The Case of the Deadly Desperados

Caroline Lawrence, author of the Roman Mysteries series, has written the first book in a new series set in the American West.  'Pinky' Pinkerton witnesses a terrible event.  Now he needs to escape.... but can he avoid the men on the Wanted Posters who are out to get him?
The two videos below are the book trailer, followed by a short clip of the author telling us what she liked most about writing this book, suitable for Year 5 and 6 readers who love mysterious occurrences!

Thank you, Margaret Mahy

It was sad to hear overnight that Margaret Mahy has died.  She is one of the most accomplished, and most loved, authors New Zealand has ever had. We have many of her books....including this one: 'The Three Legged Cat'.

Some of her other books in our library, include Kaitangata Twitch, A Very Wicked Headmistress, The Blood-and-Thunder Adventure on Hurricane Peak, The Lion in the Meadow, The Moon and Farmer McPhee...books for all ages. 

Thank you, Margaret Mahy, for giving us so many wonderful stories!!




Here is a fantastic 6-minute documentary and interview made by NZ On Screen, great for seniors especially.

New this week...

On the New Book stand this week, we have number 10 in one of our most popular series...'The Floods' by Colin Thompson. Find out what happened next to your favourite, not-even-close-to-normal, family next door!

If you click on the book cover, you will go to 'The Floods' official website, with games, activities, and author information.

(Don't forget to check out the info on the Dragons series there, which are also new to the library!!)

Writing great blog comments

Comments and opinions on blogposts are one of the best ways to show which posts you have liked, and why.  
Here are some ways that you can make sure your comments are really effective, and add something to our library blog!
1.  Think about what you are going to write before you send it.  What do you really want to say about the post you are commenting on?
2.  Try to give reasons for your opinions.   (I really liked the story because....)
3.  Does your comment make sense?  Have you checked the spelling?
4.   Have you added your name (first name only) so we know who wrote the comment?


If you think about what you write, before you send it - you can be a blog comment star, and help make our blog the best it can be!  

Storycloud

Storycloud is a special new site set up for a limited time.  From now until September 3rd, there will be one new story to read or listen to each Monday - great for storytime either at school, or at home over the holidays!  Just click on the picture below, and enjoy!

The Truth about Verity Sparks

Here is a review of one of the books on the New Book stand this week - for confident senior readers.  Quirky, fun, and imaginative!

BOOK REVIEW: The Truth about Verity Sparks (Susan Green, Walker Books)

Written by: Bookseller+Publisher magazine

Posted: 20 September 2011 at 1:11 pm

The Truth about Verity Sparks is an engaging mystery for the 10-plus age group. Set in the late 1800s, it concerns Verity Sparks, a lowly hat maker in class-ridden London. Verity lives a meagre existence until she realises that she has a unique talent in finding lost objects. Before she knows it she has joined the Confidential Inquiry Agency (with its amusing acronym) and proves to be quite adept at solving mysteries. Her own past is murky, however, so she and her newfound friends set out to discover the truth. Susan Green has written a story with a strong female heroine that is sure to engage both girls and boys. At first, Verity is painted as somewhat ignorant and Green cleverly introduces ‘big’ words via other characters. Imaginations will run wild with the thrill of not knowing what is going to happen next, and The Truth about Verity Sparks certainly delivers. Let’s hope Susan Green has further adventures up her sleeve for Verity, as there is definitely scope for more.

Katie Horner is the former assistant editor of Bookseller+Publisher and was an avid ‘Nancy Drew’ fan in her day. This review first appeared in the July issue of Bookseller+Publisher magazine.

This book is a finalist in the Australian Children's Book of the Year competition for 2012.  Winners will be announced in August. 

Junior Storytime

It's the Juniors' turn for a blogpost this week...
and, since the weather has turned a bit colder, it might be nice to get cosy and listen to a good story.  
A classic fairytale, anyone?