Mrs Patterson's Picks

An Eagle in the Snow by Michael Morpurgo


"1940 - The train is under attack from German fighters. In the darkness sheltering in a railway tunnel, the stranger in the carriage with Barney and his mother tells them a story to pass the time.  And what a story.  The story of a young man,  a young solider in the trenches of World War I who, on the spur of the moment, had done what he thought was the right thing.

It turned out to have been the worst mistake he could ever have made - a mistake he must put right before it is too late ..."

Once again Michael Morpurgo has written another fascinating book which won't stay on the shelves long.  Look out for all his books in the library!



Dragons at Crumbling Castle by Terry Pratchett




"Dragons have invaded Crumbling Castle, and all of King Arthurs knights are either on holiday or visiting their grannies.  It's a disaster! Luckily, there's a spare suit of armour and a very small boy called Ralph who's willing to fill it.  Together with Fortnight the Friday knight and Fossfiddle the wizard, Ralph sets out to defeat the fearsome fire-breathers.
But there's a teeny weeny surprise in store .......

Fourteen brilliant stories from master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett"



The Ghosts of Tarawera by Sue Copsey



Senior fiction readers .... Looking for a spooky adventure read then this could be the book.  "Read it at night, if you dare"

"On holiday near Rotorua, Joe and Eddie are fascinated by the area's bubbling mud pools and boiling geysers. Local volcanologist Rocky tells them about the Pink and White terraces that existed on the lake where they're staying, and how they were destroyed in the cataclysmic 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera.

But Joe's fascination turns to unease when strange sightings on the lake and dark rumblings from the earth hint that the volcano is reawakening.  Can he persuade Rocky, who puts his faith only in science, to sound a warning?"

Stitch by Stitch by Jane Bull



If you love crafts like embroidery, crochet, patchwork, applique, knitting and needlepoint then this is the book for you.  Lots of creative ideas for beginners that will inspire you to have a go.  


Pig the winner by Aaron Blabey



Each time I see a new picture book by the creator of Pig the Pug I can't wait to have a read and Pig the Winner is no exception.

"Won't he ever learn?!
Pig, the world's greediest Pug,
won't play fair.
He"ll do anything to win!"

Funny and filled with great illustrations this will become another favourite in the Pig the Pug series.  Look out for it today or better still come grab it for your class bookshelf!! 




Trash by Andy Mulligan





Senior fiction readers looking for something new to read should try "Trash".  It is a really good read.  It is about three boys living in a trash dump.  To survive, each day is spent sifting through rubbish looking for that special find.  To them trash means cash.  One day they find a small leather bag which contains a wallet, a map and key and within hours the police are also and at the site looking for the same bag. And so the adventure begins ...






Extreme Motorbikes



A book "packed full of incredible information about fast and flashy racing machines. Find out which are the speediest bikes on the track and how to perform a knee slide round a corner".  Great colour photographs of some amazing bikes.

Customised Cars



This is definitely one for the boys!  Packed with facts and figures about some of the world's fastest, most powerful cars.  Included are lots of colourful photographs of cars such as the Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche.  Be in quick this won't be on the shelf long!


100 Things to know about science 



If you love science and especially love interesting facts then this is the book for you.  Included are topics that will inspire you to want to know more.  For example do you know that
  • The earth's surface is mostly water
  • Telescopes look back in time
  • Fireworks are 1,000,000,000 times louder than talking
  • Jupiter has 67 moons
  • Spider silk is twice as strong as steel wire
Stuck for a science fair project .... then this could be just what you need!



The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart



For those senior readers looking for a book similar to John Green's "Fault in the Stars" why not try "The Honest Truth".  A heart-warming story about a boy and his loyal dog and true friends.


"Mark is like anyone else his age.  He loves his dog, his best friend Jessie and hiking.  But he also has cancer.

When his illness returns, he decides he's had enough of hospitals and treatments.  So Mark runs away from it all, with just his small dog for company - and a plan to climb to the top of Mount Rainier, even if it's the last thing he does ..."


Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabley


One of the funniest picture books I have read in ages.  Pig the Pug is a hilarious read about learning to share.  Filled with some awesome illustrations this is sure to become a favourite picture book with many!











The Beginner's guide to rugby by Aaron Cruden



"How do you pass a rugby ball?"
"How do you take a drop kick?"
"How do you tackle a flying flanker?"




A great wee book for keen rugby players with lots of instructions and coloured step-by step  pictures to help improve your game.  Aaron Crudens' book also includes lots of fun facts about rugby and a little bit of background on how he became the great player he is today.

If you love rugby or are just an All Black fan, you will love to flick through this appealing book.




Dragon Knight Series by Kyle Mewburn & Donovan Bixley





New Zealand author Kyle Mewburn has produced another fun series for young readers.  Short and easy to read this "medieval adventure series" has awesome illustrations by Donovan Bixley.  Look out for the first book in the series "Fire" on the new book stand today.  It won't be there long!!

"Merek and his family are shape-shifting dragons, living in a human world. It is Mereks heartfelt desire to become a knight and when he gets chosen for Knight School, he thinks all his dreams have come true. But trying to keep his dragon identity secret - in an occupation that routinely sets out to vanquish dragons - proves a real test for the young trainee knight. "


Off loading with Sonny Bill Williams


Definitely one for the boys.  Filled with some great coloured photographs and facts about one of your favourite sports stars.  The blurb reads:

"Off loading with Sonny Bill Williams is the incredible story of how a determined and humble young man became a champion in three different sports ... and one of the most sought after athletes in the world!  Learn how Sonny did it and how you can achieve your dreams through hard work too."

Goth Girl Series by Chris Riddell


Chris Riddell won the 2013 Costa Childrens Book Award with Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse.  It is one of those books that you just have to pick up because of the pretty cover.  Inside you will find beautiful illustrations by Chris Riddell and a funny story with lots of puns.

Definitely a series you will want to try.







Time Hunters Series by Chris Blake

The library has the first five books in this new series which is proving really popular.  The first book is Gladiator Clash.

"Join Tom on an incredible treasure hunt through time and battle history's mightiest warriors."  Perfect for fans of Beast Quest.

Minecraft Handbooks - Combat and Construction 



Everyone's talking about MINECRAFT!! 
Look out for these step-by-step guides detailing how to create some of the most amazing things!

Big Nate : Mr Popularity by Lincoln Peirce


For Comic Lovers a new read from Lincoln Peirce in full colour.  "Nate's decided to run for office! Will he triumph over the more popular kids?  With Francis's help he just might have a winning chance."  This is racing off the shelves!




Shrunk! by F.R. Hitchcock


Tom makes a wish on a shooting star and suddenly has the power to shrink things.  The first thing he shrinks is Jupiter, then some sheep and a book.  Shrunk is full of humour and fun with a likeable main character.  If your looking for something similar to David Walliams then this may be the book for you!



Wonder by R.J. Palacio




A moving and uplifting story of August Pullman, a boy born with a facial deformity, that has prevented him going to school - that is until now.  The story follows his ups and downs as he tries to get others to see him as a normal kid, not something frightening or scary.  A book about fitting in and handling the bullies.  A must read!!!


Great things to do outside : 365 awesome outdoor activities





Look out for this great wee book packed with ideas on exciting activities you can do outside all year round!  Grab it today and find something fun to do outside.

Demon Dentist by David Walliams






Looking for something funny to read .... then check out David Walliams'  new book Demon Dentist.

The main character in the book is Alfie and one of the things he really hates is visiting the dentist.
  
There is a new dentist in town called Miss Root.  Alfie and a little girl called Gabz are the only ones who seem to notice the dentist's peculiar behaviour.  What is she up to? What will she do to poor Alfie? 
  
This is one of those books you won't be able to put down.  Filled with some funny characters this won't be on the shelf long. 


 





Wearable Wonders by Fifi Colston








Be inspired by Wearable Art designer Fifi Colston as she shows you how to make some amazing costumes from recycled materials.  The Wellington World of Wearable Arts show has become famous, not only in New Zealand but overseas.  Designers showcase imaginative garments using materials we wouldn't even think of using on costumes!

This book has lots of background information on the Wearable Arts Show and a section from Sir Richard Taylor and the award winning Weta Workshops which has made costumes for such movies as Lord of the Rings.  Most importantly there is heaps of ideas to help you make your own costumes.  So take a look and get creative.

 

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen






In a medieval kingdom, a devious nobleman plots to gain control of a country, by searching for a boy to impersonate a kings lost son.  After scouring  the land he finds three orphans and forces them to compete for the role.  This action packed adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat.  This is the first book in the Ascendance Trilogy.  A series not to be missed!!

 

 

 

 Weird and Wonderful Animals by Brenda Clarke








"Which insect can lift 850 times it's own weight?
Which monkeys make snowballs?
Where do baby crocodiles hide to stay safe?
How do killer whales talk to one another?"

Packed with facts about intriguing animals of the world.  This is a great read - the photos are amazing.




 NZ Picture Books

Look out for some of these new picture books in our library by amazing New Zealand authors.














Bruiser by Gavin Bishop
Bruiser is a digger charged with building a motorway, a machine with a mission, ploughing up hillsides, trampling down paddocks and rushing rocks.  Definitely one for the boys with great pictures

















My Dad's a dragon catcher by Tanya Batt

"Toby's dad is a dragon catcher.  He wears a dragon-protection suit and even his undies are fireproof - at least, that's what Toby tells his friends.  But when Ms Deard's announces Father's Day at school Toby panics.  Will his friends find out the truth?"


CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE DINOSAUR FUN


 http://www.dinosaur-rescue.com/




Dinosaur Rescue Series by Kyle Mewburn



Fans of Captain Underpants and Dirty Bertie novels will love the new Dinosaur rescue series by New Zealand author Kyle Mewburn.  These books are filled with adventure, lots of laughs and funny illustrations.  BE QUICK .... they are not on the shelf long.

 

 Billie B Brown by Sally Rippin



BEGINNER READERS - look out for two new series in our library Billie B Brown and Hey Jack.  Short chapter books with great illustrations. 



 Gangsta Granny by David Williams





It is easy to see why David Williams' books are proving so popular.  Gangsta Granny has it all - funny bits ... exciting bits ..... and sad bits.  A lovely story about a boy who discovers his granny is not just an old lady who wants to play scrabble and eat cabbage soup.  In fact she is a jewel thief and together they go on a jewel quest to steal the crown jewels.  Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize this is definitely a great read. 




The Tomorrow Girls Series by Eva Gray







Proving very popular this term is the Tomorrow Girls series by Eva Gray.  A quick read with a mysterious plot and plenty of cliff-hangers, leaving the reader wanting more.

Set in a futuristic world in the middle of a war, the story revolves around best friends Louisa and Maddie who are sent off to a boarding school to be safe. They have to pretend to be twins which adds to the adventure.  The school is not what they expect.  There are no computers, TV or contact with home - "it's for there own safety - or is it?"   Try the first book in the series - Behind the Gates



 

The Silly Goat Gruff by Scott Tulloch

 



"Over the bridge where the hills were rough,
where there wasn't much food (not nearly enough).
Where things were bad, and times were tough .....
lived Willy and Billy and Silly Goat Gruff.
Look out for this new picture book by Scott Tulloch.  A bit of a twist on the original Billy Goats Gruff with a goat that can yodel and do kung fu.  Great pictures  with a fun rhyming text.




 Clover Twig and the magical cottage  by Kaye Umansky





A story about a clever girl named Clover who takes a job as a house-keeper for Mrs Eckles, a messy witch .  While she is away,  she must defend the magical cottage from the evil witch Mesmeranza.  This is a fun adventure full of some amazing characters.  Look out for it today.



New Zealand Authors - Susan Brocker






This term  year 7 & 8 have been reading books by New Zealand authors.  They have been lucky enough to have  had a visit by NZ author Des Hunt, whose books are very popular in our library.  Another NZ author proving popular is Susan Brocker.  She writes both fiction and non-fiction books on a range of topics including conservation and animals.  Look out for The Wolf in the Wardrobe, Saving Sam and The Drovers Quest all great reads expecially if you are an animal lover.

 

London Olympics 2012






Make sure you check out our Olympic display when visiting the library this month.  You will find lots of information about the New Zealand team and interesting facts on the London 2012 games.  Go New Zealand!!




Lone Wolf by Kathryn Lasky

 

From best selling author Kathryn Lasky comes the first book in a new series - Wolves of the Beyond.  This book is a spin off from her owl series Guardians of the Ga'hoole, now a movie.

A wolf mother has given birth, but the warm bundle brings only anguish, for she knows her otherwise healthy pup has a twisted leg and according to the harsh code of the wolf pack he will be abandoned.


Alone in the wilderness, the wolf pup Faolan is quickly adopted by a heartbroken grizzly bear affectionately known as Thunderheart.  A story of survival, love and courage.  Look out for the first three books in this exciting new series.

 

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

We have a rather old copy of this book on our shelves.  One you might overlook if you were looking for something to read.  Recommended to me by Mrs Blackmore, this is a timeless tale.  Winner of the Guardian childrens fiction prize.  It is the story of Willie Beech, evacuated from London during World War two and sent to live with the rather grumpy Tom Oakley in the country.  It is a lovely story full of characters you will either love or hate.  There are moments of great joy and sadness.  A story you will not forget.  I think we need to get a new copy!  Look for it in our lexile section at 760.

 

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick



Look out for this new book in our library.  The illustrations are amazing!!  Wonderstruck is two stories, told 50 years apart.

Rose's story is told in pictures
Ben's story is told in words

Both have one thing in common - both are deaf.  A story about two deaf children exploring Manhatten Here's a preview of this amazing book.

 

  

Demolition by Sally Sutton Illustrated by Brian Lovelock



A fun picture book for boys and girls which describes the demolition of an old building to make way for a playground.  Beautifully illustrated with lots of machinery sounds and pictures to compliment the story.





The Travelling Restaurant by Barbara Else

Written by New Zealand author Barbara Else, the Travelling Restaurant is a magical tale you are sure to enjoy.

When 12 year old Jasper Ludlow's parents flee the city, he gets left behind and finds safety on the travelling restaurant, a sailing ship captained by Dr Rocket.  Jasper faces many challenges,  whirlpools, hungry pirates and storms.  Why is Lady Gall hunting him and his family?  Who can he trust?  Shortlisted for the NZ Post Book Awards this book comes highly recommended.



The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane.  The rabbit was very pleased with himself,  and for good reason : he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost ....

A lovely wee story about a china rabbit's adventure in a sometimes harsh world.  This is a timeless tale which won the 2006 Boston Globe-Horn book award for fiction.  Beautifully illustrated it is one of those books you can't put down.



 

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo


War Horse has to be one of the best books I have read this year.  It follows a horse and a boy, from a farm in Devon, England to the battlefields of World War 1 in France.

It is told through the eyes of the horse, is action packed and is one of those stories that will appeal to both boys and girls.

War Horse gives readers an insight into the conditions faced on the front line by both sides.  A heart warming read your sure to love.







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