FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara!

Kia ora koutou ngā kaitākaro poikiri / Soccer players!

Image of a number of hands raising the FIFA trophy into the air.
Unless you have been living under a rock (if so, hello! ) you might have heard that New Zealand (with Australia) is now hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This is very exciting for Aotearoa as we often don’t get the chance to host such big and important tournaments.

The kick off started on Thursday 20th July in Auckland with NZ winning 1-0 in their first world cup match against Norway, who is a much higher ranked team than us. New Zealand, ranked 26th in the world, had never won a match in five previous appearances at the Women’s World Cup.

We also set a record for attendance for any soccer match in New Zealand history, men’s or women’s with more than 42,100 people in attendance. You can imagine how proud and excited we all are!

Kimihia ngā poiwhana! | Find the footballs!

playground with football sign attached to fenceApart from going to games there are also lots of other fun events and activities around the city to get involved in.

 Wellington City Council’s very own Play Specialist Peta has set up a cool installation in six local parks where you can try and Kimihia ngā poiwhana | Find the footballs! Find the golden ball to be in to win one of 20 FIFA Women’s World Cup TM Official Merchandise packs!

⚽ Check out this reel here: Wellington Recreation Centres to find out more or read more below:

⚽ At six of our parks below we’ve hidden 11 special football signs for you to find. On each of the football signs, you and your tamariki can learn common football terms in Te Reo Māori and in New Zealand Sign Language.

⚽ Amongst the 11 football signs at each park lies a hidden treasure – a golden ball with a QR code. Scan this to go in the draw to win one of 20 FIFA Women’s World cup 2023 TM Official Merchandise Packs!

⚽ The balls are located at six of our parks, including Karori and Nairnville Parks, which are not far from a couple of our Wellington Recreation Centres. You can find them at:

  • Miramar Park
  • Linden Park and Linden Park West
  • Pukehuia Park
  • Narinville Park
  • Wakefield Park

We will be drawing winners throughout July and August, and winners will be contacted directly via email.

FIFA Fan Festival 

3 football fern players

Football Ferns Headshoot, Christchurch, New Zealand, 10th November 2022. Copyright: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz

⚽  Join the party at the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Shed 6. From 20 July to 11 August enjoy free entertainment from artists including Ladyhawke, Amba Holly, Ria Hal, Che Fu and much more, plus live streamed matches and fun for the whole family.  Indoors at Shed 6, and outdoors at Queens Wharf Square.

⚽  There are lighting projections planned on Te Papa and The Boatshed during the FIFA tournament window, with additional uplighting installed along the Waterfront and last mile, leading to Wellington Regional Stadium.

⚽  Find out more at the WellingtonNZ Fifa Fan Festival website


A picture of Hataitai beach

Council’s Beach Planting initiative for FIFA Fans

  • On 25th July, willing FIFA Fans and players can join a planned beach planting day at Lyall Bay Beach.
  • Transport will be available from the CBD.
  • Bookings will take place on the Council’s ‘SMART’ app.

Tell me more about the World Cup!

soccer ball on a field with stadium seats in background

Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington will host seven Group Matches, a Round of Sixteen clash, and a Quarter Final. All games will be held at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Wellington Regional Stadium Matches- coming up

  • Football Ferns v Philippines: 25 July (5.30pm NZDT)
  • USA v Netherlands: 27 July (1pm NZDT)
  • Sweden v Italy: 29 July (7.30pm NZDT)
  • Japan v Spain: 31 July (7pm NZDT)
  • South Africa v Italy: 2 August (7pm NZDT)
  • Round of 16: 1C v 2A: 5 August (8pm NZDT)
  • Quarterfinal Match: 11 August (1pm NZDT)

Can’t make it to a World Cup event? Don’t worry, we have plenty of great stories featuring awesome female (and male) football players and lots of books to help you learn some new skills too!

Books about Football!

⚽  If you want to improve your skills, or just learn some more about soccer or some of NZ’s sporting greats check out these great reads:

Football atlas : a journey across the world and onto the pitch / Buckley, James
“A journey across the globe and onto the pitch to learn about the world of football. A comprehensive exploration of football, covering players, teams, stadiums and competitions through a mix of illustrations, photographs, maps and diagrams. Follow the story of how football began, learn about World Cup winners, meet some of the top players and discover amazing facts and figures in this action-packed atlas.” (Catalogue)

Charligh Green vs. the spotlight / Mante, Priscilla
“Hi! I’m Charligh, and one day I’m going to be a big star. I’m full of PIZZAZZ after all, and everyone I’ve ever met tells me I’m unforgettable. In a good way, I think. I’ve always loved attention, but at the moment, there’s a teeny tiny chance I’m getting it for all the wrong reasons. For starters, me and my very-nearly-world-famous team, the Bramrock Stars, are trying to win big against our rivals in the new league. But I can’t stop tripping over the ball! And although I’ve got my dream part in the school play, the words just won’t stick in my head. What’s going to happen if I can’t learn my lines? Luckily for me, my best friends really are the bestest, and I know they’ll help me whatever it takes. It’s time for me to step into the spotlight, and prove girls really can do anything!” (Catalogue)

Megan Rapinoe / Sánchez Vegara, Ma Isabel
“Discover the life of Megan Rapinoe, the world record-breaking footballer and activist. Chasing a ball in the school playground, Megan discovered her calling at a young age. Even if she didn’t always fit in at school, she was a star on the field- and her teammates thought so too. Her passion, skill and leadership took Team USA to Olympic Gold and a World Cup victory, while she continues to champion women’s and LGBTQ+ rights and representation in sport.” (Catalogue)

She shoots, she scores / Clarke, Catriona
“She Shoots, She Scores! tells the empowering story of how women’s football has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Written by acclaimed YA novelist Catriona Clarke and with a foreword by England captain Steph Houghton, it is sure to inspire the next generation of female football superstars. Young football fans will discover how the early female players overcame prejudice to set up their own teams, and read the compelling stories of players who beat the odds to become famous around the world: including Scotland’s Rose Reilly, Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria, and Afghanistan’s Nadia Nadim. The book is packed with facts and stats about the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, plus pocket profiles of the world’s top players – from Marta to Megan Rapinoe – and record-breaking teams, including the US national women’s team and Olympique Lyonnais. What’s more, discover the key skills you’ll need to become a great goalkeeper, a tough-tackling defender or the world’s next superstar striker!”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Our beautiful game / Kuenzler, Lou
“Polly Nabb is no stranger to trouble. When her brother Joe is sent to serve in the trenches, all Polly wants is to kick a ball about and forget the war. Mam has other ideas, and makes her stay home to help with endless chores. But football is something Polly is prepared to fight for – it’s her life! She’s determined to do whatever it takes to fulfil her dream and show the world that football is not just for boys . . .” (Catalogue)

The big book of football
“Dive into the world of football with this mega book of everything to do with the beautiful game. Learn all the lingo; meet the greatest players, managers and teams from both the men’s and women’s games; take masterclasses with the pros; wander through the haircut hall of fame; learn the most iconic goal celebrations and more.” (Catalogue)

Find more books in our catalogue

Go The Ferns! Aotearoa Women’s Sports Teams in the Spotlight


With the Black Ferns currently playing in the Rugby World Cup, and the Football Ferns soon to kick off in the 2023 Fifa Women’s Football World Cup, we thought we’d train the spotlight onto our amazing NZ female sports teams that are shining bright and creating sporting history! You’ll also notice a trend with the naming of our national women’s teams – most names incorporate a variation of the silver fern – an emblem that has become synonymous with New Zealand athletes and sports teams.

The Black Ferns – New Zealand women’s rugby team

New Zealand women's national rugby union team - Wikipedia

New Zealand women’s national rugby union team logo

The Black Ferns are New Zealand’s senior women’s rugby team and have a world ranking of #2 with World Cup titles in 1998, 2002 2006, 2010 and 2017; and they will be playing in the Finals of World Cup as I type! The Black Ferns became the first women’s team to ever be named the World Rugby Team of the Year in 2019.

[NOTE: The Black Ferns and All Blacks play Rugby Union, which is a slightly different game to Rugby League.The NZ women’s Rugby League team is called the Kiwi Ferns]

Rugby World Cup 2021 – There’s a heap of firsts at this tournament.

This is the first time the women’s version of the Rugby World Cup will be played in New Zealand, and in the Southern Hemisphere. And it’s the first World Cup tournament to go ahead since the Covid-19 pandemic began (this event was delayed a year, and why it’s still called RWC2021).

It’s also the first time it won’t be called the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Just the Rugby World Cup – the same name as the men’s tournament.

It’s also the first time poi are handed out free to everyone attending the games – part of the Wā Poi (It’s Poi Time) movement to get the crowd twirling poi to support the teams.

The Football Ferns – New Zealand women’s football team

NZ Football - HOME

NZ Football logo

The New Zealand women’s national football team,  the Football Ferns, is governed by New Zealand Football (NZF). The New Zealand national team qualified for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in China in September 2007. This was their first World Cup in 16 years, and the second since their 1975 debut in international competition. Because  New Zealand is co-host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside Australia, the Football Ferns automatically qualify as co-host.

The Silver Ferns – New Zealand women’s netball team

New Zealand national netball team - Wikipedia

New Zealand national netball team logo

The Silver Ferns have won the Netball World Cup five times (in 1967, 1979, 1987, 2003 and 2019), and have won the netball gold medal at the Commonwealth Games twice (in 2006 and 2010).

Netball has been played in New Zealand since 1906. It is the most popular female sport in New Zealand. It was originally called women’s basketball and was played outside on grass courts. Players wore full-length skirts, hats, blouses and shoes. The net was a basket, closed at one end, so the referee had to clamber up and retrieve the ball after each goal! It was not until 1970 that the sport became officially known as netball in New Zealand. Today’s netball is fast-paced, physical and usually played on asphalt or indoor courts.

Even now, it is changing fast, with Fast5 Netball World Series taking place in Christchurch in November 2022. Fast5 is a variation of netball using only five players (regular netball has seven players a side) and features shortened games and goals worth multiple points.

The White Ferns – New Zealand women’s cricket team

New Zealand women's national cricket team - Wikipedia

New Zealand women’s national cricket team logo

The NZ women’s cricket team make its test cricket debut in 1935 against England.  In 1973 the first Women’s Cricket World Cup took place. The White Ferns are one of only three teams (NZ, England and Australia) to have participated in all ten editions of this tournament, winning in 2000 and making it to the finals on four occasions.

In 1992 The national women’s team was named the White Ferns at the same time as the men became the Blackcaps.

The Tall Ferns – New Zealand women’s basketball team

See the source image

New Zealand women’s national basketball team logo

Both national sides (the Tall Ferns – women, and the Tall Blacks – men) made their Olympic debuts in 2000 at Sydney. And both teams won silver medals in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The Tall Ferns then qualified for their third successive Olympics in 2008 at Beijing, but didn’t qualify for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics (which were held in Tokyo in 2021).

The Black Sticks – New Zealand women’s hockey team

See the source image

New Zealand Black Sticks Hockey team logo

Modern hockey emerged in England in the second half of the 19th century. Women played hockey from the 1880s, with a women’s inter-provincial match held in 1899. Hockey was the first team sport played at international level by New Zealand women, who competed against a touring English women’s team in 1914. From the 2000s both the national men’s and women’s teams are known as the Black Sticks.


Get your game-face on and check out these books about some of the world’s amazing women athletes and the sport they play:

Stacey Waaka : world champion rugby player / Riley, David
“Follows Stacey’s journey from Ruatoki to the rugby stadiums of the world. Read about some of the many challenges she’s been through, including a terrifying bus crash, and how she overcame them. Find out how her faith, family, friends, coaches, teachers and culture have guided and powered her to aim high in life”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)
Netball / Gifford, Clive
“Build your netball skills with the Sports Academy series. Looking to take up a new sport? Or just thinking about ways to keep fit and healthy? This book is a great introduction to all the important netball skills you’ll need. Full of skills tips and illustrations showing key techniques, you’ll discover everything- from offence to defence. The series Sports Academy covers rules, equipment and major competitions through specially commissioned, step-by-step illustrations that clearly shows skills and techniques needed for a sport.” (Catalogue)

The ultimate guide to women’s football / Thorpe, Yvonne
“Dip into this fun, fact-packed book to discover the best of women’s football, from the world’s top leagues, players and competitions to awe-inspiring goals, dazzling skills and memorable celebrations. Football is fast becoming the top participation sport for women in the UK, with almost three million active players. With the next Women’s World Cup just around the corner in June 2019, The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Football offers young readers a great way into the game and provides practical advice on how they can start playing the beautiful game themselves. A perfect read for football fans aged 8 and up.” (Catalogue)

She shoots, she scores / Clarke, Catriona
“She Shoots, She Scores! tells the empowering story of how women’s football has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.  Young football fans will discover how the early female players overcame prejudice to set up their own teams, and read the compelling stories of players who beat the odds to become famous around the world” (Catalogue, abridged)

Hockey / Dufresne, Emilie
“From running to rugby, it’s time to get sporty. Pick a side, lace up your trainers and jump in! these informative titles will tell you everything you need to know to get into sports. Know the rules, learn the lingo and get kitted up. Check out your sporting girl heroes in the player profile, and learn what favourite sport is doing to your body. Tackle rugby, swing into tennis or make a splash in swimming — whether you’re a fierce footballer, speedy sprinter or a brilliant basketball player, we want to be on your team! Go girls!” (Catalogue)

The warm sun on my face : the story of women’s cricket in New Zealand / Auger, Trevor
“It is the story of a game played for the sheer love of it, and of the hard work of the dedicated souls who built and sustained women’s cricket, often in the face of challenge and adversity. ” (Catalogue, abridged)

Top basketball tips / Rissman, Rebecca
“Swish! Every basketball player dreams of the perfect shot. Look inside to learn mechanics and tips to take your game to the next level.” (Catalogue)

Rising above. Inspiring women in sports / Zuckerman, Gregory
“Behold the power of women! These are the inspirational real-life stories of female superstar athletes Serena and Venus Williams, Simone Biles, Carli Lloyd, and more — role models all. For sports fans, aspiring athletes and readers of sports biographies. The athletes featured in this book met earth-shaking challenges head on, and through hard work and perseverance, went on to conquer the sports world. This collection of mini biographies, complete with first-hand content drawn from interviews, is a source of inspiration and self-empowerment for kids and sports fans of all ages. ” (Catalogue, abridged)

Women in sports : 50 fearless athletes who played to win / Ignotofsky, Rachel
“Illustrated profiles of fifty pioneering female athletes, from the author of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science. A charmingly illustrated and inspiring book, Women in Sports highlights the achievements and stories of fifty notable women athletes–from well-known figures like tennis player Billie Jean King and gymnast Simone Biles, to lesser-known athletes like skateboarding pioneer Patti McGee and Toni Stone, the first woman to play baseball in a men’s professional league. Covering more than forty sports, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about notable women’s teams throughout history, pay and media statistics for female athletes, and muscle anatomy. Women in Sports celebrates the success of the tough, bold, and fearless women who paved the way for the next generation of athletes” (Catalogue)

7 new non-fiction to read in term four

Hi Kids!

A new school term has begun!

Check out the latest new non fiction at Wellington City Libraries. New to the collection are books about gruesome diseases, the world of gaming and so much more.

Enjoy!


Official Shark-tastic Guide.

Guide to all of the sharks from the Hungry Shark game franchise. With exclusive info about fearsome fish like Tiger Shark and Great White, to goofballs like Mako Shark and Porbeagle, this is a guide with some serious “teeth.”

 

 

 


Born Just Right.

When Jordan Reeves was born without the bottom half of her left arm, the doctors reassured her parents that she was “born just right.” And she has been proving that doctor right ever since! With candor, humor, and heart, Jordan’s mother, Jen Lee Reeves, helps Jordan tell her story about growing up in an able-bodied world and family, where she was treated like all of her siblings and classmates–and where she never felt limited. Whether it was changing people’s minds about her capabilities, trying all kinds of sports, or mentoring other kids, Jordan has channeled any negativity into a positive, and is determined to create more innovations for people just like her.

 


Warriors and Weapons.

In this illustrated guide, you’re transported to the legendary and magical worlds of Dungeons & Dragons, where you are presented with one-of-a-kind entries for different types of warriors, as well as the weaponry these fighters need for D&D adventuring. This guide includes detailed illustrations of the weapons, armor, clothing, and other equipment that fighters use, and offers the tools young, aspiring adventurers need for learning how to build their own characters, including sample profiles, a flowchart to help you decide what type of warrior to be, and brainstorming challenges to start you thinking like an adventurer whether on your own or in the midst of an exciting quest with friends and fellow players.

 

 


Coding from Scratch.

A collection of step-by-step instructions to code games, animation, presentations and musical projects using the Scratch coding language and online coding platform.

 

 

 

 


Extreme Garage Science for kids.

Extreme garage science for kids! : 30 amazing experiments with complete scientific explanations.

 

 

 

 


The Nasty Past : Disease.

Go back in time and explore the gruesome lives of everyday people in history. From disgusting diseases to dreadful disasters, it is time to find out just how horrible life could be.

 

 

 

 


Stars of World Soccer.

Here are the best of the best: the iconic forwards Ronaldo, Neymar, and Suárez; the legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer; and perhaps the greatest player of our time, Lionel Messi. This lively and accessible book features short biographies of some thirty athletes in all: who they are, where they come from, and what they have accomplished

 

9 New Junior Comics and Graphic Novels at Wellington City Libraries!

Comicfest may be done and dusted for another year. However the comics and graphic novels still keep coming at Wellington City Libraries. Wellington City Libraries has some new comics and graphic novels in the children’s collection. Come on down to your local library and borrow them before they’re all gone!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsMeg, Jo, Beth, and Amy : a graphic novel.

A modern retelling of Little Women! “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are having a really tough year: Not only is their father overseas with the military and their mother working overtime to make ends meet, but each girl is struggling with her own unique problems. Whether it’s school woes, health issues, boy troubles or simply feeling lost, the March sisters all need the same thing: support from each other. By coming together — and sharing lots of laughs and tears — these four young women find the courage to discover who they truly are as individuals… and as a family.

image courtesy of syndeticsGarfield Homecoming.

Garfield the loveable fat cat returns in Homecoming, an all new adventure where Garfield explores what life is like outside of the friendly confines of Jon’s house.

image courtesy of syndeticsLucy : A Peanuts collection.

Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts continue with brand new adventures and classic tales! Featuring a best of collection of Lucy’s comic book adventures. The Doctor is in. Celebrate Charles M. Schulz’ Lucy with this jam-packed collection of stories starring everyone’s favorite older sister! Follow Lucy as she continues to be a model student and “helps” her fellow kids of the neighborhood. Don’t take your eye off the football–this is a round of tales spanning across all eras of Schulz’s masterpiece that you won’t want to miss.

image courtesy of syndeticsWings of fire : the graphic novel. Book two, The lost heir.

She can’t believe it’s finally happening. Tsunami and her fellow dragonets of destiny are journeying under the water to the great SeaWing Kingdom. Stolen as an egg from the royal hatchery, Tsunami is eager to meet her future subjects and reunite with her mother, Queen Coral. But Tsunami’s triumphant return doesn’t go quite the way she’d imagined. Queen Coral welcomes her with open wings, but a mysterious assassin has been killing off the queen’s heirs for years, and Tsunami may be the next target. The dragonets came to the SeaWings for protection, but this ocean hides secrets, betrayal, and perhaps even death.

Catch up on the Wings of Fire story by reading the first book in the series –

image courtesy of syndeticsWings of fire : the graphic novel. Book one, The Dragonet prophecy.

Determined to end a generations-long war among the seven dragon tribes, a secret movement called the Talons of Peace draws on a prophecy that calls for a great sacrifice, compelling five appointed dragonets to fulfill a painful destiny against their will.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Loud house. #5, After dark.

A sleepwalking sister! Space dreams and scientific surveys! A sudden surge of songwriting inspiration! Slippery, silent worm hunting and the stealthy seeking of a warm bath! The search for a sticky ghost! There is no such thing as sweet slumber in the Loud House. Witness what kind of antics the Loud kids – Lori, Leni, Luna, Luan, Lynn, Lucy, Lola, Lana, Lisa, Lily, and Lincoln (plus best friend Clyde) can get up to in the wee hours! One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be a long, long night!

image courtesy of syndeticsBig Nate : payback time!

Continues the adventures of Nate Wright as he develops a mysterious allergy to Mrs. Godfrey, wages a snowball fight, and has a disastrous run-in with Randy.

image courtesy of syndeticsMickey Mouse : the pirates of Tabasco Bay.

From cowboy capers at “Yesterday Ranch” to the fan-favourite mystery of “The Vanishing Railroad!,” there are seven Mickey stories in all — all newly restored in the colours of the original comic books!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe breakaways.

When a popular student encourages her to join the soccer team, Faith signs up even though she has never played the game and learns about loyalty and friendship.

image courtesy of syndeticsCatwad : it’s me.

Meet Catwad. He’s blue, he’s a bit of a grouch, and his best friend is a happy-go-lucky cat named Blurmp who can see the bright side of anything. From pizza and computers to love and happiness, this burball has a funny take on just about everything, and he’s not afraid to share it. It’s an all-new, laugh-out-loud series that will make even the grumpiest of grumblers smile!

5 New Non Fiction to read by the end of 2018.

Hey Kids! Check out the latest junior non fiction at Wellington City Libraries!

Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndetics
Business For Beginners.

‘Business’ means making and selling things or skills to anyone who wants them. But how do you come up with a business idea? And how do you make an idea work in real life? This books explores the practical world of making money, as well as explaining how businesses shape the world we live in and the way we live. Ages 8+.


image courtesy of sydneticsKieran Read.

A short biography, written in simple text, that tells the story of Kieran Read, captain of the All Blacks.


image courtesy of syndeticsFootball School Season 3: Where Football Explains the World .

This book is packed with awesome true stories, real science and fascinating facts and it’s all about football. Learn the maths behind the coin toss, how a good night’s sleep helps you perform better on the pitch, the history of trophies, the biology of the foot and about animal mascots from around the world. For ages 7+


image courtesy of sydneticsFootball Number Crunch: Figures, Facts And Soccer Stats: A Visual Guide to the Beautiful Game.

Longest unbeaten runs, goal-scoring streaks, record attendances, head-to-head player match-ups… every page of Football Number Crunch is a treasure trove of figures, facts and world football stats, from the biggest leagues to the most exciting tournaments on the planet.


image courtesy of sydneticsThe crimes of Grindelwald : the original screenplay.

“At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world. This second original screenplay from J.K. Rowling, illustrated with stunning line art from MinaLima, expands on earlier events that helped shaped the wizarding world, with some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of both the books and films.” –Publisher description.

6 New Non Fiction to read in the new year.

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first junior non fiction blog post of 2018! Featured are books all about science experiments, a follow up of successful women who changed the world and made history, history at its most horrible and entertainment thrown in for good measure.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndetics365 Weird Wonderful Science Experiments.

Whether you’re making your own slime, rockets, crystals, and hovercrafts or performing magic (science!) tricks and using science to become a secret agent, this book has something for every type of curious kid. Each experiment features safety precautions, materials needed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations, fun facts, and further explorations.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMore girls who rocked the world.

“From the inspiring author of Girls Who Rocked the World comes another comprehensive collection of true, inspiring profiles of successful young women throughout history who made their mark on the world before turning twenty. Young women today crave strong, independent role models to look to for motivation. In the follow-up to the bestseller Girls Who Rocked the World, More Girls Who Rocked the World offers a fun and uplifting collection of influential stories with forty-five more movers and shakers who made a difference before turning twenty. From Annie Oakley and Queen Victoria to Malala Yousafzai and Adele–each with her own incredible story of how she created life-changing opportunities for herself and the world–you’ll get to know these capable queens of empires and courageous icons of entertainment. Also included are profiles of gutsy teenagers who are out there rocking the world right now and personal aspirations from today’s young women”– Provided by publisher. Also check out Girls who rocked the world.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Big Earth Book.

Planet Earth. Four elements. Once incredible story. Get ready for a roller-coaster ride through history, geography, science and more. Take an amazing journey into the planet’s past and discover how four elements — earth, fire, air and water — created the world and everything that exists today. This book combines amazing facts with stunning photography and hand-drawn illustrations to bring our planet and its past to life in an exciting and engaging way.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYNDETICSF2 Football Academy.

Take your football skills to the next level with the world’s biggest football YouTubers, the F2.F2: Football Academy features the greatest players, the biggest teams, and most jaw-dropping moments from across the football world, and teaches the skills and the tekkers it takes to be the best!Want step-overs like Sanchez? Or a pile-driver like Ibrahimovic? Or quick-feet like Messi? Let the F2 show you how. Filled with tips and hacks, as well as the inside track on your favourite stars: Pogba, Suarez, Aguero and the rest. With a free app that brings the book to life and shows you how to turbo-charge your tekkers, there’s not a moment to lose open, read, learn, download and get out on the pitch and practice. Love, peace and tekkers.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe last Jedi : the visual dictionary.

This book presents a guide to the characters, droids, aliens, and creatures of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” with details on costumes, weapons, and accessories.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHorrible Histories: 25th Anniversary Yearbook.

This is a must-have for all Horrible Histories fans. Packed with foul facts, gory games, dreadful jokes, quick quizzes and putrid puzzles, it’s a yearbook with rat-itude! Discover all the dreadful details about your favourite eras of history from the Rotten Romans, to the Terrible Tudors and the Gorgeous Georgians to the Woeful World Wars. History has never been so horrible!

 

Top 5 New Non Fiction of 2017 – Part Two.

Hey kids! Check out the latest instalment of top 5 junior non fiction of 2017! This post features books filled with tasty treats, help you master skills on how to be a professional football player and some good old folk tales fashioned folklore that teach moral lessons.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsEnid Blyton Jolly Good Food.

Jolly good food, indeed! Reading this cookbook makes my mouth water! With this cookbook, inspired by Enid Blyton’s stories, you master the perfect way to share the pleasure of making and eating food with your child. Jam packed full of yummy recipes, beautiful artwork and extracts from Enid Blyton’s writing that will inspire children – and the whole family – to get busy in the kitchen. Ideal for picnics, kids’ parties and barbecues. Librarian’s choice all the way!

image courtesy of syndeticsGoal!

Who is the greatest striker ever to play football? How do you do the Cruyff turn? Where is the perfect place is to put a penalty? How far do players run during a match? Goal! doesn’t just tell you the answers – it shows you. With bright, imaginative info-graphics and eye catching artworks, football facts leap off the page. Did you know that more than 40 million footballs are produced each year?! Packed with vital tips and tricks, as well as astounding, mind-boggling stats, from the origins of football to the FIFA World Cup, it focuses on information that won’t date. Goal! is a vibrant, visual guide to everything you need to know about the world’s most popular game – football!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Rough Face Girl.

In this Algonquin Indian version of the Cinderella story, the Rough-Face Girl and her two beautiful but heartless sisters compete for the affections of the Invisible Being. A beautifully told story that ensures that the good are rewarded and the wicked are punished. Librarian’s choice all the way!

 

image courtesyNorse Myths.

The stories of dazzling magic and thrilling journeys tell of the creation of the nine worlds and follow Odin with his one eye, Thor with his mighty hammer and Loki the shape-shifting trickster on their adventures until the final great battle of Ragnarok. In this stunning collection of myths, the strange world of ancient magic, gods, giants and dwarfs is unforgettably imagined.

image courtesy of syndeticsCrazy about Cats.
“Did you know that the fishing cat has partially webbed paws for catching fish? Or that pumas can leap over 15 feet into trees? There are roughly 38 species of cats today, each one superbly adapted to their environment – whether that be in the rainforest or the desert!”–Publisher.

Top 10 Childrens eBooks October 2017

Did you know there is a Scottish version of the David Walliams book Mr Stink? Translated by Matthew Fitt it’s called Mr Mingin, so you can  decode the way they talk in Scotland.  Your brains are marvellous things and in a few paragraphs it will all start to make sense.  And you’ll have some great words to try out on your family and friends =)

  1. Harry Potter series, by J. K. Rowling
  2. Diary of a Minecraft Zombie, by Russell Robinson
  3. The Volcano of Fire: Geronimo Stilton and the Kingdom of Fantasy Series, by Geronimo Stilton
  4. Gangsta Granny, by David Walliams
  5. Mr Stink, by David Walliams
  6. The Boy In the Dress, by David Walliams
  7. Ghosts, by Raina Telgemeier
  8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney
  9. Warriors series, by Erin Hunter
  10. The Heroes of Olympus series, by Rick Riordan

New Non Fiction: Lego Mania and World Cup 2014 Winter-fest.

Lego Fanatics, brace yourself. There are two awesome books to read that will inspire your Lego creativity… and addiction. Believe it or not, according to Inner Child Learning,  Lego Bricks have been applauded by teachers and parents as one of the best toys for learning, building creativity, and strengthening fine-motor skills. Lego Bricks are an open-ended toy, meaning they can become just about anything a child or adult imagines, including an educational tool.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Cool Creations in 35 Pieces.

There is only one word to describe this book – WOW! This is definitely to book that will bring out your inner child (note for parents/adults) and inspire your creativity. Sean Kenney will take you on a journey by showing you 75 models he has constructed by just using a minimum of 25 Lego pieces. Who have thought you could create things like a camera, an electric guitar, a bat and a frog out of Lego pieces? After reading this book, I am beginning to regret not keeping my own Lego sets from childhood. Great for ages 4 to 8 years.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

The 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.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary.

Ah, you can never have enough Star Wars… and Lego! This visual dictionary presents the Star Wars line of LEGO action figures and playsets, detailing a history of the toy line and how each playset connects to the events in the Star Wars films. As always, when it comes to Star Wars and Lego, it always delivers on its promise of providing  facts and information that will keep kids amused and entertained for hours. Great for kids aged 7 years and over.

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Zoobots : wild robots inspired by real animals.

Zoobots! Yes, you heard right! This is a great book to read if you want to learn about robots inspired by animals and robot engineering. Contains great images and interesting facts. Even included images and information on a robot that can infiltrate human society with deceptively lifelike appearance and behavior.

 

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics image courtesy of syndetics

Watercolors.

This book is enclosed with lively text and step-by-step instructions that will show kids on how to complete various watercolor art projects. Great for kids who is interested in perfecting their technique in watercolor painting.  My personal favorite art projects enclosed in this book are the dot flower bouquet and Stylish Mr. Fox. You will also like Acrylics, if you are interested in creating a variety of projects using acrylic paints.

 

image courtesy of syndetics

Record Busters: World Cup Football.

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil is only days away.  Why not take the opportunity to come on down to the library and grab all the books that tell your everything you need to know about the history and past games that too place during the FIFA World Cup, like Record Busters: World Cup Football. This is a fantastic book to read that contains stunning photos and amazing record-busting facts about the top teams and greatest players of the biggest football competition in the world.

 

 

 

Football Fever

Everyone’s talking about it – tonight the All Whites play Mexico at Westpac Stadium in the World Cup qualifier playoffs.

Here’s some links for everything you need to know:

FIFA: fifa.com

NZ Football: nzfootball.co.nz

All Whites Facebook: facebook.com/AllWhites

Westpac Stadium: westpacstadium.co.nz/fifa-world-cup-qualifier-match-all-whites-v-mexico

The waterfront Fan Trail: wellington.govt.nz/your-council/news/2013/11/all-whites-vs-mexico-festivities

Live scoring and updates: fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/matchcast

News updates: stuff.co.nz/sport/football

 

And here’s some cool books we have in the library: