Wednesday 23 February- – Construction Club: 10am – 4pm
Thursday 24 February- – Construction Club: 10am – 4pm
Friday 25 February- – Storytime: 10.30am – 11am – Followed by Stay and Play with building bricks and puzzles
Saturday 26 February- – Construction Club: 10am – 4pm
Colouring available all week!
Emsworth Library
Saturday 19 February- – Construction Club: 10am – 12noon
Totton Library
Thursday 24 February – – Pop-up Army Flying Museum: 11am – 3pm. Free family drop in activities. Parachute making, handling objects from the museum and things to make and do.
The UN celebrate this day every year on 3 December and the theme for this year is ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership‘. Their aim is to ensure that all are treated equally and to make the world a more inclusive place.
Libraries have many different ways of being inclusive to all, some of those being dyslexia friendly books, large print, audiobooks and braille books.
Booktrust have created a list of books to read with your children and these are some of the few that we have on our library catalogue:
Iris was born deaf, but she’s never let that define her; after all, it’s the only life she’s ever known. And until recently she wasn’t even very lonely, because her grandparents are both deaf, too. But Grandpa has just died and Grandma’s not the same without him. The only place Iris really feels at home anymore is in her electronics workshop where she loves taking apart antique radios. Then, during a science lesson about sound waves, Iris finds out about a whale who is unable to communicate with other whales. The lonely whale awakens something in Iris. She’s determined to show him that someone in the world knows he’s there.
Amelia McLeod lives on a tiny Scottish island, her mum has walked out on her and she’s about to start at a whole new, scary school. Her dyslexia means she’s a target for the school bullies. When she makes a wish on her birthday to be reunited with her mum, she finds herself quite literally disappearing at times of stress and reappearing elsewhere on the island, where she finds clues and snapshots of her parents’ past.
A little boy and his pet dragon are the very best of friends. They laugh, they sing, they dance, they snooze. They are both amazing – just like everyone else! A celebration of friendship and being yourself with a positive message about celebrating diversity.
This appealing brother and sister duo spend a lot of their day together, eating meals, going to school and playing. But life with an autistic sibling is not always easy. Through the eyes of the brother, we find out how they are both very different, but also very similar in other ways, and come what may they have lots of fun together and love each other just the same. This is a touching book that will strike a chord with every family with siblings, especially where one is differently abled.
People think that because Tally’s autistic, she doesn’t realise what they’re thinking, but Tally sees and hears – and notices – all of it. Endearing, insightful and warmly uplifting, this is a story of autism, empathy and kindness that will touch readers of all ages.
For this year’s Winter Reading Challenge we’re thrilled to be working with Penguin Publishing to bring The Snowman and the Snowdog to our libraries. From 1 December children will be able to come into the library and pick up a collector card and collect a sticker for each library book they read or listen to. After reading or listening to four library books they will receive a certificate! Whilst aimed at ages 4 to 11, everyone can take part no matter their age, and they have until 26 January to finish. There’s no need to sign up; just visit your local library* to collect stickers and earn a certificate.
All library books count towards the challenge: eBooks, audiobooks, books read to the child, chapter books, picture books, graphic novels and any other kind of book that you can borrow from the library. It’s free to take part in the Winter Reading Challenge, with a suggested donation of £1.
*Excluding Kingsclere Library, Lowford Library, Milford-on-Sea Library and North Baddesley Library
Looking for books for your child, or books to read together this winter? Have a look at these great winter themed books that you can borrow from Hampshire Libraries.
The Snowman flies again! One winter’s night a little boy is taken on a breathtaking and magical adventure beyond his wildest dreams when the Snowman and Snowdog he has built come to life and take him over the rooftops and across the sea to the North Pole. Ages 0+
When the first snow of winter falls, Phoebe watches it from her bedroom in Griselda Bone’s Home For Strays, wishing that the snow will bring with it some much-needed magic. However, in Griselda Bone’s orphanage magic is banned, along with daydreaming and doodling, and Phoebe’s day goes from bad to worse. But just when she’s about to give up hope, a Snow Dragon appears and whisks her away on an adventure, and maybe, just maybe, there’s enough magic to save Phoebe. Ages 3+
It’s winter in Moominvalley and Moomintroll and his family are getting ready for the Long Winter Sleep. But as the first flakes of snow fall, they receive an exciting invitation to the Ice Festival. Will they be brave enough to venture out now winter is here? Ages 3+
In this story, it is Ben’s birthday and it is snowing! He goes for a walk with Dad and sees some very funny footprints in the snow. Where could they lead? Ages 3+
Isadora loves playing in the snow, especially when her creations come to life! But snow magic can’t last forever. Will she be able to save her new friends before they melt away? This book is also bursting with activities and fun things to make and do! Ages 5+
Every year the magnificent silver Snow Goose brings winter to the Magical Kingdom of Birds. But this year something is wrong: why hasn’t he arrived? Lord Astor must be up to his tricks again. Can Maya and her friends uncover the mystery behind the missing snow goose, and bring winter to the kingdom? Ages 5+
And they’re off! Who will win the Race to the Top of the World? Helga Hammerfest and her polar bears; bounder and cheat Sir Basil-Dumpling; Shackleton Jones with his robot-powered sled ?But wait! What’s this? Two kids riding a sled pulled by 66 pugs wearing jumpers?! The underdogs are coming! Ages 6+
When James wakes to see snow falling one December morning, he is delighted and rushes outside to make a snowman. With coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose, he is perfect and James can hardly bear to go inside and leave him. In the middle of the night, he wakes and creeps out to see his snowman again – and to his amazement, the snowman comes to life! Ages: 7+
You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas. It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you. Because this book is full of impossible things. Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin. A tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an 11-year-old boy called Nikolas, who isn’t afraid to believe in magic. Ages 7+
Enter the thousand worlds of Amy Wilson in her captivating novel, ‘Shadows of Winterspell’, sparkling with frost and magic. Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life. Lonely, she enrolls at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought. But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realises that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic. Ages 9+
Have you ever wanted Christmas to be different? Turkey and carols, presents and crackers – they all start to feel a bit samey. How about a huge exploding mince pie, a pet abominable snowman, or a very helpful partridge in a pear tree? What if Father Christmas went to work at a zoo, or caused chaos in a toy store, or was even arrested for burglary? Dive into the fantastically funny world of Terry Pratchett, for a festive treat like no other. Ages 9+
When Emmeline’s parents mysteriously disappear, she finds herself flung into an adventure that takes her to the frozen north. There evil Dr Siegfried Bauer is plotting to awaken a mythical creature from the deep. And he’s not the only one determined to unleash the terrible beast. Can Emmeline stop their fiendish plans and save the world? Ages 9+
When Mila’s brother disappears, she believes he’s been taken by the Bear, a hooded stranger of legend who sought shelter at their home. Mila and her sisters follow his trail into the frozen north, determined to find a way past winter and bring their brother home. Ages 10+
Set in Victorian England and highlighting the social injustice of the time we see one Ebeneezer Scrooge go from oppressor to benefactor when he gets a rude awakening to how his life is, and how it should be. Ages 11+
A school ski trip to a remote Alpine resort descends into terror when a snowstorm cuts off the group from the rest of the world. For, as Charlie and his classmates are about to discover, something ancient and evil lies in wait. Ages 11+
Harriet Manners knows a lot about Christmas. She knows that every year Santa climbs down 91.8 million chimneys. She knows that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was almost definitely a girl. She knows that the first artificial Christmas trees were made out of goose feathers. But this Christmas is extra special for Harriet, because four days ago she had her first ever kiss. Now she just needs to work out what’s supposed to happen next. Ages 11+
When a mysterious stranger and his brown bear show up on the same day that Axel and Tess are orphaned, Axel knows nothing will ever be the same. However, the strange duo are quickly forgotten when Axel and Tess are shipped off to Finland to stay with grandparents that they’ve never met. But when they arrive in Finland, Axel is stunned when the stranger and his bear reappear. More incredibly, the stranger tells him that his parents are lost and need help. Desperate to see his father again, and actually meet his mother, Axel follows the man and his bear, disappearing deep into the frozen wilds of northern Finland. Ages 12+
World Nursery Rhyme Week is a fantastic time to have some fun with nursery rhymes; through song, dance and play. Did you know through singing nursery rhymes together you can help your child’s development and bond with them? Even if you’re singing skills aren’t the greatest, or you feel you can’t sing, teaching your child nursery rhymes can help them develop their language and vocabulary skills, as well as literacy, numeracy, social skills and coordination.
Most of us have that one favourite rhyme we like, we asked around the office to see what everyone’s favourite one is;
“I love Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. “ – Sam
“If I had to choose just one, I would pick Wind the Bobbin up. “ – Karin
“Little Miss Muffet is my favourite nursery rhyme.” – Jade
“My favourite one isThis Little Piggy, because I always do that one with my nephew.” – Alice
Let us know in the comments below which is your favourite!
Most Hampshire Libraries host a RhymeTime or Toddler Time session for you to bring your little ones to; some even have multiple ones a week. These are free, volunteer led, drop-in groups where nursery rhymes and songs are sung with you and your child (if they are old enough). These sessions are aimed at the under 5’s, so there is usually a range of ages from newborns to preschoolers; but all ages are bound to enjoy the sessions.
The sessions are a great opportunity to bond with your baby, meet new people and just have a bit of fun. All singing abilities are welcome, remember; it’s for fun so no matter if you have a voice like Adele or sound more like a cat in distress when singing, there’s a space for you in these sessions. Find when a group is meeting at your local library on our website, for both RhymeTime and ToddlerTime.
If you would like to refresh your memory on nursery rhymes, or just learn some new ones to sing with your little ones, check out these lovely books that you can borrow from Hampshire Libraries:
A super selection of classic nursery rhymes! Sing along with fun action rhymes including ‘Pat-a-Cake’ and ‘I’m a Little Teapot,’ then get ready for bed with soothing lullabies such as ‘Rock-a-Bye-Baby.’ Warmly illustrated with adorable animal characters, this sturdy board book is perfect for little ones!
This illustrated collection is packed with all your favourite nursery rhymes! Children will love learning fun action rhymes such as ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ and ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ and singing along with sweet songs including ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’!
This classic book of rhymes is filled with all the songs and verses you will remember from childhood and will want to pass on to a new generation of children. The book is filled with Beatrix Potter’s classic artwork.
‘Incy Wincy Spider’ combines lively pictures with a classic rhyme that’s easy for parents and carers to recognise and recite. Young children will adore searching the page for flaps to open while singing along. The spotting game at the end is a great incentive to go through the pages once again until each tiny thing is found.
Mr Bump sat on a wall, Mr Bump had a great fall. It’s time for some nursery rhymes with the Mr Men! This fun book includes lots of popular nursery rhymes with their own Mr Men twist! The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics.
Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.
Anne Frank
Hedy’s journey: the true story of a Hungarian girl fleeing the Holocaust by Michelle Bisson and illustrated by El Primo Ramón
It is 1941. Hedy and her family are Jewish, and the Jew-hating Nazi Party is rising. Hedy’s family is no longer safe in their home in Hungary. They decide to flee to America, but because of their circumstances, 16-year-old Hedy must make her way through Europe alone. Will luck be with her? Will she be brave? Join Hedy on her journey – where she encounters good fortune and misfortune, a kind helper and cruel soldiers, a reunion and a tragedy – and discover how Hedy is both lucky and brave.
Sensitively edited, the abridged edition of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ gives younger readers their first introduction to the extraordinary diary of an ordinary girl who has long become a household name. There are line drawings, lots of family photographs, and an afterword to explain why the diary ends so abruptly.
The experiences of eight children from different parts of occupied Europe during World War II are recounted here. They were forced to hide, to flee, to assume new identities, and were held prisoner in concentration camps.
Anne Frank by Josephine Poole and illustrated by Angela Barrett
Anne Frank’s diary telling the story of her years in hiding from the Nazis has affected millions of people. But what was she like as a small girl, at home with her family and friends; at play and at school? And how did an ordinary little girl come to live such an extraordinary and tragically short life?
By turns charming, shocking, and heart-breaking, this is the true story of Michael Rosen’s search for his relatives who ‘went missing’ during the Second World War – told through prose, poetry, maps, and pictures. When Michael was growing up, stories often hung in the air about his great-uncles: one was a clock-mender and the other a dentist. They were there before the war, his dad would say, and weren’t after. Over many years, Michael tried to find out exactly what happened: he interviewed family members, scoured the Internet, pored over books and traveled to America and France. The story he uncovered was one of terrible persecution – and it has inspired his poetry for years since. Here, poems old and new are balanced against an immensely readable narrative; both an extraordinary account and a powerful tool for talking to children about the Holocaust.
Anne Frank by Ma Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Sveta Dorosheva
Little Anne was born in Germany to a liberal Jewish family. But when the Nazis came into power she was forced to go into hiding with her family. With innovative illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream.
Written specially for children, this is the true story of a young Jewish girl and her brother growing up during the Second World War, caught in a world turned upside down by the Nazis.
The Holocaust was one of the most horrific events in history. This book looks at how the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, persecuted, imprisoned, and killed millions of people. Find out more about Kristallnacht, the death camps, and the creation of the State of Israel.
In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.
Whether you’re looking for an event, activity or just some books – your local libraries have something on this half term. All our libraries run regular groups and activities for children and families – almost all of these continue during the school holidays! Most of which are drop in; so there’s no need to book, just turn up and have fun.
Check out what’s on this half term; and don’t forget to stock up on books while you’re visiting. It’s not just picture books, chapter books and information books that can be found at the library.
Regular groups and activities taking place can be found here, and includes: Construction clubs, where children get to play with building blocks of different sizes. Storytime, 30 minutes of stories for children of all ages, stories are aimed at ages 2-5. Rhymetime, 30 minutes of music, songs and rhymes. For infants, babies and toddlers – but enjoyed by all ages. Craft clubs, regular crafting sessions at the library for different ages. These are just four of the regular activities taking place, check out the website or speak to a member of staff at your local library to find out more about regular groups and activities.
Below are the cool, one off events and activities happening during half term! Check them out today;
Come and join Percussionist Harriet Riley and String player Neil Valentine for a rip roaring ride through the world of hitting things! ABC Family Concerts brings incredible artists who present their favourite musical styles for you and your baby to enjoy. From the majestic marimba to the dancing djembe, Harriet will take you on a world of fun with all things percussive. This concert will take you around the world, with thumping beats and toe-tapping fun. Plus a few familiar tunes and some audience participation of course! You will clap, dance, jig, sing and laugh your way through some of the greatest music for strings in this engaging and fun concert. One not to be missed!Concerts are open access; you are free to move around, feed, drink, walk, jump, clap, laugh, cry, shout, sing, roll or change a nappy.
Trying to fit into the modern world when you are a caveman isn’t easy. Ogg always seems to get things wrong, with hilarious results. Poor Ogg, he just wants to fit in. Luckily he has his best friend Penny to help him.
Join author and illustrator Tom Tinn-Disbury as he reads from, and talks about, his book The Caveman Next Door, followed by a fun craft activity. A creative and entertaining event, to inspire and engage children aged 3-7 years. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This is a FREE event but places are limited, so advanced booking is adviced. To book your space, please visit Fareham Library.
An interactive cookery workshop to excite the senses, offering a Latin American experience for children. Parents are invited to enjoy their children’s food during the final half an hour of the workshop. Be amazed by your child’s ability to cook authentic cuisine! Ages 8-12
Lego® Robotics Basingstoke Discovery Centre 10am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
An interactive cookery workshop to excite the senses, offering a Latin American experience for children. Parents are invited to enjoy their children’s food during the final half an hour of the workshop. Be amazed by your child’s ability to cook authentic cuisine! Ages 8-12
Tuesday 29 October
Lego® Robotics Basingstoke Discovery Centre 10am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Come along to meet a variety of animals from around the world at the Quirks’ Animal Roadshows workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to stroke and hold the animals as well as discovering lots of interesting facts about where they come from, what they eat and what makes them unique. Suitable for ages 4+, buy your tickets directly from Basingstoke Discovery Centre.
Come along to meet a variety of animals from around the world at the Quirks’ Animal Roadshows workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to stroke and hold the animals as well as discovering lots of interesting facts about where they come from, what they eat and what makes them unique. Suitable for ages 4+, buy your tickets directly from Tadley Library.
Come along and listen to a storyteller tell a wooly yarn and make your own puppet. This event is suitable for children under 8 and is part of the Darkfest festivities.
Advanced booking is adviced.
Lego® Robotics Basingstoke Discovery Centre 2pm Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Come along to meet a variety of animals from around the world at the Quirks’ Animal Roadshows workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to stroke and hold the animals as well as discovering lots of interesting facts about where they come from, what they eat and what makes them unique. Suitable for ages 4+, buy your tickets directly from Chineham Library.
Come along to construction club and build a creepy house, drop in between 2pm and 4pm, followed by Halloween stories and rhymes from 4pm to 4.30pm. Free tickets available from the library, booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Handle and learn more about guinea pigs and rabbits with Furlock Holmes. Furlock Holmes Animal Care is a registered animal rescue charity based in Whitchurch, Hampshire. Specialising in rabbits and guinea pigs, we take in unwanted, abandoned, neglected and mistreated animals with the aim of rehabilitating and re-homing them. Any animals requiring ongoing treatment or needing special care remain at the rescue with us as permanent residents. As well as rescuing animals, we also offer a boarding service and care for pets when people go away, whether they are going on holiday or having to stay in hospital and being unable to care for their pets. We strongly believe that not only can people help animals, but that animals can also help people. Ticket price is per participating child with one accompanying adult free.
Join local author Rachel Jane as she shares her stories about the campervans from Red Hatch Farm! You’ll join in the adventures of Milo, Lil and Tallulah followed by fun campervan crafts. Rachel will also be signing copies of her books afterwards. Book your space from staff at Basingstoke Discovery Centre.
Join Diamond a Pets as Therapy dog. Reading to a PAT dog like Diamond, can help a child feel less self-conscious and more confident about reading. Parents and carers to stay with their children. For more information please contact the library.
Thursday 31 October
Lego® Robotics Hythe Library 10am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Bluebird the Storyteller will tell a Baba Yaga tale and other stories for Halloween. All Russian Children know of the wicked Witch Baba Yaga who lives in a house raised up on Chicken legs. She has 3 black geese who round up children to bring to her. Come along to listen to what happens when a young lad finds the strange house in the woods. Bluebird in her own free style will enchant and enthral listeners even on the scariest of days with spooky Halloween tales. Aimed at audiences of 7+ Booking is essential
With trick or treat games for children aged 6 to 10 years Free but booking is essential. Please speak to a member of staff in the library to book a space. Parents and carers to remain with their children during this activity
Join local author Rachel Jane as she shares her stories about the campervans from Red Hatch Farm! You’ll join in the adventures of Milo, Lil and Tallulah followed by fun campervan crafts. Rachel will also be signing copies of her books afterwards.
Lego® Robotics Gosport Discovery Centre 11am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Come along and meet the Hampshire Bat Group and their brilliant bats during half term and create your own bat craft to take home. Booking essential. Parents/carers to stay. For more information please contact the library.
Come along and meet the Hampshire Bat Group and their brilliant bats during half term and create your own bat craft to take home. Booking essential. Parents/carers to stay. For more information please contact the library.
This week we are presenting a range of book related fun as part of the half-term book festival. An older children, teen and young adult author panel discussion, revealing the secrets of writing and tip for inspiring new writers. Featuring: – Perdita and Honor Cargill, mother and daughter writers of the warm and witty ‘Waiting for Callback’ series – Kate Mallinder author of new release ‘The Summer of No Regrets’ a perfect teen read about friendship, bravery and hope. – Kirsty Applebaum is debut author of The Middler, about the trials and frustrations of being the middle child
Books available on the day from P&G Wells booksellers, for signing by the authors.
National Adoption Week is all about raising awareness of how the adoption process works and to find more loving families for children who really need them.
Adopt South: Who can adopt?
Essential requirements
Aged 21 years and over. They are looking to talk to individuals who can provide a home for a child that can provide security and stability. They operate under the legal framework that 21 is the minimum age someone can consider adopting. Previous childcare experience, a spare room.
Things that won’t prevent you from adopting
Adopters who are single. They always welcome applications from single people as well as couples. Adopters who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, Working full time, Disabilities, Having children already, Owning pets.
Things they’ll need to consider
There are some things they’ll need to look at in detail to make sure you’re ready. A criminal record, Debt, Having counselling, Fertility treatment / miscarriages, Smoking and vaping.
For National Adoption week Adopt South’s team will give you an opportunity for a one to one informal chat about adoption and will be able to guide you along the path that best suits you. Their experienced adopter can also talk you through their experiences so you can hear first hand what it is like.
The event will be taking place on Monday 14 October, 10am – 2pm at Elizabeth II Court, The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UJ.
For more information about Adopt South click here.
When a book might helpBooklist
Adoption and fostering can be difficult subjects for young children to understand. Sharing stories about other families in similar situations can put a child’s mind at ease and encourage discussions. Stories may make difficult transitions easier to cope with and to understand.
This book takes one element of ‘The Great Big Book of Families’, the arrival of new members into a family, and explores all the different ways a baby or child can become part of a family.
Tom has always liked being adopted, but when he finds out his mum is expecting a baby, he starts to worry his parents will love the new baby more than him. Tom decides he needs to find a place that truly belongs to him.
When you decide to adopt a child, you might assume that all the important work begins when the child comes to live with you. In fact the preparation stage before is crucial. This book provides clear advice on how to prepare for your adoptive child and create a strong foundation for a healthy and loving relationship. Julia David explains how many different factors can shape preparations for adoption, such as finding out about your child’s history and using this information to establish a family environment which will meet your child’s specific attachment needs.
A moving and gripping story of love, denial, and a daughter’s quest for the truth. Caitríona Palmer had a happy childhood in Dublin, raised by loving adoptive parents. But when she was in her late twenties, she realised that she had a strong need to know the woman who had given birth to her. She was able to locate her birth mother, Sarah, and they developed a strong attachment. But Sarah set one painful condition to this joyous new relationship: she wished to keep it – to keep Caitríona – secret from her family, from her friends, from everyone.
This handbook introduces grandparents-to-be and other relatives to information about adoption today. It offers facts about the children needing adoption, processes and procedures and, most importantly, discusses how the wider family can support and be involved in building up a family through adoption.
Drawing on extensive research and the authors
own experience of being adopted, ‘What to Expect When You’re Adopting’ does not
gloss over the realities of the adoption process, but rather leads parents
through the many stages and emotional aspects involved.
We’ve spoken to our team of library experts and come up with nine of our favourite books for children to read this summer holiday, and a great selection to choose from for the Summer Reading Challenge. From dragons stalking library shelves to magical mysteries at a lighthouse – this summer, the real adventures begin between the pages of books!
In a world where the bees have disappeared, children are the ones who
pollinate crops so the nation doesn’t go hungry. Follow Shifa and her brother
Themba, as they try to escape from the cruelty of the farm they’re forced to
work on. Read on as they hope to build a better life for themselves and inspire
a better future for everyone.
Kit’s a kid who prefers getting her feet muddy to picking up a book,
but when her keen-reading friends drag her to the library, she discovers a
whole world she never knew existed. Join Kit and her friends as they battle to
save the library… and the world.
The Dragon in the Library – Louie Stowell & David Ortu
When eleven year old Tilly’s mum disappeared, she started living above
her grandparents’ bookshop. Life above a bookshop is great for a bookworm like
Tilly, who loves nothing more than diving into the pages of her favourite
stories. Until one day she discovers the characters from the pages walking
among the shelves and enlists the likes of Alice in Wonderland and Anne of
Green Gables to help solve the mystery of her missing mum.
Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers – Anna James
Following on from the mystery of the Last Chance Hotel, we join Seth
Seppi in a daring adventure as he discovers a bewildering new world of magic.
With many questions left unanswered and his nemesis still at large, it’s not
long before Seth and his cat Nightshade are embroiled in a new MagiCon case – a
murder investigation at an abandoned lighthouse.
In this laugh-out-loud story of
chaos, practical jokes and wish fulfilment, David Baddiel answers the question
of what would happen if the strictest headteacher swapped bodies with the
naughtiest kid in school.
Murph Cooper doesn’t have any powers, but that doesn’t stop him from
being on the best team of the Heroes’ Alliance. But supervillain Magpie
believes that a powerless hero is no hero at all, and builds a gadget to prove
it. When Kid Normal enters the Shadow Machine, the world won’t ever be the
same.
Kind Normal and the Shadow Machine – Greg James & Chris Smith
Winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, The Boy At the
Back of the Class follows the story of Ahmet, a strange newcomer to the
Year 4 classroom. He sits at the back, doesn’t talk much and, strangest of all,
isn’t keen on sweets! But between them, four 9-year-olds have a plan to make
Ahmet their friend.
When twins Arthur and Maddie hear news that their father has died in a
failed expedition to South Polaris, they embark upon a dangerous quest to find
answers. Join the twins as they follow in their father’s footsteps and begin a
new exploration voyage to discover the truth.
If you think your teachers are bad, you should see these guys! These
ten tales of terrible teachers will make you realise that the monster at the
front of your classroom isn’t so bad after all.
Audiobooks are a great way to continue to enjoy books while on the go! Whether it’s on the way to or from school, on a longer car, bus or train journey or just to relax before bed; audiobooks will ensure you can continue to enjoy books, even if you don’t have the time to sit down and read them. Not only do we have CDs, MP3 CDs and playaways that you can borrow from the library, you’re also able to download eAudiobooks straight to your tablet or mobile device using the BorrowBox app!
There are audiobooks for everyone and there is so much choice! CDs or MP3 CDsthat you can put into a CD player or computer to listen to. Playaways where all you need is an AAA battery and headphones and you’re good to go – the playaway is even small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, in your pocket or bag. eAudiobooks from BorrowBox, that you can download straight into your phone and bring with you wherever you go.
Here’s just some of the awesome books you can find as audiobooks through Hampshire Libraries:
A scruffy pup eagerly awaits a new home just in time for Christmas, a little girl discovers an adorable kitten in her garden, a dog makes an unlikely new friend, a hamster makes a daring escape and a girl tries to help a family of fluffy ducklings.
Chloe centre stage Written by Holly Webb Read by Rosie Jones Suitable for 6+
Chloe may have passed the audition for the Shine School for Performing Arts with flying colours, but that’s only the first challenge. As Chloe strives to stand out, her first term is more dramatic than she could ever have imagined.
Rainbow Dash is a huge fan of the Daring Do book series, but after the newest book comes out, she’s not alone! Suddenly, every pony in Ponyville is reading the books! To prove she’s the ultimate fan, Rainbow Dash decides to show her friends that she can be just as brave and ‘daring’ as her hero.
Amelia and her friends are back in Nocturnia, but there’s a new villain to battle! This evil creature is stealing everyone’s memories. How can Amelia save Nocturnia when no one can remember who she is?
George and Harold are back – in another truly icky adventure. When class boffin Melvin Sneedly goes too far with his latest amazing invention, the Bionic Booger Boy comes to sticky, snotty, really bad-tempered life.
Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into a new year and a new school where undersize weaklings share the corridors with kids who are taller, meaner and already shaving. Greg is happy to have his sidekick, Rowley, along for the ride. When Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s popularity to his own advantage.
The Burning Bridge Written by John Flanagan Read by William Zappa Suitable for 8+
As the Kingdom of Araluen prepares for war against Morgarath, Will and Horace accompany the Ranger Gilan on a mission to Celtica. But Celtica’s villages and mines are silent. Only an exhausted and starving girl called Evanlyn can tell them why: Morgarath has sent his foul creatures to enslave the Celts. While Gilan rides swiftly back to Araluen to report this news to the King, Will and Horace discover the true purpose behind Morgarath’s actions. The Kingdom is sure to be defeated in a surprise three-sided attack – unless they can find a way to prevent it.
The wicked king Written by Holly Black Read by Caitlin Kelly Suitable for 13+
When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world. Dramatic and thrilling fantasy blends with contemporary storytelling to create a fully realised world, filled with magic, politics and treachery.
Loki the trickster god is free from his chains. Now he’s readying Naglfar, the Ship of the Dead, armed with a host of giants and zombies, to sail against the Norse gods and begin the final battle of Ragnarok. It’s up to Magnus Chase and his friends to stop Loki’s plans, but to do so they will have to sail across the oceans of Midgard, Jotunheim and Niflheim in a desperate race to reach Naglfar before it’s ready to sail on Midsummer’s Day.
Fallen Written by Lauren Kate Read by Justine Eyre Suitable for 14+
What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours? Seventeen-year-old Lucinda falls in love with a gorgeous, intelligent boy, Daniel, at her new school, the grim, foreboding Sword & Cross only to find out that Daniel is a fallen angel, and that they have spent lifetimes finding and losing one another as good and evil forces plot to keep them apart.
Birdy Flynn Written by Helen Donohoe Read by Caroline Lennon Suitable for 15+
There is the secret of Birdy’s dead grandmother’s cat – how the boys tortured it and Birdy Flynn had to drown her in the river to stop her suffering. There’s the secret of Mrs Cope, the popular teacher, who touched Birdy in the cupboard. There’s the secret of the gypsy girl at school who Birdy likes, but she can’t tell anyone. Because Birdy’s other secret is that while she plays and fights as good as the boys, she is a girl, and she doesn’t always feel like a girl is supposed to.
There’s even more amazing audiobooks to discover through the library or through the BorrowBox app; there’s something for all ages! Download the app today or visit your local library to get started!
National Share a Story Month is an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing, providing a fantastic opportunity bring children and stories together.
We’ve put together a list of books that are perfect for sharing!
Meet a yak who can’t stop yackety-yacking, a hare with huge hair and a bear who’s, well, rather bare! Playing with language in a wonderfully fun and memorable way, this beautifully designed book will entertain and delight children everywhere.
Get ready for fun and hilarity in this action-packed comedy caper – featuring three hapless robbers, two very clever cats, and one robbery gone wrong! These robbers are masked and armed with their robbing list. They’re going to steal the loot from the big old house on the hill. Except they haven’t planned for the cats who live there. With booby traps ready, they’re going to stop the villains sneaking and creeping their way to the prized safe. Will the robbers get what they came for? Or will these two clever kitties foil their plan and keep the loot for themselves?
At the library Written by Heather Alexander and illustrated by Ipek Konak
What’s it like inside a library? Who is welcome, how do you use one and what is there to do? This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to libraries, big and small, and all the amazing things these institutions have to offer. From books to computers, from story time to special guests and from unique collections to very important rules. This is a wonderful way for children to learn about libraries and the value of reading, sharing and community. In addition, the unique design of the book allows children to discover a ‘hidden’ image by holding the page up to a bright light, much like a lift-the-flap mechanism.
King Pong
Written by Clare Helen Welsh and illustrated by Kelly Breemer For ages 5-7
King Pong is the bravest, strongest gorilla in the jungle but there’s just one problem: he has never had a bath.
I want to be a bat! Based on the original story by Steve Smallman, written by Katie Woolley For ages 5-7
Mouse wants to fly like Bat. He wants to sleep upside down like Bat too, but he doesn’t like eating moths! Yuck! ‘Reading Gems’ is a supplementary reading programme that supports a child’s learning at school. Featuring original stories, delightful characters and humorous illustrations, the ‘Reading Gems’ books have been designed to put the fun back into reading.
Ivy and Bean series Written by Annie Barrows and Illustrated by Sophie Blackall For ages 6-8
The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they wouldn’t be friends. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide quick Ivy comes to the rescue, proving that sometimes the best of friends are people never meant to like each other. Vibrant characters and lots of humour make this a charming and addictive introduction to Ivy and Bean.
Ten-year-old Beatrix is very good at telling jokes, dancing and throwing knives. She also happens to be a queen of a distant land – though she doesn’t know that yet. She also happens to be the queen who is quite possibly destined to lead the Wobblers to bold victory over the Evil Army – though she doesn’t know that yet either. Beatrix lives in an enormous golden palace with Aunt Esmerelda the Terrible and Uncle Ivan the Vicious, but as she’s only been allowed to see one new room per birthday, she’s only ever been inside ten rooms of the palace. Her aunt and uncle have always told her that if she goes beyond the woods outside the palace she’ll fall off the edge of the world. And the Dark, Dark Woods and all that lies beyond must be avoided at all costs – what if the dreaded Wobblers were to get her? But finally, the veil Beatrix has been living under is starting to slip. Beatrix knows she needs to be bold.
The beasts of Grimheart Written by Kieran Larwood and illustrated by David Wyatt For ages 8-10
The Gorm have started to attack the forest, trying to flush out the Darkhollow rabbits. Podkin and the others leave for Sparrowfast warren, on the other side of the forest, to ask his uncle for help and for the use of his magic bow (one of the 12 Gifts). As they make their way through the forest, Vetch turns traitor and tries to seize the Gifts Podkin and Paz own for his masters, the Gorm. The young rabbits flee into the forest depths, where they discover a lost tribe of rabbits and a another of the sacred Gifts – a crown which lets the wearer speak to animals. With their new allies, Podkin, Paz and Pook emerge, meeting up with the others at Silver Rock warren. His uncle and the Sparrowfast rabbits are already there, as the Gorm have marched round the forest edge and taken their warren.
Athan Wilde dreams of flight. When his friend, Mr Chen, is murdered, Athan must rescue the flying machine they were building together and stop it falling into the wrong hands. But keeping the machine safe puts his family in terrible danger. What will Athan choose – flight or family?
A beautifully written, incredibly original and wickedly funny novel for readers of 10 and older, ‘Bloom’ is for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, and for anyone who has ever wanted a little more colour and wildness in their lives.
One hot summer morning, Davie steps boldly out of his front door. The world he enters is very familiar – the little Tyneside town that has always been his home – but as the day passes, it becomes ever more dramatic and strange. A boy has been killed, and Davie thinks he might know who is responsible. As he turns away from the gossip and excitement and sets off roaming towards the sunlit summit at the top of the town, where the real and imaginary world begin to blur.
Taut, tense, terrifying. Author Marcus Sedgwick writes of the monsters we create in literature and in our own minds in this reappraisal of Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’.
If there is a specific genre or author that your child likes, you can use ‘Who Next?’ – a place to search for similar authors or new authors of specific genres. You can even narrow it down by age and find the perfect book for your child!
You can find it through our Digital Library here, it’s completely free all you need is your library card!
Is your child under 5? Did you know all Hampshire Libraries have Storytime sessions – 30 minutes where stories are shared. It’s not only free, but there’s no need to book! You can just drop by, and if your child only wants to sit down and listen to one story – that’s okay!
Find out when your local library has their next Storytime here.
Hampshire Library Service 