Liv's review of Kaimanawa Princess

This book is about a girl named Becky and how she brought two Kaimanawa ponies from a stockyard and then how Bill Worth, a trainer, came and trained Becky's new ponies (Kaimanawa Princess and Queenie) as well as giving Becky a clump of lucky tussock grass from where the Kaimanawa horses roam free. In part 2 Becky and Kaimanawa Princess went to compete in a horse show and some one steals Becky's lucky tussock grass. Luckily they find it. One day Becky finds out that there is a committee of people that want to kill the Kaimanawa horses over some plant but a stronger group of people out beat them with the help of interviewing Becky and putting her on the news. Finally it is time to put Kaimanawa Princess into the float and take her down the desert road but she doesn't know how Kaimanawa princess will behave. I really liked this book.

What is in a title?

When you go to choose a book off a library shelf do you choose it because of the cover or because of the "blurb" written on the back? Do you choose it because it looks easy to read or because it might challenge you a little? I think when I choose a book there are a lot of things that influence me (including what sort of mood I am in). "The Boy in the Dress", though, is a book that I chose on the basis of its title alone. Okay, I lie: I also chose it because it is illustrated by the incomparable Quentin Blake and hey, if he could be bothered to draw pictures for it then it has to be good, right? Anyway, I digress. I have created a poll, the first of many, I think, on this blog. Check it out on the right. :-0

I dare you to read "The Boy in the Dress"

Do you remember how much fun it used to be to dress up when you were a little kid? (And "dress" is the operative word here!) If you do then please give this book a go. Dennis is sick of his boring life in his boring house in his boring street in his boring town so he bravely goes where few boys have gone before.... A super footballer who also happens to love fashion Dennis meets Lisa and then the ball really starts to roll.... With trademark quirky illustrations by Quentin Blake this is a funny book filled with great characters. Highly recommended for a giggle.

Winners of the NZ Post Book Awards!

Last week I forgot (yikes!) to announce the winners of the NZ Post Book Awards. Here they are:
Picture Book: Road Works
Junior Fiction: Old Drumble
Non-fiction: Back & Beyond: New Zealand Painting for the Young and Curious
Children's Choice: The Were-Nana
All the NZ Post Books will be on the New Book Shelf by Wednesday. They will be ready next week for general issuing. :-)

In the library next week...

Bruno and his family must move to another location for Father’s work. The new place is puzzling and unattractive compared to Berlin but when Bruno meets a boy his own age life seems to get a lot better...
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity at the beginning of this book; Bruno may be a naïve 9 year old but the story is a distressing and upsetting parable – one which ought to be read by everyone. Our horror grows as Bruno’s naivety remains and it is this parallel interpretation that delivers such a shockingly brutal read.

**The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a “black dot book” (restricted to Year 7 & 8). It needs to be read with a certain amount of maturity. It is also a book that needs to be talked about. Have your parents or teachers read it too or come to the library and we can have a chat.

Twilight: the movie

Much, much better than the book! I actually enjoyed this. Once you guys have finished reading Jane Eyre what say we get together to chat? :-)

Ok, guys: TWILIGHT, the book

Well, I have finally finished it and here's what I have to say: Read Jane Eyre and we'll talk. :-)

Rapaura teams at the Lit Quiz

Congratulations to Ella, Dallas, Sara and Abby who, as "Legs on Lit Quiz", came in a close 2nd and to Bonnie, Sadez, Sasha and Gwen, who as the "Rapaura Were Students", came in a close 3rd! The cup was a wee bit elusive this year but to lose by only 1/2 a point is hardly losing at all. Well done everyone!! You worked very hard and overcame a few obstacles so I am sure you all feel good about your efforts. A huge thank you to Shelley B who came in to help with costumes.

Good news, Jack and Reuben!

YAY!! We have 5 new ZAC POWER books:

Base Camp
Boot Camp
High Stakes
Code Red
Moon Rider

They are now on the New Books shelf and can be reserved.

Little Beauty by Anthony Browne

A very special gorilla has his own special form of sign language and has everything he wants. But he is lonely so the zoo keepers give him Little Beauty, a kitten. They become best friends until Gorilla loses his temper and almost loses his friend too! Check out how Gorilla and Little Beauty do everything together(!!!) and see if you can find the gorilla hiding in the roses. Recommended for all ages.
This was Monday's read-aloud in Rooms 6, 2 and 3 and I think everyone really liked it. (I know I did.)
PS: Yes, Room 3, this book is based on a true story. A gorilla in a Californian zoo "babysat" a kitten, got angry one day and broke a sink (not a tv) and then blamed it on his zookeepers!

And the bookworm award goes to...

Congratulations to Georgia from Room 5 who won the Bookworm Award last week. Georgia did an awesome job of tidying the shelves. Thank you very much and well done!

Thanks!

Wow! Thank you so much for all your posts and suggestions for books for the library. Our library has bought "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" but Mrs Vavasour borrowed it. It will be back soon and in our library! We have our first "Hannah Montana" book and I am almost finished "Twilight" and will process it as soon as. For you Horror fans out there most recently we had Anthony Horowitz's Horror on the New Book Shelf. Watch out for the second one from him which will be available to you soon. Also, "Goodnight, Mr Tom" is already in the libary (although it is a very old-looking edition). I love that someone has requested "Tom Sawyer". It is great to see that the classics still hold interest.
Keep an eye out for your favourite books on the New Book Shelf.