Friday, March 30, 2012

Goodnight moon, er... I mean Ipad

Goodnight moon is considered a classic picture book by many people.
So it's interesting to see it in a new form... that essential internet gem - the YouTube parody.

Goodnight Ipad pokes fun at our use and love of technology. It was released by Penguin and comes complete with plenty of sound effects and a soothing voice reading the story to us. Nice.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Hidden gems


Do you ever get excited about the random references you find in books?
Like when the main character mentions a song you like or eats a kind of chocolate you love? It's something which makes me very happy and somehow makes me feel more connected to the story.

It seems to be something which makes other people happy too, because now there's a site which is dedicated to mapping and tracking these references in books.

The site is called Small Demons (they call it a Story Verse!)
To become a member you just sign up (it's free!)

It's more than just a place to track references, though.
You can look at a book that you love and how it links with other books. You can use the references in linked books to find new music and movies. You can even use it to help you find new books you might be interested in reading. (In conjunction with Literature Map, you will be set for life!)

This concept really appeals to me. Once you've become a member you get to see all of the book covers, quotes and information about each book. You can search by category to find books which are related to something you're interested in too. For example, if you're going to a new country and would like to read books which might mention it. You can also look for references to your own country or city. I spent ages looking in the food section - it can even tell you which food is mentioned most in books!

In addition to all the information there are great pictures.
The site is attractive and easy to use, and even better there is so much great stuff that you could get lost on it for hours. Books are missing, but it is being added to. (It's only new!) It's going to be fun seeing how this one works out.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Book reviews from Primary Book Club


Looking for something new to read? Our Primary Book Club recommends these titles.

Basic
Y3E
Owly
Andy Runton
Owly book is very fun! Because it’s funny. It kind of doesn’t have any words.
I can teach you how to draw Owly.


Gigi Y5C
Title: Thea Stilton Big Trouble in the Big Apple
Author: Geronimo Stilton
I like this book because it’s fun and I like the mouse. They went to the Big Apple to help Pamela’s family, they had a really big problem. And Nicky had to practice running for the race. Her friends will take care of her anyway. I can’t tell you the story – why not read it for yourself!

Michael Y3M
Title: The Official Manchester United Annual 1999
It teaches us how to be good at football. It has good pictures.

Hill Y3E
Secret Agent Jack Stalwart – The search for the sunken treasure : Australia
Author: Elizabeth Singer-Hunt
You should read this because its very fun.
The book takes place in Australia, in the sea.

Tita Y5G
Diary of a Wimpy Kid the ugly truth
Jeff Kinney
I love this series!! What an amazing series. First was Wimpy Kid.
I started reading this book because I saw Pike read it and I thought it was very, very funny. I have read two books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series – Dog Days and The Ugly Truth.

Dallas
Y4J
K-Zone
Awesome comics! Cool info about cool stuff! Video games names and what they’re about!
Awesome games. Ninja who tells cheats! Info about movies. Puzzles, pranks!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Origami genius

Do you like Origami? Maybe you're one of the many students who comes into the library to borrow the books on this Japanese paper art phenomenon.

Today is very special for you, then! 14 March was the birthday of Akira Yoshizawa, the man credited with completely changing and reinvigorating the craft of Origami. He's the one who truly transformed it into the art form that it is today.

So whatever your favourite folded animal may be, make one today!

If you're not sure how to make Origami, and can't get to the library to borrow a book, here are some sites to help you out.
Origami fun
Folding for you

You Tube also has some great clips for making the most traditional pieces like Origami Cranes. Very handy if you like to see someone actually folding the paper.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

School play props

One of our student librarians just bought in the most amazing stuffed toy dog that she has made for the school production. (She made the whole thing herself, and it looks real!)

Well done Ton Aor, and good luck for A midsummer night's dream!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Greatest library rapper who ever lived


Does Melvil Dewey sound familiar? That's because he was the creator of a system now used to organise the non-fiction sections of countless libraries.
And he's also a rapper.

Recently, I stumbled across an article entitled 'Greatest library rapper who ever lived'. It was all about a guy by the name of Scott Hayes (aka Melvil Dewey) making up songs and music about libraries. According to the newspaper one song (Super duper library dance party) has even made its way to becoming something of a You Tube hit.

And if we want libraries to exist in the future, it's important to think of alternative ways of promoting them. Libraries need to evolve in order to stay relevant.Maybe an irreverent, slightly wacky rapper from Illonois is exactly the person to keep libraries in the public eye.

You can read all about Melvil Dewey on his wonderfully named website www.storyyeller.com

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Harrow's best books... the results


In honour of World Book Day we decided to ask people to tell us about their favourite books.
After a week of voting we had just over 300 votes!

At the end of the week, we made a list of the most popular books.

The top five were:

1. Geronimo Stilton
2. Harry Potter
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
4. Dork Diaries
5. Garfield

Last Friday during our library book week, we shared the results at lunchtime.
We also held a lucky voter draw for everyone who took part.
Congratulations to Khow Poon (3H), Mac (3H) and Klara (5C), who won a prize pack made up of one book from each series, and two movie tickets.

Thank you to everyone who voted!

We also had two other competitions during library book week.
Congratulations to Kaopod (5C) who won our quiz and Melody (1S), winner of the book quote matching competition.

Monday, March 5, 2012

An early morning visitor


It's not just people who like reading! This is what one of our parents spotted in the book returns box this morning...