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'

WOW - WHAT A WEEK!

We have had a fantastic 'Book Week/Book Fair' this week at KNS - Mrs Lynskey is ready for a cup of tea and a lie down!

Thanks to all of the students and staff who dressed up as a 'book character' for the parade yesterday. The Northern Outlook have published some wonderful photos of you in todays edition (Saturday 9th July) so look out for it. Prizes were given for the best dressed in each syndicate - but really, so many of you deserved prizes for all the effort you put into your costumes. Dylan (room 5) made his own 'Robin Hood' dagger, Matthew and Rebecca, your mother is fantastic at making costumes, you both looked great, Braden as 'Sam I Am' was brilliant with his plate of green eggs, Sinead as 'Mrs Wishy Washy', I loved the rollers in your hair! - just to name a few. Also many of the staff went to a huge effort - apart from Cruella De Greenfield, who won the best dressed staff member, Mrs Reid was very convincing as 'Grandma' from Grandma Joins the All Blacks!

We can't forget 'Clifford' the dog, who unfortunately, had a very nasty fall at the parade. I am sure we all here at KNS hope he is OK - even though the Koru teachers thought it was hugely funny at the time (in particular, Mrs P (room 3) and Miss T (room 5)!!!

Thank you also to the families who donated books to the library from the book fair. These books will be a great addition to our collection and will be available to borrow from next week. Some books (which Bob Docherty reviewed) have waiting lists - so add your name now!

We were lucky enough to have Bob Docherty come and review books to our Nikau and Kauri Syndicates. I have a list of all the books Bob mentioned and will try and purchase them all for our library (as funding allows).

Zac Harding, Children's Librarian from Christchurch, visited our Koru and Wheki syndicates. Zac read two fantastic picture books, which the students loved. Along with the students, Zac also 'acted out' a story with many students dressing up for their role! If the laughter and cheers were anything to go by, the students thought it was heaps of fun!

As mentioned in an earlier post, local author, Jane Buxton came to KNS and read her new picture book 'Harry's Hair'. A wonderful picture of the students with Jane was in the Wednesday edition of the Northern Outlook. One of our lovely TA's - Angie, came dressed as 'Harry' for the book character parade. She had hair just like Harry with snakes, spiders and all sorts of other things living in there.

A big thanks to all the mums who helped with the refreshments and to Matthew from room 18's dad, Gary, who along with Mr O, cooked the sausages for our fundraising lunch - which we can purchase more new books with :-) - thank you for supporting this.

Mrs Lynskey and Mrs Greenfield

JANE BUXTON, AUTHOR - VISITS KNS

What a fantastic way to 'kick off' our book week/book fair with Jane coming along to read her wonderful new book 'Harry's Hair' and talk to us all about her life. Jane also showed us her 'first' book, which her mother bound with cotton thread.




The first person to come to me and tell me at what age did Jane write her 'first' book, will win a treat.

If you would like to see Jane again, she will be signing books at the Waipara Valley Farmers Market in Amberley on Saturday 16th July from 10.00am - 1.00pm.

Harry's Hair is available to borrow from the KNS Library. Reserve it now!

GIRLS - ARE YOU PLANNING A PARTY? If so, this is the book for you!

This is a fantastic book with loads of party ideas from invitations, decorations, party food, activities, party themes and recipes ideas! (all age appropriate)

How about a disco party? - calling all divas and divos.... slip into your 70's clothes, put on your dancing shoes and boogie on down to the hottest party in town.

I wish there was a book like this when I was young and planning my parties!

Reserve it now :-)
Mrs Lynskey

THE INDIGO BIRD written by Helen Taylor

We have a lovely new New Zealand picture book in the library - The Indigo Bird. It is written and illustrated by a local Christchurch author Helen Taylor.
Fantail is looking for Takahe but where can he be?

Is he playing with Weka in the snow or maybe dancing with Kakapo in the glow of the moon?

Perhaps his is splashing through puddles with long-legged Pukeko?

Look Carefully and you'll see that perhaps he has been right here, all along.

'KIA ORA' - to all our international viewers of the KNS Library Blog

'Kia ora' to you all from us at Kaiapoi North School, New Zealand. We would love for you to comment on anything you see on our blog or recommend any books from your own countries.

We have had people from the United States, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, United Kingdom, Thailand, South Korea, France, Russia and our neighbours - Australia, visit our blog.

Enjoy!

BOOTSIE THE KING written by Mike James

For all of you who have enjoyed reading the first three 'Bootsie' books, I have good news! The fourth book is now available from Australia and on it's way to us here at KNS. Reserve it now!

ROOM ON THE BROOM written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Another wonderfully witty story written by Julia Donaldson (creator of The Gruffalo)

The Witch had a cat and a very tall hat, And long ginger hair which she wore in a plait.

How the cat purred and how the witch grinned, As they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind.

Click on the play button below and hear the story (audio version)

HARRY'S HAIR written by Jane Buxton and illustrated by Jenny Cooper

I was lucky enough to attend the book launch for the new picture book 'Harry's Hair' last night in Christchurch. I met the author and illustrator who signed our copy for the library :-)

Harry wouldn't brush his hair, young Harry Brown just didn't care. When Harry refuses to brush his hair, it's not long before a family of birds moves in - then a couple of chinchillas, some lizards and who knows what else?

Mrs Lynskey

CHINESE CINDERELLA, The Mystery of the Song Dynasty Painting. By Adeline Yen Mah

Feng Jie (Chinese Cinderella) has a very bad fall and is whisked away to hospital. While she is recovering she sees a copy of an ancient painting, ‘Along the River at Qing Ming’. This causes her to have vivid dreams as she goes in and out of consciousness. During hypnotherapy she talks of a time many years ago and the adventures of another girl. Is she dreaming, or has Feng Jie a lived a previous life?

About the author from adelineyenmah.com/about
"Adeline Yen Mah was born in Tianjin, China. She lived in Shanghai as a child and moved to Hong Kong at age eleven. At fourteen, she won a writing competition, which convinced her father to send her to study in England. She attended London Hospital Medical School, graduated as a physician and established a thriving medical practice in California. She worked as an anesthesiologist at West Anaheim Community Hospital and became chief of anesthesia."

Mrs Greenfield

Chinese Cinderella, by Adeline Yen Mah

In this book Adeline Yen Mah (her Chinese name is Jun-ling) describes her life in China during the Second World War. She was born into a rich and privileged family but was thought to be bad luck due to the death of her mother during complications in giving birth to her. She was neglected by her father, Joseph Yen, a successful businessman, and her brothers and sisters. When her father remarried, "Niang" (Mother) treats her and her siblings coldly while spoiling her own children and Jun-ling's older sister. Eventually she is sent to live at a boarding school in Hong Kong, where she is really happy. Her friends become suspicious because no-one visits her or brings her gifts.
A very interesting and informative read.
Mrs Greenfield

BOOK FAIR / BOOK WEEK 4-8 JULY

Hi everyone,

Our 'Book Fair' which is during book week, is fast approaching!

We will have special guests coming to KNS, who will be reading to our students, competitions, fun activities and we will finish the week off with a 'book character' parade with a sausage sizzle fundraising lunch - yummy!

There will also be refreshments for all adults who visit our book fair after the parade.

Please let all your family and friends know about our 'book fair'. The more books that are purchased, benefits our school library which is used by all the students here at KNS.

Start thinking about what you will wear to the parade!

Mrs Lynskey :-)

ERIC written by Shaun Tan

Eric is eternally curious and effortlessly charming - a house guest whose approach to the world will capture your heart.

About the Author
Shaun Tan's stunning picture books and illustrated fiction have delighted readers of all ages around the world. His multi-award winning titles include Tales from Outer Suburbia, The Lost Thing (also mentioned on our blog) The Red Tree and The Arrival.

STUDENT LIBRARIAN - BOOK REVIEWS

Don't forget to get your book reviews in, which have been signed by a parent.

I will supply the photo.

If your parent/caregiver does not want your photo included in the review, that is ok. Just return the signed form which states NO PHOTO.

Thanks, Mrs Lynskey

OUR 'SHAKY' LUNCHBREAK IN THE LIBRARY TODAY

A huge thank you to all the amazing students and in particular, the student librarians, who were so calm when we had to leave the library today. You all showed fantastic 'leadership' skills under pressure. Well done!

I am very proud :-) from Mrs Lynskey

MYSTERY QUESTION PRIZE DRAW

The winner of the mystery question prize draw is HAMISH CURRIE from room 18. Congratulations Hamish, and thanks to all students who entered.

ANGUS, THONGS AND PERFECT SNOGGING written by Louise Rennison

The series, based on the diaries of 'Georgia Nicolson', are hilariously funny and suited for our senior students. Along with 'Angus, thongs and perfect snogging' we also have 'It's OK, I'm wearing really big knickers!', 'Knocked out by my nunga-nunga's', 'Dancing in my nuddy-pants', 'Luuurve is a many trousered thing...', 'Stop in the name of pants' and 'Are these my basoomas I see before me?'

Have you seen the movie? Watch the trailer..

KOREAN SECTION

We have a 'Korean' stand in our library which includes books and information about the country of Korea.

As you will all know, we have many Korean international students throughout the year here at KNS. This stand is to ensure that our students feel included and gives our 'Kiwi' students a chance to learn more about Korea.

GERONIMO STILTON

One of the most popular books in the library (for boys and girls) would have to be the Geronimo Stilton series. I have purchased two new graphic novels - 'The Coliseum Con' and 'The Great Ice Age'. Both will be processed and available to borrow soon!

Click on the title: 'Geronimo Stilton' and it will link you to a trailer.

FLIP-O-SAURUS

I found this cool new book in Australia. It is a junior picture book, but would also be fun for our older students. Flip the pages and see what dinosaur you can make!

HELLO FROM AUSTRALIA

Hi everyone. I am having a great time here in Sydney. I have bought some cool books that I haven't seen in New Zealand - so come on in to see them and be the first to reserve them. I will be back Wednesday!

Mrs Lynskey:-)

THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET written by Brian Selznick

Mr Marriott (RTlit) has just shown me this amazing book. Watch the trailer and reserve it now for when it arrives in our library.

STUDENT LIBRARIAN - Layton Room 18

Layton is our first student librarian to publish a book review on our blog page.

Layton's favourite book is 'The Cheese Pyramid' by Geronimo Stilton.

Layton really likes this books because "It is interesting and it has a lot of comedy. The rest of the series are also funny".

Layton would recommend this book to "year 5 and over"

Thank you Layton for your review. If this sounds like a book for you, reserve it now!

FREAK STREET

For the 'Freak Street' fans - we have four new Time Machine books - Aliensons, Zombiesons, Wizardsons and Humansons - reserve your copy now!

MADE BY ME - A stitch-by-stitch guide to knitting, sewing and embroidery

This is a lovely new book which guides you through the techniques of knitting, sewing and embroidery.

I am sure this book with be very popular with the 'crafty' students at KNS. Reserve it now!

I would like to run some sewing classes during lunchtimes. Let me know if you would be keen to take part:-)

This is certainly one of my favourite non-fiction books in our library!

Mrs Lynskey