how the space can be transformed.  These ideas are then used by local people to build in their community.  Cool huh? Built any playground replicas of your own? Let us know in the comments below.

1. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

2. The LEGO ideas book, by Daniel Lipkowitz

3. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

4. Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller

5. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

6. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

7. Supershark and other creatures of the deep, by Derek Harvey

8. Minecraft blockopedia, by Alex Wiltshire

9. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler

10. Cat, by Juliet Clutton-Brock

Toot! Toot! Join us for a special Storytime

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Toot the Smallest Whale banner

Joy Ramirez, author of the new book ‘Toot the World’s Tiniest Whale‘ will be reading aloud her book at Central Library’s Preschool Storytime, with extra fun activities and colouring sheets for the children to enjoy.

Toot – The World’s Tiniest Whale is the debut children’s picture book from up-and-coming Auckland author Joy Ramirez. The story is packed with unique and loveable characters like: Toot – a whale the size of your thumb, Henry the Fifth – the royal goldfish, Lord Squigglebottom, and Princess Bambella. Check out the website for more info.

 

Wellington Central Library, Children’s Section

Friday, 2nd October, 10.30am

 

This free programme is perfect for 2 – 5 year olds and their caregivers. Bookings not required.

Sea Week 2015

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Sea Week is an annual celebration of New Zealand’s seas and marine life hosted by the NZ Association for Environmental Education. This year Sea Week takes place from 28th February – 8th March with the theme Look beneath the Surface – Papatai ō roto – Papatai ō raro.  Our seas are full of amazing wonders and Sea Week hopes to encourage kiwis to learn more about them, the creatures that dwell there, the different habitats and the issues that face marine life. There are heaps of fun, educational events happening around Wellington during Sea Week including coastal clean-ups, guided walks, sandcastle competitions, and open days at some of Wellington’s fantastic coastal labs and treatment facilities. It’s a great opportunity to get your friends and family involved! Check out the Sea Week website for full details of events in your region.

The library has some helpful books about our sea life and rocky shore habitats that you might like to use to identify cool things at the beach.  Have fun!

image courtesy of syndetics image courtesy of syndetics image courtesy of syndetics

Four great new Non Fiction for children: Getting set for winter and how to keep safe.

Katie

image courtesy of syndeticsWinter bees & other poems of the cold.

It’s a little early for winter but feel free to check out this amazing book on poems about how animals brave the longest and coldest season of the north and discover winter’s safe places for these hardy creatures – how they snuggle warmly and survive until spring’s warmth returns. Beautiful pictures, beautiful poems, who could ask for more.

Also discover….

Freshwater Fishes.

Amber McEwan introduces the physical characteristics, habitat and behaviour of different species of New Zealand freshwater fishes. A great resource to use for projects in biology or New Zealand freshwater life.

Keep safe with….

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsKeeping safe: Online and Friends and Family.

The great thing about these books is they give excellent guidance on how to stay safe in a number of social situations and to assess whether they are in any danger and great for ages 9 years and over.

Keeping safe online takes you through all the tools that will help you stay safe online. Full of advice about how to spot fakes – people who aren’t who they say they are, what to do if you think you are being bullied and how to protect your personal details. This book is an essential guide for any child who uses the Internet, whether you access it on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

While Keeping Safe Friends and Family  will help you stay safe because it is full of advice on what to do if you think you are in danger or have a problem you want to resolve, and also how to avoid or minimise danger in the first place.

 

New Non Fiction: Encyclopedias and Handbooks galore!

Katie

Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe children‘s encyclopedia of dinosaurs : begin to discover the amazing prehistoric world.

This encyclopedia is a great introduction about the incredible time of dinosaurs. Truly lives up to its expectations providing amazing facts and awesome pictures. Great resource to use for homework on dinosaurs and prehistoric period.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe children‘s encyclopedia of oceans : begin to discover the amazing underwater world.

Dive in and take an amazing voyage of discovery and exploration by reading this fantastic encyclopedia that tells you anything and everything about ocean life. With easy to understand text and remarkable photography, you will be able to unlock the secrets of the sea.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsTop 10 For Boys 2014.

Breaking news, Boys! Here is a book that holds the coolest collection of facts, feats and fun things for boys to do! From the 10 greatest superhero movies and 10 most successful video games, to the  10 deadliest animals and 10 tallest roller coasters this book will simply amaze you! – I for one am simply amazed!

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Big Book of Awesome Animals.

Get ready to go on a journey where you will uncover the bizarre behaviour and horrid habits of the world’s most unusual creatures. I have to say, they don’t call this “The Big Book of Awesome Animals.” for nothing. You are bound to find information to all the tough and queasy questions you have about your favourite animals.

 

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsWhat‘s where in the world.

There is one word for this book – Awesome! This unique visual encyclopaedia is literately planet earth as you have never seen it. By reading this book, you will take a unique tour of Planet Earth and find out what goes where in the world. Covers diverse topics in six chapters on Geography, Nature, People, History, Arts & Entertainment and Science & Technology, as well as anything and everything from shipwrecks and castles to wildlife and hurricanes,  fantastic picture maps that show you what’s where in the world, the world’s tallest buildings, longest rivers, most dangerous earthquake spots and even where you can find animals that glow! I was very impressed with the world maps. I felt they presented a very clear account of world geography. This book is  perfect for school projects in the areas of geography, nature, history and technology projects.

 

 

The Real Wonders of the World.image courtesy of syndetics

Ready to see the real wonders of the world? This book is just the ticket! Get ready to go on a journey of discovery to find the most awe-inspiring places and experiences on the planet, from the Empire State Building to Death Valley, Dubai’s wonder worlds, and Egypt’s Great Pyramids. Combines traditional world wonders with the ‘real’ wonders of their world. Even better, this is a book not for parents. Great for ages 8-12 year olds.

 

New Non Fiction: New Non Fiction: Just in time for Easter and School Holidays Redux.

Katie

Special Effects Make up Artist

Have you ever been scared by a creature you have seen at the movies and wondered how those creatures were created? This book holds all the answers and more! Special Effects Make up Artist holds information on everything you have ever wanted to know about special effects and how something simple as make up can bring monster, zombie and an alien to life on the big screen. Also contains behind the scenes information on how your favorite movies characters from films such as Stars Wars and The Muppets come to life.  Also a great book to use if you are looking for costume ideas for Halloween.

 

Maps.

In need of a great atlas? Check out Maps. This is one of the most fantastic books I have ever come across. What is great about this atlas (and perhaps different from most atlases) is that not only does it contain information about geographical features and political borders, but also places of interest, iconic personalities, native animals and plants, local peoples, cultural events, and many more fascinating facts associated with each region. Great to use for geography homework.

 

 

 

 

Angry Birds Playground Dinosaurs.

“Fly with your favorite Angry Birds characters as they travel back in time on a zany search to find their eggs. Kids will be hooked on this wacky mystery as they analyze and observe the wonderful world of dinosaurs as they are building basic skills through fun and fascinating activities”– Provided by publisher.

Angry Birds are back!… and this time instead of losing their eggs, they have found something amazing. If you enjoyed Angry Birds Playground Animals, then you will love Angry Birds Playground Dinosaurs. This book is a great way to learn about dinosaurs, while at the same time joining the angry birds on a prehistoric adventure. This book has all the excitement and adventure you will ever need to be entertained. Also full of activities and quizzes to test your knowledge.

 

First Big Book of the Ocean.

This book screams ‘curious commotion in the ocean!’ National Geographic Kids First Big Book of the Ocean is an adorable animal reference that holds all the information you could ever want and need on the sea’s high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures. More than 100 charming animal photos illustrate the profiles, with facts about the creatures’ sizes, diets, homes, and more. This book serves as a great introduction and companion guide for kids who are interested and studying marina wildlife and biology.

 

 

 

Treasury of Egyptian mythology : classic stories of gods, goddesses, monsters & mortals.

If you are bored with Fairy tales, Greek mythology, why not try some Egyptian mythology?  This book presents an illustrated tableau of Egyptian myths, combines narrative accounts of the stories of the Sun God Ra, the Sphinx, and numerous pharaohs and queens along with historical, cultural, and geographic facts. This is a treasure that will be enjoyed by kids of all ages.

Also check out Treasury of Greek mythology : classic stories of gods, goddesses, heroes & monsters.

 

 

 

 

Recycled Crafting for Kids.

Homemade play dough! Homemade watercolor paints! Homemade chalk! Homemade crayons!  I cannot believe my ears! Yes this book tells you how you can make those things in your own home and in your own time by using recycled materials to make toys and games . Other ideas (and some of my personal favorites include ankle bells, marble mazes and magnetic fishing games. You can have fun and do your bit for the environment at the same time. And just in time for the school holidays. Also holds some old favorites from Eco-friendly crafting with kids like creating musical instruments, like a box guitar and invisible ink. This book will make kids want to play with household objects, like a cardboard box rather than the latest (and sometimes expensive) toy.

 

Amazing Masks to Make Yourself.

“Masquerade! Paper faces on parade. Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you.” – The Phantom of the Opera.

Here is another awesome read to keep you amused over the school holidays where all you need is just some simple house hold items. Whether you planning a masquerade party or in need of some good old fashioned handicraft entertainment, this book is jammed pack full of mask ideas such as a tiger face made from a basket, a teapot and even a spooky skeleton that is guaranteed to glow in the dark and scare off every ghoul and goblin alike.

The Whitebait Wriggle

debbie

Do you like poetry?

Do you like whitebait?

Combine these two together and you get The Whitebait Wriggle.

Reading this book I found out all about the life cycle of the whitebait. I learnt that what we describe as whitebait is actually the juvenile form of five species of New Zealand freshwater fish and they all lead an amazing and sometimes dangerous life.

What is really fun about this book is that it is written in verse.

 

Down at the beach

in the blue-green sea.

Where the waves swish the sand

and the birds fly free.

Swam five baby fish

and they all looked the same.

Tiny and wriggly,

whitebait was their name.

You can check out lots of great poetry books in the library and then maybe you can have a go at creating some of your own.

Seaweek 2014 – bring in your favourite photos of the sea!

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New Zealand Seaweek 2014 runs from 1-9 March and is an annual celebration of our ocean, its habitats and the cool creatures that dwell there!  This year the theme for Seaweek is  “Our fragile, finite taonga – be alert to the fragility of the marine environment and its treasures. Kia mataara! Tiakina te au o te moana, he kōpīpī tōna”.

Hosted by the NZ Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE), Seaweek is an opportunity to learn more about ocean life and encourages exploration and discovery.  Check out your local rock-pools, participate in a coastal clean-up, have a go at an ocean sport like snorkeling or visit a marine ecology lab!  There’s heaps happening in Wellington for Seaweek – so rally your friends and family together and get involved!

For more information about Seaweek including a list of local and national events, visit their website seaweek.org.nz.

 

To celebrate Seaweek we want to display your photos in the central library.

With the weather improving this is a great opportunity to take out your camera! We would love to have your favourite piece(s) of work admired by library visitors. If you’re interested in sending us your photos, take them to the Information Desk at the Central Library, where you’ll see the blue Seaweek box until 28 February.

Please write your name and contact details on the back of the photo(s) so that we can make sure they go back to the right person. Check out some rules first.