Friday, 29 August 2014

Punctuation Mark

'Mark loved punctuation. For starters, it looked funky, and its symbols are understood in all languages. There's a sign for an exclamation and a question, a dollar, brackets, an AND, an AT and an ASTERISK, as well as one for an ELLIPSIS...a dot, dot, dot.' This special picture book cleverly combines words and visuals for a delightful dose of wordplay and fabulous fun with grammar. Punctuation Mark fills a gap in the market by crossing the boundary between fiction and fact; the content is educational in a cheeky, playful way.

Winston & George

Gorgeously illustrated, this is the story of a crocodile and a crocodile bird. These animals exist in a symbiotic relationship. Crocodile birds pick leaches and lice from the crocodile's skin and cry out whenever they see danger. In this story, Winston is a patient crocodile, George is a prankster and their story is both sweet and dramatic.

John Miller spent much of his youth tramping about the woods and swamps of Morris County, New Jersey. Later, these adventures inspired his children's books and articles.

Giuliano Cucco was an artist and illustrator. He and his wife were killed in a traffic accident in Rome in 2006. He is survived by a son and two grandchildren.

The mitten

Includes the recipe for Grandma's delicious hot cocoa (as mentioned in the story) on the back cover
Summary: A retelling of the Ukrainian traditional tale of how a boy's lost mitten becomes a refuge from the cold for an increasing number of animals

Thursday, 28 August 2014

'Avaiki Tautau : homeland beneath the stars

Homeland Beneath the Stars
Teipe is a child born to the Ngati Tinomana on Rarotonga hundreds of years ago.
As an infant he witnesses a battle in which his father is nearly killed.

In response his ariki (high chief) Tamatea, selects people, including Teipe's family, friends and the girl Karu, chosen to be his future va'ine (wife). They accompany the ariki's own family on a settlement voyage to 'Avaiki Tautau - a huge, half legendary land with mountains that belch fire but a land where they dream of peace and plenty.

On this eventful voyage approaching his new home, conflicted with fear and a sense of adventure, Teipe learns many ocean navigation skills handed down from his ancestors.

To survive his people will need to live with change.
Leaving both Rarotonga and their childhoods behind, Teipe and his friends grow in confidence and rise to the challenge.

Lillibutt's Te Araroa adventure

New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator
Summary: Lillibutt is lonely so she sets off from Cape Reinga on a very long walk to visit her kunekune cousins at the Auckland Zoo. As she travels down the country on Te Araroa she meets others along the way and overcomes some scary challenges during her long adventure. (Back cover)

Stegosaurus : armored defender

Summary: "In graphic novel format, text and illustrations present Stegosaurus, its characteristics and probable behavior, and information about extinction" - Provided by publisher.

Triceratops : Three-horned giant

Summary: "In graphic novel format, text and illustrations present Triceratops, its characteristics and probable behavior, and information about extinction" - Provided by publisher.

Sleepy time crime

Inside cover: Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Summary: When Streaky won't wake form his catnap, his friend Super-Turtle discovers something shell shocking. The Super-Cat's kibbles are filled with and evil ingredient, and Ignatius Iguana is to blame. Can Super-Turtle nab this vile reptile before it's too late, or will Streaky be forever sleepy?

The fastest pet on earth

Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston
Summary: Chauncey the Cheetah is loose on Paradise Island, but Jumpa the kangaroo isn't worried.

The amazing mini-mutts

Inside cover: Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Batman created by Bob Kane
Summary: Krypto, Ace, and other Super-Pet pooches visit the Bowwow Boot Camp to show a new breed of heroes a few old tricks. But the evil Brainicat wants to teach the canine cadets a lesson as well. When he shrinks them all to microscopic size, the prep-school pups must quickly learn to step up!

Starro and the space dolphins

Inside cover: Lobo created by Roger Slifer and Keith Giffen, Hawkman created by Gardner Fox
Summary: Starro and his mind-controlling alien starfish have abducted Lobo's space dolphins, can Hawkman and his super-pet hawk Big Red and Lobo's pet Dawg rescue the beloved creatures before they are used for evil purposes

Morgan goes to nowhere

New Zealand authors; New Zealand illustrators
Summary: Morgan couldn't find his favourite toy. He'd looked everywhere ... but it wasn't anywhere ... so it must be Nowhere

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Snowy the doganaut

When Snowy the dogonaut arrives on Earth in a UFO, Marco the vet is concerned that Snowy should look like a normal Earth dog and operates on him to make Snowy fit in. But when Marco leads an expedition to Snowy’s planet he’s shocked to find himself operated on to fit in there.

Dr. Seuss

 Other Title: Doctor Seuss
Heinemann read and learn
Contents: Who was Dr. Seuss? -- Where did he grow up? -- What did he do before he was a writer? -- How did he start writing books? -- What books did he write? -- What did he write about? -- What are the pictures like in Dr. Seuss's books? -- What else did he like to do? -- Why is he famous today? -- Timeline of Dr. Seuss's life and work

United Kingdom

Were headed to the United Kingdom. On this whirlwind tour, you'll learn all about the country's landscape, culture, people, and more. Well explore green valleys and packed cities, taste the unusual Scottish dish haggis, and attend Britain's Bonfire Night celebration.

Chile

This engaging title explores the geography, landscape, history, people, and culture of Cuba. Appealing text and up-to-date photos showing people in everyday settings invite young readers to learn more about modern world cultures. Accessible yet packed with information, Cuba will appeal to geography students and casual readers alike.

China

Pack your bags! Were headed to China. On this whirlwind tour, you'll learn all about the country's landscape, culture, people, and more. Well explore China's bustling cities and quiet countryside, taste a delicious stir-fry, and ring in Chinese New Year with a puppet parade. A special section introduces China's capital, language, population, and flag. Hop on board and take a fun-filled look at your world.

Indonesia

This engaging title explores the geography, landscape, history, people, and culture of Indonesia. Appealing text and up-to-date photos showing people in everyday settings invite young readers to learn more about modern world cultures. Accessible yet packed with information, Indonesia will appeal to geography students and casual readers alike.

France

Pack your bags! Were headed to France. On this whirlwind tour, you'll learn all about the country's landscape, culture, people, and more. Well explore the sights of Paris, snow-covered Alps, and sandy beaches. Well also find out what foods the French eat and see how they celebrate Bastille Day. A special section introduces Frances capital, language, population, and flag. Hop on board and take a fun-filled look at your world.

Iran

Contents: Welcome! -- Many landforms -- The plateau of Iran -- High up -- Shaking earth -- Along the seas -- Long-ago Iran -- Iranians -- Following Islam -- The best eids -- More ways to celebrate -- Parsi or Farsi? -- Fancy writing -- All in the family -- School -- City life -- Country life -- Let's eat! -- Clothing -- Sports and games -- The flag of Iran -- Fast facts -- Glossary -- To learn more -- Index
This engaging title explores the geography, landscape, history, people, and culture of Iran. Appealing text and up-to-date photos showing people in everyday settings invite young readers to learn more about modern world cultures. Accessible yet packed with information, Iran will appeal to geography students and casual readers alike.

Mexico

Pack your bags! Were headed to Mexico. On this whirlwind tour, you'll learn all about the country's landscape, culture, people, and more. Well take a train ride through Copper Canyon, find out what spicy foods people eat, and see a celebration called Day of the Dead. Special sections introduce Mexico's capital, language, population, and flag. Hop on board and take a fun-filled look at your world.

Yellow dress day

Summary: Ava wears a different coloured dress for each type of day - a red dress for hot days, a purple dress for rainy days and a blue dress for cold days. One whistling, whirly, windy morning, Ava and her puppy want to go out and play. But Ava's favourite coloured dress is missing

The deep

Alice loves swimming, but she's scared of going into the deep blue water by the jetty with the rest of her family, so she stays in the shallows. Then one day some new friends come into the bay and Alice forgets to be scared. Suggested level: junior, primary

Funny stories : Writing Stories

This book introduces readers to the entertaining world of writing funny stories and is a perfect resource for meeting common core state standards in writing. Key features of the genre are explained and readers are guided through the process of writing their own story. Top tips are given covering planning, writing dialogue, developing characters, adding narrative plot twists, using descriptive language and more! Engaging photographs, eye-catching illustrations, and a wealth of ideas bring the genre to life. A funny story running throughout the book draws readers in, offers concrete examples of how the tips can be put into practice and will inspire readers to get writing their own funny stories.

Scary stories : Writing Stories

This book introduces readers to the dark and creepy world of writing scary stories in an age-appropriate way. It is a perfect resource for meeting common core state standards in writing. Key features of the genre are explained and readers are guided through the process of writing their own story. Top tips are given covering planning, writing dialogue, developing characters, adding narrative plot twists, using descriptive language and more! Engaging photographs, eye-catching illustrations, and a wealth of ideas bring the genre to life. A spooky story running throughout the book draws readers in, offers concrete examples of how the tips can be put into practice and will inspire readers to get writing their own scary stories

Fairy Tales : Writing Stories

This book introduces readers to the magical world of writing fairy tales and is a perfect resource for meeting common core state standards in writing. Key features of the genre are explained and readers are guided through the process of writing their own story. Top tips are given covering planning, writing dialogue, developing characters, adding narrative plot twists, using descriptive language and more! Engaging photographs, eye-catching illustrations, and a wealth of ideas bring the genre to life. A specially written fairy tale running throughout the book draws readers in, offers concrete examples of how the tips can be put into practice and will inspire readers to get writing their own fairy tales

Woolly Wally

Summary: Wally is a wonderful woolly ram who is very proud of his fine coat. But Wally is about to get a short sharp shock. A story in rhyme
First published: 2006

Welcome to the Tribe

First American edition
GRL: P; Ages 7-11. (estimated)
Summary: The kids in Tib's tribe are so mean! They always make fun of Tib's birthmark. But one day Tib meets a new friend in the forest. This friend doesn't mind the birthmark. In fact, he has one too! He also has razor sharp teeth! Of course, no one believes Tib when he says he's found a real, live dinosaur. Dinosaurs went extinct millions of years ago! How can Tib convince his tribe that his 'imaginary friend' isn't so imaginary after all

The rat and the octopus

On cover: A story from the island of Niue
Summary: Pita, who lives on the island of Niue, describes how she catches an octopus off the coral reef that is near her village, using a cowrie shell lure made by her uncle, who tells her the legend of the rat and the octopus. Later, Hope's mother cooks the octopus in onions and coconut cream. Includes facts about the coral reef, a recipe, and other ways of catching fish

The Uga Hunt

On cover: A story from the island of Niue
Summary: Arfa, who lives in on the island of Niue, describes a hunt he and his father went on to trap large coconut crabs, called uga. Contains some Nuiean words and facts about the uga and the island of Niue

Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Where's Leopold? : your pajamas are showing


Other Title: Your pajamas are showing
Summary: What if you woke up one morning and could turn invisible? Would you fight crime? Save the world? If you're like Leopold, you'd rather play tricks on your big sister and steal her caramels! But being invisible isn't all it's cracked up to be. Leopold can make his body disappear, but not his clothes. How will he pull his pranks with his pajamas showing? Is he brave enough to play his tricks in the nude

Billy's Weekend

On cover: A story from the islands of Fiji
Summary: Billy, who lives in on the island of Ovalau in the Fijian islands, describes what he and his family do on a typical weekend

Where does Honey come from?

Summary: An introduction to how bees make honey. Suggested level: junior

Market Day

On cover: A story from the islands of Samoa
Summary: Hope, who lives in a village near Apia, in Samoa, tells how her family grows fruit for their grandmother's stall at the local market, and describes some of the colourful and delicious foods that are sold there. Includes facts about Samoa, a recipe and glossary of Samoan words

Where does Bread come from?

Summary: Colour photographs are used to tell the story of how bread is made, from its beginning as wheat in the field to the finished product on our table. Includes bread facts and a no knead bread recipe

Where's Leopold? : snowball truce

Other Title: Snowball truce
First American edition
Summary: Leopold wants to use his invisibility to launch the best snowball fight of all time, but his older sister, Celine, thinks he should be using his powers for the greater good

Friday, 15 August 2014

Maurice Sendak

Introduce students to Maurice Sendak, the author of children s favorites like Where the Wild Things Are. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer."

Roald Dahl

Introduce students to Roald Dahl, the author of children s favorites like Matilda. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer."

Pitch and throw, grasp and know : what is a synonym

Word-Nerd, Brian P. Cleary and highly-acclaimed illustrator, Brian Gable collaborate to clarify the concept of synonyms for young readers with playful, lively, and whimsical rhymes and humorous, comical, and amusing illustrations. For easy identification, synonyms are printed in color, and key words are illustrated on each page. This funny, best-selling series shows, not tells, each part of speech.

A mink, a fink, a skating rink : what is a noun

What is a Noun?
It is easier to show than explain and this book is brimming with examples! Author Brian P. Cleary and illustrator Jenya Prosmitsky creatively clarify the concepts of nouns for young readers. Nouns are printed in colour for easy identification and the playful rhymes and illustrations combine to highlight key words.

Quirky, jerky, extra perky : more about adjectives

One book is never enough to explore the wide range of amazing adjectives! The crazy cats deliver loads of additional examples to illustrate the potent power of adjectives to describe the wonderful world around us?and our incredible imaginations.

Thumbtacks, earwax, lipstick, dipstick : what is a compound word

Other Title: What is a compound word
Summary: Humorous illustrations and rhymes help readers learn about compound words

Under, over, by the clover : what is a preposition

In this fun-filled guide, playful puns and comical cartoon cats combine to show, not tell, readers what prepositions are all about.

Tyrannosaurus rex : mighty meat-eater

Summary: "In graphic novel format, text and illustrations present Tyrannosaurus rex, its' characteristics and probable behavior, and information about extinction"

Pooches of power

Batman created by Bob Kane. Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
In this adventure...
Ace the bat-hound and Krypto the super-dog smell something fishy. Penguin's bad news birds have stolen sardines from the Gotham City Marina.
Together, the doggy duo must reel in the fowl felons and throw them in the can!

Alice and the airy fairy

Includes a push out cardboard rocket to make

Mary the Airy Fairy is coming to stay with Alice and her family. Is she a real fairy? Or is she just a free spirit who needs Alice's help?

Musical mayhem : the fabulous diary of Persephone Pinchgut

Persephone begins writing her own personal SECRET diary.
She is horrified when she has to audition for the school musical and takes comfort in writing down her most SECRET thoughts.

The Heartfield Heights Musical Extravaganza soon lunches into full swing. much to Persphone's dismay and her sister Portia's jubilation.

Birthday bonanza : the fabulous diary of Persephone Pinchgut

Perse and her twin, Portia, are bout to turn 11. How will they celebrate their birthday? Will shy Perse want the same outrageous party as Portia?
BIRTHDAY BONANZA is full of surprises.

Follow the next hilarious Totally Twins adventure as Perse and Portia plan their party and receive a few unexpected presents.

Thursday, 14 August 2014

Friday Barnes, girl detective

 Other Title: Girl detective
Summary: Imagine if Sherlock Holmes was an eleven-year-old girl! When girl detective Friday Barnes solves a bank robbery she uses the reward money to send herself to the most exclusive boarding school in the country, Highcrest Academy. On arrival, Friday is shocked to discover the respectable school is actually a hotbed of crime. She's soon investigating everything from disappearing homework to the Yeti running around the school swamp. That's when she's not dealing with her own problem - Ian Wainscott, the handsomest boy in school, who inexplicably hates Friday and loves nasty pranks. Can Friday solve Highcrest Academy's many strange mysteries, including the biggest mystery of all - what's the point of high school

Model mania : the fabulous diary of persephone pinchgut

Portia is determined to become the next top model. Persephone thinks she is DELUSIONAL.
Persephone spends hours on the couch at the Heavenly Models Agency writing her diary, rolling her eyes and sneezing from the toxic fumes of hairspray, perfume and makeup.

Follow the next hilarious Totally Twins adventure as Portia sets her sights on a modelling career.