GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK TO MRS GREENFIELD (TLR)

We all wish Mrs Greenfield all the best of luck in Abu Dhabi and will all miss her - not only for her enthusiasm in the library but her cheery personality throughout the school.

I am sure she will keep in touch through our library blog and let us know all about her new 'adventure' on the other side of the world!

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARGARET MAHY

We were in for a treat when we arrived for 'an audience with Margaret Mahy' in Kaiapoi today!

Margaret read several of her favourite books which she has written. Margaret is now 75 years old and has written over 200 books - her first when she was 7 years old!

We have many of Margaret Mahy's books in our library at KNS - look for them all:-)

WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY DO WHEN THEY ARE SNOWED IN?!?

BUILD A 7 FOOT IGLOO OF COURSE!

A 'WINTER-WONDERLAND' HERE IN CHRISTCHURCH

For all our international viewers, we have been hit by a 'cold snap' which has brought snow down to sea level.

A great time to curl up and keep warm with a good book!

MOVIE TRAILER 'HUGO' (THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET)

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is in our library. Reserve it now!

If you enjoyed The Invention of Hugo Cabret, you will be pleased to know that Brian Selznick has written another book called 'Wonderstruck' which will be released later this year.

MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE written by Annabel Pitcher

I have just finished reading this book (in a couple of hours straight!)

The book is told through the eyes of Jamie, a 10 year old boy who is dealing with his family's loss of his sister Rose, who was killed at the age of 10 (5 years earlier) on a family outing in London. Extremist had booby-trapped a rubbish bin that Rose placed rubbish in and unknowingly triggered the bomb, killing her instantly and changing their lives forever!

Unable to cope, Jamies mother leaves with a man she met in the support group and his father turns to alcohol. His father moves the family away from London. Jas (Rose's twin) who is 15 and a typical rebel teenager, and Jamie have to start school and make new friends, which doesn't come easily to Jamie. He does make friends with Sunya, a muslim girl who wears a hijab, although he knows his father wouldn't approve.

The book deals with loss, separation, bullying, starting a new school, making friends, racial discrimination, sibling relationships and loyalty.

It is a great read for our senior students.

Mrs Lynskey

ROADWORKS written by Sally Sutton

It's fun to watch the road being built in this noisy, action-packed picture book! Move the earth. Move the earth. Dig and cut and push. Clear a pathway for the road. Screech! Boom! Whoosh! Tip the stones. Tip the stones. Lift and slide and dump. Lay the groundwork for the road. Crash! Roar! Thump!

FIND THE ANSWER TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION.......

What is it about the Gruffalo movie that Mrs Lynskey likes best? Come and see me on Monday with the answer to the question for a treat.

THE GRUFFALO written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Alex Scheffler

This one of the most popular picture books ever! It is the story of a little mouse who outwits forest animals - fox, owl and snake from eating him with the fear of the frightening 'Gruffalo'.

We not only have the book in the library, but also the DVD and audio CD of this wonderful story.

Watch the following clip of the movie and the making of the movie which includes an interview with the talented Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler.



Watch the making of 'The Gruffalo movie'



Other books by this author/illustrator are - 'Room on the Broom', 'The Gruffalo's Child', 'Stick Man', 'Tabby McCat', 'The Snail and the Whale', 'Tiddler','Monkey Puzzle', 'A Squash and a Squeeze', 'The Smartest Giant in Town', 'Zog' and many more. Look for them in our library now!

I love this movie - it's one of my favourites! I love the way that the music takes on it's own character.

THE TRAVELLING RESTAURANT written by New Zealand author Barbara Else

When 12 year old Jasper Ludlow's parents flee the city, he gets left behind and finds refuge on The Travelling Restaurant, a sailing ship captained by old Dr Rocket and crewed by feisty Polly. Jasper faces challenges, adventures, storms and hungry pirates. Should he go in search of his parents, or his lost baby sister? Who should he trust? And why is Lady Gall hunting him?

EVERY SECOND FRIDAY written by Kiri Lightfoot

This is a delightful new picture book

Every second Friday, Margi and Totty go and stay at Dads house where they get magnificently muddy, worryingly wet and mind-blowingly messy. But they always have fun!

HOLLIE CHIPS written by New Zealand author, Anna Gowan

This book won the 'Best New Book' and 'Children's Choice 'Best Junior Fiction' at the New Zealand Book Awards 2011. It is suitable for 8 years +

When Hollie Chips and her mum move to Puriti Road, Hollie is baffled by the way her neighbours all keep to themselves. But Hollie is a remarkable little girl, and it isn't long before she has charmed her way into their lives ...and when she discovers that a dastardly businessman is trying to buy up their houses to bulldoze them and build a dog food factory (which he has told them will be an orphanage!), the neighbours have to band together with Hollie and her mum to outwit him!

TOO SMALL TO FAIL written by Morris Gleitzman

The latest book from the the very popular author, Morris Gleitzman.

What do you do when your mum, your dad and sixteen camels are in trouble and only you can save them? The sometimes sad but mostly funny story of a boy, a girl, a dog and four trillion dollars.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR KIDS (click on the link on the right hand side of this page)

This is a fantastic site - it has pictures, videos, games etc about people, animals, countries and so much more.

I love all things 'Eqyptian', so looked into countries - then Egypt and played the 'Tomb of the Unknown Mummy' game.

Have a look around the site during the holidays!

TALE OF DESPEREAUX written by Kate DiCamillo

Welcome to the story of Despereaux, an unforgettable literary hero for our time from the pen of award-winning writer Kate DiCamillo. The Tale of Despereaux takes the reader back to the timeless genre of fairytales, but with a fantastic modern twist and a wryly witty authorial voice. The Tale of Despereaux is the story of a tiny, fragile-looking mouse with a huge heart. It's a fairytale of heroes and villains; of a beautiful princess who inspires love and courage in the unlikely hero; of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in a dark, bleak dungeon and longs for the light and of a servant-girl, whose one wish is to be a princess. These characters? lives become inextricably entwined in this classic new story for all ages.

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR KATE DICAMILLO

THE MEMORY BANK written by Carolyn Coman donated by Hannah and Ryan Wood

THE MEMORY BANK is the story of Hope Scroggins, who lives with her beloved sister Honey and the Dursley-esque parents they share. In fact these parents are SO horribly awful that one day, when the sisters disobey the rule against "no laughing", they banish Honey forever, telling Hope that she must simply "forget" her.

Hope knows that she HAS to find her sister again, before her memories of Honey fade. But before she can even begin to look, she's whisked away to the World Wide Memory Bank, where her accounts are in disarray...

There she learns about the process of how dreams and memories are kept safe. She also learns that there's a group of misfits called the Clean Slate Gang who want to destroy the Memory Bank, and all of the dreams and memories kept there. What she doesn't know is that Honey has been picked up by the Clean Slate Gang, and they're heading right for the Memory Bank.

The story of how Hope makes her way through this brewing conflict and rescues her little sister is full of tension and suspense, set in a vividly imagined world of strange machines and wonderful characters.

NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY written by John Boyne reviewed by Bob Docherty and donated by KNS PTA

In "Noah Barleywater Runs Away", bestselling author John Boyne explores the world of childhood and the adventures that we can all have there. Noah is running away from his problems, or at least that's what he thinks, the day he takes the untrodden path through the forest. When he comes across a very unusual toyshop and meets the even more unusual toymaker he's not sure what to expect. But the toymaker has a story to tell, a story full of adventure, and wonder and broken promises. And Noah travels with him on a journey that will change his life for ever. This is a thought-provoking fable for our modern world from the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed "Boy in the Striped Pyjamas".

Z-RAPTOR written by Steve Cole

This is a sensational thriller about hyper-evolved dinosaurs, battling for supremacy on a small Pacific island - with fourteen-year-old Adam and a few friends struggling to survive in their midst. Who should Adam trust, and where can he turn for help when his dad disappears and every moment feels like it could be his last?

Z-REX written by Steve Cole reviewed by Bob Docherty and donated by Lachie and Mrs Reid

Adam Adlar is alone in an isolated apartment building wondering why his scientist dad hasn't been able to get home for over a week ...Even he doesn't want to play computer games alone for ever. Z Rex is a living, breathing, man-eating dinosaur who has been brought to life by Adam's dad. He can talk, think - and kill. And, he has no idea why he's here. Zed wants answers, and Adam's dad has them ...When Adam encounters Z Rex his first thought is to flee. But Z Rex is actually the closest Adam has to a friend in this new and terrifying reality. Can boy and dinosaur work together to defeat the evil forces ranged against them?




I'm sure this one will be popular with the boys! Reserve it now!

FRINDLE written by Andrew Clements

When he decides to turn his fifth grade teacher's love of the dictionary around on her, clever Nick Allen invents a new word and begins a chain of events that quickly moves beyond his control.

This book has come highly recommended by Ms Hill from Queenspark School. It has been ordered, and is on its way to us at KNS. Reserve it now!

THE MOON AND FARMER MCPHEE written by Margaret Mahy

A heart-warming story - with lots of fun wordplay - about a grumpy farmer whose animals keep him awake at night singing and dancing by the light of the moon. Eventually he is won over by the moon and the animals and learns how to be happy. Classic Margaret Mahy!

SHADOW written by Michael Morpurgo

A stunning and moving new novel from Michael Morpurgo, the nation's favourite storyteller -- featuring the bravest dog in all the world! This is the story of Aman, as told in his own words -- a boy from Afghanistan fleeing the horror of the Afghan war. When a western dog shows up outside the caves where Aman lives with his mother, Aman is initially repulsed -- it is not customary for people to keep dogs as pets in his part of the world. But when Aman and his mother finally decide to make a bid for freedom, the dog Aman has called will not leave their side. Soon it becomes clear: the destinies of boy and dog are linked, and always will be!

RUNNING WILD written by Michael Morpurgo

The epic and heart-rending jungle adventure from the nation's favourite storyteller, now available in paperback. For Will and his mother, going to Indonesia isn't just a holiday. It's an escape, a new start, a chance to put things behind them - things like the death of Will's father. And to begin with, it seems to be just what they both needed. But then Oona, the elephant Will is riding on the beach, begins acting strangely, shying away from the sea. And that's when the tsunami comes crashing in, and Oona begins to run. Except that when the tsunami is gone, Oona just keeps on running. With nothing on his back but a shirt and nothing to sustain him but a bottle of water, Will must learn to survive deep in the jungle. Luckily, though, he's not completely alone! He's got Oona.

TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN written by Australian author John Marsden

When their country is invaded and their families are taken, eight high school teenagers band together to fight. Seventeen-year-old Ellie Linton wants one final adventure with her friends before the school holidays are over. Packed in Ellie's parents' land rover they drive to the famously isolated rock pool Eden dubbed 'Hell' by the locals. Returning to their home town of Wirrawee, the seven teenagers realize that something is seriously wrong. Power to the houses has been cut, pets and livestock have been left dead or dying, and most alarmingly of all, everyone's family has vanished. When the hostile armed forces discover that the teenagers are lying low in the vicinity, Ellie and her friends must band together to escape, outwit and strike back against the mysterious enemy that has seized control of their town and imprisoned their friends and loved ones...

Tomorrow, When the War Began is the first book in the series of seven.

We have first of the seven books in our library only (due to the mature themes in the other books). Books that follow Tomorrow, When the War Began are - 'The Dead of the Night', 'The Third Day, the Frost', 'Darkness, Be my Friend', Burning for Revenge', 'The Night is for Hunting' and 'The Other Side of Dawn'. This book is suitable for our year 7 & 8 students

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011

We have several books on Rugby in the library. With the World Cup starting in just over 50 days, these books will prove popular. Reserve them now!

GERONIMO STILTON BOOKS

The Geronimo Stilton books are the most popular books in our library for both boys and girls!

We have a 'huge' collection, including six new graphic novels. Reserve your copy now!

Vote on our blog if you prefer to read Geronimo Stilton or Zac Power - lets find out who wins!

ZAC POWER BOOKS

http://www.zacpower.com/home/default.asp

We have a huge selection of Zac Power books, which are very popular with the boys. If you are just starting to read, the 'test drive' books are for you. You will find them in our new 'starters' section.

GUYS READ: FUNNY BUSINESS donated by the Howe Family

This book was highly recommended by Bob Docherty. It is a collection of short stories by Jon Scieszka, Mac Barnett, Adam Rex and David Yoo.

Watch the trailer that follows. If this appeals to you, reserve it now!

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARGARET MAHY

If you came and got tickets from me for an audience with the wonderful New Zealand author, Margaret Mahy - don't forget that it is Wednesday July 27th (second week of the holidays) at 2.00pm at the Kaiapoi Working Men's Club. I will be there so we can all sit as a group.

This is a very special opportunity, so if you are unable to make it, please pass your tickets on to someone else - don't waste them!

Margaret Mahy has written many, many books. Have a look in our library and find them! Two of her more recent books are 'Down the back of the chair' and 'The Moon and Farmer McPhee' which has just been donated to our school library.

THE SHELF ELF AND THE SHELF ELF HELPS OUT

These are two books that we have in our library to help students understand the way the library works.

This whimsical picture book introduces Skoob the Shelf Elf, who embarks on a new career in the library. Using the "Shelf Elf Guide to Library Etiquette," Skoob discovers the age-old practices of proper library behavior and book care. Includes a 12-page lesson plan booklet for teachers and librarians with ideas for integrating Shelf Elf etiquette throughout the school year

TRASH written by Andy Mulligan

Raphael is a dumpsite boy. He spends his days wading through mountains of steaming trash, sifting it, sorting it, breathing it, sleeping next to it. Then one unlucky-lucky day, Raphael's world turns upside down. A small leather bag falls into his hands. It's a bag of clues. It's a bag of hope. It's a bag that will change everything. Soon Raphael and his friends Gardo and Rat are running for their lives. Wanted by the police, it takes all their quick-thinking, fast-talking to stay ahead. As the net tightens, they uncover a dead man's mission to put right a terrible wrong. Three street-boys against the world - can they win?



http://www.andymulliganbooks.com/trash/

MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE written by James Patterson reviewed by Bob Docherty

Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class–5,000 points! Running in the hallway–10,000 points! Pulling the fire alarm–50,000 points! But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID written by Jeff Kinney

Well, what can I say?! These books are so popular due to the movie. We now have a second copy of each book in our library. Reserve your copy now!


Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Teaser Trailer

'BA BA SMART SHEEP' written by Mark Sommerset

This is a delightful new picture book that has been donated to our library, that will appeal to all ages, including me!

Little Baa Baa is bored. When Quirky Turkey arrives on the scene, the opportunity to make some mischief proves too hard to resist. With snappy dialogue and hilarious illustrations, Baa Baa Smart Sheep is a laugh-out-loud story that will leave you thinking sheep aren't as stupid as we might think.

BILLIONAIRE BOY written by David Walliams reviewed by Bob Docherty and donated by Connie, Oli and Alex Taylor

A hilarious, touching and extraordinary new fable from the author of The Boy in the Dress and Mr Stink. Joe has a lot of reasons to be happy. About a billion of them, in fact. You see, Joe's rich. Really, really rich. Joe's got his own bowling alley, his own cinema, even his own butler who is also an orangutan. He's the wealthiest twelve-year-old in the land. Yes, Joe has absolutely everything he could possibly want. But there's just one thing he really needs: a friend!

THE HUNGER GAMES written by Suzanne Collins reviewed by Bob Docherty

Although the premise of this books may sound 'disturbing', it has been hugely popular with senior students around the world. Check out the trailer on you tube (I haven't included it, as it isn't suitable for our younger students). We have two copies of this book in our library as it has a wait-list after it was reviewed by Bob Docherty.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. But Katniss has been close to death before and survival, for her, is second nature. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. Welcome to the deadliest reality TV show ever...

DEAD MAN'S COVE written by Lauren St John

When orphaned Laura Marlin moves from a children's home to live with her uncle in Cornwall, she longs for a life of excitement just like the characters in her favourite detective novels. A real life adventure is on hand as she is deposited at her uncle's spooky house ...Why does her uncle, Calvin Redfern, forbid her to go to Dead Man's Cove? What's the truth about Tariq, the silent Indian boy who lives with the flamboyant Mukthars? Who is J? Who has left the message in a bottle for Laura to discover? Mysteries abound and who better to solve them than Laura Marlin, ace detective? Accompanied by her trusty companion, Skye, a three-legged husky, the dog she's always wanted, Laura's adventures begin in this first captivating mystery. Recommended for 9 years +

THE EMERALD ATLAS written by John Stephens

They were taken from their beds one frozen night, when the world was covered in snow. The silhouette of a tall, thin man has haunted Kate ever since. Ten years on, Kate, Michael and Emma have grown up in a string of miserable orphanages, and all memories of their parents have faded to a blur. Arriving at Cambridge Falls, where the rolling fog distorts their sense of time and the town is eerily silent, the children quickly realise there is something different about this place - and Kate feels sure she has seen the dark, crooked house before. Exploring the house, they discover an old, empty leather book. The moment they touch it, an ancient magical prophecy is set irrevocably in motion, and the children are thrown into a dangerous alternate reality of dark enchantments, terrifying monsters, noble dwarves and entire cities buried beneath the earth. Only they can prevent the terrible event that will ruin Cambridge Falls - and stop the world from falling into complete devastation.

MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE written by Annabel Pitcher and reviewed by Bob Docherty

Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad and his teenage sister, Jasmine for a 'Fresh New Start'. Five years ago his sister's twin, Rose, was blown up by a terrorist bomb. His parents are wrecked by their grief, Jasmine turns to piercing, pink hair and stops eating. The family falls apart. But Jamie hasn't cried in all that time. To him Rose is just a distant memory. Jamie is far more interested in his cat, Roger, his birthday Spiderman T-shirt, and in keeping his new friend Sunya a secret from his dad. And in his deep longing and unshakeable belief that his Mum will come back to the family she walked out on months ago. When he sees a TV advert for a talent show, he feels certain that this will change everything and bring them all back together once and for all.



Watch the trailer and if it sounds like a book you would like to read, reserve it now!

LILY ALONE written by Jacqueline Wilson reviewed by Bob Docherty and donated by Lynne Marwick RTLB

This is a fantastic book suitable for our year 7 & 8 students now available in the library.

Lily isn't home ALONE - but she wishes she was. Looking after her three younger siblings is a lot of responsibility.

When Mum goes off on holiday with her new boyfriend and leaves Lily, six-year-old twins Bliss and Baxter, and little sister Pixie on their own, Lily is determined to keep the family together and show they can cope without any grown-ups. But when she fears their secret is going to be discovered, she decides they need a safer hiding place. What could be better than to take all the little ones for a camping adventure in the park? Plenty of space to run about, no flat to tidy, and surely no chance anyone will guess they're there.....

Lily's things to remember!
How to look after my brother and sisters
1. Make sure they eat three meals a day - and not just ice cream!
2. Keep clothes not too mucky!
3. Everyone must go to bed before midnight, especially Pixie!
4. Don't let them go to school in case they give away our secret.
5. Keep everyone safe till Mum comes back....

more photos from the 'book character parade'

Mrs Sheeran (Room 16)

Miss Lambert (Room 11) and Mrs Carter (Room 5)

Miss Timblick (room 5) and Mrs Poynter (room 3)

Miss Lonsdale (room 4)

and our special guest 'Clifford'