Here are some of the recent questions that we have been asked through ask a librarian. If you have a question you would like to ask then why not complete the ask a librarian form.
What are some good books for my brother to read, particulary books in a series?
Choosing books for someone else can be very tricky. Below are some of the books that have been recommended by children, and by library staff. All of these books are available from Auckland City Libraries. If you would like to borrow them click on the link so that you can request them.
Finding the Fox
Ali Sparkes
Dax Jones lives a miserable life with his stepmother and halfsister while his father is away for work. His stepmother treats him badly, and one day when Dax is accidently locked in a shed he finds out that he can transform into a fox. Sent to a provate school for children with talents like his own, Dax soon finds himself on dangerous ground as there is a sinister secret about the school. Part boarding school story, part magic, and part adventure, this series is a must read.
Recommended for ages 8+
Stone heart
Charlie Fletcher
While on a school trip George breaks a stone carving at the museum and soon finds himself hunted by the taints - creatures made out of stone and metal. His only allies are the spits, statues made in the “spitting“ image of people. No one else can see the spits and taints except for Eddie, and George finds himself balancing between worlds as he races against time to save his own life. A dramatic adventure story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Recommended for ages 8+
The Onts
Dan Greenburg
Wally and Cheyenne live in the most inappropriately named Jolly Days Orphanage. The orphanage is a dump - they don't get enough to eat, the food they do get is terrible, and they have to do chores that are sometimes just plain dangerous. Getting adopted by two sisters from the creepy Dripping Fang Forest seemed like a good deal - until they found out that the sisters are giant ants! A truly bizarre and readable series.
Recommended for ages 8+
Jane Blonde sensational spylet
Jill Marshall
Jane is just settling into her new school when she discovers an amazing secret. She is not really the most boring and invisible girl in school - she is in fact a spy. It was such a big secret that even she didn't know, and she has to be careful to keep her secret. Full of gadgets and bad guys, a fantastic read from a New Zealand author.
Recommended for ages 8+
For more ideas about books to try, visit our book review pages.
Book dog - books reviewed and recommended by library staff
Kids panel reviews - new and interesting books reviewed by the kids on our panel
Kids own reviews - reviews submitted by kids through our online book review form
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How many people raise deer for their meat?
The information available is about how many deer there are in New Zealand, rather than how many farmers raise deer for venison.
Deer farmer has some information about how many deer farmers and deer there are in New Zealand.
Statistics New Zealand has some interesting information on their website as well in an article called Deer farming in New Zealand.
Good luck with your homework.
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Who was a Prime Minister during the 1800s and has a house named after them?
To start answering your question you can find a list of former Prime Ministers on the Premiers and Prime Ministers of New Zealand website.
The Historic Places Trust website has a list of the historic places in New Zealand. One of the ones that is listed is the house that you are looking for.
If you have a look through the different regions linked from their page then you will find the name that you need when you compare the names of the places to the names on the list of New Zealand Prime Ministers.
Good luck with your homework.
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Why do polar bears have blue tongues?
We have looked in books and on the internet and I have to say that we were unable to find a website that had the answer.
However, while we were looking around we found other animals that have blue, black, or purple tongues - which includes animals like the Giraffe. The Giraffe has a purple tongue which helps to stop the Giraffe getting a sunburnt tongue.
Because you can get really badly sunburnt in the snow and ice, we think that this is why Polar bears have blue or black tongues as well - to protect them from getting their tongues sunburnt.
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Which crystals grow faster, sugar or salt? Why?
We spent quite a bit of time looking for an answer to your question.
There are a lot of websites that talk about how to make sugar and salt crystals - but none of them actually say which grows faster. It looks as though you may have to try an experiment to find an answer.
The Math/Science Nucleus website is the best one we found for conducting your question as an experiment.
Good luck with your experiment.
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