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Spring is here! and so are these fabulous new kids fiction picks from your local Library for you to enjoy!

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Spring is an inspiring time of year – warmer weather, more sunshine, flowers, lambs, longer days… So why not yet inspired with a new book or two? Here are some new ones we thought looked fresh and fab.

 


Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

In order to heal after his mother’s death, Sal learned how to meditate. But no one expected him to be able to take it further and ‘relax’ things into existence. Turns out he can reach into time and space to retrieve things from other universes.

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Although separated by continents and decades, Josef, a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany, Isabel, a Cuban girl trying to escape the riots and unrest plaguing her country in 1994, and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 whose homeland is torn apart by violence and destruction, embark on harrowing journeys in search of refuge, discovering shocking connections that tie their stories together.

Dancing the Charleston by Jacqueline WilsonImage courtesy of Syndetics

In a little cottage on the edge of the grand Somerset Estate, Mona lives with her aunt – a dressmaker to the lady of the house. Even though Mona never knew her mother and father, she knows Aunty tries to give her the best life she can. When Lady Somerset dies and a new member of the family inherits the house, life changes drastically for Mona. Suddenly she’s invited to dazzling balls, dines on delicious food and plays with wild new friends. But with these changes come secrets that Mona can’t dance away from.

Dog Man; For Whom the Ball Rolls by Dav PilkeyImage courtesy of Syndetics

The Supa Buddies have been working hard to help Dog Man overcome his bad habits. But when his obsessions turn to fears, Dog Man finds himself the target of an all-new supervillain! Meanwhile, Petey the Cat has been released from jail and starts a new life with Li’l Petey. But when Petey’s own father arrives, Petey must face his past to understand the difference between being good and doing good. Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of being true to one’s self.

The boy who grew Dragons by Andy ShepherdImage courtesy of Syndetics

When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandad’s garden, he doesn’t think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house – and gets the shock and delight of his life when a tiny dragon hatches! The tree is a dragonfruit tree, and Tomas has got his very own dragon, Flicker … Tomas soon finds out that life with Flicker is great fun, but also very … unpredictable. Yes, dragons are wonderful, but they also set fire to your toothbruth and leave your pants hanging from the TV aerial. Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker – and quickly. And then something extraordinary happens – more dragonfruits appear on the tree. Tomas is officially growing dragons …

Some wonderful new books to Spring into

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Get your hands of these wonderful exciting new books!!!

Image courtesy of SyndeticsMaking the Team by J. Scott Savage

A mysterious private school has opened in town and Nick, Carter, and Angelo join forces with their rivals Angie, Tiffany, and Dana to uncover the mystery behind the school’s inhumanly good football team.

Image courtesy of SyndeticsTreasury of Bedtime Stories by Enid Blyton

Contains these wonderful Enid Blyton stories:

Moonlight and Starshine, Spells and Enchantments, Woodland Wonders, Fairyland Folk, Faraway Lands

Image courtesy of SyndeticsInto The Wild by Anh Do

I crawled onto the bank and collapsed, exhausted. From the dirt, I looked up in amazement at four dogs staring down at me. Was I dreaming? Had I gone mad? It all seemed very real. ‘You guys saved me!’ I said, as I sat up in my dripping clothes. ‘I owe you.’ When disaster separates Gwen from her family, she must fend for herself, all alone in the wilderness. Luckily, she’s not alone for long… When a wolf puppy, a Labrador, a Chihuahua, and a greyhound want to make friends, Gwen discovers talents she didn’t know she possessed. It will take all her new skills and strength just to survive. Does Gwen have what it takes to be leader of the pack

 


Image courtesy of SyndeticsDiary of an Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney

In his first journal, middle schooler Rowley Jefferson, Greg Heffley’s sidekick, records his experiences and misguided decision to write a biography of Greg, who, in his own mind, is destined to become rich and famous.

Image courtesy of Syndetics Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine by Francesca Simon

Horrid Henry invents a time machine and promises to send his brother, Perfect Peter, to the future (as soon as Peter puts on one of Mom’s dresses). But when Peter gets there, it isn’t exactly what he had in mind. In fact, everything kind of looks the same

 

Some great new kids fiction to help get us through winter!

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We are over halfway through winter now – yahoo! This is the perfect time of the year to snuggle up with a good book and hot chocolate. Try one of these new ones that the library has just bought.

 

A Twist of Tales by Julia Donaldson

A king hides a terrible secret under his crown … A marvellous dream inspires an epic journey … A clever girl outwits the king. Told in hyper-readable language and with full-colour illustrations.

 


 

Kensy and Max:  Undercover by Jacqueline HarveyImage courtesy of Syndetics

Kensy and Max are back in London for no time at all before things begin to heat up – quite literally. As a result, Granny Cordelia ships them off to Australia on an undercover mission. The twins find themselves planted in a posh Sydney school where first appearances prove to be deceiving. What seems like a straightforward assignment turns into something so much bigger. Kensy and Max must employ all their spy skills – the fate of their parents, and who they’ve been searching for, depends on it.

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsWe’ll bite your tail, Geronimo by Geronimo Stilton

Professor Greenfur, the onboard scientist on spaceship MouseStar 1, has changed color from green to–orange! What’s going on? To find out, the spacemice travel to his home planet of Photosyntheson. There, they learn that all of Professor Greenfur’s relatives are being threatened by the nibblix, tiny aliens with very sharp teeth! Can the spacemice help in time?

 

Maximillian Fly by Angie SageImage courtesy of Syndetics

Maximillian Fly, a roach-human hybrid, helps two young humans escape from the Bartizan’s eye, only to find himself a key player in a deadly war between roaches and humans

 

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsMeet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi

In this compilation of four separately published books, Pakistani American second grader Yasmin learns to cope with the small problems of school and home, while gaining confidence in her own skills and creative abilities.

New kids chapter books for you to try!

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Here’s 5 great new kids fiction books from your Library to help get you through these chilly winter days!!!

Image courtesy of SyndeticsBad Mermaids by Sibeal Pounder

Mermaids Beattie, Mimi and Zelda are enjoying a summer on land with legs when they receive a strange CRABAGRAM ordering them to return home at once. Some seriously BAD MERMAIDS are on the loose and the girls are the only ones who can stop them. If they’re going to save the day, they’ll need answers. And a clam car. Definitely piranha-print nail polish. Possibly not the talking seahorse. CAN THEY DO IT? Filled with magical mysteries, fabulous fashion, and a serious piranha problem, Bad Mermaids brings a whole new twist to the underwater world of mermaids. Ages 9+

 

Below Zero by Dan SmithImage courtesy of Syndetics

When Zak’s plane crash-lands on Outpost Zero, a small Antarctic research base in one of the most isolated places on Earth, he discovers a cold, dark nightmare. The power’s out and the people who live there have disappeared. Worse, as he searches for answers, bizarre visions suggest a link to something else – deep beneath the ice – which only he can understand.

 

Image courtesy of SyndeticsBattlefront by Michael Adams

One hero lost in a raging tsunami. One sign pointing to a deadly battle. One day left until the end of… everything. (taken from back book cover)

 

 

 

 

Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria ParrImage courtesy of Syndetics

“Astrid Glimmerdal loves to spend her days racing down the mountainside on her sledge and skis – the faster the better! She just wishes there were other children to share in her adventures. Instead, she has to put up with a grumpy 74 year old for a best friend (although secretly, she knows she wouldn’t have it any other way). Astrid’s world is about to be turned upside down, however, first by the arrival of a strange family, and then a mystery woman. Her best friend, Gunnvald, has been keeping a secret from her – one that will test their friendship to its limits. Everything is changing in Astrid’s world and she’s not happy about it. Luckily, she has a plan…A feisty and irrepressible heroine, Astrid is sure to charm readers in this modern classic in the making.” –Publisher description.

 

 

Get Ready to Run; Chase #1  by Linwood BarclayImage courtesy of Syndetics

Chipper is a very special dog. As part of a top-secret, multi-million dollar experiment to create the ultimate canine spy technology, Chipper’s whole life has been spent within the walls of a secret organization known only as The Institute. Chipper is supposed to be more machine than mutt, but something’s wrong and The Institute knows it. He’s about to be terminated. Across the state, twelve-year-old orphan Jeff Conway is working all hours at his aunt Flo’s lakeside cabin business. He misses his parents, his old life, and the dog he had to leave behind. When Chipper escapes and Jeff finds himself part of the chase, The Institute’s most ruthless agent is hot on their tail, and he wants Chipper dead … at any cost.

 

Top 5 New Non Fiction of 2017!

Katie

Hi kids! Check out the latest and greatest top 5 new non fiction of 2017 in the library collection. Top 5 books that will make sure you’re all schooled up on how to code, understanding primate behaviour, brought up to date on 54 years worth of Doctor Who and mountain climbing!

Enjoy!

image courtesy of syndeticsDoctor Who.

A brand new guide illustrated with over 100 pieces of original fan art, showcasing the best stories from 54 years of Doctor Who. Profiling 100 of the most beloved Doctor Who TV stories, this book is filled with essential information and original art drawn by fans themselves. From thousands of entries, the illustrations inside were chosen as winning pieces as part of an official Puffin Doctor Who fan art competition held in early 2017.

image courtesy of syndeticsUntamed : the wild life of Jane Goodall.

“This biography for children will trace Goodall’s life, but each chapter will also focus on two or more the chimpanzees that she observed, with information in sidebars about these particular animals. Along with biographical details, the book will explore the ethical issues that surround Goodall’s work and show what has changed in our understanding of Great Apes. What do we know today about these animals in terms of language, speech, tool use, and DNA? How has sophisticated technology – GPS systems, Satellite imagery, portable digital microphones – been used to gain new information about animal populations.”– Provided by publisher.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsMake your own game : create with code.

CoderDojo Nano: Make Your Own Game teaches the fundamentals of the Javascript coding language in a simple, logical way to help kids reach their goal of creating their very own PC game. Children will learn everything from creating a game world, animating characters and determining the physics of movement within the game. Each concept is illustrated with a screenshot to make checking easy, and incredible pixel art from Army of Trolls makes this look like no other coding book.Coder Dojo Nano: Make Your Own Game is the perfect first step that kids can take towards game development.

 

image courtesy of syndeticsHow to code 2.0 : pushing your skills further with Python.

Everything you need to know about simple coding. Covers areas such as using Python, creating video games and even designing skyscrapers.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsEpic Climbs.

Discover the world’s most amazing mountains, and the extraordinary climbers who conquered them. Discover how five of the most difficult mountains were conquered.

 

 

5 great new children’s fiction to get you through these chilly winter days

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Image courtesy of SyndeticsThe Vanishing of Billy Buckle by Sally Gardner

The famous fairy detective agency, Wings & Co, has a big problem.  Well quite a few of them actually. There’s the missing giant, Billy Buckle, who has vanished without a trace, and left his giant daughter behind.  There’s a surprise visit to the seaside, which uncovers a murder and a stolen diamond.  And then there’s that tricky business of the TV talent show.  Squat on a squid, this is Emily, Buster and Fidget’s most complicated case yet. – taken from back cover.

 

Looking Glass GirlImage courtesy of Syndetics by Cathy Cassidy  

Alice nearly didn’t go to the sleepover. Why would Savvy, queen of the school, invite someone like her? Now Alice is lying unconscious in a hospital bed. Lost in a wonderland of dreams and half-formed memories, she’s surrounded by voices – the doctor, her worried friends and Luke, whose kisses the night of the fall took her by surprise . . . When the accident happened her world vanished – can Alice ever find her way back? A wonderful modern-day reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Looking Glass Girl is the stunning new book from Cathy Cassidy, an unforgettable tale of friendship and love from one of the UK’s best-loved authors;- www.Goodreads.com

 

Trash MountainImage courtesy of Syndetics by Jane Yolen

When the gray squirrels kill his parents, a young red squirrel vows revenge, finding unlikely allies in the rats and gulls of Trash Mountain.

 

 

 

Sock Monkey Into the Deep WoodsImage courtesy of Syndetics by Matt Danner & Tony Millionaire

“In this all-new storybook adventure, the sock monkey Uncle Gabby, his button-eyed friend Mr. Crow, and their little doll pal Inches embark on a dangerous plan to rescue their missing human, Ann-Louise, from the vicious Amarok monster that they believe has kidnapped her into the haunted woods! The epic quest that follows takes them by sea, land, and air through breathtaking lands, including a colorful cast of fanciful new characters, including the Trumbernick, the Gardsmen of Bear Town, flying harpies, and a hideous sea monster!”–page [4] of cover

 

Harvey Angell Beats TimeImage courtesy of Syndetics by Diana Hendry

‘After the Great Storm the air was buzzing. Fences were toppled, trees were uprooted. With all the mess in Henry’s town, it didn’t surprise him to find a bundle of trash stuck in his Aunt Agatha’s hollyhocks. But when Henry discovers that the bundle is a baby — a baby with tiny antennae instead of eyebrows, and ears that look like buttercups — he suspects his old friend Harvey Angell is responsible. After all, Harvey Angell does have very special connections! But Harvey Angell is nowhere to be found, and witchy women are lining up around the block, desperate to see the baby. Henry is running out of time. He’s got to find Harvey Angell before this mystery turns into cosmic disaster’.- www.goodreads.com

 

 

 

4 Fun new Fiction books for children

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Image courtesy of SyndeticsSave Rafe -Middle School;6,  by James Patterson

“Middle schooler Rafe Khachadorian faces his greatest challenge yet as he struggles to complete a week-long wilderness survival course to prove to his school administrators that he can succeed”– Provided by publisher.

 

 

 

 

The Complete Adventures of Johnny Mutton Image courtesy of Syndeticsby James Proimos

The many adventures of Johnny Mutton — Johnny Mutton, he’s so him! — Mutton soup — Extras, extras, read all about it!  Presents a collection of humorous stories about Johnny Mutton, the young sheep raised as a regular boy.

 

 

 

Archie Greene and the Magician’s SecretImage courtesy of Syndetics by D. D Everest

Archie Greene has lived with his grandmother since he was a baby, but when a mysterious package arrives on his twelfth birthday with instructions to take it to a strange bookshop in Oxford, he finds himself involved with a secret society of people who protect the world’s magical books, and discovers that he has family he never knew about.

 

 

 

Emily’s Tiara Trouble Image courtesy of Syndetics– The Anti-Princess Club;1

Talented ten-year-olds Emily, Bella, Chloe and Grace are sick of teachers assuming they are helpless princesses. When maths whiz Emily Martin’s mother enters her in the local beauty pageant, it’s the last straw – the four friends form the Anti-Princess Club, with the motto We Don’t Need Rescuing. Can they use their awesome skills to show the world that girls want to be valued for more than what they see in the mirror?

New Year! New Fiction!

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The River Singers by Tom Moonhouse

“Something was approaching the burrow. Something deadly. Something that made Sylvan’s fur bristle with fear . . . Knowing their lives are under threat, Sylvan and his brother and sisters have no choice but to abandon their burrow for ever. Together they set out on an epic journey along the Great River; but with dangers lurking at every turn, will they ever find a safe place to call home?”–Publisher description.

 

 

Image Courtesy of SyndeticsChitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon by Frank Cottrell Boyce

“The Tootings are stuck in 1966! Somebody’s stolen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and left them behind. But that’s not their biggest problem. Their biggest problem is that Little Harry’s been kidnapped by whoever stole their magical car. There’s only one solution: the Tootings must find the Potts — the family that originally built Chitty. Sharing their combined knowledge of how Chitty works, the families may stand a chance of rescuing Little Harry and finding the most brilliant car in the world. But a fiendish criminal has different plans, ones that involve flying Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to the moon and putting an explosive scheme into action.” (Review from Good Reads)

 

 

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon CreechImage Courtesy of Syndetics

“One day a young couple wakes to find a boy asleep on their porch. Unable to speak, the boy cannot explain his history. What kind of people would leave their child with strangers? All John and Marta know is that they have been chosen to care for this boy. As their connection to him grows, they embrace his exuberant spirit and talents. The three of them blossom into an unlikely family, but how long can their happiness last?”– From inside book cover.

 

 

Image Courtesy of SyndeticsRunt by Nora Raleigh Baskin

From different perspectives, explores middle school bullying as Maggie, tired of Elizabeth Moon’s superior attitude, creates a fake profile on a popular social networking site to teach Elizabeth a lesson.

 

 

 

 

Image Courtesy of SyndeticsThe Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan

Robbie and his dog, Ellie, spend the summer at his grandmother Maddy’s house, where Robbie learns many things about his emotionally distant parents and himself.

New Non Fiction: Take a journey into the wild, Mythological lands and to a galaxy far, far away.

Katie

Another school term has began and Wellington City Libraries has some new non-fiction books for you to get stuck into. Enjoy!

Greek Myths.

Orpheus and Eurydice.

What is mythology? The Free Dictionary defines mythology as “a traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society.” While the Oxford Dictionary defines mythology as “a collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition.”

If you are interested in Greek mythology and looking for shorter and easier myths to read than Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson & the Olympians”, then this story of Orpheus and Eurydice will  appeal to fans of that series. Shakespeare once said “the course of true love never did run smooth.” At least not for Orpheus and Eurydice. So when Eurydice is killed by a snakebite on her wedding day, her husband, Orpheus journeys to the Underworld to negotiate with Hades himself to win his bride back. Can true love triumph over the dark power of the Underworld? You’ll have to read the story to find out.

Also check out Myths in 30 Seconds for easy reads on Greek, Roman… pretty much myths and legends around the world. This book is a perfectly enchanting introduction to mythology for lively minds.

 

Animal Planet.

Finding Bigfoot.

If you have already watched and/or a big fan of the show, Finding Bigfoot on Animal Planet, then you will love this book that is full of information and details of actual sightings of Bigfoot based on real encounters around the world, evidence for the existence of the controversial animal and viewpoints of skeptics and scientists on the subject. After reading this book you can decide for yourself whether Bigfoot real or a myth?

Also check out The Unsolved Mystery of Bigfoot.

 

 

Into the Wild.

 Mud, Sweat and Tears /  Bear Grylls.

We all know Bear Grylls for his television series Man vs. Wild, writer of the Mission  Survival series and the real-life action man who has survived in dangerous environment few would dare to visit. but what don’t you know? Read the latest biography on his life and find out how Bear Grylls started out by engaging in secret childhood missions to climb the town’s school buildings and steeples, to starring in his own global TV series and becoming one of the world’s toughest adventurers. As a bonus you will also find out what it’s like to take on mountaineering, martial arts, parachuting, life in the SAS and all that nature can throw at you! This is one book that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages!

Also check out his books from the Mission Survival Series: Gold of the Gods, Way of the Wolf and Tracks of the Tiger.

 

 

Star Wars.

Star Wars, The Clone Wars : Episode guide.

Yes siree! We have another addition to the Star Wars collection in our library with Star Wars, The Clone Wars : Episode guide. Take a journey back through the clone wars and relive the dramatics events that took place in all episodes of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. Also includes coverage of everything from key plot points and characters to spaceships and weapons.

 

 

 

 

Lego Ideas:

LEGO play book : ideas to bring your bricks to life. Lego! Fairy Tale characters! Mythological creatures! Ghosts and ghouls! Marine life! Barnyard beasts! Safari giants! Who can ask for more? if you enjoyed The Lego Ideas books, then you will love this book that  encourage kids to think, build, and play with more than 200 different LEGO builds and create amazing LEGO models of their very own. This book is fantastic for any LEGO builder looking to be inspired to build and create.

Kids’ Review by Samuel

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Conspiracy 365 #1: January by Gabrielle Lord

Accused of shooting his uncle, and putting his younger sister into a coma, innocent teen fugitve Callum Ormond’s life is spinning out of control! Ever since his dad went to Ireland, bad things keep happening to Cal. Chased by two power hungry criminal gangs, sleeping in drains, and with only two friends whom he can rely on, Cal really knows what life is like on the run. A great book for reading ages 10-13. Peace Out. 5 stars.

Review by Samuel of Karori