Dare to Explore STARTS TODAY

Registrations for Dare to Explore - Auckland Libraries Summer Reading Adventure open today. Some people have been extremely quick off the mark and we already have a number of children registered for the challenge.

The beauty of this new programme is that you can register for Dare to Explore at any time throughout the holidays. Just fill in the form on this sign up page, and then come into your local library to pick up your Dare to Explore pack - you're on your way! You can also pop into your library and sign up in person.

When you are signing up, have a look at the Events that are happening in your local library (or if you are going away, see if there is anything happening at a library near you).

Top 5 kids/baby photography books you need in your life now right now!

List by Tosca

"Children reinvent the world for you."
- Susan Sarandon

This is my nephew Algonquin. Ok, no, that's *not* his real name, but I don't like his real name, and this is the one *I* wanted him to have (like I have a say, pfft) so it's what I call him when his mother (my sister) isn't around :P ANYWAY, as I was saying, this is my nephew Algonquin. He smiles lots. He always cries when he's on me. (For some reason my siblings find this hilarious, ergo, siblings are evil). He is a baby. Babies = Cute, tiny, adorable, squishy, giggly, gummy, gooey and lots of other G words I can't think of. They can do pretty much whatever they want, and they're cute. Yes, even when you discover that dried snot *can* run from their nose up to their temple. Amazing/scary/impressive feat! His head isn't really this big. I took a bad photo that accidentally made it look this huge. Everybody loves pics of babies. EVERYBODY. And should you decide to document your child's life in pictures, well, we can help :) WE HAZ BOOKS. Specifically, books that provide some great tips and ideas for photographing babies and/or kids. So much my head spins. *stern look* Don't take pics like I do. Request/read the books, take note of the tips, and ensure you don't make your baby's head look even more ginormous than it should. This is a case in point! POOR BABY ALGONQUIN.

Dare to Explore - Auckland Libraries Summer Reading Adventure

It summer (well... it's supposed to be). And that means holidays and sun and time for us to launch our NEW summer reading programme to Auckland. We want you to have fun, get to know your library and read and learn something new and exciting! That's why we are going to challenge you to explore your library and your city. Welcome to Dare to Explore.

Over the summer holiday we want you to read, read, read and see if you can complete the Dare to Explore challenges, starting with Dare to Explore... Your Library.

For those who want even more adventures, there are 5 more challenge sets for you to choose from...

• Dare to Explore... Your Past


• Dare to Explore... The Great Outdoors


• Dare to Explore... Go Aqua


• Dare to Explore... Our People


• Dare to Explore... Get Active

It's FREE to sign up and start exploring! The adventure is open to Auckland kids aged 5 - 13 years and runs from 12 December 2011 to 27 January 2012. There is no limit to the number of children who can register and they can register at any time, right up to the end of the adventure. Register online or at your local library from the 12th of December, and then collect your Dare to Explore pack at the library to begin.

Activities can be done at home, on holiday, at the library, through the internet and with friends. Many of our libraries are running special activities and events over summer as part of Dare to Explore. We are really excited about the scale and potential this programme has to reach the children and families in Auckland. So spread the word, check out the Dare to Explore page on our website and get ready to have some fun.

What will the world look like by 2050?

While I'm not sure I'll still be here by 2050, I am certain that it's going to be a very different place than the world I live in now.

One book that landed on my desk last week is The world in 2050 : four forces shaping civilization's northern future by Laurence C. Smith.

Why I picked it up: I'm interested in "what might the future be like?" books and this one was recommended as readable and thought-provoking.

Who I'd recommend it to : anyone who has read Guns, Germs, and Steel or Collapse by Jared Diamond.

5 reasons you should check out Bakerella's book/website and make cake pops!

List by Tosca

"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."
- Jim Davis

Angie Dudley. Bakerella. Cake pops! No idea what I'm talking about? Then I'm about to school you. Earlier this week I spotted a mention of cake pops on a friend's Facebook status update, and loved it. Absolutely. Loved. It. You can see a pic of her cake pops to the left :) So, what exactly is a cake pop? It's a little cake that sits on a stick. Doesn't seem like much when I put it like that, does it? Give it to Angie Dudley and my Facebook friend, though, and they turn it into a work of art. If you don't believe me, then check out her hugely popular Bakerella.com site. Initially, I was afraid to even look at the instructions because they look complicated. Reader comments, though, all talk about how simple the process really is. How could you not want to see it/make it/touch it/eat it? I was desperately wanting to get my hands on a copy of her book. Unfortunately for me (fortunately for Bakerella), every copy is out :( So I did the next best thing, and popped on over to Bakerella.com and was blown away by what you can do with a bit of cake and a stick. (No, that's not a euphemism). Don't take my word for it, though. Below the fold you'll be able to find out a bit more about the book.