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.

 

 

8 new Non Fiction on how to build, create and innovate!

It’s time to build, create, educate and innovate with the latest junior non fiction books.  With STEAM, (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), learning on the rise, these book are perfect to inspire play and interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathmatics and coding and help kids develop the skills needed to do well in education, designing, problem solving and teamwork. Also featured in the post are books about public speaking, presentation skills, stories about heroes for boys, and the official guide to the Disney and Pixars 2004 film: The Incredibles.

Enjoy!

IMAGE COURTESY OF SYNDETICSBrick building 101.

Now kids can combine a love for LEGO with learning STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) in this awesomely fun activity book! Industrious minds will love learning to build a bunch of different stuff with these 20 step-by-step projects that range from beginner projects, such as a geo-board and DIY slime, to more challenging projects, such as a bird feeder and balloon racer. Large, full-colour photos show each step along the way, with simple instructions and inspiration to extend projects and keep learning. With STEAM learning on the rise, this book is the perfect way to inspire play and interest in the topics kids need to know about!

 

image courtesy of syndeticsGiving a presentation.

“An approachable guide to help master and apply the writing, speaking, and listening skills involved in preparing for and confidently delivering an effective presentation”– Provided by publisher.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsNow make this : 24 DIY projects by designers for kids.

“25 of the world’s leading designers contribute one object each for kids to make themselves”–Amazon.com.

 

 

 

 

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

“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 syndeticsIncredibles 2: The Official Guide. 

Disney and Pixar’s lovable characters, The Increidbles are back and better than ever!

“Discover everything you wanted to know about brave superheroes, dastardly villains and cool vehicles from Incredibles 2, the awesome new sequel to Disney-Pixar’s smash hit movie, The Incredibles. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the Parr family and their old friend Frozone must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. This book covers all the memorable and ever-popular characters, plus key locations, themes and iconic moments from the movie.” — Amazon.com.

Check out the movie trailer down below.

 


image courtesy of syndeticsSTEAM play & learn.

Preschoolers will love tackling these 20 fun, easy-to-follow step-by-step projects as they learn about STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Topics include symmetry and how light bounces to create reflections with mirror mandalas, diffusion and capillary action with tie dye towels, structural framing and bracing with marshmallow structures, and electrical currents with salty circuits. This cross-subject approach to learning will prepare young children for the subjects they will soon learn in elementary school and beyond. Each project features simple instructions and large, full-color photos, to make each one enjoyable and fun for both kids and parents.

 


image courtesy of syndeticsCoding with Minecraft : build taller, farm faster, mine deeper, and automate the boring stuff.

A hands-on introduction to coding that teaches you how to program bots to do cool things in the game you love–Minecraft! This book takes you through Step-by-step coding projects and will show you how to write programs that automatically dig mines, collect materials, craft items, and build anything that you can imagine. Along the way, you’ll explore key computer science concepts like data types, functions, variables, and more. Bonus activities in each chapter will help you take your coding skills to the next level. By the end of the book, you’ll understand how powerful coding can be and have plenty of robots at your beck and call.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsStories for boys who dare to be different : true tales of amazing boys who changed the world without killing dragons.

Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different offers a welcome alternative narrative. It is an extraordinary compilation of 100 stories of famous and not-so-famous men from the past to the present day, every single one of them a rule-breaker and innovator in his own way, and all going on to achieve amazing things. Entries include Frank Ocean, Salvador Dalí, Rimbaud, Beethoven, Barack Obama, Stormzy, Ai Weiwei and Jesse Owens – different sorts of heroes from all walks of life and from all over the world.

4 New Non Fiction to read throughout winter!

Hi Kids! Check four latest new non fiction added to the children’s collections. Read all about dragon and other fascinating creatures, ways you can create minecraft projects with household items, how a writer overcame difficulty and challenges to becoming a successful author of a timeless children’s classic and how girls can become more confident! Great books to read during the winter season!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsUnofficial 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. Start with a Minecraft lesson that gets beginners up to speed on terminology and gameplay. Then venture off on six action-packed Quests, each with four unique Labs that pair a hands-on activity with an in-game project. Look to the sky, dig beneath the ground, explore cycles in science, and engineer solutions to design challenges! 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.

Overall, the coolest book to date, that encompasses all the elements of STEM concepts that will help kids get the necessary skills to go far in the future, while having fun at the same time with elements of Minecraft.

image courtesy of syndetics
Eric Carles dragons dragons & other creatures that never were.

An illustrated collection of poems about dragons and other fantastic creatures by a variety of authors, combined with Carle’s artistic illustrations that beautifully capture the descriptions embedded within the poems.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsBecoming Madeleine.

Read all about the life of Madeleine L’Engle, famous writer and author of timeless classic, A Wrinkle in Time from her  lonely childhood, financial insecurity, and countless rejections of her writing–and eventual triumph. A inspirational book to read and ideal for fans of L’Engle’s writing or anyone want to become a writer.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsThe confidence code for girls : taking risks, messing up, & becoming your amazingly imperfect, totally powerful self.

“Girls can rule the world– all they need is confidence. This empowering, entertaining guide from the bestselling authors of The Confidence Code gives girls the essential yet elusive code to becoming bold, brave, and fearless. It’s a paradox familiar to parents everywhere: girls are achieving like never before, yet they’re consumed with doubt on the inside. Girls worry constantly about how they look, what people think, whether to try out for a sports team or school play, why they aren’t getting “perfect” grades, and how many likes and followers they have online. Katty Kay and Claire Shipman use cutting-edge science and research, as well as proven methods of behavioral change, to reach girls just when they need it the most– the tween and teen years. Packed with graphic novel strips; appealing illustrations; fun lists, quizzes, and challenges; and true stories from tons of real girls, The Confidence Code for Girls teaches girls to embrace risk, deal with failure, and be their most authentic selves”–Amazon.com.

Rise of the Robots: Doing it Gangham Style!

Wellington City Libraries are embracing the following trends: technology, coding and robots. To support the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) learning platform, we now have two new team members to assist library staff in this process in the form of Nao Robot twins: Blue and Red.

Blue and Red are fully automated Nao, (pronounced ‘now’) humanoid Robots. They are 58cm tall, autonomous, and fully programmable. They walk, talk, listen to you, and even recognise your face. Blue and Red can even whip out a few dance moves to Thriller by Michael Jackson, Gangnam style by PSY and more! Like most humans, if the robots fall down they manage to get themselves back up again, along with a few grunts and groans, and touch wood without any broken limbs or bones.

The robots made their official debut at Wellington Central Library on Monday 10th of July, at the ‘Meet the Robots’ event, part of the Beyond the Page literary festival for children during the school holidays. Apart from a few technical difficulties and performance anxiety issues, for both the librarians’ and robots the event proved to be a success. Blue and Red were the main attractions and stole the show. Parents and kids were whipping out their cell phones to photograph and film the robots paparazzi style! Everyone was mightily impressed with what the robots could do. They loved the performances and there were a lot of ‘ooohs’, ‘aaahs’ and giggling, and a huge round of applause at the end! Overall Blue and Red are a welcome addition to the library, as well as an ideal learning platform for teaching STEAM subjects. With the robots on our team, Wellington City Libraries can continue to work alongside organisations, such as schools, businesses and Information Technology Institutes.  Together we’ll ensure the STEAM platform is promoted and taught to the wider community – Gangnam style!