Star Wars

7 New Non Fiction to read during the last days of spring.

Katie

It’s less than three weeks till the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Pop on down to your local library and check out the latest new junior non fiction that will take you on a journey into the wonderful world of animals, fairies, Star Wars and Harry Potter. Enjoy!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsA first book of animals

From blue whales to bumblebee bats and everything in between, A First Book of Animals takes you all over the planet to visit all kinds of different creatures.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStar Wars: complete locations

Check out this updated, expanded guide to a galaxy far, far away and discover a universe of information of the Star Wars galaxy, which includes brand-new material from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With eight brand new artworks, and an incredible range of location cross-sections, illustrations, and photographs, Star Wars: Complete Locations is the essential guide for anyone wanting to find their way around the galaxy far, far away.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHarry Potter Cinematic Guide

Prepare to enter the world of Harry Potter by reading this cinematic guide which holds an outstanding collection of photographs and quotes, featuring Harry Potter, describing his life at Hogwarts, his relationships with friends and family, and his battles with Voldemort.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHermione Granger : cinematic guide

Girl power is rolled into one with The Essential Film Companion for Hermione Granger! Throughout all eight HARRY POTTER films, Hermione shows her wisdom and daring on her adventures with best friends Harry and Ron, secretly brewing Polyjuice Potion, rescuing Sirius Black with a Time-Turner, and creating Dumbledore’s Army. Revisit these moments and more from the girl who proved that Muggle-borns can be the most skilled witches and wizards of all.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsRon Weasley : cinematic guide

Harry Potter’s sidekick, Ron Weasley finally gets his own starring role in his own Essential Film Companion! This collection of photographs and quotes from all eight HARRY POTTER films takes a closer look at Ron’s life, including his time at Hogwarts, family and friends, and dangerous battles against the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

 

 

image courtesy of sydneticsFairy World

Read this book and step inside a world of magic, enchantment and mystery as you enter the realm of the fairies. A great book for girls to enjoy.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMy first Dog Book

This essential guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your dog and basic training techniques, with easy step-by-step instructions, from sit, down, and stay to walking to heel on the lead.

Top 10 Children’s Non-Fiction September 2016

Dusty

Harry Potter in the Non-Fiction section? What’s going on?

As the new Harry Potter book came out in the format of a play, or script, it can be found with other theatrical greats in the literature section where the other plays hang out.  The play version of The Witches by Roald Dahl hangs out there along with Shakespeare!

 

1. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

2. LEGO, by Daniel Lipkowitz

3. Minecraft, by Megan Miller

4. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

5. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

6. Harry Potter and the cursed child, by Jack Thorne, J. K. Rowling and John Tiffany

7. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

8. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam

9. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa Lehtimaki

10. How Maui found his father and the magic jawbone, by Peter Gossage

5 Shiny, sparkly, new-to-your-library Kids Fiction!

admin

Looking for some good reads for when the weather turns bad? Here’s some great new fiction for you to try. Grab it from your local library before someone else does.

 

Warning CryImage courtesy of Syndetics by Kris Humphrey

When a raven drops a white feather at the doorstep on the day of your birth, it is a symbol of your destiny. You are a Whisperer – a guardian of the wild. The kingdom of Meridina is under threat. When Nara and her leopard companion, Flame, receive the call to attend a Whisperers’ council of war, they begin the long journey north. But signs of the shape-shifting Narlaw are everywhere. Can Nara and Flame make it to the palace or will the demons reach them first? The future of the natural world is resting on their shoulders.

 

Star Wars; Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far AwayImage courtesy of Syndetics by Landry Walker

A collection of six tales tells the other stories of some of the aliens that are seen in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

 

 

From the Cutting Room of Barney KettleImage courtesy of Syndetics by Kate De Goldi

An unnamed man in a hospital bed tells the story of thirteen-year-old film director Barney Kettle and his sister Ren, who are on a mission to film the story of their local street.

 

 

Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates; The Leaky Battery Sets SailImage courtesy of Syndetics by Gareth P. Jones

Causing chaos wherever they sail, the robotic Steampunk Pirates are roaming the high seas, hunting for gold! But the evil Iron Duke has other ideas…He’s determined to capture the pirates in return for a handsome reward from the King.

 

 

Bloodlust and BlundersImage courtesy of Syndetics by Poppy Inkwell

Alana Oakley suspects her new neighbours are vampires. All the signs are there: they are deathly pale, too good at everything, and laugh derisively at vampire-lore with a knowing mwah-ha-ha. Khalilah, Maddie and Sofia hope Alana is right – everything they’ve read about vampires sounds so very cool and the new neighbours are so very hot… Despite her friends’ warped sensibilities, Alana is determined to reveal the neighbours’ bloody secret. If only her mum would stay out of trouble, Alana would have this mystery in the bag, but Emma is tangled up with Katriona and Ling Ling’s mission to Never Grow Old, avoid Chinatown’s resident loan shark- Fok Wee Mung, and meet Kylie Minogue.

Top 10 Children’s Non-Fiction for August 2016

Dusty

Lego, Minecraft and Star Wars are yet again leading as the favourites of the Children’s non-fiction world.  But… Language books are a really cool part of the non-fiction collection. First readers in Maori nearly squeaked into the Top 10 this month.  So for those of you practicing the Reo you can find a good start in these pukapuka. Ka wani ke! (Awesome!)

 

1. LEGO, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton, illustrated by Joe McLaren

3. Star Wars, by Adam Bray

4. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

5. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

6. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa Lehtimaki

7. Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller

8. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam

9. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

10. Lego Star Wars in 100 scenes, by Daniel Lipkowitz

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction July 2016

Dusty

Minecraft domination! This game has taken over the top ten this month!

Other popular books from the libraries’ non-fiction collections covered Arabic language and Matariki. We’ve been having some great clear skies in the evening, giving you a chance to spy out the constellations in our winter sky.

Arabic language books are part of the foreign language collection in the Children’s non-fiction.  There are stories in different languages from around the world as well as dictionaries and books that help with learning a new language.

You don’t have to travel far to use other languages as we are lucky to have people from many different countries living in Wellington.  Great phrases to have handy are “hello and goodbye, please and thankyou”.  Did you know that New Zealand has three official languages? Te Reo. English and Sign Language.

How many languages can you say  these words in? Let us know in the comments.

Ka kite!

 

Here’s your Top 10 for July 2016:

1. The LEGO ideas book, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2. Minecraft: beginner’s handbook, by Stephanie Milton, Paul Soares, Jordan Maron and Joe Bolder

3. Star Wars, David West Reynolds

4. Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

5. Minecraft: redstone handbook, by Nick Farwell

6. Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller

7. LEGO play book, by Daniel Lipkowitz

8. Hacks for Minecrafters, by Megan Miller

9. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam

10. Cool creations in 35 pieces, by Sean Kinney

Children’s DVD Reviews: Meet the Robinsons and Maleficent

Katie

The school holidays are almost done. And while we have some pretty nice days so far, doesn’t mean good old Jack Frost isn’t going to pay Wellington a visit. So if are looking for some more DVDs to watch over the blistery cold periods, why not have a read of my latest reviews of Walt Disney’s  movies: Meet the Robinsons and Maleficent, (which aired on TV 2 last weekend),and see if they appeal to you. But you better get your hands on these DVDs quick … before someone else does! I promise you these movies deliver on what Disney does best: Excitement, adventure, action and… a happy ending! 

 

image courtesy of amazon.comMeet The Robinsons

If you have seen and liked The Incredibles, then this is another Disney movie you must see.

Described as the ‘Back to the Future’ for kids, Meet the Robinsons takes you on a journey that the whole family can enjoy. Lewis is an orphan and brilliant inventor who meets mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, whisking Lewis away in a time machine and together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy, who wants to destroy Lewis in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate that has a huge impact on Lewis’, Wilbur’s and even the Bowler Hat Guy’s future.

I found the film very funny and exciting. The Robinsons are an eccentric family headed by the mysterious patriarch and tech mogul genius, Cornelius Robinson, who Wilbur jokes looks like Tom Selleck. Everyone is strange and unique in their own way, from Frannie – Wilbur’s ‘no-nonsense’ Mum, who conducts frog band, Grandpa who wears his clothes backward, twins Dimitri and Spike who stay in flower pots and Carl a talking robot like C-3PO.  But what touched me most about this film the “keep moving forward” motto throughout the film.

I rate this movie: 7/10

 

Extra: The movie also features a fantastic quote from Walt Disney himself: “Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”  Walt Disney, Film Producer, Director, Animator, Entrepreneur

 

Maleficentimage courtesy of amazon.com

This is Sleeping Beauty as you have never seen it before.

The story of Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” is different from its predecessor. But more importantly this story focuses on the evil fairy/villain in the original story, Maleficent. In this version, Maleficent, (Angelina Jolie), who was originally a good fairy and protector of the fairy lands called the Moors, becomes a vengeful, bad fairy, (or ‘turns to the dark side’ in tradition Darth Vader style), after she is betrayed by King Stefan.

To pay him back, she curses his daughter, the infant princess Aurora to a ‘sleep like death’ which she can only awaken from by ‘true love’s kiss’. However things become complicated when Maleficent realizes  that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well. To add more complication to the mix, Maleficent, acting as a surrogate mother, becomes fond of Aurora!

Throughout the film, 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  I found the film very entertaining and without question, does it’s predecessor justice.  Lots of things you can expect from a Disney movie: Excitement, adventure, action and… a happy ending!

I rate this movie: 7/10

 

Extra: While you’re at it, why not grab Sleeping Beauty to watch alongside this movie:image courtesy of amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Children’s Non-Fiction for June 2016

Dusty

There are some great illustrations in Under earth; under water.  Explore the world beneath your feet or kayak! Under the earth there are root systems, pipes for water, electricity and the internet, insect and animal burrows and more!

Books on cats and dogs were runners up to the Top 10.  Who has a favourite pet at home? Maybe you have something other than a cat or a dog? Who has the strangest pet out there? Brothers or sisters aren’t classified as pets!

1. LEGO, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

3. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

4. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

5. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam

6. Small scenes from a big galaxy, Vesa Lehtimaki

7. Minecraft hacks master builder, by Megan Miller

8. Lego Star Wars in 100 scenes, by Daniel Lipkowitz

9. Minecraft blockopedia, by Alex Wiltshire

10. Under earth; Under Water, by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel  Mizielinska

Top 10 Children’s eBooks May 2016

Dusty

The Star Wars back stories are a great place to find those little tendrils that become the storylines for some of our favourite space faring epics.

Everyday obstacles can be just as epic.  The journal keepers of this world know how school, family and friends can be the source of trials and tribulation that can fill pages with intense action and adventure.

The diary of a wimpy kid ebooks let you keep up with the all the events with Greg and co.  You can take part in the adventures in  another form of online entertainment too try these Wimpy kid games out.

 

Here’s your Top 10 eBooks for May:

1.  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J. K. Rowling

2.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J. K. Rowling

3.  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J. K. Rowling

4.  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J. K. Rowling

5.  Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy: Collecting The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith, by Patricia Wrede

6.  The Ugly Truth: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, by Jeff Kinney

7.  Star Wars: A New Hope: The Life of Luke Skywalker, by Ryder Wyndham

8.  Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader, by Ryder Wyndham

9.  The ACB With Honora Lee, by Kate de Goldi

10. Dog Days: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, by Jeff Kinney

Top 10 Children’s non-Fiction May 2016

Dusty

Te Whanganui-a-Tara has hit the top 10! The taniwha legend portrayed by Moira Wairama has a Te Reo version, Ngā taniwha i Te Whanga-nui-a-tara in the library.

These titles are great for looking at your hometown as a site for battling behemoths and using your Māori language, these books come with a CD of the tale inside.

Creators of their own worlds are finding inspiration in both the virtual and physical world.  The creators using Lego and Minecraft are holding the sway of the listings.  Master builder Yvonne Doyle is one of the model builders used by DK publishers in their famous Lego books.

How about your own model building? What have you been inspired to build from your library loans? Let us know in the comments.

Here’s May’s top 10 list:

1.  LEGO, by Daniel Lipkowitz

2.  Minecraft, by Megan Miller

3.  Star Wars, by David West Reynolds

4.  Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton

5.  Star Wars, by Adam Bray

6.  Minecraft, by Nick Farwell

7.  Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Simon Beecroft

8.  Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam

9.  The taniwha of Wellington Harbour, by Moira Wairama

10. Minecraft blockopedia, by Alex Wiltshire

Top 10 Children’s non-fiction for April 2016

Dusty

Factual folios of fantasy worlds! April’s favourite reads are great ways to spur the imagination.  Building your own kingdom (well shelter for starters) from virtual blocks or using Lego in real life.  Have your library loans inspired you to construct any awesome creations? In Small scenes from a big galaxy, Vesa Lehtimäki brings together Lego and Star Wars with some inspired photography.  Check out his flickr account!

1. LEGO books, by Daniel Lipkowitz
2. Minecraft books, by Megan Miller
3. Minecraft, by Stephanie Milton
4. Star Wars rebels, by Adam Bray
5. Minecraft, by Nick Farwell
6. Star Wars, by David West Reynolds
7. Minecraft, by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam
8. LEGO Star Wars character encyclopedia, by Hannah Dolan
9. Small scenes from a big galaxy, by Vesa Lehtimäki
10. Minecraft blockopedia, by Alex Wiltshire