The section’s main aim is to go out into the community and let people know about all the amazing things available in their library, both in branch and online.
World Book Online is a suite of websites from the publishers of the famous World Book encyclopediae. Early World of Learning is for Pre-school and Junior/Senior Infants. World Book Kids is suited to Primary school students. World Book Student is designed for Secondary school students.World Book Early World of LearningWorld Book Early World of Learning is a resource for preschoolers and children in early primary. Developed with experts on early childhood education, image-based navigation helps young readers explore stories, games, videos, and interactive colouring pages for educational entertainment. There's lots of guidance for parents too with lesson ideas and how-to videos. Visit World Book Early World of Learning, all you have to do is enter your library card number. World Book KidsWorld Book Kids is the premier online resource developed especially for young students, ideal for older primary school children. The site has been optimized for tablets and features image-based navigation, easy-to-read articles, thousands of images and videos as well as a wealth of engaging games, science projects, and activities.Watch how to use tutorials and visit World Book Kids, all you have to do is enter your library card number. World Book StudentWorld Book Student is for secondary school students and includes all the articles from the print versions of the famous World Book encyclopedia, plus thousands of additional articles, learning resources, and research tools. Containing numerous tools to engage users in 21st-century education and blended-learning practices, it features responsive design, daily current events and dedicated resource guides to provide blueprints for advanced learning and college and career readiness.Watch tutorials on how to use the site and Visit World Book Student, all you have to do is enter your library card number.
Picture Book Wins 2015 Waterstones Children's Book Prize
Meet Penguin Blue! Meet 'Blown Away', the 11th winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the debut work of Rob Biddulph! It's a windy day, and Penguin Blue has a brand new kite - but where's he going on this maiden flight? In this fun and enjoyable picture book written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph, Penguin Blue and his friends go on a gloriously illustrated adventure full of good ideas, homesickness and the perils of kites. The Waterstones Children's Book Prize has three categories, from which the overall winner is selected. Biddulph's 'Blown Away' had won the Best Illustrated Book category; other category winners were: Sally Green, winner of the best book for teenagers with 'Half Bad', and Robin Stevens, winner of best young fiction with 'Murder Most Unladylike'.'Half Bad' is the first part of a fantasy trilogy set among a society of warring Black and White Witches. The second in the trilogy has just been published. 'Murder Most Unladylike' is the first in a series of boarding school mysteries, featuring schoolgirls Daisy Wells and Holly Wong of Deepdean School for Girls.First awarded in 2005, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize is an annual award given to a work of children's literature published during the previous year. The purpose of the prize is to uncover new and emerging talent and is therefore open only to authors who have published less than three books. In 2012 the prize was divided into categories, they being for Best Illustrated Book, Best Younger Fiction, and Best Book for Teenagers.The 2014 overall winner was Katherine Rundell's 'Rooftoppers', a book about about a young girl’s race to find her missing mother over the rooftops of Victorian Paris.What the Press have to say:Rob Biddulph wins Waterstones children’s book prize 2015 with debut Blown Away (The Guardian)Picture book wins 2015 Waterstones Children's Book Prize (The Telegraph)
Christmas Holidays - time to curl up with a book...
I love the long, warm, bright summer evenings - but the long, chilly, dark winter evenings have their charms too, as long as I have something good to read. The girls in my house have stored up some special reads for those lazy days between Christmas and New Year. We've had to banish the chosen books from sight so we're not tempted to start reading immediately - there lies grave danger of no present buying, pudding making, tree trimming or other essential ingredients of Christmas. Daughter Number One is hoarding Caitlin Moran's 'Moranthology' - she enjoyed 'How To Be A Woman' and no doubt we'll all dip into this anthology if we get a chance. Her second choice is another anthology, 'We Have a Good Time, Don't We?' by Maeve Higgins. Having loved Maeve's quirky comedy routines and television appearances (especially 'Fancy Vittles' with her sister Lily Higgins) she is looking forward with mounting pleasure to meeting Maeve again in print. If Maeve's recent columns in the Irish Times as stand-in for Róisín Ingle are any indication, the book should be a great read (I'll be waiting in line to grab it as soon as she puts it down).Daughter Number Two is a history addict and has ordered the O'Brien Press graphic novel 'At War With The Empire' by Gerry Hunt - it will be an historic moment in itself if I can keep it out of her hands until after Christmas. She will also probably re-read 'The Fault In Our Stars' a sad and funny coming of age novel by John Green. In fact, given enough time curled up in her new dinosaur 'onsie' she will probably read her way through John Green's entire back catalogue.Both of them will spend many competitive minutes scanning 'Where's Larry' - Ireland's answer to 'Where's Wally' - to find Larry the Leprechaun at the Cliffs of Moher, Newgrange, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and, my favourite, Puck Fair (who says you have to grow up?)And me? I've squirreled away 'Standing in Another Man's Grave', the new Rebus novel by Ian Rankin - fans don't need an explanation. I might also try 'Brother Grimm' by Craig Russell, as recommended by a fellow blogger on this site - who could resist the joint lure of crime and fairytales? Neither daughter is a crime fiction fan (yet) so I won't have to fight to keep the books to myself - though I reserve the right to steal glances at their choices. Roll on the holidays!All seven of our holiday reading choices are available in Dublin City Public Libraries - though you might have to join a waiting list for the more popular titles (or ask Santa). Ten seems to be the magic number for lists, so I'd love to hear your three suggestions to finish the holiday reading list - go on...tell us - who will you be curling up with this Christmas?
Brilliant Mid-term Reads from Book Festival Authors
Dark days, and even darker nights - autumn is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. You might already have a toppling pile of books beside the bed, or sitting on a bookshelf just waiting for you to pick them up and bring the story to life by opening that first page. But if you are finished everything interesting in your 'to read' pile and are looking for a good book to keep you company over this mid-term break, perhaps you will find inspiration in the work of some of the authors who have been visiting Dublin City Libraries during October for Children's Book Festival. Some, like Judi Curtin are very well-known and don't need any introduction from me, while others, like Michael Carroll, who writes science fiction / fantasy novels, are less well-known, but equally engaging writers.If you were lucky enough to be at Cabra Library or Drumcondra Library to meet popular author Judi Curtin, you will have heard all about how she started writing and how moving schools often as a child helped her become observant and made sure she always had good stories to tell. Judi's most recent book is 'Leave it to Eva' the third book in the 'Eva' series. There are seven books in Judi's earlier 'Alice and Megan' series, as well as a cookbook, so no need to run out of your favourite reads.Younger children will enjoy the 'Alfie Green' series by Joe O'Brien, who visited Rathmines and Kevin Street Libraries, and older fans of Joe's work might try 'Beyond the Cherry Tree' a novel of fantasy, adventure and magic. Another author who visited libraries in during October is Debbie Thomas, whose book 'Dead Hairy' is quite hilarious. Children who met Debbie in Donaghmede, Coolock and Ballyfermot Libraries were also let in on the secrets of Debbie's new book 'Jungle Tangle' which isn't even in shops or libraries yet - but keep an eye out!During week two of the festival we had a visit from Che Golden, who travelled from England to meet children in the Central Library, Rathmines Library and Terenure Library. There were plenty of questions for Che and we learned how her writing was inspired by her childhood visits to Blarney in Co. Cork to visit her grandparents - and we also learned exactly how little an author gets paid for each book sold (a lot less than you would think). Che's book, The Feral Child, is the first of a trilogy - and the first part is so exciting I can't wait for parts two and three.Week three of the festival was the busiest week, starting with visits from environmentalists Éanna Ní Lamhna and Don Conroy. Many of Don's books, such as 'The Anaconda from Drumcondra' and the 'Draw with Don' series are still available in libraries, and Éanna's book, 'Wild Dublin' has something to offer all ages - along with great photographs. You can also download a free copy of Éanna's brilliant resource for primary school teachers 'Wild Things at School' published by the Heritage Council.Eithne Massey writes for many age groups so she has something for everyone - for younger readers there's 'The Dreaming Tree' and 'Best Loved Irish Legends' while for older readers Eithne's fantasy novels (with an historical theme) include 'The Silver Stag of Bunratty' and, her latest, 'Where the Stones Sing'. You can also view a list of Eithne's own favourite children's fantasy books. During the same week, the fabulous Cressida Cowell entertained over 400 children from schools all over Dublin - with her tales of Vikings and Dragons. 'How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel' is the tenth in the hugely popular 'How to Train Your Dragon' series - if you haven't tried them, now's your chance! Perfect for boys and girls aged 8+.In week four we had visits from Nicola Pierce and Jean Flitcroft. Jean has written two books in her 'Cryptid Files' series; 'Loch Ness', which is set in Scotland and features the hunt for the famous Loch Ness Monster and 'Mexican Devil' which introduces us to El Chupacabra - a mythical monster from Mexico. Nicola Pierce writes historical fiction with a slight fantasy element in 'Spirit of the Titanic' a book that views the unfolding of the Titanic tragedy through the eyes of the ghost or spirit of Samuel Scott, an apprentice who was killed while helping to build the Titanic in Belfast docks.The last official Children's Book Festival visit will be from science fiction / fantasy author Michael Carroll to Ballymun Library on Hallowe'en, Wednesday 31st October - the very last day of the Festival. Michael has written many novels and short stories for children, teenagers and adults as well as stories for comics like Judge Dredd and Futurequake. During these visits he will be talking mostly about the 'New Heroes' series; 'The Quantum Prophecy', 'Sakkara' and 'Absolute Power', all available from your local library. The full list and their American as well as English titles is available here. If you are between 10 and 14 and enjoy fantasy and science fiction books, come along to Ballymun Library on Wednesday 31st at 3pm for a great opportunity to listen to and chat with a real writer about how he writes, what inspires him, and also what inspires you and tips for writing your own stories.So, loads of great ideas for new books to explore. Still not inspired? Drop in to your local library and browse along the shelves of great booksIf you find the perfect book for you - why not share by letting us know all about it? All replies to this post suggesting a good children's read for these Autumn days will be entered in a draw for a newly published book by an Irish author (I'm keeping the title a secret until I get those entries in - so start suggesting now).
During Culture Night 2012 the Goethe-Institut Irland gave Dubliners the opportunity to see new film versions of Grimms' Fairy Tales - shot on location in Germany in old castles, monasteries and forts and starring well known German film and television actors. Now, both Rathmines Library and Cabra Library can offer the same opportunity to their patrons with screenings of three of the most well-known titles during the mid-term break, between Tuesday 30th October and Friday 2nd November.The films follow the original stories as collected by the Brothers Grimm and retain many elements that have been lost in up-dated or shortened versions - for example, the Wicked Queen in Schneewitchen (or Snow White as it is known in English) tries to kill Snow White three times, first with a belt that tightens around her waist, next with a poisoned comb for her hair, before hitting on the (almost) successful plan of tempting her with a poisoned apple. The real castle setting in Dornroschen (Sleeping Beauty) lends an authenticity to the tale - which turns it into a charming love story. In Rapunzel, there is plenty of background on how the young girl with the fabulously long hair came to be shut up in the tower - though the film doesn't quite go into how she notices her dress getting tighter after the secret visits from the Prince, as told in the original story. Perhaps he was bringing her chocolates?The full list of screenings is available on our website.All films will be shown in German with English subtitles and are almost one hour long. These films are being screened as part of the 200 year anniversary of the first publication of Grimms' Fairy Tales and are presented in co-operation with the Goethe-Institut Irland.These particular films are not currently available to borrow from Dublin City Public Libraries, however several other film versions of Grimms' stories are available on our catalogue. Here are some examples; Snow White and the Huntsman, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (Disney), Sleeping Beauty (Disney), Thumbelina (20th Century Fox), A Cinderella Story and Ella Enchanted.See also, an earlier blog about Grimms 200 - 'Once Upon A Time'
No, it's not a Beatles tribute band - but I couldn't resist the alliterative headline - the 'Fab Four' are four fabulous Irish writers for children and young people; Pauline McLynn, Conor Kostick, Brian Gallagher and Anna Carey, all appearing in the Phibsboro' area during Phizzfest, the voluntary community arts festival running 1st - 9th September 2012.All these writers have connections with the Phibsboro' area and have generously given their time to the Festival, now in it's third year. But it's not only geography that unites them - it is also the quality and appeal of their books. Anyone looking for a short way of compiling a reading list for the 10+ age group would do very well to include the titles by these four authors - all of which are available in branches of Dublin City Public Libraries.Anna Carey is a journalist and author of ‘The Real Rebecca’ an award-winning book for older children. We follow the Rebecca of the title through her first summer after Primary school as she looks forward to starting Secondary school with all her friends (a thinly disguised Dominican Convent School on Griffith Ave.). The fun in the story starts when Rebecca’s mother writes a best-selling children’s book about a teenage girl and all Rebecca’s friends think it’s about her – Rebecca is not amused! The equally entertaining follow up book, ‘Rebecca’s Rules’ will be published by O’Brien Press later in September.Anna will be reading from her work and meeting fans in Phibsboro Library on Monday 3rd September at 6pm. Admission is free and all are welcome. best remembered still for her brilliant portrayal of Mrs. Doyle in the legendary series Fr. Ted, has written her first book for young teenagers 'Jenny Q. - Stitched Up!' and it is as hilarious as you would expect. Pauline entertained a very appreciative Phizzfest audience yesterday (Sunday 2nd Sept) in Broadstone Hall at 3pm with a mesmerizingly side-splitting reading from 'Jenny Q.' and an even funnier account of how she became an author in the first place. After signing autographs and posing for photographs, Pauline then rushed back to put the finishing touches to the sequel to 'Jenny Q.' - we can't wait.Conor Kostick is best known for his wonderful trilogy 'The Avatar Chronicles' comprising the novels; EPIC, SAGA and EDDA. Breath-taking page-turners, these novels are ideal for anyone interested in computer games, science fiction, fantasy, and indeed, the big questions of life. An interview with Conor and support material for classroom use are made available by O'Brien Press. Brian Gallagher brings Irish history to life for young readers in his exciting historical novels 'Across the Divide' and 'Taking Sides' set in Dublin during the 1913 Lockout and the War of Independence respectively. O'Brien Press also provide teaching materials for these books. A third historical novel 'Secrets and Shadows', this time set in the aftermath of the North Strand bombings, is due out shortly.Brian and Conor are visiting St. Peter's N.S. in Phibsboro on Friday 7th September as part of Phizzfest.Phibsboro Library has been making all these books available to their readers during the summer - much appreciated during the rainy days I'm sure. Check them out on our catalogue or drop in to your local library to borrow any of these brilliant books.is supported by Dublin City Council and Dublin City Public Libraries and the title sponsor is the Croke Park Fund.
Have you ever speculated which books you would bring with you to a desert island? (I've always thought that should be 'deserted' not 'desert' but perhaps it's an obscure grammar point I don't get?) As part of the Re Think + Re Act Exhibition, Pivot Dublin have set up a Reading Room in Filmbase in Temple Bar, Dublin. They invited readers in Dublin to submit their favourite book to be displayed in the Reading Room during the exhibition. My choice? The three girls in my family got together to raid our groaning bookshelves and share our favourite books with Dubliners at the Reading Room. Come along and see if you can find them.Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood and the Story of a Return, by Marjane Satrapi - all three of us love this book. It's a graphic novel that tells the story of one girls experience in pre and post revolution Iran. It's funny and sad and infuriating and brilliant. It was made into an excellent animated film by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi.An Chanáil, by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick - one of the very few children's books that depicts an accurate, modern (relatively) urban Dublin. This is a very special book, unfortunately now out of print. If you live anywhere between the two canals, take a close look at this and inhabit the streets along the Grand Canal in a new, virtual way, while sharing the story of a child and a lost dog. The Tin-Pot Foreign General and the Old Iron Woman, by Raymond Briggs - we show this book to everyone who comes into our house, and then sit back and watch their reaction. Have a look yourself and see the genius of the creator of the (much more famous) Snowman in a much darker mood in this savage political satire and heart-breaking anti-war picturebook that defies categorisation, but is definitely not for young children. The book was created in reaction to the Falklands War and the two main characters are thinly disguised versions of the Argentinian General Galtieri and Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. A perfect example of 'Re Think, Re Act'. This is Ireland, by M. Sasek - This is part of a series, which includes 'This is London', 'This is Paris', 'This is Edinburgh' and 'This is New York' - published over fifty years ago but re-issued in the original format with some updates at the end. They are a kind of time-warp Pathé News style 'best bits' travelogue of each place. For some strange reason 'This is Ireland' highlights Kilbeggan and its distillery as one of the highlights of Ireland - maybe the writer had a granny from Westmeath! Mister Magnolia, by Quentin Blake - almost anything by Quentin Blake could have been included here, but Mister Magnolia has a special place in our hearts. When children are very young they often insist on the same story being read again, and again, and again, and ag...you get the drift. This is when a well written, brilliantly illustrated and consistently amusing story is worth anything you have to pay for it. This is one I never got bored with - even when daughter number one would ask for it just 'one last, last, last time'. Quentin Blake is probably best known as the illustrator of Roald Dahl's stories, but he has proved time and time again that he can write his own stories too.Horrible Histories: Ireland, by Terry Deary - this one was chosen by the younger members of the household, but who am I to argue with them? History with all the good bits left in! And, unlike one or two of my other choices, at least it's easily available.A Monster Calls, a novel by Patrick Ness, from an original idea by Siobhan Dowd - this book has been deservedly chosen by so many people as one of the best childrens books of recent years, in fact, one of the best books of recent years. It's about facing up to impending bereavement and making the best of flawed but emotionally 'good enough' relationships. I got my (adult) Book Club to read it last year and they were stunned by its integrity and emotional power. It may be written for children, but it doesn't talk down to anyone. Kissing the Witch, by Emma Donoghue - Dublin born, Canada based writer Emma Donoghue had a small but loyal following until the Booker Prize-winning novel 'Room' catapulted her to international literary stardom. Emma wrote 'Kissing the Witch' in 1988, long before 'Room' - it's a collection of fairy tales, re-worked from a feminist perspective. Sound dull? I suppose it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I really, really love this book. Actually, this is a perfect 'Re Act, Re Think' book too because each story completely re-imagines a well known fairy tale; Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella etc. Emma retells each story in her elegant, exact, poetic prose, but this time we go beyond the archetypes of the stories to the reality of their situations, for example, in this version the Little Mermaid ends up, not as foam on the waves, but as a 'ruined woman' when her prince rejects her love for a more suitable match. Each linked story has a 'pivotal moment', usually when the heroine rejects the advice of her older and wiser sister - now, if she'd only listened to that witch... We are all doomed to ignore the witch though - until we become her!That's all folks! Well, you didn't really expect me to choose just one book, did you?Now...what would you choose?
Part 3 of my three part comments on my own reading during 2011. Non-Fiction was the first in the series with Adult Fiction second. This is my Children's and Young Adult or Teen reads. Some great fantasy is being published in the Teen section and I do enjoy the reads.I read a lot of books over the last year, approximately 290 of which I noted from the library.Of all the books I read from the library some stood out, I couldn't pick a small number but I'm going to put them into themes and pick the best of that theme. Sometimes it's hard to pick just one, the first listed is my favourite, the rest are in no particular order. This isn't a definitive list, it's a list of books that are readable alone or are the start of a series, that I read during 2011, that stood out above the others and that I would recommend to others.ChildrensThere are no cats in this book - Viviane Schwarz - a charming picture book about cats trying to escape the book.Young Adult - a variation on Cinderella that surprised me and that I did really like. Ash is a well-rounded character and her choices aren't obvious.Ingo - Helen Dunmore - what if your family was descended from the merfolk and what if you got a chance to go visit the sea, which world would you stay with? Excellent readImpossible - Nancy Werlin - complicated re-telling of a fairy story that requires the heroes to research the stories to save themselvesBeing - Kevin Brooks - a boy discovers what he thinks he knows about himself isn't the truth, an interesting exploration about life and living.Foundling - D M Cornish - half of the book is taken up with an encyclopedia about the world, the rest is an interesting start to a series with an orphan boy trying to find out his role. The Real Rebecca - Anna Carey - a girl tries to define herself when faced with a badly drawn version in her mother's fiction.If I stay - Gayle Forman - a girl lies close to death and has to make the choice between life and death. Touching and very readable.Dragonfly Pool - Eva Ibbotson - a lovely story about an eccentric boarding school and war in Europe.Re-ReadsOrdinary Princess - M M Kaye - this was a childhood favourite and illustrated by the author. A look at what would happen if a princess was gifted with being ordinary. A lovely story.
