Fendalton Open-Air School Library Blog

Grimson

2011-02-07T13:34:00.002+13:00

Grimsdon
by Deborah Abela

The billionaire's curse

2011-01-30T14:56:00.008+13:00

This is the first book trailer for the year. The Billionaire's Curse by Richard Newsome. Of course, we have the book in the library and from the trailer it looks like a good one to read. We also have the second book in the series.

What would you do if you inherited a billion dollars?

Why not make your own book trailer?

Welcome to 2011

2011-01-25T14:00:00.006+13:00

Yes it is the start of a new year and remember lots of new books in our lovely new library. Hope you all had a chance to enjoy some reading over the holidays. Why not send me a review or come and tell me about your reading in the library next week.
I did find this wonderful site on youtube about book dominoes. Brilliant - but do not try this in the library.
Just click on the black screen and it will start up.
Thanks to King's High school library for the link.
Enjoy the new term everyone.

Holidays are here

2010-12-17T09:07:00.003+13:00

Today is the last day of term and we had a special visitor escorting the children across the road.
Santa, alias Mr McKinnel, our wonderful caretaker and his helper brightened up everyone's day on this last wet school day of the year.
Have a safe and happy Christmas and I hope you find a good book in your Christmas stocking.
Happy reading.

Quaky cat

2010-12-14T13:52:00.005+13:00

14 December 2010

Last week we were lucky to meet Diana Noonan at the opening of our new library. Diana was in Christchurch to launch her new book Quaky cat which is illustrated by Gavin Bishop. This book was written for everyone in Christchurch who went through the disastrous 7.1 earthquake on September 4 this year. As a way of helping children deal with this disaster and the continued aftershocks, Scholastic have given a copy to all year one and two children in the earthquake area. This is a wonderful book and many of you will have read it by now as the books were given out on Friday.
Only Christchurch businesses were used and both the author and illustrator are donating all their royalties to charity.

Many of us can relate to our pet cats and dogs going missing in the earthquake and this book reassures us everything will be okay in the end.

You can even buy copies of the artwork in this book from www.gavinbishop.com
You can also see the original artwork on display at the Te Tai Tamariki Gallery, First floor 87 Victoria St
Christchurch. Open 14 - 24th December
5-29 January Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm

Opening of the new library

2010-12-14T13:35:00.004+13:00

Well the long wait is over and we have had our official opening.
It was a great day with the sun shining and a gentle breeze.
Miles Kau Kau blessed the new library.
Our kapahaka children performed wonderfully.
Then we were so lucky so have Diana Noonan talk about what libraries and books meant to her when she was a child.
Diana Noonan has written a number of children's books including "The best loved bear".

The children also handed over a cheque to Mr Sibson for $30,000. This was money for the new library which was raised by the brilliant PTA team. Without their help we would not have the lovely new furniture or shelving.
Thank you to everyone involved.

Shadow

2010-11-23T13:05:00.006+13:00

23 November 2010

Shadow

by Michael Morpurgo

This is a story told in three voices. Matt, his grandfather and Matt's best friend Aman.

Aman's story of his life in Afghanistan is awful. There is poverty and war and the struggle for survival. There is also the devotion of a stray dog, Aman names Shadow. There is life in England until Aman is snatched away and placed in Yarls Wood detention centre. There is so much in this book that you just need to read it to find out how wonderful it is.

Michael Morpurgo is a brilliant writer. Check out his site.

You can also take a look at an interview he did on why he wrote Shadow.

Library open

2010-11-17T12:05:00.005+13:00

17 November 2010

Finally we are open. We will have an official opening soon with guests and heaps of new books.

We are also waiting for a few things to arrive but its open for business.

First to arrive were the eager readers keen to try out the new library.

Then came Room 8 who gave it a thumbs up.

2010-11-17T12:05:00.001+13:00

Storytelling in the library

2010-11-11T14:49:00.003+13:00

11 November 2010

Storytellers from the Christchurch city libraries are Making the most of our old library before we move into the new one. Zac and Megan delight the children with stories and audience participation. Just look at their smiles.

In a week or so we will be in our new library so it was a lovely way to end many already happy years in the old library.

Shelving arrives

2010-11-04T11:20:00.002+13:00

4 November 2010

The new shelving has arrived and is going up today. Won't be long now before we are moving the books in.

And the move continues

2010-10-29T09:36:00.002+13:00

29 October 2010

Take a look at Kevin and Paul our caretakers lending a hand.

The School Journals have arrived and are being sorted by helpful parents.

Welcome back to Term 4

2010-10-12T14:57:00.003+13:00

October 2010

This is the term we have been waiting for. Our new library is almost finished and we are preparing to move.

The resource room is now in boxes and the shelves have been dismantled ready to be put up in the new resource room.

Just think about all the brand new books available when we open the new library soon.

2010-09-20T13:20:00.004+12:00

20 September 2010

Daisy's maze

by Kyle Mewburn

"Daisy lived at the top of a very tall tower, in the middle of a maze.

Every Tuesday, her friends would come to tea, but they would be so tired after their long trip through the maze and tower that they'd fall asleep."

Mr Page read this book to us.

Here are some of the things we thought.

It was exciting! It was amazing! It is a very good maze. He used very descriptive words.

Five out of five.

If you want to know what happens to Daisy - visit the library and read the book.

Room 12

After the earthquake!

2010-09-14T14:25:00.004+12:00

14 September 2010

Yes! At 4.35 am on Saturday 4th September a major earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand. At 7.1 magnitude it toppled buildings, homes, ripped open roads and left everyone terrified. BUT everyone is alive.

Most people now have power and water back on and most children are back at school although sadly some schools may have to be demolished and rebuilt.

This natural disaster will be part of New Zealand's history and in time much will be written about it but in the mean time there are plenty - thousands actually - of other books in the library.

Here are some of room 7's children relaxing in the library.

Pop in and get some out. It is a great way to relax after such an event.

Monster revenge

2010-09-02T13:08:00.005+12:00

Monster revenge

by Dean Lorey

This is book two in the Nightmare Academy series

This was really cool and interesting. It had lots of different monsters.

Charlie, Violet and Theodore have to fight hydras to get the milk off the mother hydra to save

the guardian. Lots of adventure.

Jacob S aged 10

Dean Lorey has a great website if you like monsters.

Great site for reading activities

2010-08-25T09:00:00.002+12:00

Meet Roy the zebra and have fun with reading, phonics, and many online games.

This will also be added to the homework page. Already becoming very popular. Give it a go.

So true

2010-08-24T11:37:00.002+12:00

Quote heard from Jessica today when told to go back to class after a library visit.

"I hate having to stop reading""

Very true Jessica!!

Kyle Mewburn

2010-08-23T13:32:00.005+12:00

23 August 2010

Wow! We loved him. He was so funny and so entertaining.

He told us stories and read some of his books.

We have lots of his books in the library and if you want to know more you can go to his website.

This is Kyle signing his winning book Old Hu-hu for Carmel.

Book week competition winners will be announced at assembly on Friday so if you entered any listen out for your name.

Dust cover competition

2010-08-19T14:24:00.002+12:00

Take a look at what Alex T and Henry H from room 10 have done.

This is their dust cover for the book Pencil of Doom by Andy Griffiths

Bob Docherty

2010-08-18T11:50:00.005+12:00

We were lucky to have Bob Docherty visit us as part of book week. He was brilliant. Bob enthralled us with his reviews. There were queues next day to get out the books he spoke about.

Most common words today are - "Have you got that book Bob talked about, you know the one about...."

Wonderful. Thanks Bob

You can read some of Bob's other book reviews on his blog.

Book week

2010-08-18T11:42:00.003+12:00

18 August 2010

Yes. It's finally here and the place is buzzing.

We have heaps of competitions; guess the teacher reading the book, book trailers, design a camp, 50 word txt stories, and heaps more.

The book sale is going well and lunch time crowds are crazy. Thanks to everyone who has bought books. This is our library fundraiser and it all goes to new books for our new library.

I believe in unicorns

2010-08-12T12:17:00.004+12:00

12 August 2010

I believe in unicorns

by Michael Morpurgo

I really liked this book. It is so good how they were so determined to save the books. It was so good I'm reading it again and I only finished it yesterday.

Sophie W age 9

Rangers apprentice power point

2010-08-06T14:14:00.000+12:00

The Nest

2010-08-03T09:51:00.004+12:00

Books! Prizes! News!

Yes - simply by signing up to The Nest you can enter the draw to win a Puffin book a month for a year.

But you have to do it soon. Closes on the 31st August 2010.

Even if you don't win you can still get the newsletter. All the information you want on new books for young readers. That's you - so sign up today and be in to win.

There are also some fun activities to look at on the Penguin site.

Mystery of the spiteful letters : Power point

2010-07-23T12:04:00.000+12:00

Catkid

2010-07-22T09:19:00.003+12:00

Catkid: The fishy field trip

by Brian James

I love the way the author wrote the book and the attitude he put into it.

Here's an example.

"Please! Please! Pretty please with sugar and sardines on top" (page 17).

Catkid is half human and half cat.

By Katie W in Room 8

Maths holiday fun

2010-06-30T10:15:00.003+12:00

Just for something different to do during the holidays.

Multiplication cloud game. Race the clock in a great times table game. Just don't get hit by lightning.

I like the cloud game because it helps me with my maths and it's fun. Everyone should try it.

From Jack age 11

New library

2010-06-30T09:59:00.003+12:00

The new library is progressing well.

We look forward to the opening sometime next term.

Holidays coming up

2010-06-24T14:15:00.004+12:00

Yes

The holidays are nearly here.

Check out some of the fun activities on these sites to do on those cold winter days. Post a comment if you have enjoyed them so others might also want to have a play.

Don't forget there are many more in the authors page.

Donated books

2010-06-17T12:04:00.003+12:00

17 June 2010

As we all know our new library is nearing completion. It still has a way to go but we are busy buying new books for the library. Take a look at the photo of some of the new books being donated by children and families from school. It is a great response so thank you to everyone who has very kindly supported us in this way. You can still donate books if you want. Check out the wish list in the school office. We have titles of new books we would like and titles of some of our favourites which are very old and much-loved but need replacing. It will be very exciting to see so many new books when we open our new library.

FIFA World Cup 2010

2010-06-10T09:01:00.004+12:00

10 June 2010

Well World Cup fever has hit. Our English principal Mr Sibson is all prepared to sit up at 4 am in the morning to watch all the games. But you won't miss out if you don't get up in the middle of the night as you can keep up to date with the games by checking out the FIFA website.

One of our caretakers, Mr Walker has made a wonderful world cup to add to our display. Pop in to the library to look at all the books on football, many of them are new books.

Agent Amelia

2010-06-01T08:42:00.005+12:00

Ghost diamond

by Michael Broad

This is my book review of agent Amelia.

I really enjoyed agent Amelia. My favourite one so far is Hypo Hounds, I have also read Ghost Diamonds.

This 9 year old girl is a secret agent.She has lots of adventures from lost cats to evil weeds.She always has a cunning disguise up her sleeve.If you enjoy funny agent stories this a book for you!

I rate this book 5/5

From Hannah

Thanks, Hannah for this great review. Do you know you can check out Amelia's website with cool things to do? You can also read about the author too.

Waiwetu St Washers

2010-05-31T09:09:00.004+12:00

Last Saturday Hailey, Hilary and Gabby washed about 15 cars to raise money to buy books for our brand new library. Aren't they amazing. We, in Village 22, are very proud of their efforts and challenge other children to think of a way to raise money for even more books.

New Zealand Post book awards results

2010-05-20T11:07:00.005+12:00

20 May 2010

Results are in and I am very pleased to see Old Hu-hu by Kyle Mewburn won the Picture book category award as well as the New Zealand Post children's book of the year for 2010.

The illustrations are beautiful and many classes shared this delightful and thought provoking book during their library visits.

The wonky donkey by Craig Smith won children's choice but if you want to find out the rest of the results check out the Booksellers website.

Margaret Mahy shares in the celebration

2010-05-10T09:17:00.011+12:00

10 May 2010

Puffin books have just turned 70. They have published some of the best picture books throughout the years and you can check out some of them on their website. Be sure to take a look at their playground. Heaps of things to do.

They have just reprinted three of Margaret Mahy's much loved and out-of-print books.

The witch in the cherry tree, The boy who was followed home as seen above and The three-legged cat. Each of these will be in our library very soon but there are many, many more of her books in our library.

Here's Margaret Mahy, signing a copy of The witch in the cherry tree for our school, assisted by her constant companion, Honey the dog. Margaret came along to the Children's bookshop in Christchurch to help celebrate Puffin's 70th birthday.

And here is where you can find out more about Margaret Mahy.

Picking new titles

2010-05-04T13:26:00.005+12:00

4 May 2010

Scholastic standing orders arrived today. These are new books sent out to subscribing schools. One of the best things about this job is buying new books.

Alex is helping choose titles to keep for our library.

It is thanks to everyone at school who buys books in the Scholastic Lucky Book Club that we get enough points to purchase many of the titles for free.

Cultural festival

2010-04-30T09:01:00.005+12:00

30 April 2010

This term our focus is on different cultures.

We will be having a festival and food tasting among other exciting things.

How many different nationalities can you see in the photos on this display in the library?

Back to school

2010-04-20T12:14:00.003+12:00

20 April 2010

Welcome back to the second term.

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and had plenty of time to read.

Our new library looks different every day. Take a look at what the builders did over the holidays.

We can see things beginning to take shape.

The crane arrives

2010-04-01T09:47:00.004+13:00

Last week saw the crane arrive much to the delight of our 500 students who watched with eager anticipation.

It is great that the children can see the day to day progression of our new library.

We will be on holiday for the next two weeks so it will be interesting to see how far the builders have progressed when we come back.

Katie's book review

2010-03-26T10:28:00.003+13:00

26 March 2010

The green wind and the wind is silver by Thurley Fowler

This book is about a dream maker. Jennifer turns a dream paddock into a real garden.

I like the book because the girl becomes a dream maker.

Review by Katie

Construction sites

2010-03-19T15:09:00.003+13:00

19 March 2010

With all the talk and action in the school yard at the moment about our new library it was time to put up a display on construction sites. A huge big thank you to Paul our assistant caretaker for putting together such a great display.

The children coming into the library just point and go "Wow".

And we begin

2010-03-19T14:58:00.003+13:00

19 March 2010

The workmen began this week. They brought the safety fences in and then the digger and now they are working on the foundations.

The children love watching the men work.

New library begins

2010-03-17T11:38:00.002+13:00

17 March 2010

Watch this space. This is where it is all happening.

Before your eyes this space will be transformed into the new Fendalton school library.

Charlie Small

2010-03-15T09:22:00.004+13:00

13 March 2010

Amongst our new books on display this week is The Underworld (book five) in the Charlie Small Journals.

Charlie is an explorer and an adventurer. He encounters monstrous creatures and evil villains on his travels.

He has a very cool website you can check out and even sign up for newsletters.

Millie comes visiting

2010-03-02T13:42:00.004+13:00

2 March 2010

Our regular local cat Millie, came visiting in the library today. After slobbering kisses all over the librarian Millie was later found out the back curled up in a bean bag fast asleep. Deciding she no longer wanted to be alone Millie came back into the library and plonked herself on the circulation desk where she was sure of getting attention from every student.

Here is Millie with Annabelle and Jacob from Room 11.

Percy Jackson hits NZ

2010-02-12T09:17:00.006+13:00

12 February 2010

The much anticipated movie Percy Jackson and the lightening thief is finally here.

The books are brilliant and if you loved Harry Potter you will definitely love Percy Jackson. The books are full of suspense and intrigue, mythical creatures and demigods, like himself. These are the books you just can't put down.

Check out the movie trailer.

We have all the books here in the library. There is always a high demand so get in quick.

The author, Rick Riordan also has a great website where you can find out about his latest books.

Welcome back to a new school year

2010-02-04T09:55:00.005+13:00

4 February 2010
It is wonderful to see our students excited and eager to be back at school.

This is going to be a great year for us here at Fendalton as we watch the progression of our new library.

They haven't started building yet but they soon will and we will take lots of photos to keep you well informed.

Check out last year's Room 11 students gardening outside the library just before Christmas.

The year will also see us purchase heaps of wonderful new books for our library so keep watching this space.

Summer holidays

2010-01-06T21:36:00.002+13:00

We are all on summer break right now. Check back at the beginning of February when we sign in for a new year at school.
I do hope you come back all ready to go for the new year. Let me know which was your favourite book you read over the holidays.
Happy reading.
See you back at school soon.

Christmas fun in the library

2009-12-09T13:19:00.005+13:00

9 December 2009

Right in the middle of a stocktake with books stacked everywhere, Room 8 piled in to the library today. We blasted the library with Christmas songs, singing Santa's and children creatively making Christmas cards. It was lovely to watch.

Duncan Ball

2009-12-06T09:53:00.004+13:00

6 December 2009

Yesterday I was delighted to meet the Australian children's author Duncan Ball. It was a chance meeting and we spoke for awhile on his new book of poetry "My sister has a big black beard". We don't have it here in the library yet but watch this space. In the mean time you can view his website to find out lots of information about Duncan Ball and the different books he has written.

Check out some of his Emily Eyefinger (published by Harpercollins)or Selby books from our library. Emily has a magical finger and Selby is a talking dog. Great books if you want to have a laugh.

The Pencil of Doom

2009-11-30T14:14:00.004+13:00

The Pencil of Doom is a great book written by Andy Griffiths.

It is really funny and is full of ideas.

The Pencil of Doom is fun and easy to read.

Sarah Room 10

Clarice Bean

2009-11-30T14:10:00.004+13:00

We think these books are very funny and are really suited to people of any age.

Lauren Child is a very clever author and illustrator making these books very cool.

By Molly Harris and Daisy O'Connor.

Year 6

Wayside school series

2009-11-30T14:06:00.009+13:00

The book that I think will be great for Christmas is the Wayside school series.

It is funny and is easy and fun to read. I think they are great books.

Rosie

Room 10

Year 6

Darius Bell and the Glitter pool

2009-11-30T14:06:00.005+13:00

This is a fantastic book for kids age 8-10. It is a great book about a boy who is having a bit of trouble living up to his family name. It is a brilliant book to give for christmas.

By Angela, year 6

Donuts, Dreams and Drama Queens

2009-11-30T14:03:00.003+13:00

This is a fun book for 9-12 year old girls. It is about the interesting and fun life of Bathshba Clarice De trop.

She has bad times and good times. Follow her and her best friend

Keisha on a wild adventure as Bathshaba discovers some secrets beyond your wildest dreams.

It is a series with 3 books. I reckon it is a fabulous book and so are all the others in the series.

Guinness book of world records

2009-11-30T13:46:00.014+13:00

Guinness book of world records 2010

I like the book because it has heaps of different wacky world records and we also like it because we scan through to try and find records that we may be able to break. Just like the one that Sammy and I broke. It was the most leap frog jumps in one minute. The record was 45 and Sammy and I got 47. It was very tiring but it was fun when we did it!!

Harry

Year 6

Guinness Book Of Records

2009-11-30T13:46:00.010+13:00

The book of Guinness world records is an awesome book because we like looking at the crazy records we might be able to break . We

also like how there's a new series coming every year loaded with psycho brand records waiting to be smashed.

Robot riot!

2009-11-30T13:42:00.006+13:00

Another one of Andy Griffiths fabulously funny books! It's one of the best books I've ever read!

By Angela,

Year 6

The indian in the cupboard

2009-11-30T13:42:00.005+13:00

Great book!

love the imaginary world.

Megan room 10

Wonky donkey

2009-11-20T11:49:00.004+13:00

20 November 2009

Today the whole school were lucky to be entertained by author, singer and song writer, Craig Smith.

Everyone was in fits of laughter as we listened to the wonky donkey song. The song won the APRA children's song of the year in 2008 and has been made into a wonderful book.

Everyone was absolutely delighted with his other songs too and it was one of the best assemblies we have had.

Here he is with Diane and Rory getting our book signed.

ESOL visit to the library

2009-11-10T13:50:00.003+13:00

10 November 2009

Our visit to the Library

I went to the Library yesterday.

The picture books are on the bottom shelf.

I can borrow a book from Desna.

She is the Librarian.

I like reading some picture books at the Library.

By Yusuke

I have been learning about the library. I saw some Korean books in the ESOL box. I can borrow these books from the Librarian. I like to look at the picture books.

By Louie

Pre-loved books sale

2009-11-09T10:07:00.004+13:00

9 November 2009

This Wednesday afternoon 2.30 3.30 and Thursday morning 9.30 - 10.30 we will be selling off heaps of pre-loved library books. All profits are going towards our new school library which will be built in 2010.

Come and get a bargain. There will also be raffles of brand new books so come and try your luck.

See you there.

Pictured are some of the boxes of books for sale.

Sophisticated picture books

2009-11-02T11:40:00.004+13:00

Take a close look at our sophisticated picture books. These books are ideal for any age.

The stories have impact and the illustrations hold so much more than what you see at first glance.

There are hidden symbols, meanings and concepts that are worth spending time to enjoy.

There is a number of new ones on display in the library but don't forget the sophisticated books stand also for all the old favourites.

Especially good is anything by Colin Thompson.

The big little book of happy sadness

Random House 2008

George is lonely but finds a scruffy dog just as lonely as he is in an animal shelter. It is a delightful story, both sad and happy. The illustrations are quirky which perfectly suit George and his grandmother.

2 November 2009

Scare yourself silly

2009-10-20T12:11:00.004+13:00

20 October 2009

Heaps of new books to scare yourself senseless.

Zombies, ghosts, vampires and many more.

All these books are in time for the Halloween disco next Friday. Do you have your costumes ready and your dancing shoes on?

For those of you who just want a scare check out the library display of new books.

Welcome back to term four

2009-10-13T09:34:00.005+13:00

13 October 2009

Term four starts off with National Disaster Awareness Week.

We will be having an earthquake drill sometime this week to keep us focused on disasters and how we can be prepared.

The tragedy of Samoa is already in our thoughts as we think about disasters.

If you want to find out more about tsunamis go to Kids National Geographic. This is a very cool site with loads of information on all subjects. The library display also has books on tsunamis and other disasters.

There are places you can visit online to help you prepare for a disaster.

Get ready get thru is a great one and has heaps of ideas from Civil Defence.

Do you have a survival kit? Perhaps you can encourage your family to create one.

Get crafty these holidays

2009-09-21T13:52:00.002+12:00

21 September 2009

Just in time for the school holidays - a pile of new craft books.

Try your hand at scrapbooking, making cards or origami.

Get creative making something new or decorating your own photos.

Have fun.

Display on Egypt

2009-09-07T13:41:00.005+12:00

7 September 2009

Our latest display is on Egypt and many of the boys have loved peering into the lifestyle of the Egyptians, so many years ago.

It prompted some funny walking by three of our student librarians caught here on camera; Sam, Ben and Johnny.

New websites on books

2009-09-07T11:01:00.005+12:00

7 September 2009

Bookseer is o great. It's for kids and parents and anyone who reads. The front page asks you to type in what you've read lately that you like and within a click of a button books lists are revealed on similar books. You can click on the books and sometimes it will provide a review but sometimes it will take you to a site where you can purchase the books.

Ignore it - just go for the lists and you never know we may just have some of them in our library.

I already have heaps of ideas of what to read next just by putting in my favourite books.

Book review

2009-08-28T14:00:00.003+12:00

Clarice Bean spells trouble

by Lauren Child.

I think this book is really funny but in a clever way. Based on what happens in people's normal lives but with a bit of a twist. I recommend it for ages seven and up.

By Angela aged 10

39 CLues

2009-08-26T09:58:00.007+12:00

On display this week are three of the first books in the 39 Clues series.

There are a number of different authors each writing these mystery books.

It is up to Amy and Dan Cahill to find the clues which are hidden all over the world. Will they or won't they?

If you don't find the answers you are looking for then hop online and check out the 39 Clues website.

Marc McBride

2009-08-24T11:02:00.005+12:00

23 August 2009

Marc McBride was in Christchurch on the weekend and some of us were lucky enough to see him in action.

He is the illustrator of many book covers and most famous for the illustrations in the Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda.

Marc McBride writes his own books on drawing. If you want to find out more about him you can check the Scholastic site link.

He was amazing to watch and the picture above took him only an hour.

Andy Griffiths

2009-08-13T09:17:00.005+12:00

12 August 2009

Wow!

What an afternoon! All our year five and six students went to the Town Hall to see Andy Griffiths

He was so funny and so entertaining. We laughed so much our sides hurt.

We loved how he told us about his writing and how to make stories doing the opposite of what people expect.

One example was about a baby and a dinosaur falling in love. So funny we couldn't stop laughing.

Where the wild things are

2009-08-03T13:23:00.006+12:00

3/8/2009

Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak

(HarperCollins) This classic story has just been made in to a movie. You can check out the movie trailer for a sneak preview or you can read the book here in the library.

It is always better to read a book first before seeing the movie.

There is also a site with a delightful tribute to Maurice Sendak. Many illustrators have created their own art work inspired by Mr Sendak's most famous book. It is a very cool site to spend time browsing.

Andy Griffith coming soon

2009-07-30T13:30:00.008+12:00

Yes that's right - you heard it here first. The writer Andy Griffiths is coming to Christchurch in August. All senior school students are going to visit him at the Town Hall and hear all about his books and writing.

For a sneak preview check out his website.

To celebrate we have bought his latest book "Just Macbeth".

If you like stories about witches and ghosts then this one might the one for you to read next.

His books are wickedly funny.

I can't wait to go with all you students.

30/7/2009

Great new website

2009-07-22T09:51:00.006+12:00

Take a look at this great new website. Infoblitz is a gateway to lots of websites.

Some of the topics include,

New Zealand,
technology,
art and craft,
music and dance,
animals,
authors.

It is certainly a site I will be bookmarking and visiting heaps.

It is bright and fresh and very easy to use. Just click on the links and have fun.

Great for research and hobbies.

The site was created by Wendy Ballard, librarian at Greenpark Primary School in Tauranga and I think she has done a wonderful job.

22/7/2009

Amazon jungle

2009-06-26T13:37:00.005+12:00

The Amazon jungle would be an amazing place to visit. However I am not so sure I would want to meet any of the huge spiders that live among the trees. Our latest display is all about the Amazon and the Amazonian Indians. Watch out for the snake!

Splat the cat

2009-06-16T12:00:00.005+12:00

Splat the cat is adorable. Here in his first book he is starting school. Another great book to share with your children before they start school.

Love Splat is his next adventure where he wonders why a certain female friend keeps hitting him and then runs away.

Thank you to HarperCollins publishers for granting permission to use the cover images. As our children learn the skills to becoming information literate it is important to be aware of copyright breaches.

Rob Scotton is a wonderful author and illustrator with a fun website. We also have his Russell the sheep books. So pop in to the library or hop online to check out his website.

Don't eat the teacher

2009-06-15T11:39:00.004+12:00

Don't eat the teacher by Nick Ward is a great little book about starting school.

If you have a child about to start school then this will delight. We do have other titles on this subject to help the transition for new children.

Anthony Browne named new child laureate

2009-06-11T13:11:00.003+12:00

Great news that author and illustrator Anthony Browne has been announced as the new British Child Laureate. This means he is one of the very best.

Here is where you can find out about Anthony Browne and his writing.

And yes we have lots of his books in the library.

Voices in the park

Into the forest

Willy and Hugh

Silly Billy

There are plenty more so just come on in and check one out.

New library posters

2009-06-10T09:19:00.007+12:00

Our library skills focus lately has been to remember to use paddles when searching through the non-fiction books. Room 19 came up with the idea of making posters to help children remember to use them. It does make life easier for everyone if books are put back in the correct place using the Dewey Decimal Classification.

Thanks to Matthew, Will, Ben, Anastacia, Jordan, Georgia and Zoe for these wonderful posters which are now up in the library for everyone to see.

Transport display

2009-06-08T14:13:00.007+12:00

A special thanks to Paul and his daughter, Sarah for putting together this display of new books.

As you can see the theme is all about transport - fast cars, bikes and big trucks. Speed along the track to a great non-fiction read.

Another birthday. The Gruffalo turns 10

2009-06-02T09:30:00.006+12:00

Julia Donaldson's delightful creature the Gruffalo is 10 years old.

He is so popular he even has his own website. Do check it out and help celebrate by having fun on his birthday.

You can also check out what the author is up to on her own site and see some of the other books she has written.

Don't forget to come into our library and see other books Julia has written. Julia was out here in Christchurch some time back and she is indeed a very funny and talented author and performer.

Thank you Tawhiti School

2009-05-26T11:43:00.006+12:00

Thank you to the staff and children of Tawhiti school for donating the wonderful book " The odd egg" by Emily Gravett. We were lucky to have some of the staff visiting us last week from their school in Taranaki.

Emily Gravett writes and illustrates truly amazing books. Her picture books are both sophisticated and subtle. Her web site is also amazing.

The odd egg

Little mouse's big book of fears

Meerkat mail

Wolves

Reading aloud

2009-05-25T10:12:00.005+12:00

Mem Fox is a brilliant author and educator.

Her website is full of tips and ideas on reading.

One of her most popular passions is on reading aloud and she provides 10 tips on how to make the most of this time with your child.

Some of her best books are:

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge

Koala Lou

The magic hat

Wombat devine

Parents and kids reading

2009-05-22T09:13:00.006+12:00

Thanks to National Library for this wonderful site parents and kids reading with heaps of links to other sites on reading.

The idea is to keep reading to your children no matter what age they are. Take turns reading to each other. Have fun with reading.

Don't forget that on the parent's page of this blog is a list of books on reading that you can borrow.

I am always available to help with the selection of books for your child. Whichever library you visit do make use of the librarians as they are there to help and encourage your child to read. All it takes is the right book for the right child.

Happy birthday to you Hungry Caterpillar

2009-05-22T08:53:00.003+12:00

Yes! The hungry caterpillar is 40.

There can hardly be a child around that has not heard of Eric Carle's hungry caterpillar.

We have loads of his books in the library. His art work is very distinctive with bright, cherry colours.

Check out the Eric Carle website.

Brian Falkner entertains at National Library

2009-05-18T12:09:00.009+12:00

It was great to spend Friday at National Library celebrating events as part of New Zealand Post Book Awards. Winners of the Canterbury competitions spent time with children's book writer Brian Falkner. He had students writing in teams for games of story sports. It was magic to see the students thinking quickly and coming up with great opening lines of stories.

We wish Brian Falkner luck on his nominated book The tomorrow code. Check out some of his other books in the library. Have a look at his website as well.

The real thing

Henry and the flea

Super freak

Norton's hut

2009-05-13T11:11:00.004+12:00

The snow looked as freezing as the antarctic ocean,

The pitch white snow gliding down as a fluffy jacket,

The Dead still trees all around,

The snow was as cold as a freezer,

An old hut in the middle of nowhere...

Norton's hut

2009-05-13T11:11:00.000+12:00

Norton's Hut

2009-05-13T11:09:00.005+12:00

Awoke to peace,
Slipping down Mountains,
Snow as cold as ice from Antarctica,
Still frozen trees as white as a polar bear,
The hut stood there as still as a statue.

By Madi.

Online pronunciation guide for author names.

2009-05-13T09:14:00.002+12:00

This link came my way recently and is great for making sure we pronounce author names correctly.

Aptly named pronunciations, it is handy to bookmark for future reference.

Beattie's book blog

2009-05-08T12:08:00.005+12:00

One of my favourite book blogs.

Definitely worth a look. Mostly adult but regularly adds reviews of children's books.

www.beattiesbookblog.blogspot.com/

Fendalton School Digital Safety page

2009-05-08T12:03:00.002+12:00

Here is the link to the FOS digital safety page off our school web site. This page has downloads and links for parents and children:

www.fendalton.school.nz/digitalsafety/

Pop-up books

2009-05-07T09:30:00.004+12:00

Have you ever looked at the wonderful pop-up books available now.

Some are so sophisticated, especially those by Robert Sabuda.

Well you can now make your own. Check out his website with easy instructions.

There are plenty to choose from such as animals, ships, and even Star Wars characters.

Have fun!

Library visitor

2009-04-30T09:16:00.004+12:00

Welcome back to term two.

After a miserable wet day yesterday I was about to lock up the library and go home when who should I spy curled up on a bean bag but our local cat Millie.

Yes, Millie had sneaked in as she often does and found the best place to sleep. Lucky I found her or no doubt she would have set off the alarms in the middle of the night. And that would not be the first time. We love Millie visiting the school. Usually she sits on the couch watching and listening to the children reading.

Bean bags

2009-04-08T11:27:00.004+12:00

Thank you so much to FOSCAR for donating the wonderful new blue bean bags for our library.

The are so popular and just the best place to flop back and read. As you can see everyone just loves them.

My hero

2009-03-27T11:18:00.005+13:00

My hero is my favourite author; Michael Morpurgo.

We were so lucky to have seen him talk when he came to Christchurch last year.

Michael Morpurgo is one of Britain's best children's books authors. In fact he was the Children's Laureate which is the best you can be. He has written more than 100 books.

I have read many of them and loved them all.

Special favourites are:

The butterfly lion

I believe in unicorns

Kensuke's kingdom

The Mozart question

Kaspar : prince of cats

All of these and many more are in our school library. Check them out.

Have a look at his website too.

Heroes Quotes

2009-03-25T12:24:00.003+13:00

Quotes

"Heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves." Carol Lynn Pearson

"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." Benjamin Disraeli

"We can't all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Will Rogers

Heroes

2009-03-25T09:49:00.004+13:00

Heroes is our school-wide year-long theme.

We will be covering everything from cartoon super-heroes like Spider-man, to famous New Zealanders, like Sir Edmund Hillary.