New Books in Spanish!

Read this post in Spanish!

New children’s books in Spanish have arrived! We are excited to announce the arrival of a flood of new Spanish books for all our Spanish-speaking families. All branches have some, but you will find larger collections at Karori, Johnsonville, Kilbirnie, and Newtown Libraries.

Don’t forget that you can also order these Spanish books through the online catalogue by searching for “Spanish language readers,” clicking on the book you would like, and having it sent to your local library branch to pick up.

Here are a few must-haves to whet your appetite:

La oruga muy hambrienta / Carle, Eric

In this funny story you will discover how a very hungry caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly.

Los días raros / Ycaza, Roger

The young character in this story wakes up one morning feeling a bit sad. Then he realises that his own smile has disappeared from his face! Discover what happens on this very strange day.

Un avestruz con mucha luz / Andrés, José Carlos

A funny encounter between three ostriches, three lions, and one ostrich egg. You won’t believe the surprise that awaits after the egg hatches!

¡No quiero ir al cole! / Blake, Stephanie

Simon does not want to go to school. He is too scared! His mum insists, but he says no, until, finally, he gives in. But when his mum picks him up from school and asks him to come back home, Simon says something that will surprise you!

Voy a portarme muy bien / Haughton, Chris

Simon is a very curious dog. When Alfonso, his owner, goes out to deliver a message, Simon promises to behave. However, he faces a lot of temptations: a cake, a cat, and more. Do you think Simon will keep his promise?

Necesito un abrazo = I need a hug / Blabey, Aaron

A little porcupine, with prickly spikes, is looking for a hug. He asks a bear, a rabbit, a reindeer, but they are all a bit reluctant because of his prickles. Do you think he will get a hug?

Gustavo : el fantasmita timido / Drago, Flavia Z

Gustavo does not have any friends, so he decides to perform a concert with his violin and invites all the people in the neighbourhood. It will be a magic night. Gustavo will play marvellously for them. But, do you think they will show up? Will they become his friends?

Dragones y tacos / Rubin, Adam

Did you know that dragons love tacos? Did you know that they love parties with tacos, and they like all kinds of tacos? However, there is one thing they do not like about tacos that causes their ears to smoke in anger. Discover what that is in this funny story!

¡Me rompí la trompa! / Willems, Mo

Elephant lets his friends climb up on his trunk. First his friend the hippopotamus climbs on, then his friend the rhinoceros does too; he even puts a piano on his trunk! All of them dance and his trunk breaks, but not for the reason you might think. This is a crazy story that will make you laugh out loud!

So, what are you waiting for? Visit your local library to pick up new books in Spanish today!

¡Nuevos libros en español!

Read this post in English!

Hemos recibido nuevos libros en español! Estamos muy contentos de anunciar la llegada de una número considera de libros en español para nuestros lectores en español. Todos nuestras sucursales tiene libros en español, pero donde más pueden encontrar es en Karori, Johnsonville, Kilbirnie, y Newtown. No olvides que también puedes ordenarlos en nuestro catálogo en línea buscando en “Spanish language readers.”

Aquí algunos libros que no te puedes perder:

La oruga muy hambrienta / Carle, Eric

En esta divertida historia descubre cómo una hambrienta oruga se convertirá en una hermosa mariposa.

Los días raros / Ycaza, Roger

El pequeño personaje de esta historia despierta una mañana y la encuentra triste, incluso se da cuenta de que su propia sonrisa ha desaparecido de su rostro. Descubre en qué terminará este raro día.

Un avestruz con mucha luz / Andrés, José Carlos

Un divertido encuentro entre tres avestruces, tres leones y un huevo de avestruz. No te pierdas lo que sucederá cuando se rompa el cascarón de este huevo.

¡No quiero ir al cole! / Blake, Stephanie

Simon no quiere ir al colegio. Le da un poco de miedo. Su mamá le insiste y él se niega. Por fin, acepta. Sin embargo, cuando su mamá lo recoge del colegio y le pide que vuelvan a casa, Simon le responde algo que te dejará sorprendido.

Voy a portarme muy bien / Haughton, Chris

El perro Simon se queda a cuidar la casa de su dueño Alfonso, quien saldrá a llevar un recado. Simon promote portarse bien pero se encuentra con muchas tentaciones que lo invitan a romper su promesa (un pastel, un gato, mucha tierra en una maceta con flores). ¿Crees que cumpla su promesa?


Necesito un abrazo = I need a hug / Blabey, Aaron

Un pequeño puercoespin, con sus grandes púas, pide abrazos a un conejo, un reno, un oso, pese a sus espina, pero la pregunta es si estarán dispuestos a darselo. ¿Tú que crees?


Gustavo : el fantasmita timido / Drago, Flavia Z

Gustavo no tiene amigos, y para remediarlo decide un día hacer un concierto con su violín. Invita a todos los habitantes del barrio. Será una noche mágica en donde Gustavo tocará maravillosamente su violín. ¿Pero vendrán sus invitados a su concierto? ¿Se convertiran en sus amigos?


Dragones y tacos / Rubin, Adam

Sabías que a los dragones les encantan los tacos? Sabías que les fascinan las fiestas con tacos y que les gustan de todo tipo? Pero hay algo que no les gusta de los tacos y los hace echar incluso humo por las orejas. En esta divertida historia descubrirás de qué se trata.


¡Me rompí la trompa! / Willems, Mo

Un elefante empieza a subir a su trompa a todos sus amigos. Empieza por su amigo el hipopotamo, luego sube a su trompa a su amigo el rinoceronte, incluso sube a su trompa un piano! Todos bailan y se divierten sobre su trompa. Sin embargo, su trompa se le quiebra y no es precisamente por la razón que piensas! Es una loca historia que seguro te hará reír.

New books in French!

Read this post in French!

New children’s books in French have arrived! We are excited to announce the arrival of a flood of new French books for all our French-speaking families. All branches have some, but you will find larger collections at Karori, Johnsonville, Kilbirnie, and Newtown Libraries.

Don’t forget that you can also order these French books through the online catalogue by searching for “French language readers” or “Children 448.6“.

Here are a few must-haves to whet your appetite:

L’Âne Trotro à la plage / Guettier, Bénédicte

A new adventure of the cutest little donkey. Well, when it comes to cute little donkeys, let’s not forget Ariol and his gallery of colourful friends. But Trotro is on holiday at the sea with his friends Lili and Nana. Watch out for splashes! The beach is so much fun!

Je m’habille et … je te croque / Guettier, Bénédicte

« – Wolf, are you there yet? -I’m putting on my socks! » A little book to love getting dressed (with a bit of fear) …

Les carnets de Cerise. Tome 1, Le zoo pétrifié / Chamblain, Joris

Cerise is 10 ½ years old and dreams of becoming a novelist, like her neighbour Mrs Desjardins. She spends most of her time observing people. This old man, for example, is probably hiding a strange secret, but what is it? With her two best friends, Erica and Line, they follow the trail…

T’choupi déménage / Courtin, Thierry

Tchoupi moves into a new house… but it’s empty. He is a bit worried. But soon he gets his own space and a friendly face.

Bizarre mais vrai! Les dinosaures : 300 faits extrasaure-dinaires à dévorer

Dinosaur bones have been found on every continent including Antarctica – do you know why? The nostrils of the brachiosaurus were not on its nose – do you know where? Find these fun facts about your dino friends in this dictionary.

La belle lisse poire du prince de Motordu / Pef

The young Prince of Motordu lives in a beautiful castle/hat. He plays cards/pies every night in the big danger/dining-room. Puns are everywhere in this untranslatable story to be laughed at together!

So don’t wait and stock up on good books for the winter. More books for our other language communities will follow soon.

Nouveaux livres en français!

Read this post in English!

Ils sont arrivés!

Nous sommes ravis de vous annoncer l’arrivée d’une avalanche de nouveaux livres en français pour toutes nos familles francophones.

Toutes les branches en ont reçu mais vous en trouverez davantage à Karori, Johnsonville, Kilbirnie, et Newtown.

N’oubliez pas que vous pouvez aussi commander ces ouvrages en français via le catalogue en ligne en tapant ”French language readers” ou, via la recherche avancée en sélectionnant “call number” et en tapant “Children 448.6” dans la barre de recherche.

Voici quelques incontournables pour vous mettre l’eau à la bouche:

L’Âne Trotro à la plage / Guettier, Bénédicte

Une nouvelle aventure du plus mignon des petits ânes. Bon, en matière de mignons petits ânes, n’oublions pas Ariol et sa galerie de copains haute en couleur. Mais Trotro, lui, est en vacances à la mer avec ses amies Lili et Nana. Gare aux éclaboussures ! La plage, c’est trop trop rigolo !

Je m’habille et … je te croque / Guettier, Bénédicte

« – Loup y es-tu ? – Je mets mes chaussettes ! » Un petit livre pour adorer s’habiller (en se faisant un peu peur) …

Les carnets de Cerise. Tome 1, Le zoo pétrifié / Chamblain, Joris

Cerise a 10 ans et demi et rêve de devenir romancière, comme sa voisine Madame Desjardins. Elle passe le plus clair de son temps à observer les gens.  Ce vieux monsieur, par exemple, cache sûrement un drôle de secret, mais lequel ? Avec ses deux meilleures a amies, Erica et Line, elles remontent la piste…

T’choupi déménage / Courtin, Thierry

Tchoupi s’installe dans une nouvelle maison… vide. Il est un peu inquiet. Mais bientôt il se fait une vraie chambre a lui toute douillette et un nouveau copain super chouette.

Bizarre mais vrai! Les dinosaures : 300 faits extrasaure-dinaires à dévorer

On a trouvé des os de dinosaures sur tous les continents y compris en Antarctique, sais-tu pourquoi ? Les narines du brachiosaure n’étaient pas sur son nez, sais-tu ou alors ? Retrouve ces faits rigolos sur tes amis les dinos dans ce dico.

La belle lisse poire du prince de Motordu / Pef

Le jeune prince de Motordu habite un magnifique chapeau. Il y joue aux tartes tous les soirs dans la grande salle a dangers. Des jeux de mots dans tous les sens pour cette histoire à se tordre de rire ! A lire sans faute des aujourd’hui, pas deux nains !

Alors n’attendez pas et faites le plein de bons bouquins pour l’hiver. D’autres livres pour nos autres communautés linguistiques suivront bientôt.

Tālofa Lava! Celebrate Samoa Language Week 2021!

Tālofa Lava! Samoa Language Week will be celebrated this year from Sunday, 30 May 2021 until Saturday, 5th June 2021. The event aims to raise awareness of the Samoan language, celebrate Samoan culture in New Zealand and around the world, and promote the use of Samoan language in schools, at work and at home. 



This year’s theme is “Poupou le lotoifale. Ola manuia le anofale” which means “Strengthen the posts of your house, for all to thrive”.

For more information on events and ideas on how to celebrate, visit the following websites:

Also you can visit your local library and borrow some amazing books on ways to:

Learn Samoan!

image courtesy of syndeticsLittle kiddy Sāmoan.

“This book packs in a lot of common words and phrases. It is a great resource for anybody wanting to learn Samoan.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Samoan picture dictionary.

“Contains over 1000 commonly used words, and words needing further explanation are given in English and Samoan sentences to aid comprehension. Word lists include parts of the body, telling the time, colours, numbers, days of the week and months of the year” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Samoan Picture Dictionary.

“The Samoan Picture Dictionary is an excellent resource for people beginning to speak or write Samoan. It contains over 1000 commonly used words, and words needing further explanation are given in English and Samoan sentences to aid comprehension. Wordlists include parts of the body, telling the time, colours, numbers, days of the week and months of the year.” (Catalogue)

image courtesy of syndeticsFirst readers in Samoan.

“These bilingual books are ideal for beginning learners of Samoan, with simple language and stories, and illustrations that support the text. Each book has a glossary that gives a clear English translation of the Samoan text. All of the books have been translated into Samoan by Ainslie Chu Ling So’o who is a language consultant specialist at the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture in Samoa.” (Catalogue)

Search the catalogue here for other books to brush up your Samoan language skills.

You also read about Samoan heroes such as…

image courtesy of syndeticsSamoan heroes.

“A collection of inspirational stories of achievers who have Samoan ancestry. It includes: contemporary heroes like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Troy Polamalu, Judge Ida Mālosi, Savage and Associate Professor Donna Adis; historical figures like Emma Coe, Tamasese, Salamāsina and Lauaki; legends like Sina, Tiʻitiʻi and Tigilau.” (Catalogue) Also available as an eBook. 

image courtesy of syndeticsFanene Peter Maivia : son of Samoa.
“Fanene Peter Maivia – Son of Samoa is the remarkable story of the first Polynesian to become a star of professional wrestling. Fanene’s life began in Samoa and he took Samoa to the world. He was a pioneer who inspired some of the greatest wrestlers the world has known, including his own grandson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.” (Catalogue) Also available as an eBook.

Brush up on your geography and history with…


image courtesy of syndeticsSamoa.

“Did you know that the English word ‘tattoo’ is supposedly derived from the Samoan word ‘tatau’? Find out about the traditional methods still used by Samoans to apply the amazing tattoos worn by many of the islands’ people today. In this book you will discover that an ‘ie toga is a beautiful and intricate fine mat, woven by Samoan women and used as highly prized gifts, which are made and given to celebrate important occasions. You can also study the climate, population, social structure and political history of the thirteen islands that make up the beautiful countries of American Samoa and independent Samoa (formerly Western Samoa).” (Catalogue).

image courtesy of syndeticsSamoa & Tuvalu.

This book contains information about the history, culture and people of Samoa and nearby Tuvalu. A great book to have just in time for Samoan Language week.

A Polynesian movie night at home with…

image courtesy of amazon.comMoana.

“Celebrate Samoan language week and get into the Polynesian spirit by watching Disney’s Moana! The film follows the journey of a spirited teenager named Moana as she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together they traverse the open ocean, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.” (Catalogue)


image courtesy of syndeticsMoana : original motion picture soundtrack.

“Moana is the 56th animated feature from Disney, an ocean adventure about a teenaged girl from a tribal community on a mystical island in the South Pacific. Its soundtrack offers both 45 minutes of score and a set of original songs co-written by a trio of musicians with impressive pedigrees. Highlights include “We Know the Way,” sung by Miranda and Foa’i, and the soaring “How Far I’ll Go,” delivered by Auli’i Carvalho in the title role, with a second version by Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara. Among other names appearing on the soundtrack are Dwayne Johnson, who sings “You’re Welcome” as Maui, and Jermaine Clement of Flight of the Conchords, who sings “Shiny” as the menacing crab Tamatoa. Closing out the song portion of the album and bringing listeners back to contemporary reality are Jordan Fisher and a rapping Miranda in a reprise of “You’re Welcome.” ~ Marcy Donelson.” (Catalogue).

Also check out these YouTube clips from the movie soundtrack: “How far I’ll go” and “You’re Welcome!”


Thank you and Happy Samoa Language week!

Fa’afetai ma fiafia Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa!

Tālofa Lava! Celebrate Samoa Language Week 2020!

Tālofa Lava! Samoa Language Week will be celebrated this year from Sunday, 24 May 2020 until Saturday, 30 May 2020. The event aims to raise awareness of the Samoan language, celebrate Samoan culture in New Zealand and around the world, and promote the use of Samoan language in schools, at work and at home. 
This year’s theme is “Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga” — “Prepare yourself a gift for your travels”.

image courtesy of ministry of peoples pacific

For more information, on events and ideas on how to celebrate, visit the following websites:

Also you can visit your local library and borrow some amazing books such as:

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Samoan picture dictionary.

“Contains over 1000 commonly used words, and words needing further explanation are given in English and Samoan sentences to aid comprehension. Word lists include parts of the body, telling the time, colours, numbers, days of the week and months of the year”–Publisher information.

image courtesy of syndeticsFirst readers in Samoan.

“A set of ten readers in āamoan for first learners of Sāmoan”–Publisher information.

image courtesy of syndeticsTasi, lua, tolu, fa! : counting in Samoan.

Simple text and illustrations introduce the numbers 1 to 15 in the Sāmoan language. Suggested level: junior.

image courtesy of syndeticsThe Samoan picture dictionary.

The Samoan Picture Dictionary is an excellent resource for people beginning to speak or write Samoan. It contains over 1000 commonly used words, and words needing further explanation are given in English and Sāmoan sentences to aid comprehension.

image courtesy of syndeticsLittle kiddy Sāmoan.

This book packs in a lot of common words and phrases. It is a great resource for anybody wanting to learn Sāmoan.

Thank you and Happy Samoan Language week!

Faafetai and fiafia samoa gagana vaiaso!

Matariki – Māori New Year

 


Kia ora koutou,

Matariki is a time to celebrate, remember and plan. It is a time to be together and to share and learn new skills.

One way to find out more about Matariki could to to explore Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand 


Would you like to listen in Te Reo, English (or both!) to this story woven with magic, love and adventure?

The Seven Stars of Matariki / Te Huihui o Matariki by Toni Rolleston is a beautiful book to read about Matariki. It’s available in English, and te reo. Check out the videos below.

Image Courtesy of SyndeticsImage Courtesy of Syndetics

 



 


You might want to keep practising your New Zealand Sign Language AND your Te Reo! Learn some more sign by watching  19 year old Tuhoi Henry (Te Uri o Hau).


Image Courtesy of SyndeticsThen, you could borrow the book Matariki and keep improving your signing. Ka rawe!

 

 

 


Pop over to the Wellington City Libraries and explore our Tamariki section here

You will find some great tools to help you improve your Te Reo.


Ngā mihi.