Classical Music
Several studies have indicated that having classical music in the background whilst reading or studying helps to improve children's development and attention.
With this in mind we have now installed speakers in the library where, during appropriate times, we play classical music in the background to enhance the children’s' reading experience.
Peaceful Library Environment
This year we’ve been reminding the children how the library is used, e.g. for quiet reading and drawing. This has been a great success and many children and parents are now enjoying a much quieter library environment during the school day and after lessons. Parents, we would like to ask for your support in promoting a calm environment. Firstly, by placing mobile phones on mute and popping out of the library if you wish to take a call. We would also like to ask that, although parents are more than welcome to enjoy the library's facilities during school hours, if classes are using the space then priority is given to student learning. We are very grateful for you helping us to keep the library such a pleasant place.
Books of the week
Great for story-time:
Midnight at the Zoo by Faye Hanson
Max and Mia are very excited about their school trip to the zoo. But when they arrive not much is happening; the zebra is asleep, the lions are hiding and they can't even see a monkey. Max and Mia make the best of it - after all, if you look very carefully there is something to see everywhere. Then they fall too far behind everyone else . . . and are locked in the zoo at night! What they didn't realise is that midnight is time the zoo comes alive. Flamingos are doing the flamenco, the lions dance till dawn and the pandas have a party. Illustrated in Faye Hanson's magnificently detailed style, this is an exciting new book from the writer and illustrator of The Wonder.
For the younger readers age 8+:
Galactic Hot Dogs 2: The Wiener Strikes Back by Max Brallier
Cosmoe, Princess Dagger, Humphree, and the gang are back for another wild space adventure in the second hilarious illustrated novel of the Galactic Hot Dogs series, which Lincoln Peirce calls an “an insanely entertaining, eye-popping adventure.” What could go better with wieners than a flying space circus? Nothing! Which is why Humphree’s all jazzed up at the chance to sell Galactic Hot Dogs as the official food of Crostini’s Cosmic Carnival and Wonder Circus train. Cosmoe’s not entirely convinced—but once his skills as a monster tamer are unveiled, the deal is done and the Neon Wiener is officially hooked onto the train. Only things aren’t quite what they seem at this circus, and pretty soon Cosmoe realizes he and his buddies are in more danger than ever. To get to the bottom of it all, they have to travel somewhere pretty familiar, providing a glimpse at last into Cosmoe’s past and how he ended up aboard the Wiener in the first place.
For the older readers:
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
In this compelling and thought-provoking fantasy set in the world of The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine introduces a spirited heroine who must overcome deeply rooted prejudice—including her own—to heal her broken country.
Peregrine strives to live up to the ideal of her people, the Latki—and to impress her parents: affectionate Lord Tove, who despises only the Bamarre, and stern Lady Klausine. Perry runs the fastest, speaks her mind, and doesn’t give much thought to the castle’s Bamarre servants, whom she knows to be weak and cowardly.
But just as she’s about to join her father on the front lines, she is visited by the fairy Halina, who reveals that Perry isn’t Latki-born. She is Bamarre. The fairy issues a daunting challenge: against the Lakti power, Perry must free her people from tyranny.
Non-Fiction
The Cities Book (Lonely Planet Kids) by Lonely Planet Kids
Do you know where in the world you can buy drinkable gold; why an 'elephant's foot' is one of the most dangerous objects in the world; or where you might have to swim to school? Discover the answers to these questions and loads more mind-blowing facts in The Cities Book, where readers aged 8+ are taken on an incredible world tour through 86 of the world’s greatest cities. Sister title to the bestselling The Travel Book, every page is packed with facts on city living, and gives kids a flavour of what it's like to grow up in each place featured. From food and festivals, to awesome architecture and amazing history - there's something for everyone. A mix of wow photography, beautiful illustrations and hand drawn maps bring each page to life. It's the perfect gift for curious kids everywhere.
All reviews and photos credit to Amazon.com
High School Library