Lets Go Lego and Code Club now on at Newtown Library!

Are you looking for something to do after school?

Then come along to Newtown Library for some fun filled creating and innovating with Lets go Lego and the new Code Club!
Let’s Go LEGO is a free, programme recommended for children aged 5+ with parent/guardian supervision. You will use the library’s Lego collections to design and build your masterpieces.

Each session will be held on the 3rd Monday of every month between 3.30pm – 4.30pm. 

The next session will be on Monday 20th May.


image courtesy of https://codeclub.nz/

Code Club Aotearoa is a free coding club for 9-13 year olds. Children will work their way through a range of fun coding projects, using Scratch and Python, under the guidance and support of coding experts. Please contact Newtown Library to register. Code Club at Newtown Library will be held every Friday until between 4pm -5pm.

So what are you waiting for? Head on down to Newtown Library to make, create and innovate Lets go Lego and Code Club Aotearoa!

Techweek 2019!

image courtesy of techweek.co.nzTechweek19 is back!… and will run from 20—26 May 2019 nationwide. Techweek simply provides a platform to add voices to a growing conversation on global innovation. The theme for Techweek19 is still ‘innovation that’s good for the world’.

For more information about Tech Week and what events are on, visit the website.

In the mean time, if you’re want information on the latest technology and innovations, why not check out the following books in the library collection.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsThe zoom, fly, bolt, blast steam handbook : build 18 innovative projects with brain power.

Rockport’s creative engineering extraordinaire, Lance Akiyama, returns again with Zoom, Fly Bolt, Blast STEAM Engineer and 18 STEAM approved projects to get kids doing, thinking, and building!– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsSelf-driving cars : the new way forward.

“Author Fallon presents a history of how the technology used in self-driving cars has developed, identifies recent technological gains, and surveys recent controversies surrounding the potential mass adoption of self-driving cars.”–Provided by publisher.


image courtesy of syndeticsScience lab : fantastic activities for young scientists.

From building a bridge and crafting a catapult to making a marble run and creating a crane, Science Lab is packed with activities that young readers can do at home to explore, discover, and understand the way the world works. It’s perfect for school projects, homework help, and firing up imaginations.


image courtesy of syndeticsStephen Biesty’s Incredible Cross-Sections.

This children’s book explores the innermost workings of some extraordinary buildings and machines. From helicopters to submarines, skyscrapers to coal mines, open up a fascinating world packed with unique and detailed cutaway drawings.

image courtesy of sydneticsTriumphs of technology.

From the power points in our homes to the mobile phones in our pockets, every aspect of our lives involves ingenious inventions of incredible complexity. Learn all about the inventions and advances in technologies that have helped make our lives a lot easier and discover the inventors and great minds who brought us these new machines in STEM-gineers: Triumphs of Technology.

STEAM lab for kids : 52 creative hands-on projects using science, technology, engineering, art, and math.image courtesy of syndetics

“The creative projects in STEAM Lab for Kids are designed to demonstrate that there’s math and science to be found in great art! From rubber bands to edible stained glass, young engineers and artists alike will find inspiration in these 52 art-forward labs.” — Back cover.


image courtesy of syndeticsEngineering.

Showcases engineering feats throughout history from the pyramids of Ancient Egypt to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. The book also features famous engineers, including the Wright brothers to Gustave Eiffel. Steam engines, rocket technology, bridges, and buildings are all covered here in this exciting book.

Earthquake Encounters at Te Papa!

Te Papa has some fun filled entertainment for kids that combines learning, fun and gaming!

Te Papa and the Earthquake commission have developed a Minecraft computer game called ShakerMod, which is the world’s first Minecraft Mod that lets you experiment with realistic earthquakes in Minecraft that enables children to develop skills on how to play minecraft; stop an evil corporation from using the destructive power of earthquakes to take over the world; explore the effects of earthquakes and monsters and learn how to keep your home safe.

The game can be played at Te Papa as part of its earthquake education programme, Earthquake Encounters, or downloaded to play at home or at school (users need to have a license for the Minecraft game). 

You can read the press release for more information. In the mean time, why not go down to your local library and have check out the amazing books on earthquakes and Minecraft in the junior non fiction collection. Books in the collection include:

image courtesy of syndeticsEarthquakes! : shaking New Zealand.

“Explains everything about the natural phenomenon, providing information for what to do during an earthquake and exploring some of the earthquakes through history”–Back cover.

iamge courtesy of syndeticsExtreme earthquakes and tsunamis.

An earthquake can shift an entire city three metres, make the Earth spin faster, and send shudders right across the world. It is raw power at work – and then monster waves follow . . . These may travel thousands of kilometres across the ocean, dump ships on dry land, an ruin a million buildings in one fatal whoosh. Find out about the most fearsome earthquakes and tsunamis, their causes and devastating effects, and the latest technology used to detect these hidden terrors. And virtually nowhere on the planet is entirely safe from them.

image courtesy of sydneticsFault lines & tectonic plates : discover what happens when the earth’s crust moves, with 25 projects.

Learn about earthquakes and volcanoes and how the earth’s surface is always changing.

image courtesy of syndeticsEarth-shattering earthquakes.

In Earth-Shattering Earthquakes, readers can explore a world of fearsome faults, shaky ground and shattering shock waves. Discover what it takes to be an earthquake expert, learn how to survive when an earthquake hits, and discover how rats and snakes can predict tremors. Filled with hilarious illustrations by Mike Phillips, Horrible Geography is the perfect escapism from miserable maps, rotten rock piles and dire diagrams. Hold tight!

image courtesy of syndeticsCool builds in Minecraft.

Teaches players how to build fifty different objects in Minecraft, including houses, vehicles, farms, and castles.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYDNETICSUnofficial Minecraft STEM lab for kids : family-friendly projects for exploring concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math.

“In Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids, you’ll find a collection of creative projects that make learning science, technology, engineering, and math exciting and fun for the whole family. Learn to document your Lab activities with sketchnoting, and how to screencast and narrate videos to share with family, friends, and other Minecrafters. Enjoy Minecraft together–and harness its powerful potential for learning–with Unofficial Minecraft STEM Lab for Kids”– Provided by publisher.

image courtesy of syndeticsUnofficial Minecraft lab for kids : family-friendly projects for exploring and teaching math, science, history, and culture through creative building.

“Includes a variety of creative exercises that explore the game’s aspects and use them to teach fun, educational lessons. Begin the book by brushing up on some common Minecraft language and examining each of the four game modes: survival, creative, adventure, and spectator. Then, use this knowledge to venture off onto the six different quests that encourage child and adult participation.”–Publisher’s description.

image courtesy of syndeticsBuilding a Minecraft city.

Offering young Minecraft enthusiasts the ultimate sandbox experience, Building a Minecraft City gives kids aged 7-11 an outlet to enhance their love of the game and take their creative play to new heights. Brought to you by the trusted For Dummies brand, this kid-focused book offers step-by-step instructions and simple explanations for completing projects that will teach your child invaluable new skills–all while having a ton of fun!

6 New Non Fiction to read before the holidays.

Hey kids! Check the latest new non fiction added to the Children’s collection! Featured in this are new biographies from the DK Life Stories series, world football records, and much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydneticsHelen Keller.

Discover the inspiring story of Helen Keller, who overcame the odds by learning to understand and communicate with the world. Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing due to an early childhood illness and spent the first 6 years of her life unable to interact with other people. She remained isolated from the outside world until Anne Sullivan came to work as her teacher. In this biography book for kids ages 8-11, learn all about Helen Keller’s amazing life and achievements – how she learned to read Braille and speak, go to college, write books, and ultimately revolutionize the world through her activism on behalf of the deaf and blind.

image courtesy of syndeticsGandhi.

Discover the inspiring life story of Mohandas Gandhi, from early beginnings to  using his teachings of non-violence and civil disobedience to win his country’s freedom – and create a philosophy of peace and equality. Highly recommended.

image courtesy of syndeticsAnne Frank.

Discover the incredible story of Anne Frank, the courageous young writer who hid from the Nazis during World War II. Anne Frank’s diary is read by children and adults worldwide. It tells two stories- one of an extraordinary young girl living in hiding during one of the most fearsome times in history, and one of a relatable young girl facing the same questions and troubles that kids come up against today. Learn how both sides of this puzzle made up the person who is Anne Frank. Meet her family and friends, explore “The Annex” where they hid, and see her story put in historical context alongside information about World War II and the Holocaust, and Hitler and Nazi Germany.

image courtesy fo syndeticsAlbert Einstein.

Follow the remarkable life story of Albert Einstein, whose legendary genius and creative imagination made him one of the world’s most famous thinkers. His many theories and discoveries changed the way scientists think and work, and the way in which we look at and understand things. Learn all about Einstein’s family and education, his travels and troubles, and the special compass he was given as a young boy that first set him on the path to questioning the world around him.

image courtesy of syndeticsSTEM Lab.

This book presents over two dozen science activities demonstrating such scientific properties as forces and motion, chemical reactions, shapes and structures, and light and sound.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Vision book of football records 2019.

10th edition of this popular, bright and quirky annual football records book. Crammed with records, facts, stats and amazing feats from the world’s greatest game, The Vision Book of Football Records 2019 is the perfect Christmas present for football fans of all ages. It includes an entry on every English league team and all the Scottish SPL clubs plus the major European and world clubs from Brasil to Barcelona and an all-star squad of current and former football legends.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Book of Dragons: Secrets of the Dragon Domain.

Move over  Toothless from “How to train your dragon.”, and Smaug from The Hobbit, there’s a new lot of dragons in the world of literature!  The book for dragons charts the natural habitats of these mighty and ancient creatures. With amazing facts and eye catching pictures, you will be amazed by what you learn about these remarkable dangerous creatures.

 

 

 

 

 

7 new children’s non-fiction for the start of 2019

Hi Kids! Check out more new non fiction in the junior collection to read in 2019. Books featured in this post include information about Robots, the lady, (Spoiler: Mary Shelley), who wrote a famous novel about a zombie, (Spoiler: Frankenstein), and so much more!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsHubots : real-world robots inspired by humans.

“Robots that look, act and think like humans are no longer the stuff of science fiction – they actually exist in the real world! Hubots explores the characteristics of 10 human-like robots, examines the challenges of integrating them into society and offers a sneak peek at the next generation.”–Page [4] of cover.


image courtesy of sydneticsDivorce is the worst.

“”How can you not love a children’s author who sees so clearly from her reader’s point of view?”–Julie Bowen, actress, Modern Family, “This book provides, through honest language and evocative imagery, a uniquely realistic view of how children experience divorce. While neither softening or white-washing this difficult topic, Higginbotham offers an ultimately comforting message to parents and children experiencing separation and divorce.”-Lisa Spiegel, LMHC, Soho Parenting, NYCKids are told, “it’s for the best”-and one day, it may be. But right now, divorce is the worst. With honesty and humor, Anastasia Higginbotham beautifully conveys the challenge of staying whole when your entire world, and the people in it, split apart. The first children’s book to tackle divorce from a child-validating point of view, Divorce Is the Worst is an invaluable tool for families, therapeutic professionals, and divorce mediators struggling to address this common and complex experience. Divorce Is the Worst is the first book in a series of feminist children’s books, Ordinary Terrible Things, which deals with common childhood crises and how children themselves find their own way to cope and grow. Anastasia Higginbotham is a writer and illustrator in Brooklyn, NY, whose childhood experience of divorce inspired this book”– Provided by publisher.


image courtesy of syndeticsGirls’ home spa lab : all-natural recipes, healthy habits, and feel-good activities to make you glow.

“For today’s active, plugged-in girls ages 9 to 13, finding healthy ways to unwind and de-stress is an important part of well-being. Girls’ Home Spa Lab is packed with all-natural recipes, activities, and tips for self-care and relaxation specially designed for tweens. From homemade facial steams and hair masks to foot soaks, tub teas, and body balms, the 50 head-to-toe recipes can be easily made from ingredients found in the kitchen cupboard, like honey, oats, and coconut oil. Girls will also learn how to soothe themselves with easy yoga poses, homemade sleep tea, and natural remedies for a headache, stuffy nose, or sore throat. Maya Pagán’s upbeat voice encourages girls to explore their creativity and develop self-confidence while having fun mixing up their own spa treatments.”– Provided by publisher.


image courtesy of syndeticsMary who wrote Frankenstein.

How does a story begin? Sometimes it begins with a dream, and a dreamer. Mary is one such dreamer, a little girl who learns to read by tracing the letters on the tombstone of her famous feminist mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, and whose only escape from her strict father and overbearing stepmother is through the stories she reads and imagines. Unhappy at home, she seeks independence, and at the age of sixteen runs away with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, another dreamer. Two years later, they travel to Switzerland where they meet a famous poet, Lord Byron. On a stormy summer evening, with five young people gathered around a fire, Byron suggests a contest to see who can create the best ghost story. Mary has a waking dream about a monster come to life. A year and a half later, Mary Shelley’s terrifying tale, Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus, is published — a novel that goes on to become the most enduring monster story ever and one of the most popular legends of all time. A riveting and atmospheric picture book about the young woman who wrote one of the greatest horror novels ever written and one of the first works of science fiction, Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein is an exploration of the process of artistic inspiration that will galvanize readers and writers of all ages.


image courtesy of syndetics

Cool builds in Minecraft

Teaches players how to build fifty different objects in Minecraft, including houses, vehicles, farms, and castles.


image courtesy of syndetics2019 Game On!

Learn all about the hottest games like Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite and Spider-Man, how they were developed, and how to beat them in this annual gaming guide. Get ready for another awesome year of gaming with this ultimate guide to the best games including a definitive list of the biggest games of the past year and the new ones coming in 2019. Featuring Five Nights at Freddy’s and Hello Neighbor! Game On! 2019, the most comprehensive guide to all the best games, tech, and YouTube stars, features some of the year’s greatest moments including exclusive interviews with YouTube legends, top streamers and game developers. This complete guide is packed with information on all the latest gaming hardware, tech, and essential mobile games. Also including the best gaming secrets, stats, tips, and tricks to help unlock achievements and trophies on games like Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite, Spider-Man, GT Sport, Sea of Thieves, and so much more! All games featured in Game On! 2019 are rated T for Teen or younger keeping it appropriate for young gamers.


image courtesy of syndeticsRobotpedia.

Take an in-depth look at the history and cultural impact of robots through the years in this educational and interactive guide! Robots are everywhere-building cars, driving cars, performing surgery, helping soldiers and fire fighters, even vacuuming! From high up in space to the bottom of the ocean, robots are an instrumental part of how humans are learning about the world. This encyclopedic guide to robotics takes kids through the evolution of robotic technology: from the ancient Greek inventors, to the first robot at the World’s Fair, to nanotechnology already in use today, to D.I.Y. robotics, and even a peek into the robotic future as told by the scientists creating it. And keeping readers company along the way are many of our favorite robots from film and TV. Filled with interactive inserts, Robotpedia takes a fun approach to STEM learning.

4 New Non Fiction… and movie trailers just in time for the new year… and summer!

Hey Kids! Christmas and the end of 2018 is just around the corner. Check out the latest new non fiction books about upcoming movies and books that will get your unleash your inner builder and engineer.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of sydneticsTransformers Robots in Disguise: Where Crown City comes to life.

Bumblebee and his team have come to Earth to recapture escaped Decepticons from a prison ship that’s crashed.

Check out the trailer to the latest “Transformers” movie, Bumblebee.

 


image courtesy of syndeticsSpiderman into the Spider-verse.

“There’s a new Spider-Man on the block! Meet Miles Morales, a teenage Spider-Man with super powers as spectacular as his predecessor Peter Parker! Discover everything you ever wanted to know about his astonishing costume, loyal allies and frightening enemies. Find out about his amazing origin story and his fiercest clashes as you learn how he juggles high school life with his status as a Super Hero. Marvel Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: The Official Guide will cover all of the movie’s memorable characters, plus key locations, themes and fun facts from the movie in DK’s lively and informative non-fiction style.” — ONIX annotation.

Check out the trailer to Spider Man : Into the Spider Verse.



IMAGE COURTESY OF SYNDETICSDC Absolutely Everything you need to know.

Provides a guide to the superheroes and archvillains of the DC universe, featuring such characters as Superman, Batman, Cyborg, Darkseid, Brainiac, John Constantine, and the Joker.

The infographic design of each spectacularly illustrated, double-page feature gives readers a totally new slant on the DC Comics Universe and its super-powered heroes and villains, fantastic weapons, futuristic technology, strange planets, exotic places, and alternate worlds. The punchy, accessible text incorporates key data, fun facts, lists, quotes, and amazing stats, spanning 80 years of DC Comics Super Hero thrills.Information is presented in exciting box styles and illustrated with DC Comics artwork. Themed boxes capture the essence of characters or topics by pinpointing their most unforgettable aspects.

Discover Superman’s strangest powers and Batman’s top death-defying escapes! Find out who wins when Wonder Woman and Cheetah go head to head. Check out The Joker’s best and worst days! Learn the greatest secrets of Aquaman’s undersea kingdom Atlantis! Explore the darkest corners of Arkham Asylum and Apokolips!

These and many more eye-popping revelations and strange, intriguing insights await readers of DC Comics: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know–a book that will inform, delight, and enthrall DC Comics fans of all ages.

Check out the trailer to latest movie from the DC universe, and member of the Justice League: Aquaman.


image courtesy of syndeticsThe Zoom Fly Bolt Blast STEAM Handbook.

Rockport’s creative engineering extraordinaire, Lance Akiyama, returns again with Zoom, Fly Bolt, Blast STEAM Engineer and 18 STEAM approved projects to get kids doing, thinking, and building!– Provided by publisher.

8 New Non Fiction on Buzzing Bios, STEAM projects and exciting character guides.

Hey kids!

Check out the latest non fiction in collection! Featured in this post are 8 new books on Buzzing Bios, STEAM projects and exciting character guides.

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsHero of the sea : Sir Peter Blake’s mighty ocean quests.

“Sir Peter Blake’s life was filled with adventures. During his 30-year career on the ocean, he sailed around the globe, won the world’s most famous races and broke records. Even his red socks became a national sensation. But no matter how many trophies Peter won, he always knew the survival of our planet was more important”–Publisher information. In picture book format.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMarvel Studios Visual Dictionary.

A new and exciting book where you can join Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow and the Guardians of the Galaxy on a stunning journey though the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics Marvelous makeable monsters : 21 STEAM projects that light up, buzz, launch, and occasionally chomp.

“In this creative project book, STEAM educator Sam Haynor unleashes silly beasts that jump, fly, spin, shake, light up, and even spit. Some creatures are united by their circuits and wires while others are built with more common craft materials. Step by step photos accompany each project. Perfectly safe and fun for younger kids working with adults, most projects can also be tackled by middle-graders with minimal adult help.”

 

image courtesy of syndetics Pokémon super deluxe essential handbook : the need-to-know stats and facts on over 800 characters!

Stats, facts, attacks, types, evolutions, and other information on over 800 Pokémon from every known region.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndetics Teen trailblazers : 30 fearless girls who changed the world before they were 20.

This fascinating book features 30 young women who accomplished remarkable things before their twentieth birthdays. Visually compelling with original illustrations, this book will inspire the next generation of strong, fearless women.. — Amazon.com.

 

 

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYDNETICS Build your own chain reaction machines.

“With Build Your Own Chain Reaction Machines, you’ll create twelve zany and awesome mechanical contraptions using stuff from around the house.”– Provided by publisher.

Overall, a fantastic book filled with great ideas to keep kids amused, enhance their creative and innovative side. Loved the activities for making your own light switcher, door opener and plant waterer. A librarians choice all the way!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsOh boy : a storybook of epic NZ men.

“Stories about Kiwi men who followed their dreams and made the world a better place. An inspiring and essential storybook for children of all ages, grown-ups included. Stories featured in this book are of Billy T. James, Bret McKenzie, Bruce McLaren, Edmund Hillary, Ernest Rutherford, Fred Hollows, Jemaine Clement, Jonah Lomu, Kelly Tarlton, Liam Malone, Neil Finn, Peter Jackson, Richie McCaw, Steven Adams, Taika Waititi, Willie Apiata, Witi Ihimaera and others”–Publisher information. A book that boys must  get their hands on!

 

image courtesy of syndetics The People Awards.

A celebration of 50 famous people from around the world who made history and changed the world for the better.