Information Resources

 Here are some information resources for children and young people that I like

Many Answers

Specifically designed to help children and young people find information, this site is a compilation of answers to questions asked at Any Questions (Anyquestions.co.nz) which offers real time homework help.  Rather than giving answers to questions, the site gives suggested sites and searching tips to help children find their own answers.  Browse hot topics or submitted a question.

Any questions? Many answers = Uia nga patai?  Nga whakautu maha. (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2012, from http://manyanswers.co.nz/ 

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of NewZealand

This comprehensive, visually appealing, and user-friendly website offers a wealth of info about NZ.  The intended audience is general, but the language is accessible for older children and young adults.    In depth coverage and quick reference is available on history, culture, biography, the natural environment, society, and economy.  Contributions and comments are also included.

 Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. (2005-2011). Te ara: The encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://www.teara.govt.nz/‌en

  

The World Fact Book

Brief overviews of topics such as geography, history, people, and society covering 267 countries.  Country comparisons rank countries on a wide range of topics, from area and population, to adult obesity and infant mortality rate.  Information is updated weekly.  Searching can be done via flags of the world, regional maps, or alphabetical lists.  Suitable for young adults.

Central Intelligence Agency. (n.d.). The World Fact Book. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from https://www.cia.gov/‌library/‌publications/‌the-world-factbook/‌index.html

World Book Online For Kids

This is an encyclopaedia for children which can be browsed by topic or searched by keyword. Some articles include mini quizzes and links to related topics.  Also included are a children’s dictionary, a variety of maps, and a picture gallery.  A selection of games and activities are also available.

World Book, Inc. (2012). World Book online for kids. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from Christchurch City Libraries’ Kids Internet Gateway

Just for Fun

I wanted to include some websites that were just fun and games for kids.  I've watched my kids playing a lot of computer games, some are hopeless and some are great.  I like the games on these sites, they are well designed for the capabilities of the target audience, and my kids enjoy playing them.

Fun with Spot

Fun activities inspired by Eric Hill’s Spot books. Designed for a wide range of computer and literacy skill levels, the games are highly appropriate from toddler to young child. Information and resources are included.  The opening interactive story allows children to type their name which is then featured in the story; a great way to introduce letter and name recognition.

Fun with Spot. (2010). Retrieved May 31, 2012, from http://www.funwithspot.com/‌au/‌index.html 

PBS Kids

An extensive range of games and activities featuring familiar characters from children’s books and television programmes.  These games cover a wide range of topics; they are educational and fun, and suitable for a range of ages and learning abilities.  Links to resources for parents and teachers are also included.

Public Broadcasting Service. (1995-2011). PBS kids. Retrieved May 31, 2012, from http://pbskids.org/

Literacy and literature supporters

Storylines

The Storylines Trust promotes reading and literature for children, and supports NZ authors and illustrators.  Features NZ author and illustrator profiles, resource downloads, and useful links.  Storylines publishes a news letter, a year book, and member-only booklists.  Awards recognise children’s literature advocates, authors and illustrators, and encourage up-coming talent.

Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust on New Zealand. (2010). Storylines. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.storylines.org.nz/

New Zealand Book Council

This website promotes New Zealand authors, and reading in general.  The site is for all ages, and includes sections for children, parents, and teachers.  There is a comprehensive list of New Zealand authors’ biographies, as well as author spotlights and book reviews.  Children can upload their own reviews and creative writing.  Useful links are also included.

New Zealand Book Council. (n.d.). New Zealand book council = Te kaunihera pukapuka o Aotearoa. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/ 

Kids’ Lit Quiz

The brainchild of New Zealander Wayne Mills, Kids’ Lit Quiz is an annual international competition which aims to encourage reading and reward children who are keen readers.  The site includes all the details about participating in the competition, testimonials from teachers and school librarians, and past questions to practice on.

Kids’ Lit Quiz. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.kidslitquiz.com/ 

School Library Journal

This website has an extensive range of reviews and articles on books, technology, and literacy related topics.  Although the full list of reviews is only available to subscribers, there is still a wealth of information available for the casual reader.  Several blogs and free newsletters are also available.

Media Source, Inc. (2011). School Library Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/‌csp/‌cms/‌sites/‌SLJ/‌Home/‌index.csp

Publishers

I found these websites really useful, lot's of information here, even games.  While I was surfing, I found it interesting how much some publishers put into their sites, and how little others do!

Puffin Books

This is a comprehensive and informative website featuring books published by Puffin.  Find the latest books, learn more about favourite authors and illustrators, listen to podcasts of audio book extracts, download activities inspired by your favourite books, and even play some games.  Downloadable classroom activities, hot topics, and recommended books are included.

Penguin Books. (1995-2012). Puffin Books. Retrieved May 31, 2012, from http://www.puffin.co.uk/‌index.html 

Scholastic

This is a very comprehensive website with a wide range of resources and information available for librarians, children, parents, and teachers. Independent book reviews from a variety of sources are included.  Children and young adults can search for new books, play games, discuss their favourite books on moderated message boards, and find out more about favourite authors.  

Scholastic, Inc. (2012). Scholastic: Read every day. Lead a better life. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from http://www.scholastic.com/‌home/

Book Awards

Here are a couple of websites about children's book awards:

New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards

This website features winners of the NZ Post Children’s book awards.  Lists of winners and finalists from past years are included, as well the current year.  Resources relating to the finalists from current and past years, as well as general literacy resources for teachers, librarians, and parents, are available for download.  Kids are able to vote for the annual Children’s Choice award.

Booksellers New Zealand. (2011). New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.booksellers.co.nz/‌awards/‌new-zealand-post-childrens-book-awards

Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals

Winners of the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway awards are featured here.  The Living Archive displays wining books by their cover, with links to information about the book and author; and some reviews.  The Shadowing Site encourages kids to read the shortlisted books.   Reading groups can join in by writing reviews, watching clips of authors and illustrators, and using resources.

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. (n.d.). The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway children’s book awards. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/‌home/

Reading and Reviews on the Web

Here are a few websites that I found interesting, these ones are to do with fiction, reading and reviews:

Books for Keeps

This magazine style website features reviews of books for children and young adults, as well as articles on, and news about, literary issues.  There is also a forum where people can talk about children’s books and literature.  The reviews are both positive and negative, giving the sense of critical rigour to assist with book selection.  Books are given a star rating for quick assessments.

Books for keeps: The children’s book magazine online. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/

Kids Books NZ

This blog features regular reviews of both fiction and non-fiction books for children and young adults by New Zealand authors.  Reviews are written by New Zealand authors Maria Gill and Lorraine Orman, and others.  Relevant articles concerning children’s literature are also included.

Kids Books NZ. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://kidsbooksnz.blogspot.co.nz/

Kids Reads

This website features reviews of books for children as well as selected author biographies.  There is a useful “Series” list, listing books by series name.  Features include monthly “Cool and New” book lists, “Books on Screen,” a list of children’s book awards, “Great Books for Boys,” and a regular newsletter, available on the website, or by email.

The Book Report Network. (2012). Kidsreads. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.kidsreads.com/

Christchurch City Library Kid’s Blog

This blog is both for kids and by kids.  Book reviews by librarians and children are included, as well as news and events from the world of children’s literature.  Each month, a children’s author posts as a guest blogger, enabling children to talk directly to their favourite authors.  There are regular competitions to win books.  The latest library titles are also promoted.

Christchurch City Libraries. (n.d.). Christchurch Kids Blog. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://christchurchkids.wordpress.com/

turn2page1.com

Reviews and book news for young adults feature on this website.  Teens can login and share their own reviews and comment on their favourite books.  Books are arranged by genre, and can be searched by title or author.  Free extracts of latest books can be downloaded.  Selected author interviews and profiles are included.

ReadingZone. (2012). turn2page1.com. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://www.turn2page1.com/‌index.php?page=home