We Are All Born Free

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is told in a picture book format that would appeal to all children. All of the 30 Articles are illustrated by a variety of artists. One of my favourite illustrators is Korky Paul, you might remember his illustrations in the stories about Winnie the Witch.

Just showing children the illustrations would promote indepth discussion. The illustrations almost tell a story within the right and would definitely make children think. For instance, to illustrate 'nobody has any right to make us a slave,' Korky Paul has drawn a large clown shackled up in chains.  On top of the clown, with his whip in one hand and chains in the other rides the all and mighty king.

Out next theme deals with prejudice and human rights. I can't wait to read this to my class!

Elizabeth

NZ Children's Post Book Awards 2010

We've had most of the NZ Children's Post Book Awards on display in the library. Did you read any of them?

The winner of the NZ Post Book awards were announced last month.

Non-fiction award winner: E3 call Home, by Janet Hun
A story about the travel of the Godwits, you might have seen the Godwits down at the Estuary over the summer period. The bell sounds at the Christchurch Cathedral when they arrive.

Junior fiction award winner: The Loblolly Boy, by James Norcliffe
Be the first to read this fantasy novel and blog a review!

Picture Book award winner: Old Hu-hu, by Kyle Mewburn & Rachel Driscoll
All that is left of Old Hu-hu is his shell. Where could he have gone. A very touching story about losing someone.

Children's choice award winners
Picture book: The Wonkey Donkey, Graig Smith & Katz Cowley
Non-fiction: Dear Alison, Simon Pollard
Junior fiction: Friends, Snake and Lizard, Joy Cowley & Gavin Bishop

The Switch, By Anthony Horowitz

If you were filthy rich and every day was like Christmas would you be happy?  Well, this is the life of Tad Spencer.  He's spoilt and lives a life of luxury.  However, Tad's life is empty and miserable.  Some say you should be careful what you wish for.  The following morning Tad Spencer awakens to find he's in different clothes, he smells and his surroundings are a total tip! There’s mouldy food lying around the kitchen and dirty dishes in the oven! He thinks surely this must be a dream? Could it get any worse?

This is a great story to start the year off with. The story unravels at a nice pace with a subtle twist at the end. Room 5 enjoyed The Switch being read to them. There’s some other great comical characters like the Snarby's, the devious Finn and Tad's self-centered parents.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney

We are going to tell you all about the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. In the first book Greg's mum got him a diary instead of a journal, so if anybody sees him he's in big trouble. Eventually, he is doing wresting and he gets beaten up by Fregly. Fregly keeps on winning and Greg asks Dad he if he could get a weightlifter for xmas and he did! But the wrestling was over when he bought it! What a waste of money. The first book is now a movie, click here.

Just Henry, by Michelle Magorian

When I read the first chapter of 'Just Henry,' by Michelle Magorian, I thought it was really boring. But because there was nothing else to read I read Part 1 and I said to myself 'this is going to be awesome!' But it just got better! Strange characters, kidnappings and set in London. It is set in the old days, so there is a bit of strange language. It is still a great book. The main character is Henry, a boy who loves films and who's father died a war hero. That's all I can tell you for now. 'Just Henry,' by Michelle Magorian. Available in the Senior Fiction area of our library. Michelle has also written the book 'Goodnight Mr Tom.'

Ripley's Believe it or not! Seeing is Believing!

I like looking at these books because they have so many exciting drawings. In the photo is a man with pins in his head! This book is in our library.

Point Blanc, by Anthony Horowitz

When I first picked up Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz I could not put it down! My eyes were glued to it! It is one of the best graphic novels I had ever read. It was so detailed I couldn't trust my eyes. Read it, you must. It is book two, the first one is called Stormbreaker.

Point Blanc is also a chapter book. See our review below.

Stormbreaker, by Anthony Horowitz

When I first picked up Stormbreaker and finished the first page, my first thought was ‘I think this is going to be a good book.’ It was gripping, good pace and everything about it was, WOW! Action, a strange henchman and a billionaire enemy...what's not to love. He went different places, collected clues, got dirty and solved the mystery, but it is even more! The main character is Alex Rider, your normal 14 year-old... until he is recruited into MI6 and is off on his first mission. Then...oops you are going to have to read it to find out. By Isaac, and the beautiful wow by Glen. Click here to visit the Alex Rider website. By Isaac and Glen