Records is full of interesting information about Olympic records and how they are measured in the many different sporting disciplines. Part of ‘The Olympics’ series, this title focuses on Olympic breaking records and what ways officials measure them. A selection of summer, winter and Paralympic sports are covered alongside a mixture of historical in-action black and white and colour photos. Different measurement categories are discussed such as fastest, highest, strongest and closest. Each section offers an ‘Olympic Facts and Stats’ box relevant to the sport grouping. Recommended.

Sports Heroes of Ancient Greece by Paul Mason

As well as discussing the origins of the Olympic Games and the life and times of early Olympic sporting heroes, this title introduces readers to historical Greek gods, language, culture, art and way of life. A mixture of images are used including photos, diagrams, maps and sketches alongside Greek ‘stylised’ boxed facts and information.

Review by Natasha

image by momboleum

If you are looking for activities for National Primary Science week or ideas to fill in a wet afternoon, this book has 84 experiments about materials, forces, energy, electricity and magnetism, and the natural world for you to try. It is beautifully set out with wonderful colourful illustrations. As well as the usual and exciting suspects like vinegar volcanoes and bottle rockets, there are a few different ones, such as making a metal detector or radio. Some experiments are suitable for younger children while others require adult supervision, even for older children. The instructions have symbols and warnings when hazardous materials and activities are involved.

The introduction says that most can be done with materials you find around home. While that appears largely true, quite a number of items will need to be especially purchased e.g. dry ice, alum powder, hydrogen peroxide, phenolphthalein indicator, and a germanium diode. I certainly don’t keep all of those around my home! It will pay to read the instructions carefully before beginning.

Insect or spider? How do you know? by Melissa Stewart.

While it is easy to differentiate between most of the different types of minibeasts, children often confuse spiders and insects. Six distinct differences between insects and spiders are explained through beautiful clear photographs and simple fact boxes.

I found the two recommended websites mediocre. Much better sites for New Zealand students for general information about spiders and insects are Te Ara Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, and Landcare Research.

Review by Heather

image by Raven Photographic

image by photobunny

This book is significant first and foremost because of Ans Westra’s wonderful photography. The images have been at the centre of an extensive debate about the accuracy of their portrayal of Māori life. The integrity of the monochrome photographs and the images that they portray has however endured. They are technically and contextually very special. The captured moments of family life draw the reader back through the pages.

Washday at the Pa as presented here offers both a visual record and a written summary of the various conversations that have been presented since the book was first published in 1964. The two essays provide a fascinating insight into the shift in attitude toward the work over time.

Review by Barbara

Having never read anything that the Dalai Lama has written, this book was a revelation to me. It does not simply focus on Buddhism as a philosophy and religion but more about how we can all live our lives in a happier more peaceful way. It seeks to personalise the Dalai Lama as it is written in the first person and in his only words. He begins the book by telling the reader about his childhood and upbringing and how, at a young age, he became the 13th Dalai Lama.

This book is quick, accessible and summerises the Dalai Lama’s essential life teachings including some sound adages. I did however, expect to be more inspired by some of his teachings.

Review by Melissa

image by Serjao Carvalho