Recreation

Children’s New Titles February 2012 (arrived Jan 2012)

Audio Visual

A Cinderella story [videorecording (DVD)] : once upon a song, directed by Damon Santostefano.
It's a modern and enchanting twist on an enduring classic! Katie dreams of being a recording artist but is continually thwarted by her cruel stepmother and stepsister. When Katie falls hard for Luke, the new boy at her Performing Arts school, she tries to get his attention with her singing. But when her stepsister takes credit for Katie's amazing voice and Luke falls for the wrong girl, Katie must learn to stand up for her dreams.
Adventures of a teenage dragonslayer [videorecording (DVD], directed by Andrew Lauer.
Branded as a 'nerd' and harassed by the school bully, 12-year-old Arthur is rescued by a magical troll who knows that the boy unwittingly holds the secret to defeat an evil dragon. Arthur's loving mum, struggling to keep her devious ex-husband from gaining custody of Arthur, dismisses her son's 'fantasies' until she realizes the all-too-real immediate danger and joins forces with Arthur, the troll, and a dashing but washed-up video game master. Together, they hope to conquer the dragon.
Air buddies [videorecording(DVD], directed by Robert Vince.
Air buddies follows the adventures of five adorable puppies: Mudbud (the dude), B-Dawg (the hip hop pup), Budderball (the big fella), Buddha (the zen one) and Rosebud (the fearless one). The Buddies are growing up fast and will soon have to go to new families. Determined to stay together, the Buddies believe their only option is to sneak away before they get split up.
Bob the Builder. The big dino dig [videorecording (DVD)].,
Bob is building Fixham Harbour's new dinosaur-themed fun park with a giant roller coaster and fantastic rides. Everything is going to plan until the team begin to unearth dinosaur bones on site! The machines can't contain their excitement and are eager to dig in and get mucky. Follow Bob the Builder and his machine team as they make discoveries of gigantic proportions!
Cars 2 [videorecording (DVD)], directed by John Lasseter ; co-directed by Brad Lewis.
Star racecar Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship on the road from Radiator Springs to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours, and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage!
Handy Manny. Big construction job [videorecording (DVD)].,
Put on your hard hats and team up with Handy Manny for an action-packed full length adventure! Join Manny and his Tools as they head out of town to work on an exciting construction project in Concrete Falls. Meanwhile back in Sheetrock Hills Mr. Lopart tries to fill in for Manny - with hilarious results! Can Kelly convince Manny to come home and save the day? Introducing super-charged power tools "Jack" and "Spinner" 3 great new songs and a wonderful message about the rewards of taking on new challenges of every size Big Construction Job is fully loaded with tons of fun for everyone
Mickey Mouse clubhouse. Numbers roundup [videorecording (DVD)].,
It's time to put on your cowboy hats, grab your lassos, and help Mickey, Goofy, and all your Clubhouse pals wrangle a boisterous herd of wild numbers into Mickey Corral. Laugh it up as you count 'em down from 10 to 1, and rustle up the right Mouseketools to catch those rascally numbers! Then search for Daisy Bo Peep's lost sheep, decode a secret message, and solve more super-fun puzzles.
My dog's Christmas miracle [videorecording (DVD], directed by Michael Feifer.
University professor Madeline Walters isn?t doing too well in the dating game. Good men are hard to find, so she's happy spending time with her Maltese puppy Cinnamon, and her precocious teenage daughter Chloe. Across town, architect Kevin Fallon, a widower, is having little luck dating too. But when his work takes him to Los Angeles University for a project, he bumps into Madeline and the attraction between the two is fast and mutual. The trouble is both Kevin's son, thirteen year-old Jordan, and Madeline's pooch Cinnamon are dead set against losing their parents in a romance.
Phineas and Ferb, the movie [videorecording (DVD] : across the 2nd dimension.,
When Phineas, Ferb, and Perry follow Dr. Doofenshmirtz through his 'Otherdimensionator,' they find themselves in an alternate universe where a second, truly evil Dr. Doof rules over his Tristate Area with an army of iron-fisted robots. To save his friends from certain doom, Perry makes the ultimate sacrifice by revealing his secret identity as Agent P. Phineas and Ferb escape, meet their 2nd dimension selves, and begin their own mission to rescue Perry.
Winnie the Pooh [videorecording (DVD)], directed by Stephen J. Anderson, Don Hall.
Pooh and his friends help Eeyore get a new tail and save Christopher Robin from the mysterious
Alvin and the Chipmunks, chipwrecked : music from the motion picture.,
Rough guide to world music for children ; Dance the world.,
Sing it loud, Hi-5.
The rough guide to African lullabies.,
The rough guide to world lullabies.,
The rough guide to world playtime.,
We love to sing and dance [videorecording (DVD)].,
Shake, shake, rattle and rock 'n' roll, Judi Cranston.
Barney. Shapes & colours all around [videorecording (DVD)],
Circle around with your favourite T-Rex for a colourful celebration! Barney, BJ and Baby Bop invite you on a rainbow adventure filled with shapes of every shade. Explore new colours, learn about all the shapes you can find in your own room and Barney shows you it's hip to be square!
Chuggington. Honking horns [videorecording (DVD)],
Join Koko, Wilson and Brewster as they learn new skills and life lessons on their quest for many different badges. In order to earn his 'Horn Honking' badge, Wilson has to prove that he knows when to use his horn, and when not to use it.
Dino Dan. Volume 1, Bones in the backyard [videorecording (DVD],
Dan Henderson is a 10 year old paleontologist-in-training. He wants to learn everything he can about dinosaurs and can actually see them come to life. You can also learn as you join Dan and his friends as they uncover clues about the past and the secrets of dinosaurs in their dino adventures
In the night garden. All aboard! [videorecording (DVD)].,
A magical pre-school series, that takes children on an imaginative journey to meet a host of wonderfully silly characters living together within a happy and caring community.
Peppa Pig. Santa's grotto and other stories [videorecording (DVD)],
"Peppa is a loveable, cheeky little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa loves playing games, dressing up, visiting exciting places and making new friends, but her absolutely favourite thing is jumping up and down in muddy puddles"--Container.
Pingu. Pingu's bouncy fun! [videorecording (DVD)].,
Pingu feels like bouncing and jumping around the house. Pingu's bouncing is causing all sorts of trouble though, breaking dishes, scaring Pinga, and hurting Pingu himself. Pingu's father has an idea to keep everyone happy - will it work?
Roary the racing car. Mechanical madness [videorecording (DVD)],
"Join Roary, a bright red, cheeky and energetic single seater, Big Chris and their amazing car friends at Silver Hatch Racetrack!" -- Container insert.
Thomas & friends. Merry winter wish [videorecording (DVD)].,
"All aboard for a magical winter adventure! Thomas has a special delivery for the season - the Star of Knapford, a festive light that makes wishes come true! Celebrate the holiday season with Thomas - from building snowmen, preparing holiday surprises, and celebrating a Misty Island Christmas party. The more friends the merrier, so join the fun and see that winter wishes do come true with Thomas & Friends!"--Container insert.
Charlie and Lola. Ten, I can't stop hiccupping and other stories [videorecording (DVD)].,
Adventures of Spot. Series 2 [videorecording (DVD)].,
Whatever he does, Spot's friendly face and jolly personality reassure children that gaining new skills is great fun. Spot helps his Mum bake a cake, goes to a farm with his Dad, goes on his first picnic and finds lots of ways to play with books as he waits for his Mum to read him a story.
Angelina ballerina. The nutcracker sweet [videorecording (DVD)].,
Angelina Ballerina is the remarkable little mouse who dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. With her friends and family by her side, Angelina follows her dream; learning important life lessons along the way.
A creepy company, Joan Aiken.
Eleven spine chilling contemporary ghost stories.
Tom Trueheart and the Land of Myths and Legends, Ian Beck.
Tom is determined to rescue his father, Jack the Giant-Killer, from the clutches of the dastardly Ormestone. But to do so he will have to venture into the most dangerous territory of all-the Land of Myths and Legends. Tom is brave and true, but can he overcome such terrors as the ferocious Norse dragon, an angry Cyclops and-worst of all-the hungry Minotaur waiting in the centre of the labyrinth? Join Tom in his third epic adventure as he faces dangers and creatures galore in the land of Myths and Legends.
Crisis point, Andy Briggs.
The Hero Foundation is a shadow of its former self and Lord Eon - the most terrible supervillain ever - is still at large. Worse, he has hatched a plan to tear apart time. Toby and his superhero friends should be able to stop him … but Pete has woken from his coma a different person and Lorna has disappeared. In the titanic struggle that will follow, friendships will be tested and superhero powers strained to the limit as time runs out for the world … literally …
The jaws of death, Malachy Doyle.
Kwang-su must embark on a perilous journey so that he can marry Ling-Ling. He must cross monster infested rivers and outwit the powerful genii that live on the mountain-top. With a little help from some magic gifts, he manages to return home in time to save Ling-Ling from marrying an old mandarin. Action packed re-telling of an ancient Chinese myth.
A year without Autumn, Liz Kessler
Twelve-year-old Jenni's much-anticipated vacation with her family and best friend Autumn goes awry when an old elevator transports her to a future in which everything has changed, and she must not only return to her time but find a way to prevent what she has seen from coming true.
Zac and the dream pirates, Ross MacKenzie.
Everybody dreams. That's the problem. Good dreams are sweet. Bad dreams are scary, but what happens if the worst sort of nightmares take over? Zac Wonder is about to find out. On the stroke of midnight, he is plunged into an extraordinary world on the other side of sleep. Is he still dreaming? Has he gone nuts? Or, is he really meant to save us all from vampires, werewolves and the dream pirates who threaten to keep us awake forever?
Creeping terror, Justin Richards.
The village of Templeton was evacuated during World War II - but something terrible stayed behind. Now even the ghosts are leaving. Ben and his new friends at the School of Night must find out what's going on. But they are soon trapped in the village, where even the trees and plants turn against them. Could you survive against all the odds? Could you free the village from a curse that threatens the whole world? If you could, then maybe you have what it takes to join … The School of Night …
Immortal war, Justin Somper.
When the Pirate Federation and Nocturnals form an alliance to battle the renegade Vampirates, twins Connor and Grace Tempest each have important roles to play in the war--he as a pirate warrior and she as a powerful healer working with the war-wounded.
Billionaire boy, David Walliams.
Joe has a lot of reasons to be happy. About a billion of them, in fact. You see, Joe's rich. Really, really rich. Joe's got his own bowling alley, his own cinema, even his own butler who is also an orangutan. He's the wealthiest twelve-year-old in the land. Yes, Joe has absolutely everything he could possibly want. But there's just one thing he really needs: a friend?
No matter what, Debi Gliori.
A little fox is in a big bad mood, and is worried that its mother won't love it forever. In this beautiful and lyrical picture book we see a clever and resourceful mother prove to her child that a parent's love is limitless - no matter what! In this reassuring and warm picture book, the hugely talented Debi Gliori manages to treat the familiar subject of childhood worries in a very fresh, original and inventive way.
The cat in the hat, Dr. Seuss.
The Cat in the Hat is now available for the first time in picture book and CD format -- with CD read by Adrian Edmondson. When Sally and her brother are left alone, they think they're in for a dull day -- until the Cat in the Hat steps in on the mat, bringing with him mayhem and madness!
Fluffy assassins from Mars! ; &, Attack of the ninja kittens, Michael Broad.
Danger Island, Andrew Cope.
SPUD - he's scatty and accident-prone - but good with the gadgets. STAR - she's super smart and ready to pounce … Together they're SPY PUPS, following hot in the paw prints of mum LARA (that's Licensed Assault and Rescue Animal to you). Beaches up and down Britain are in terrible danger. A greedy trickster is polluting the seas - soon there'll be nowhere safe to swim. But when Spud discovers a mysterious underground secret, only he and Star can save the day - and the seaside!
Danger Island, Andrew Cope.
SPUD - he's scatty and accident-prone - but good with the gadgets. STAR - she's super smart and ready to pounce … Together they're SPY PUPS, following hot in the paw prints of mum LARA (that's Licensed Assault and Rescue Animal to you). Beaches up and down Britain are in terrible danger. A greedy trickster is polluting the seas - soon there'll be nowhere safe to swim. But when Spud discovers a mysterious underground secret, only he and Star can save the day - and the seaside!
Spring fever at Silver Street Farm, Nicola Davies.
Some farms are up in the hills…or down long, winding lanes…but Silver Street Farm is different - It's right in the middle of a town! It's springtime at Silver Street Farm, and all the animals are getting ready to have their babies. The downside is that Flora, who usually runs the farm, has gone to look after her father's farm and the three children are on their own. At first things go smoothly but then one of the pigs breaks into Flora's caravan to make a nice warm nest for her babies, the mother hen leaves a rooster to look after her eggs and even Buster the dog has a surprise in store…"--Back cover.
The blue wizard, Garth Edwards.
The Blue Wizard has lost his Singing Kettle! A Singing Kettle that can tell the future, and Wiffen has found it. But the future is not looking good for Titch and Mitch and their friends.
Littlenose the leader ; &, Littlenose the joker, John Grant.
Littlenose lives long, long ago, when fierce wild animals roam the land and it is very cold. His home is a cave, his clothes are made of fur and his pet is a woolly mammoth called Two-Eyes.
The witch of Blackberry Bottom, Dick King-Smith.
When eight-year-old Patsy and her younger brother befriend their old neighbour and her many animals, the children help the mysterious lady change her life.
Damian Drooth, supersleuth. Omnibus 1, Barbara Mitchelhill.
Damian Drooth, the one-of-a-kind, clean-up-the-world hero, has arrived. Criminals beware - and be very afraid! In this collection of Damian Drooth mysteries we find the boy embroiled in a variety of unlikely cases. But he always comes out on top - in the end!
Little Manfred, Michael Morpurgo.
In the Imperial War Museum is a wooden Dachshund, carved by a German prisoner of war for the children of the British family with which he stayed after the fighting ended. This is the story of how it got there! When the Bismarck sinks, one of the only German survivors is taken on board a British ship as a prisoner of war. Sent to live with a host family, Walter must adapt to a new way of life, in the heart of an enemy country. Gradually, though, he finds a friend in ten-year-old Grace. So when the time finally comes to go back to Germany, it's an emotional parting, with Walter leaving Grace with only a carved wooden dog to remember him by. The question is, will Walter and Grace ever
Class One spells trouble ; &, Class One on the move, Margaret Nash.
In this collection of stories there's a witch who loses her hat, a plasticine pig that runs riot, plenty of fun at the school fete, encounters with aliens, disappearing shoes and haunted trees.
Lion at school and other stories, Philipa Pearce.
A collection of nine stories about animals, including a lion who goes to school, a lonely horse in search of adventure, and a mouse trying to avoid a mousetrap.
Billy the kid goes wild, written by Francesca Simon.
Billy the kid has so much to do before Gabby Goose's birthday party, there's no way he's ready for his afternoon nap. It's up to the rest of the animals in Potter's Barn to tire him out and ensure Gabby's party goes off with a bang!
Chicks just want to have fun, written by Francesca Simon.
Moody Margaret's school, Francesca Simon.
Why should Horrid Henry spend his precious time Saturday playing schools with Moody Margaret? There must be a way he can be sent home … but how?
Cartoon Kid, Jeremy Strong.
Casper's new teacher tells the class that they're all superheroes, so they all choose superhero names. Casper becomes The Cartoon Kid, his best friend Pete becomes Big Feet Pete, and moaning Noella Niblet becomes The Incredible Sulk. Together the heroes fight injustice, starting with the Vampire Twins, Gory and Tory.
The stepsisters' story, Kaye Umansky.
Lardine and Angula will make sure their stepsister doesn't go to the ball, marry the prince, or get her foot in that stupid shoe! Riotous retelling of the classic story.
Three Iggy & me stories, Jenny Valentine.
Iggy and me is a series of family stories featuring the mishaps and shenanigans of the irrepressible 5-year-old Iggy as seen through the eyes of her big sister Flo. Funny and endearing, each chapter is a complete and satisfying story in its own right
Playtime for Rascal : &, Rascal's sleepover fun, Holly Webb.
When Ellie names her puppy Rascal she doesn't realise how right she is! The naughty little puppy is soon getting himself and Ellie into all sorts of mischief.
Meerkat madness, Ian Whybrow.
While the grown-ups of the meerkat clan are out looking for food, young pup Jack and his siblings are left with a babysitter. Their favourite is ex media meerkat Uncle Adrian. He might be a bit of a show-off but he tells long funny stories from the time he was the star of a hit wildlife show. One day Jack talks Adrian into taking the pups on a tour of famous locations from the programme. But while Adrian gets carried away remembering his glory days, a deadly predator is stalking the group, hoping to carry one of them away for lunch!

Into Reading

Fly Guy vs. the fly swatter!, Tedd Arnold.
Best in show, David Catrow.
Max Spaniel outperforms all of the other entrants in a dog show.
Dinosaur hunt, David Catrow.
Max Spaniel searches for dinosaurs in his back yard.
Funny lunch, David Catrow.
Max Spaniel is chef at his own diner, where he serves up a variety of tasty meals.
The roly-poly rice ball : a Japanese fairy tale, retold by Rosie Dickins ; illustrated by Ben Mantle ; reading consultant, Alison Kelly.
Boy, bird, and dog, David McPhail.
See me run, Paul Meisel.
A dog has a fun-filled day at the dog park, in this easy-to-read story.
In the Castle, Anna Milbourne ; illustrated by Benji Davies ; reading consultant, Alison Kelly
Mittens, Where Is Max?, story by Lola M. Schaefer ; pictures by Susan Kathleen Hartung
Mittens the kitten searches for his friend Max, a dog, so they can play together.
Splat the Cat and the Duck with No Quack, by Rob Scotton ; cover art and text by Rob Scotton ; interior illustration s by Robert Eberz.
Splat the cat's bicycle bumps and jumps over the bumpy track on his way to school, until … crack! Splat takes a tumble off of his bike and finds himself nose to beak with a duck. When the duck does not make a sound, Splat packs the duck in his backpack along with his school supplies to his teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple, who will know what to do, and heads off to Cat School.
Splat the Cat Sings Flat, cover art by Rob Scotton ; text by Chris Strathearn ; interior illustrations by Robert Eberz.
Splat the cat is very nervous when his class prepares to sing on Parents' Night.

Non-Fiction

The Little Bookroom: Fifty Years with Children's Books, Jeff Prentice

Older Fiction

Missing on Superstition Mountain, Elise Broach ; illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo
When brothers Simon, Henry, and Jack move with their parents to Arizona, they are irresistably drawn to explore the aptly named Superstition Mountain, in spite of warnings that it is not safe.
The weight of water, Sarah Crossan.
Showoff, Gordon Korman.
Accused of ruining a champion dog's career after an unfortunate incident at a mall show, Luthor is sent to the pound, prompting a skeptical Griffin to hatch a daring plan involving a sinister saboteur, a reclusive trainer, and large supply of red dye.

Picture Books

I Completely Know about Guinea Pigs, Lauren Child.
One Cool Friend, story by Toni Buzzeo ; pictures by David Small
Elliot, a very proper young man, feels a kinship with the penguins at the aquarium and wants to take one home with him.
Dinosaur Dreaming, story by Justin D'Ath ; illustrated by Mike Spoor.
Little Nelly's Big Book (of Knowledge), by Pippa Goodhart ; illustrated by Andy Rowland
Fantail's Quilt, Responsibility: written by Gay Hay ; illustrated by Margaret Tolland
Mother Fantail builds a nest for her eggs to keep them safe, but hungry Rat is out on the prowl. Includes factual information about fantails, a list of Māori words, and a key to the plants and animals that live in the fantail's forest. Suggested level: junior.
Small, Medium, Large: A Book about Relative Sizes, Emily Jenkins ; illustrated by Tomek Bogacki.
I want my hat back, Jon Klassen.
This is a picture book debut by a rising talent that tells a cumulative tale with a cheeky twist, aided by graphically simple, and truly hilarious, illustrations. The bear's hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it.
Goran's Great Escape, Astrid Lindgren, Marit Tornqvist ; [translated by Polly Lawson]
Making A Friend, by Alison McGhee with illustrations by Marc Rosenthal
When the snow falls, a young boy makes a snowman that becomes his friend until the seasons change.
Storm: A High Country Mustering Horse, story and photos by Hayley Pitts
"Storm is a big black horse running free on a high country station in Marlborough, New Zealand. She needs to learn to be a well behaved mustering horse to be able to stay. Will she be good enough? Join Storm on her journey from a gangly, young filly, to a reliable working horse."--Back cover. Suggested level: junior, primary.
Stars, Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee.
I Must Have Bobo!, Eileen Rosenthal ; illustrated by Marc Rosenthal
When Willy wakes up without his favorite toy, he looks everywhere until he finds it.
Peter Is Just A Baby, written and illustrated by Marisabina Russo
A big sister relates some of her accomplishments, which her baby brother is far from able to do.
I love you, Barbi Sido.
All kinds of kisses, Nancy Tafuri.
Big Machines, Belinda Worsley
The Ladybird First Words and Pictures series is perfect for helping to develop your toddler's early vocabulary. For older children, linking words to pictures is also an important first reading skill.What's That? Big Machines contains clear, bright pictures and words of popular vehicles to look at and talk about, perfect for young children curious about the world around them.
Little Owl's night, Divya Srinivasan.
No dogs allowed!, words and pictures by Anne Davis.
Same, same, but different, Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw.
Tickle tickle Peter! : a first touch and feel book.,