Find out what is happening in our library

Patron of Reading Visits

A couple of weeks ago we had our Patron of Reading, Swapna Haddow, come and talk to our Year 5 and 6 children. She was a really engaging speaker who gave the kids some great ideas for writing and told us all about her Dave Pigeon series. We're really looking forward to working more with Swapna, including launching her new Dave Pigeon book, Royal Coo, early in Term 2. In the mean time here is a little bit about Swapna and her Top Writing Tips:

Londoner Swapna Haddow is the award-winning children’s author of the Dave Pigeon series, published by Faber & Faber. She loves to write about boisterous animals that cause mayhem and is working with Faber & Faber, Little Tiger Press and Macmillan to make sure mean cats, grizzly bears and big-hearted little rabbits find their place on the bookshelves.

Swapna’s first published book Dave Pigeon, illustrated by Sheena Dempsey, received rave reviews and went on to win three regional awards in the UK and was shortlisted for the prestigious Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award. The series is based on two pigeons who find themselves battling predators in an array of madcap scenarios, all the while proving that friendship and teamwork can defeat anything.

Swapna now lives in Christchurch with her husband, son and their dog, Archie.

Swapna Haddow’s Creative Writing Top Tips

• I Spy

Always be on the look out for story ideas. A newspaper headline, a visit to a gallery, walking the dog, a swing across the monkey bars - inspiration is everywhere!

• Carry a notebook

A notebook is the perfect place to jot down ideas. Keep it on you as inspiration can strike at any moment.

• Read, read, read!

With every book you read, ask questions. What was your favourite bit? And what didn’t you enjoy so much? These questions will help you work out what you want your story to sound like.

• Enjoy

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy creating your masterpiece.

Sea Week in the library

We're celebrating Sea Week in the library this week.  The theme this year is 'Caring for our Oceans' and we've got two competitions in the library, a colouring competition for Years 0-4 and a writing competition for Years 5-8.  Come and grab an entry form and check out the ocean books.

Girls Night at the Library

Our annual Girls Night at the Library is coming up again later this term.  On Tuesday 9 April, from 7-8pm we'll be joined by New Zealand author Maria Gill.  Maria writes really great nonfiction books about all sorts of things, from famous New Zealander's and animals at war to earthquakes and native birds.  She will be coming to talk about her new book all about Kate Sheppard, dressed as Kate Sheppard.  More details will be coming soon.