Highlights for Children (January 2019)

JANUARY 2019Highlights com.OLseAage 14Page 36W LD AT PaH O W D Y !NEW FREE ,,FUN!It s the ’HIGHLIGHTS HANGOUTpodcast.

Make an envelope of memories foryour future self to open. Take picturesof a family meal; your friends andloved ones; your favorite games, books,and movies; your pets; your favoriteclimbing tree; a test you did well on;or anything else you want to remember. Add captions to the back ofthe photos. Write a letter to your future self. Decorate an envelopeand write “Do not open until 2029!” on it. Put the photos and letterinside. Hide it in a safe place and try not to open it for 10 years!A n sw e ro n p a g e 3 8 .M y s t e r y P h o t oConnect the BotsUpside Down and -Backward FunTurn 10 items in a room upside down See if your .friends and family can find all 10 objects.Host a spelling bee where players must spell the words backward.Draw a hopscotch board with sidewalk chalk .Start at the end and hop backward.Paint a self portrait -upside down Start by .drawing the top of your head at the bottom of the paper Don t turn .’it around until youre ’done See how you did.!1 .2 .3 .4 .TongueTwisterKate creates great cakes.Find the PicturesCan you find each of these 10 pictures at another place in this magazine?Photo Time CapsuleAnswers on page 38.What do the robots in each row (vertically ,horizontally and diagonally) have in common?,FunThisMonth

By Christine French CullyEditor in ChiefDear ReaderWrite to me!Christine Highlights [email protected] part of our mission to help make the worlda better place for the children of today andtomorrow, Highlights is committed tomaking responsible business decisionsthat will protect our natural resourcesand reduce our environmental impact.AWARDSHighlightshas beengiven awards by The Associationof Educational Publishers, TheEducation Center, LLC, Family Choice Awards, Freedoms Foundation, Graphic ArtsAssociation, iParenting Media, Magazine Design and Production,National Association for Gifted Children, National Conference of Christians and Jews, National Parenting Center, National Safety Council, Parents’ Choice, Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Awards, and Printing Industry Association. HighlightsKids.comis a participant in the Kids Privacy Safe Harbor program of the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.PARENTS:If your child isnot quite readyforHighlights,callto switch toHigh Five™ atany time.HL0119_182736JANUARY 2019 • VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 1 • ISSUE NO. 807Founded in 1946 by Garry C. Myers, Ph.D.,and Caroline Clark MyersEditor in Chief: Christine French CullyVice President, Magazine Group Editorial: Jamie BryantCreative Director: Marie O’NeillEditor: Judy BurkeDesign Director: Patrick Greenish, Jr.Senior Editor: Joëlle DujardinAssociate Editor: Linda K. RoseAssistant Editors: Patty Courtright, Allison KaneCrafts and Activities Editor: Lisa GloverCopy Editor: Joan Prevete HymanSenior Production Artist: Dave JusticeProduction Assistant: Susan Shadle ErbEditorial Assistant: Hannah BerseeContributing Science Editor: Andrew BoylesEditorial Offices: 803 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431-1895. E-mail: [email protected] submit manuscripts, go to Highlights.submittable.com.(Writers younger than 16: please use the postal address above.)CEO: Kent S. JohnsonVice President, International: Andy ShafranBusiness Offices: 1800 Watermark Drive,P.O. Box 269, Columbus, OH 43216-0269.Copyright © 2018, Highlights for Children, Inc. All rights reserved.HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN is published monthly.Cover price: $4.95ISSN 0018-165X (print); ISSN 2330-6920 (online)Printed by LSC Communications, Glasgow, KY.Designed for home and classroom use.Periodical postage paid at Columbus, Ohio; Toronto, Ontario; and at additional mailing offices.U.S. Postmaster: Send address changes to Highlights for Children, P.O. Box 6038, Harlan, IA 51593-1538.Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065670. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to P.O. Box 99 Stn. Main, Milton, ON L9T 9Z9.Sometimes we make our list of customer names and addresses available to carefully screened companies whose products and services might be of interest to you. We never provide children’s names. If you do not wish to receive these mailings, please contact us and include your account number.To order, make a payment, change your address, or for other customer-service needs, such as changing your contact preference, please contact us:• Online: Highlights.com• Call: 1-800-255-9517• Write: P.O. Box 5878, Harlan, IA 51593-1378The Magic of MusicWhen I was young, I played violin in my school orchestra. I still remember the excitement of concert night. I loved the way the orchestra sounded when all the different instruments were tuning, the moment of silence as our conductor raised her baton, and then the music that completely filled the room. Even today, if I’m lucky enough to go to an orchestra performance, I still get a few goose bumps when the conductor walks onstage.I was reminded of this when I read “Music and the Maestro” (pages 32–33), a story about Michael Morgan. He is a professional conductor who is passing along his love of music to kids. As his students tell us in the article, being in an orchestra takes patience and practice—but it’s fun too.Do you play in an orchestra or a band? Do you sing in a choir or in another music group? What do you enjoy most about it?How does making music make you feel?I hope you’ll write to me and shareyour thoughts.Your friend,This magazine of wholesome funis dedicated to helping children grow in basicskillsandknowledge,increativeness,in ability tothinkandreason,insensitivityto others in high,ideals and worthy ways of living—forchildren are the world s most important people’®.Cellist Ayo Walker is one of Maestro Morgan s students’.

O. 80710Goofus andGallant®Being honest ata yard sale.11GallantChallengeCalling all SecretAgents of Kindness!12My SciWhy do strongemotions trigger tears?Podcasters Mindy andGuy have the answer.14Hidden Pictures®PuzzleCan you find all 40hidden objects in thishuge puzzle?trong16When the Moon Turns DarkWatch the lunar eclipse on January 20!18 CraftsA Bajau mat a ,critter catchall ,and more.Dear Highlights, ,1Keep healthysnacks handy togive yourselfbetter choices.2Before eatingcandy ask Is,“this the choice Iwant to make?”3Ask a parentfor ideas that willhelp you achieveyour goal.uary2612What a great goal Natalie These tips might help,!.gg—Natalie Indiana,8“OneGiant Leap”6An Itchy CricketAn itch leads to a song.7The Timbertoes®Tommy finds a way tohelp with dinner.8Poncho Pack Rat s’Giving Away Party-Poncho needs to makeroom for his shinynew spoon.2019 marks 50 years since man first set foot on the Moon.4

Featured on the Highlights Hangout podcast.20 Song of Land ,Song of SeaCan Elsina and Irielle become friends?22 The Gibbon s Song’Treetop livin at its finest’.24 JokesCan you guess a snake s ’favorite subject?26 Shake Shep,!Shep is one smart pup.27 Your Own StoriesRayan age 7 knows what ,,jellyfish talk about.28 Game On!Will Jordan break his dad s scoring record’?uessgu32 Music and the MaestroConductor Michael Morgan shares the joy of classicalmusic with kids.34 Your Own PagesSee more drawings from creative kids like Charlee.36Teaching Cats to Purr form-Train a cat to high five -!Trish Seifried Woodall shares some expert tips.38RiddlesHow do you makea squid laugh?39BrainPlayWhy aren t tennis balls’square?40Ask Arizona®Arizona works reallyhard on Ollie s gift’.42Dear HighlightsHow to help your familystay on time.klyA Pretty PredatorAs it floats along ,the Velella stings and eats tiny sea animals in its path.Apollo in Sun ChariotCharlee ScheuleAge 8 • Georgia5

An Itchy Cricket.......By Christyne MorrellArt by John Herzog6

By Rich Wallace • Art by Ron ZalmeTheTimbertoes®Let s make ’soup!Pa shredded chicken.Ma chopped carrotsand onions.Mabel added herbs.Now we ll ’let it simmer.Tommy wanted to help.Should I add jelly?Or sugar?Then he had a better idea.We re all ’set!7

Poncho Pack Rat s ’Poncho Pack Rat was happy. He had a big storeroom for all his stuff. Every day, Poncho went outside. He came back with leaves for lunch and seeds for supper and treasures to fill his storeroom.One day, as Poncho was walking, he saw a shiny silver spoon. He picked up the spoon and took it home.“Oh no,” said Poncho, looking around his storeroom. “There’s no spot for my spoon. I’ll have to move things around to find a place for it.”But even after Poncho had moved everything, there was no space for his spoon.“I will sort my stuff into two piles,” Poncho said. “I’ll make a pile of things I want to save and a pile of things to throw away.”When Poncho finished sorting, he didn’t have two piles. He had one pile. He wanted to save everything.His plan had not worked. Poncho was sad. “I’ll think of something happy,” said Poncho. “I’ll think of my birthday. It will be here soon. My friends will come. They’ll probably bring presents.”Poncho thought of something that made him sad again. “My friends cannot bring presents. I have no room for presents!”Then Poncho clapped his paws. “I know how I’ll make space for my By Ellen Art by David Leonard“My friends cannot bring presents I have no room .for presents!”Giving Away -arty“There s no ’spot for my spoon.”8

The party turned wild.spoon! I’ll have an upside-down birthday. I will give presents instead of getting them. Each friend can pick something to take home.”Poncho made invitations.Come to my upside-down birthday party. Don’t bring me a present. I will give you a present!Lots of pack-rat friends came to Poncho’s party. They didn’t bring presents. They ate birthday berries and sang a birthday song.Then Poncho said, “It’s time to pick presents to take home. You can take anything except the shiny silver spoon outside my door.”The party turned wild. Pack rats scurried all over the storeroom. They pawed through piles of stuff. Each guest picked something to take home.“Thanks for the presents!” said Poncho’s friends when the party ended.“Thanks for coming,” said Poncho. He waved good-bye to all his friends. And he waved good-bye to all his stuff.“Now I will bring in my shiny spoon,” Poncho said happily.Poncho went outside. He saw his spoon. Then he saw a bell someone had dropped. He saw a smooth round stone he had not seen before.“I’ll have room for all three of these in my storeroom,” said Poncho. “And tomorrow, I’ll go out and get a few more things. After all, why have a storeroom if you don’t store stuff in it?”9

GoofusandGallant®There s some of Goofus and Gallant in us all ’.When the Gallant shines through we show our best self,.YOURGoofus and Gallant Moments“I felt like Goofuswhen I did not focus inbasketball.”Janiya Age 8 North Carolina,,“I felt like GallantwhenI gave my younger brotheran ice pack after he fell offhis bike.”Sebastien Age 6 Massachusetts,,Tell us whenyou ve’felt likeGoofus or Gallant Visit!HighlightsKids com or write to.Goofus and Gallant Moments803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,Art by Leslie Harrington.“ ’It s missing some pieces but he ll ,’figure that out says Goofus,”.“Just so you know the directions ,are missing says Gallant,”.Goofus takes more supplies than he needs.Gallant takes his share and leaves some for others.10

ALLAN CHALLENGEALLEN! !GALLANTSecretAgents ofKindnessShhhh!Secret agents are at workbeing kind. You may not see them oreven catch them in the act, but theyare out there, quietly tiptoeing up todoorsteps and finding ways to makea neighbor’s day brighter.Everett, age 10, and Merritt, age8, find at least 15 minutes every dayto do a kind deed.“My favorite act to do in secretis to leave nice notes posted to aneighbor’s door,” says Everett. “Theyopen the door and get cheered up tosee all the nice notes! It makes mefeel so good.”“After I secretly deliver a plateof wrapped cookies, I run and hideto watch the door open. It is sofun to see how excited they are!”says Merritt.With a parent’s help, the boysfigure out how they will use theirsecret-agent skills to cheer or helpothers. Here are more examples ofthings they’ve done in secret:• Left cheerful messages writtenin chalk on the sidewalk• Brought in trash cans• Walked the newspaperup to a neighbor s door’• Cleaned up trashIt s Your Turn ’!How willyoushow kindnessto others in surprising ways?Write and let us know!In a future issue we ll publish,’some of the ideas that kids sharewith us.Send your idea toSecret Agents of Kindness803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,By Sheila SjolsethEverett in red ()and Merritt draw cheery chalk pictures for a neighbor whose mom was sick.Photo by Shelly Townsend.11

MYSCNature s Little’SailboatsThe Velella vuh LELL uh a sea(--),animal that you might mistake fora toy boat lives at the surface of the,ocean throughout the world except(in very cold waters It floats like a).sailboat propelled this way and that,by ocean currents and by winds thatcatch its upright sail Beneath a flat.disc the little predator has tentacles,that can sting small animals likeplankton and baby fish as well as,a stomach to digest its food.Algae that livein its tissuesuse sunlightto makenourishment,which feedsthe Velella too.The sail is made ofchitin KITE in a(- ),tough substancefound in the shellsof many insects.The Velella has its owninner tubes Circular!air pockets in its disckeep the boat afloat“”.Blue pigment protects the Velella from sun damage while also camouflaging it from predators.In a bowl of water push a ,ketchup packet to the bottom ,then let it go Air inside the packet .makes it rise But if the air is all .at one end the other end sinks,.A Velella can stay level at the surface because its air pockets are in rings Tape ketchup packets .together to form a ring then ,push it underwater .What happens?Try This12

SPECIALGUESTS:Mindyand Guy!Highlightsinvited Mindy and Guy the hosts of ,theWow in the Worldpodcast to answer this ,question Hear them .dig into more science mysteries onHighlights Hangout,our newpodcast!MindyGuyBy Dougal Dixon • Art by Robert SquierAquilopsAquilopsisthe earliest-known horneddinosaur ofNorth America.A three pound-cousin of theseven ton-Triceratops,this littleplant eateris knownonly fromits skull.May have had spines on its back,which its relativesin Asia hadSmall horn or crest onthe front of its beakCurved beak,probably used topick choice piecesof plantsWHEN:106 million years agoWHERE:MontanaHOW LONG:2 feetWHAT IT ATE:Plants25220114566PresentTriassicJurassicCretaceousCenozoicLikely ran on hind legsah QUILL ops --“eagle face”Why do tears form when we feel strong emotions?Feeling sad, hurt, or overjoyed? Brace yourself! Your brain may tell your tear glands to open for business, and before you know it, your face will be a human waterfall!But WHY?! That’s still a mystery. One theory is that crying is good for us because it helps us feel better. Another theory is that tears send out a call for comfort, which can connect us with others, making us feel better. Scientists are researching how people feel after crying, how they react to others’ tears, and how frustration tears are different from onion-chopping tears! One thing we know already? Crying is natural for us humans.Johanna SimsAge 12 • Alaska

heartrulerboomerangartist s’brushtoothbrushbaseball capfishsocktrafficlightcandycorncandycanebellbowlbananagloveCan you find these objects in the big picture?Check out our Hidden Pictures app! pennant14

coat hangergemA Zippy Rain Forest-RideBy Gary LaCostemusical notepiece of popcorntackcrescent moonhockey stickdrinking strawcombcarrotgolf clubwedge of lemonbowling pinBONUS Can you also find the baseball bat slice of pizza ,,pencil and sailboat,?Answers on HighlightsKids com..envelopesaxophonefeathershoeneedlecandle ladle

When the Moon On January 20 the Full Moon will go through Earth s shadow ,’.That s a lunar eclipse’!By Ken Croswell Ph D,. .Normally, the Full Moon shines brightly all night long, lighting homes, trees, cities, and fields.Sometimes, though, a strange event happens. The Full Moon turns dark in a lunar eclipse. Lunar means “about the Moon,” and an eclipse is a blocking of light.A lunar eclipse is dramatic because the Moon is bright and nearby. It is the closest heavenly body to Earth. When the Moon turns dark, we notice! It’s closer to us than Mars or any other planet, and closer than the Sun or any other star. On average, the Moon is 239,000 miles away, measured from Earth’s center. The Sun is almost 400 times farther.A Total Lunar EclipseWhat causes a lunar eclipse? The first key is that the Sun makes light, but the Moon doesn’t. When you see the Moon shining at night, you’re seeing sunlight bouncing off the Moon.The second key is that the Moon, which is smaller than Earth, goes around us about once a month. (The words monthand Moon have similar roots.) Once a month, the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun. Then the Sun fully lights the side of the Moon that we see. We call this event a Full Moon. That’s when the Moon shines brightest.The third key is that, during a lunar eclipse, Earth gets in the way. When you go outside on a sunny day, your body blocks some of the sunlight and casts a shadow over things that lie on the opposite side of you from the Sun. Earth also casts a shadow, and sometimes it falls on the Moon. Then we have a lunar eclipse.A lunar eclipse occurs only during a Full Moon, since that’s the only time when Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. Normally, though, there’s no eclipse because the Full Moon passes above or below Earth’s shadow.No Telescope NeededThis month’s lunar eclipse begins when the faint outer shadow of Earth starts to pass over the Moon. But you won’t notice anything then because the Moon barely dims.The real action comes when Earth’s central shadow, which is much darker, starts to move over the Moon. Then, as long as clouds don’t block the view, you can see the main eclipse.With each passing minute, Earth’s shadow will cover more and more of the Moon. To watch, you won’t need binoculars or a telescope. You’ll see that Earth’s shadow is round. Thousands of years ago, people knew that Photos by iStock Getty Images Plus Asvolas//.The total eclipse will last about an hour.16

TurnsDarkEarth is round because itsshadow is round.And then the Moon will betotally eclipsed. That means thewhole Moon will be in Earth’sdark central shadow.Colors of the MoonDuring the total eclipse, theMoon won’t disappear from view,but it will look a differentcolor. What color will you see?Sometimes the eclipsed Moonlooks black. Other times it’sgray, copper, orange, or reddish.The total eclipse will lastabout an hour. Then theMoon will slowly emerge fromEarth’s shadow, growingbrighter and brighter.An hour or two later, the FullMoon will be back in business,shining brightly on homes, trees,cities, and fields again.And chances are you’ll beasleep. I know I will!The Moon will look a different color.This series of photographs shows how the Moon s appearance ’changed during a lunar eclipse.Watch the Lunar Eclipse!The Full Moon will pass through Earth s shadow on Sunday night January 20 The next day’,.is Martin Luther King Jr Day so many schools and offices will be closed If you re allowed to,.,,.’stay up find your time zone in the chart below to see when to watch,.TIME ZONEEASTERNCENTRALMOUNTAINPACIFICALASKAHAWAIIFaint eclipse begins 9 36 P M :. .8 36 P M :. .7 36 P M :. .6 36 P M :. .5 36 P M no Moon yet :. . ()Main eclipse begins 10 34 P M:. .9 34 P M :. .8 34 P M :. .7 34 P M :. .6 34 P M :. .5 34 P M :. .*Total eclipse begins 11 41 P M:. .10 41 P M:. .9 41 P M :. .8 41 P M :. .7 41 P M :. .6 41 P M :. .Total eclipse ends 12 43 A M:. .11 43 P M:. .10 43 P M:. .9 43 P M :. .8 43 P M :. .7 43 P M :. .Main eclipse ends 1 51 A M :. .12 51 A M:. .11 51 P M:. .10 51 P M:. .9 51 P M :. .8 51 P M :. .Faint eclipse ends 2 48 A M :. .1 48 A M :. .12 48 A M:. .11 48 P M:. .10 48 P M:. .9 48 P M :. .*In Hawaii the main eclipse will already be in progress when the Moon rises around 6 07 P M,:. .Unlike a solar eclipse ,a lunar eclipse is safe to look at without special glasses!17

TO PLAY:Players work together as a team,tossingpenniesinto the monster s mouth’from a few feet away Once all pennies have.been thrown count how many landed inside,the monster s mouth and how many landed’outside Players win if more pennies landed.inside than outside.A Game for or More Players1By Kristen Burgess1.Paintatissue box. Let it dry.2.Cut out eyes, teeth, and decorations from cardstock.3. Glue the pieces onto the box.Penny-Eating MonsterCraftsCRAFT CHALLENGE! Make a robot out of craft sticks wiggle eyes and chenille sticks,,.Photos by Jim Filipski Guy Cali Associates Inc except page 18 ,,., background by iStock Getty Images Plus didecs//.18

Critter CatchallBy Ashlyn Wiebalck1.Paint an empty yogurt cupwith acrylic paint.Let it dry.2.Fromfelt, cut out an animal head, paws, and a tail.3.Usetacky glueto attach the shapes to the cup.Weave a Bajau MatBy Lisa Haag KangA banig is a mat that is woven from dyed stripsof pandanus-plant leaves. These mats are madeby the Bajau people of Southeast Asia, who havetraditionally lived on houseboats or in woodenhouses built on stilts above the sea.1. Cut a sheet of 11-inch- by-22-inch poster boardlengthwise into / -inch-wide 12strips, leaving 1 inch uncut at the end.2. Fold three sheets of 11-inch-by-8 / -inch 12cardstockin half. Fold in half again. Cut into diagonal / -inch-wide 12strips, as shown. Unfold.3. Weave a cardstock strip over and under the poster-board strips and push it up toward the uncut end. Weave another cardstock strip under and over and push it next to the previous strip. Repeat this pattern until the whole mat is woven.4.Cover the edges of the mat with duct tape to keep the strips in place.These brightly colored mats often have zigzag patterns t at resemble hwaves.19

Elsina squatted on a rock,watching the sky turn pink asshe waited for her father. Whenthey’d last come to this island totrade, Father had returned longbefore sundown. Not tonight.During this lull, Elsina ought toponder her Path, but she couldn’tdecide on the most suitableoccupation. How did people make such big choices?An island girl about Elsina’sage skipped toward the rock. “Our water is the purest!”And the most expensive,Elsinathought. Father smiled less thesedays. He wouldn’t tell Elsina notto follow in his wake, but he mustbe thinking it. Trader life wasn’teasy. Fisher-folk wanted more fortheir catch, and Landers wanted more for their fresh water,squeezing Father between them.“What’s it like Undersea?” thegirl asked. “How do you breathe?”“Our homes are like bubbles.And we can hold our breath for20 minutes if we go out to swim.” Elsina rubbed her forehead.Oversea air made her headpound. Wind chafed her skin.The Lander girl stared at Elsina’s webbed fingers.“Undersea is better than uphere,” Elsina said, tucking herhands behind her. “It’s quietunless the whales are singing.”“Whales don’t sing.”Elsina scoffed. “Yes, they do.”“We haverealmusic, with pipes and drums.”Elsina blinked hard. What were pipes and drums?“’Sina!” Father’s hand fell onher shoulder. “Who’s your friend?”“Irielle,” said the girl.Pretty name. Elsina smiled.“It’s getting dark. ’Sina and I must go,” Father said.Elsina stood. Her feetflopped like flippers. Fathergently steered Elsina toward their watercraft.“Wait!” Irielle dashed over. Land“Yourpeopledrovea hardbargain.”Song of SeaThe girl wrinkled her nose. “Ugh. What’s that smell?”“Fish, of course,” said Elsina.“You know—the stuff that keepsyou from starving?” Landers knewonly land. They probably believed fish caught themselves.“I’m a Digger,” said the girl.“You know that fresh water youtraded the fish for? I found it. A brand-new source.”Elsina rose to her knees. “Your people drove a hard bargain.”20

She took something from aroundher neck and put it over Elsina’shead. “Music,” she said with agrin. “Come back and I’ll teachyou a song.” She turned andbounded down the beach.“How does she move so fast?”Elsina asked. “Doesn’t it hurt to run on the rocks?”Father shrugged. “Our people settled the depths long ago.Landers stayed behind. We aren’t like them anymore.”Elsina peered at the gift fromIrielle hanging around her neck.“It’s an ocarina. A kind of flute made of clay,” said Father.“Clay?”“Mud. They dig it up, shape it,and put it in fire to harden it.”Elsina started to ask what firewas, but Father wouldn’t want tochat on the cusp of nightfall. They needed to get home.The watercraft bobbed in theshallows. Elsina clambered in,careful not to disturb the preciousfreshwater barrels. She sniffed. The craftdidreek of fish.Father cranked the motor.The watercraft lurched into the waves, then glided over thesurface. Spray kissed Elsina’scheeks. The island vanished beyond the rim of sea.Soon, stars winked above. DidIrielle have to walk far to gatherfresh water? Elsina wondered.She’d have her own chores to worry about tomorrow.Father nudged her. “Have you been thinking about your Path?”Elsina shook her head.“Your brother knew his Pathat your age. A born Net-Maker.”Father paused. “I thought you’d like to be a Trader. Like me.”Elsina tried to read her father’s serene face. Did he mean it?“Tell you what. If you pick yourPath by the next moon tide, I’ll take you to the coral reef.”“Really?” The offer tempted her.Then Father’s nose twitched. “Areyou haggling with me?” she cried.“You’re good at not giving in,”Father said, laughing. “That’s why you should work with me.”Their watercraft breached ahigh wave. The ocarina bouncedagainst Elsina’s chest. She noticeda mouthpiece, like the one on herdeep-sea breathing mask. She put her lips around it and inhaled. Not a sound.“Try blowing,” Father said.Elsina huffed. The ocarina squawked.Father winced. “It’s a start.”Elsina cooed and warbled. Shefound her way around notes. Her heart seemed lighter, yet bigger, as if she kept a giggle inside.“’Sina, we’re almost home.”Together, they unfolded thecraft to make a kind of shell.When they were sealed within it,Elsina pulled the descender, and down they plunged.Undersea houses glowed withgolden lights, like thousands ofgigantic fish eggs. Elsina and herfather glided through, waving to familiar faces as they passedporthole windows. They finallydocked at the barnacle-like house built by Elsina’s many-times-great-grandmother.Father unloaded the barrels. “I hope there’s some pickledseaweed left over,” he said. “Are you hungry?”“A little.” Elsina looked downat the ocarina. “Tomorrow, afterchores, I’ll gather shells. I want to make Irielle a gift. I’ll use the shells to carve a whale.”“Careful,” Father said. “If theLanders see you again, they’ll think you’re a Trader.”“I have to go back. Irielle willnever understand whales unless I teach her.”If Father’s nose twitchedagain, Elsina decided not to see.“We aren t like the’Landers anymore ,”said Father.“I want tomake Iriellea gift.”

The Gibbon s ’SongThe gibbon sings a morning song,A boisterous melody,A tune that says just he and hisWill share their forest tree.They rarely walk the ground below.Their home s the canopy.’They munch ripe figs and kapok leavesAnd swing from tree to tree.And when the nighttime settles inAnd little gibbons yawn,They tuck themselves in sleeping treesAnd doze until the dawn.By Jody Jensen ShafferPhoto by iStock Getty Images Plus Anolis01//.22

What Are Gibbons?Gibbons are small apes. They live in the rain forests of Southeast Asia and they can swing ,among the treetops at a speed of up to 35 miles per hour. Gibbons have extra-long arms and curved hands for holding on to branches. Gibbons can mate for life and they raise their ,offspring together. At night these families ,sleep huddled in tall trees where they can stay warm and safe from their enemies. In the morning they sing songs ,that harmonize.Gibbons eat figs and other fruits sweet ,leaves insects and ,,eggs. They defend their territories with loud calls that echo for miles.23

J O K E S“Knock knock,.”Mae:Can a kangaroo jumphigher than a house?Lizzie:No?Mae:Yes it can A house can t,!’jump at all.Nani Maine,Make us laugh!Send a joke or riddle along with your,name age and address to,,,803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,French fries: Hey Burger ,,do you want to go to the movies?Burger: Sure Meat you there. “”!Finley Rozanski Michigan,Olive 1# : What s wrong with ’vinegar?Olive 2# : Oh he s in a pickle,’.Robert Campbell North Carolina,“Who s there’?”“Noah.”“Noah who?”“Noah good place to eat around here?”Ramona Carpenter Colorado,Two snakes were slithering home from school.Snake 1# : What s your favorite ’subject?Snake 2# : Hissstory.Michael Rosenblatt New Jersey,Frog By Teresa A DiNicola.Use the clues to find the five letters that answer this riddle.What do you say to a fro who gnee s a dride?1. The first letter is in sheep, but not in sleepy.2. The second letter is in owl, but not in wild.3. The third letter is in pig wasp,, and puppy.4. The fourth letter is in fish, but not in shelf.5. The fifth letter is in hen panda,, and lion.Answer on page 38.on the Go24

Construction SitePaws andThinkWhat are some jobs people are doing here How are ?machines being used?Why is it important thatconstruction workersfollow a set of plans?Why might new buildingsbe constructed?If you could design a building what would ,it look like?Oh ,that s’ what you mean by “blueprints”!Art by David Coulson.

Shake ,By Ann DevendorfArt by Pedro RodriguezShep is at the door ,Aunt Gwen May I .let him in?Sure but tell ,him he has to shake first.Shake ,Shep!No ,Shep!Aunt Gwen says you have to shake so ,SHAKE.Shep won t ’shake my hand ,so I didn t let ’him in.Shake hands ?I wanted him to shake the water from his coat.Sorry !You knew what to do all along .Come on in!Woof !Woof!Shep!

Your Own StoriesSend us your stories!We d love to read them’.All stories must have fewerthan 200 words and includeyour name age and address,,.Send them toYour Own Stories803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,Gracie the Hot Air Balloon-Once upon a time, there lived a hot-air balloon named Gracie. She was very lonely. Then, one day, a human came and sat in Gracie. They slowly floated up to the sky. They saw birds and butterflies too. Gracie was very happy to have a friend.Ashley FisherAge 6 California•The Jellyfish StoryOnce upon a time, there was a sea of jellyfish. There were no fishes, whales, sea worms, or other sea creatures. Jellyfish were the only ones in that sea. But there was a problem. They didn’t know their language! Not even a word. Until one morning a jellyfish said “Hi!” Suddenly, all the jellyfish in that sea started to understand their language.After the first jellyfish said “Hi,” another said “You are nice,” and another said “Let’s go to the movies.”One jellyfish said “I wonder what’s out in space,” and another said “I have no idea!”One said “I am tired of the sea. I see a book about space.” Another said “I will read it!” Another said “It is so interesting!”One said “Now could we go to the movies?” and they all said “Sure!” Another jellyfish said “Woo-hoo!” and they all went to the movies.Rayan Ali MohammadiniaAge 7 New York•Piggy DogHi! I’m Piggy Dog and this is my top-secret journal. My real name is Molly, but my secret identity is Piggy Dog. So don’t say anything at all to anyone.My story begins when I was two weeks old. I could barely crawl when some pitiful humans came to my kingdom where I was the queen. I decided to take them home a few weeks later. Right then, I decided to protect them from the evil forces.I am now a happy, funny, six-month-old Piggy Dog. I like lots of snacks, slurping up water, and making HUGE messes. A few long nights ago, I came across the evil Dr. Hairbrush. Between you and me, I think he had a mind of his own. After three hours of barking, I finally defeated him.It turned out the humans didn’t like me saving them from the evil forces. They sent me to bed. I’m a brave, strong puppy. I’m Piggy Dog.Kylie Rudder Age 11 • Arizona27

By Rich Wallace Art by Rafa Alvarez•Jordan has his eye on a scoring record.scorer from a game 30 years before. He quickly scanned the rest of the list. “Look!” he said, nudging Devin and showing him the program. “You see who has the all-time record? My dad! He never told me that.”“Twenty-four points,” Devin said. “That’s awesome.”Jordan’s best was 19 points. He was the league’s top scorer, averaging 14 per game.“It’s just like my dad not to brag about something like that,” Jordan said.When his parents showed up at the gym, Jordan brought the program over to them.His dad laughed. “I had quite a game that day,” he said. “Couldn’t seem to miss a shot. But look at the score. I would’ve traded every one of those baskets for a win.”Jordan hadn’t noticed that his dad’s team had lost by one point.“That was a great group of teammates,” Dad said. “I’m still friends with a lot of them.”As game time approached, Jordan put on his Badgers jersey and warmed up. He glanced at the other end of the court, where the Lions were going through a layup drill. Jordan slapped hands with his teammate Tara. The bleachers filled up quickly.“This will be a struggle every second,” the Badgers’ coach said in the huddle. “I want to see tough defense, sharp passing, and, above all, smart play.”The spectators were on their feet, cheering and yelling. The crowd included just about every kid in the league and lots of adults too.Jordan felt strangely calm. He’d played so many games in this gym that it was like a second home. The Badgers and the Lions had split their two games this season, but Jordan had led his team to a comfortable win in the second one. Why shouldn’t today be like that?Jordan grew even more confident when he hit his first two shots. Then he stole a pass, tossed the ball to Devin, and raced up the court. Jordan darted toward the basket, fielded Devin’s pass, and banked in a layup.The Lions called a timeout. Jordan ran to the bench and jumped up and down with excitement.“Great start,” Coach said. “But those guys are tough. They’ll come back on us.”Hoops HistoryGAMEON!“See who has the all time record -?My dad!”Jordan took a deep breath as he stood in the doorway, looking in at the basketball court. The gym was old and small, but it held a long history.Maybe todayI’llmake history,Jordan thought.The city’s youth basketball league was celebrating a major anniversary. Today’s championship game marked 50 years since the league’s first title game.“My father played in this title game when he was our age,” Jordan said to his friend Devin. “My uncles did too.”Devin smiled. “I can do better than that. My grandfatherplayed in one. He’ll be in the bleachers today, making as much noise as ever.”“Then we’d better win,” Jordan said.The city’s recreation department had printed a special program for the anniversary. There was plenty of time before the game, so Jordan looked it over. It listed the winners of each championship game and the top scorers.Jordan stopped short when he read the name of the top J o r d a nD e v inT a r aB r y a n28

“Those guys are tough .They ll come back on us’.”A Tip from the AuthorBasketball is a fast sport While !playing defense take a wider ,stance and crouch slightly .This will help you keep your balance when your opponent makes a fake or tries to sprint past you.Rich Wallace is the author of dozens of sports novels for kids ,including the books in the Winning Season and Kickers series .He has played and coached a lot of sports too.(Continued on next page)He was right. The Lions began chipping away at the lead. By halftime, the Lions had pulled ahead, 27–24.Jordan looked up at his parents, who were sitting with Devin’s family. His dad nodded and called, “Great work!”Jordan didn’t feel quite as confident as he had before.The teams traded baskets throughout the second half, with neither building more than a two- or three-point lead. Jordan sank a couple of three-pointers. He made an underhand layup after a hard drive to the hoop. And he scored late in the fourth quarter to tie the game.The scoreboard was clear: LIONS 51. BADGERS 51. 0:37.“Defense!” Jordan shouted. “Get the ball back and win.”The Lions had an obvious 29

A Tip from a KidAlways thank yourcoach after you have agame or practiceCole NeufeldAge 8 • Manitoba, CandaShare a sports tip!Send it toSports Tips803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,Jordan rose to shoot.(Continued from page 29)strategy. They’d hold the ball until the final seconds, ensuring that they’d take the last shot.We have to foul,Jordanthought as the seconds tickedaway.That’s the only way to stopthe clock.As his opponent drove to thebasket for a final shot, Jordanstepped forward. The playersjumped, and Jordan madecontact as he tried to block theshot. The ball banged off the rim.The referee blew her whistle.Thirteen seconds remained.The Lions player bounced theball at the free-throw line. Hesank the first shot for the lead.“Rebound!” Jordan said,looking at Devin and Tara andthe other Badgers.The second shot rolled off therim and fell out. Jordan leapedfor the ball and grabbed it.“Time out!” he yelled.Eleven seconds left. A basketwould win the game.Coach told Jordan to bringthe ball up the court. “Look forDevin inside, but take the shotif you’re open,” he said. “Elevenseconds is plenty of time.”Jordan glanced at his dadagain. His dad pointed toJordan, then held up two fingerson one hand and three fingers onthe other.“Me?” Jordan mouthed.Dad nodded. Jordan had scored 23 points. Another basket would break the record. And what a time to do it!An opposing guard stuck close to Jordan as he dribbled up the court, jabbing for the ball. Jordan shielded it as he crossed midcourt. The spectators began counting down the seconds. “Nine . . . eight . . . seven.”Jordan shifted right, then darted left. Tara set a screen, leaving Jordan a clear path. He dribbled twice more, but he was still a long way from the basket.“Four . . . three . . . two.”Jordan rose to shoot. As the Lions rushed toward him, he bounced the ball in to Devin—wide open near the basket.Devin turned and shot. The ball fell cleanly through the hoop for the winning points.“Yes!” Jordan shouted. After celebrating with his team, he ran off the court and hugged his parents. “You still have the record,” he told his dad.Dad smiled. “You have something more important. A championship. And great teammates. Congratulations!”We have to foul .That s the only way ’to stop the clock.30

Check...and Double CheckCompare these two pictures Can you find at least 18 differences.?Coin ConundrumsBy Teresa A DiNicola.Gather nine pennies and see if you can solve these puzzles.Arrangesix pennies in atriangle as shown,.Can you turn thetriangle upside downby moving onlytwo pennies?Answers on page 38.Arrangenine pennies in atriangle as shown,.Can you turn thetriangle into a squareby moving onlytwo pennies?Place fourpennies on thetable Can you.arrange them sothat each penny istouching theother threepennies?12331

Standing on a school stage, the maestro swings his arms and sways his body as he conducts an orchestra of 8- to 12-year-olds. The 70 young musicians blare, trill, and serenade with their instruments. They keep a sharp focus on the maestro’s white baton as it shoots upward, downward, and sideways.Maestro Michael Morgan was six years old when his father moved a neighbor’s unwanted piano into their living room. “And that’s really where the whole thing started,” he says. “My mother and grandmother had played piano a little bit, but my father just thought it was a good thing to have in the house.”Young Michael started piano lessons, but it was when he saw a conductor leading an orchestra on television that he realized what he really wanted to do. At age eight, he began reading The Joy of Music by conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and figured out how to direct with a baton.When Michael entered junior high, he joined orchestra and band and learned to play many instruments. He was just 12 years old when his instructor asked him to compose and conduct a concert piece. And that was only the beginning. Throughout high school, he continued to develop his artistic talent, and after graduating, he headed to Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.The Role of a TeacherDuring one summer, Michael worked under Bernstein, his hero and the conductor of the world-famous New York Philharmonic. “Conducting is by and large a thing you learn by apprenticing. You do more watching than anything else,” Maestro Morgan says. Even after Morgan had graduated from Oberlin, Bernstein’s masterful teaching continued to influence him.Morgan is dedicated to offering kids a chance to explore classical music. In his hometown of Oakland, California, he Michael was just 12 years old when he composed and conducted a concert piece.By Robin A Zimmerman.Michael Morgan shares his love of classical music with kids.Music and the Maestro“Conducting is a lot about decision making in the -moment and bringing in your own personality says ,”Maestro Michael Morgan.32

Photos page 32 courtesy of MarcoSanchez net page 33 left © Eric Londgren:.;()Photography Oakland CA right courtesy of Oakland East Bay Symphony,,; ().Background art by DigitalVision Vectors Getty Images aleksandarvelasevic//.Connecting Kids with MusicNow in its 21st year MUSE ,offers a variety of programs for Oakland s students in ’kindergarten through grade 12 The MUSE program is . “designed to go into schools where kids wouldn t ’otherwise get music education Morgan says ,”.Through this program ,children can attend a symphony play an ,instrument and even ,have the opportunity to perform in an orchestra.Finding the right instrument is not always easy he says There s an ,.’element of luck If you begin .with the wrong instrument ,it doesn t mean you don t ’’have a talent for music You . “just might be better with a different instrument.”started to volunteer in local schools, conducting student orchestras and talking with kids about music. Morgan expanded these ideas and developed MUSE (Music for Excellence), a music education and enrichment program for kids.Maestro Morgan is also the music director and conductor of the Oakland Symphony. He brings musicians fromthat orchestra into classroomsto teach kids. He works withteachers in after-schoolprograms to reach studentswho can’t afford lessons.“You Have toPractice a Lot”The best thing about being inan orchestra is “hearing all ofthe instruments play together,”says MUSE cellist Ayo Walker.“I’m mesmerized by how[Maestro Morgan] conducts allof the instruments at once.”Ayo’s younger brother Jessie,a violinist, adds, “Listening toclassical music makes youmore intelligent. The songs aresometimes really, really longand you need to be patient.”Maestro Morgan is focusedand works very hard. “He’sthe mastermind behindall of these programs,” saysElizabeth Vandervennet,Oakland Symphony EducationCoordinator. “He has an amazingMorgan believes kids ’eagerness to learn is the most exciting part of conducting.rapport with students.”MUSE students know firsthand how the maestro works. Anais Clancy and Kayla Phan play violin. Anais says, “You get to play solos and experience fun performances. He’s really serious in getting [down] to business.”Kayla agrees. “You have to practice a lot. The way he conducts makes me feel professional.”Morgan says his work is mostly about providing young people with an entrance into music. “Instruments give kids an outlet for emotional expression, a source of pride, and an interest they can carry with them through life,” he says. Maestro Morgan’s young musicians come from many different cultures andcommunities. But with instruments in hand, their hearts sing as one.Left Kylie Jackson speaks at the :nalefiMUSE orchestra season .Right Ayo Walker plays cello:.33

Your Own PagesFantasy DeerMason SluykAge 8 • ColoradoDodge ChallengerKai FenstermakerAge 11 • ArizonaMy Cat s ’Horrible CookingEvery night, my cat cooks the food.I’m not to be rude,But I really hate his food!All year he cooks the same thing.I can’t make him stop.The food is always his finest,A very fancy feast.With bowls on the floor,He opens the doorTo let the smell spread.I can’t wait to go to bed.It’s always CAT FOOD!Addy MorawskiAge 8 • MichiganStory of the RocksHere we stand,Here we stay.During all night, during all day.When moss grows,And when leaves fall.We won’t have changed at all.Our forest boasts withGreen and pride.Until then,We’ll be standingSide by side.Safia LeeAge 11 • ConnecticutButterfliesPink, purple, red, and blue,butterflies come in every hue.Fiery Skipper and Mazarine Blue,drinking from zinnias and cannas too.Spotted and striped, they look beautiful.Wings help them flyhigh in the sky.Like the wind they fly.Caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly.Pink, purple, red, and blue,butterflies come in every hue.Lyra LaneIowaCarrotsNice orange carrots,,with a bright green hat-.Carrots are yummy,you can be sure of that!Marcel Goldner-KatzAge 10 • CaliforniaWalking in the WoodsI walk through the New Jersey woods.I look up in the trees.I can’t see anything except for the chipmunks and squirrels and wood.I can hear the birds chirping.I can hear the chipmunks scattering.I can hear the squirrels gathering nuts—some nuts falling out of trees.Henry SeaversAge 7 • New Jersey34

Share YourCreative WorkWe d love to see it’!Art must be on unlined paper.Poems must have fewer than75 words All submissions.must be created by you.Include your name age,,and address Mail to.Your Own Pages803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,cannotrn your,so yout want toa copy.Gabby DouglasKara RandolphAge 11 • TexasAstronautWyatt McCannAge 7 • Rhode IslandMax MandellAge 7 • MassachusettsJaxson GrabowskaAge 8 • MinnesotaAlways NearHappiness, the ultimate goal,is always there inside,even during toughest times,when you’re done and want to hide.Sometimes, you feel hope is gone,want to disappear.Feeling good is within reach.Good vibes—always near.Thoughts rule us, happy and sad,they often control your mind.Within you there arepositive thoughts,something you can find.Dig deep, find yourself,search within your heart.Happiness is never farright from the very start.Jordan VogelAge 10 • NevadaA Delicious DinnerDinner at Grandma’s is always great.There are delicious veggies on your plate.From chicken to meat, Grandma’s meals are complete.There are desserts galore; I couldn’t ask for more!There’s turkey and rice with veggies all diced, ice cream all bashed, the potatoes all mashed.So we sit in our chairs, straight and steady, for a meal that is good and ready.When we are done, we go outside and have some fun!Lorelai KueckerAge 8 • MissouriMy Tree HouseMy tree house is magnificent.I really like to play in it.It is the greatest thing I bet,,even though I don t have one yet’.Isaiah WheelerAge 9 • Iowa

People who have seen Trish Seifried Woodall with her cats say that she has a magic touch. Most people don’t know anyone who can command a cat to jump on a table, sit for two minutes, lick his paw at a certain time, then hop to the floor and walk backward.Ms. Seifried Woodall has taught her cats to do all these tricks—and many more. At her pet talent agency, Got Pet-ential, cats learn tricks for TV commercials and magazine ads. Some of her cats have appeared on bags of cat food.Paw some -PerformersWhen Ms. Seifried Woodall gets a cat, she first learns what that particular cat likes and doesn’t like. “Some cats like to stay close to the ground, so I’ll teach them how to stand behind me, poke their head between my ankles, put their front paws on top of my feet, and walk with me,” she says. “Other cats like high places, so they’ll learn how to jump on my bent knee and then safely leap to my shoulder.”In Ms. Seifried Woodall’s experience, no breed of cat is easier to train than others. All of her cats were adopted from shelters or rescued. They have By Aneeta Brown Surprising Students“I train dogs too ,”Trish says Most people are . “surprised when I tell them that my cats are more eager to please me than the dogs are.”Trish Seifried Woodall trains Teachin Cats g36

park, she learned how totrain a few of the animalsfor performances. Shecontinued to work with andlearn about animals for20 years before startingher own animal-trainingcompany.Ms. Seifried Woodall isproud of the skills her catshave learned, but she is alsoproud that her company’scats are healthy and social.She believes her cats enjoylearning new tricks.“When they areperforming, their brainsare really in high gear,”Ms. Seifried Woodall says.“If you could meet our cats,you would seehow eagerthey are tobe in motion.”The nexttime you seea cat on TV orin a magazinead, thinkabout theoutstandingtrainers whoworked behindthe scenes.Photos by Cheryl Seifried except top center by iStock Getty Images Plus Stephanie Zieber ,()//_,(bottom right iStock Getty Images Plus EEI Tony Art by iStock Getty Images Plus Kannaa)//_.//.become pets in her home.Like most animal trainers, Ms. Seifried Woodall uses a reward system. Cats that are successful during training get food or a new toy. A cat who doesn’t enjoy eating or playing will probably not be interested in being trained.Patience and kindness are important to Ms. Seifried Woodall. She doesn’t poke or prod the cats, and she never scolds them. “Cats need a lot of encouragement when they are performing,” she says. “I say ‘good job’ or ‘that’s right’ several times during a single minute.”Becoming a Cat CoachMs. Seifried Woodall grew up in a family with many pets, and she was first paid to work with animals when she was 18. At a summer job at an amusement TRAINING TIPS• Try having a training session before your cat eats so that the meal afterward becomes a reward.• Use small bits of boiled chicken or dry cat treats as rewards.• End the session after about five minutes ,before your cat loses interest. cats for TV and magazine ads.Teach Your Cat to High-FiveTrish thinks every family with a cat should consider teaching it at least one trick She says that even .a kitten can learn to high five -!1. Place your cat on a chair facing you so that your head is at the same level as your cat s head’.2. Hold a treat in your right hand .Once your cat is sitting and paying attention to the treat ,raise your left hand about 10 inches in front of her face and just slightly above her head.3. Move your right hand still (holding the treat in front of )your left hand.4. Once your cat paws to get the treat reward her with it,.5. Repeat the hand action Every .time your cat touches your left hand for the treat say Yes ,“!”so she knows this is the right behavior Give her the treat..6. Over time your cat should learn ,that she must touch your hand to get a treat You can slowly .stop using treats and offer only your empty hand as the signal .toPurr form-

Answers124853976Covers: Howdy! by Gary LaCoste; What’s Wrong?® by Pat LewisIllustration credits:Page 2: Kevin Zimmer; 13: (teen and baby) Mike Gorman; 24: Jokes by Rich Powell, Frog onthe Go by Joey Ellis; 31: Coin Conundrums by Mike Moran, Check . . . and Double Check by Joey Ellis; 38: MikeMoran; 39: Erin Mauterer.Photo credits:Page 2: E+/Getty Images/zoomstudio; 3: Gina Lenz; 4: (Moon) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Cylonphoto, (Mindy and Guy) Robb Hohmann; 4–5: (Velella) iStock/Getty Images Plus/muri30; 12–13: (Velella) Paul Harris/Alamy Stock Photo; 13: (Mindy and Guy) Robb Hohmann; 27: (woodbackground) iStock/hanibaram; 39: (two kids at party) iStock/Getty Images Plus/ALotOfPeople, (bat) iStock/Getty Images Plus/PrinPrince, (handprint) iStock/Getty Images Plus/VladislavStarozhilov, (tennis ball) iStock/Getty Images Plus/subjug, (legs, sneakers, arrows) iStock/Getty Images Plus/BrianAJackson, (plates) E+/GettyImages/Kursad, (boy in air) iStock/Getty Images Plus/lucato, (insect) iStock/Getty Images Plus/GlobalP.R DID L E SWhat do ducks eat for breakfast?Harley Brook Dawson Texas,What did one beehive give to the other beehive?Veda Anjesh Louisiana,Why shouldn t you play hide’-and seek with mountains-?Sammy West Virginia,What is a rhinoceros horn made of?Violet Hesslein California,What did the mermaidsay to the orange?How do dogs communicate?Lennon Georgia,What is a calendar s ’favorite food?Alessandra Pyles Massachusetts,How do you get ready for a party in outer space?Eli Wisconsin,How do you make a squid laugh?Ruby White Texas,Answers 1: . Milk and quackers A hive five .2 ..3 . Because they always peak Rhinestone “.”4 ..5 . I need vitamin sea They use cell bones “.”6 ..7 . Dates You planet With ten tickles.8 ..9 ..Ariana Peguero New York,Tongue TwistersSandy s shell socks ’seem so small.Ananya by e mail(-)The white wheelbarrow was wacky and wild .Leibel KahanAge 9 New York•page 2Fun This MonthConnect the BotsWheelsLight bulbsHand shapeWheelsButtonpanelsWheelsBody colorWindupsNosesLight bulbsNosesButtonpanelsHand shapeWindupsNosesBody colorType of legsWindupsLight bulbsType of legsButtonpanelsType of legsBody colorHand shapeMystery Photo—Cactus.page 24Frog on the Go“Hop in!”page 31Coin Conundrums1 .2 .3 .page 43Picture Puzzler38

Take your brain on a hike!STARTWhy aren t’tennisballssquare?What would it be like if everyone sleptduring the dayand was awakeat night?What kinds ofthings are hardto wait for?What was the bestconversation you ve’had recently?Name threehealthy thingsyou do.If you were topick a symbolthat representsyou what would,you choose?How do you thinkan insect woulddescribe a park?Name some decisionsyou get to make.What are some reasons to have a party?If you wanted to fix a mealthat everyone in yourfamily would enjoy,THEENDWHAT FOODS WOULD YOU INCLUDE?It s ’EARLY !Time for bed . . . .“W o w ,th a tk id is r e a l ly f ly in g !”said the announcer .What sport might the announcer be watching?39

Askizona®Gift-Giving LetdownBy Lissa Rovetch • Art by Amanda MorleyDear Bummed Out,I know the feeling! I’m always trying to make the perfect gifts for my friends and family, and it’s disappointing when they don’t seem to like the gifts as much as I hope they will.My friend Ollie had a birthday party recently and I wanted to make him something awesome to show how much our friendship means to me. I pulled out the craft box and spread everything out on the table: markers, paints, seashells, craft sticks, and construction paper. I stared and stared but couldn’t think of what to make.Just then, my little brother and sister came running into the room. Indi was carrying our silly kitty Charlie.Tex grabbed a handful of shells. “Will you help me make something?” he asked.“Sure, but later,” I said. “Right now I need to make the best present ever for Ollie’s birthday.”Charlie wiggled in Indi’s arms. “I know,” Indi said. “You could make him a cat holder.”“Or a cat tickler,” Tex said, tickling Charlie’s paw.“Cute suggestions,” I said, “but Ollie doesn’t have a cat.”Just then, Charlie leaped out of Indi’s arms and landed on the pile of paper. The paper, and Charlie, slid across the table.Tex laughed. “It looks like Charlie’s skateboarding!”“Skateboarding! That’s it!” I ran to my room and found an old photo of Ollie and me with our first skateboards.I worked all afternoon on the coolest picture frame ever. It was shaped and colored just like the skateboard Ollie had in the photo.“Thanks for giving me the skateboarding idea,” I said to Tex as I applied the final coat of paint. “I bet this will be Ollie’s favorite present!”When I arrived at the party, I set my gift behind all the others so Ollie would open it last. The whole time we were playing games, I kept glancing over at it. Then Ollie’s grandmother, Abuela, brought out the cake. Ollie blew out the candles so hard, bits of frosting went flying. He laughed. “Guess I should have wished for more frosting!”“I bet this will be Ollie s ’favorite present!”40

Finally, it was time to open presents. Ollie opened a book, a paint set, and a baseball cap. The next-to-last thing was a long, heavy box.“I got two of the same thing for my birthday,” Justin told Ollie. “So I’m giving one of them to you.”Ollie opened the box and pulled out a super-nice skateboard. “No way!” he shouted. “This is exactly the one I’ve been wanting. Let’s go outside and try it!”“Um, Ollie,” I said, “aren’t you going to open my gift?”“Oh, of course!” He ripped open the present, not even noticing the funny cartoons I’d drawn on the wrapping paper. “Hey, I remember this photo. Thanks, Arizona!”He put down the picture frame, grabbed the new skateboard, and called, “Come on, everyone! We can all take turns!”Everyone ran outside. That is, everyone except me. I’d worked so long on that frame. It was one of the best creations I’d ever made. And he had barely looked at it!If Ollie doesn’t want his present, I thought, I might as well keep it. And I stuck it into my backpack.That night, after dinner, the doorbell rang.“Zonykins!” my mom called. “Ollie’s here.”I felt my face get hot as I walked out of my room.“I have a big problem,” Ollie said. “I can’t find the present you gave me. Any chance you remember where I put it?”“Um, come to my room,” I said.“What’s going on?” said Ollie, very confused when he saw the frame sitting on my desk.“I’m sorry,” I said. “I shouldn’t have taken it back. When you got so excited about the new skateboard, it made me think you didn’t like my present.”“Are you kidding?” he said. “That picture of us with our first skateboards is epic! And the incredible way you painted the frame to match my board—it must have taken you forever!”Dear Bummed Out, that frame is now sitting on Ollie’s “favorite things” shelf. But if we hadn’t talked about it, I’d still be assuming he didn’t care. So my advice is to have a conversation with your mom (without taking the gift back). Maybe the necklace is so special, she doesn’t want to risk losing it. No matter what, I think you’ll feel a lot better after you share how you’re feeling.Oh, and speaking of presents, you should see the cat tickler I made for Tex, Indi, and Charlie. They play with that thing nonstop.Ciao for now,ArizonaIf Ollie doesn t want ’his present I might ,as well keep it.Everyone ran outside Except me..41

Dear HighlightsMy family is always late for activities ,and it s embarrassing ’for me.A Highlights Reader by e mail(-)It may help to talk to your parents about this sometime when they re not busy You might say Is there something we ’.“can do to be on time for activities?” Try to keep a positive attitude and listen closely to what they have to say They ,.may have thoughts on how to make the daily routine run more smoothly.You could also do what you can to help everyone get out the door on time Get yourself ready and then see if there is .anything you can do to help someone else Grabbing a jacket .for someone or turning off the TV and lights are just two ways you can pitch in.I practice ver hard for tests y.But after I inish taking one f,I feel I haven t done well’.Isabel New York,Before beginning a test it s a good , ’idea to take some deep breaths and give yourself a few moments to relax .As you breathe remind yourself that ,you have studied hard and that your most important responsibility as a student is to try your best Your best .effort is the most anyone can expect from you and it s the most you can ,’ask of yourself.Your parents and teachers may be able to offer some study tips They .might also suggest ways to boost your confidence about taking tests.Some older kids in my after school program -make fun of my artwork ,especially when I make a mistake.Chessa by e mail(-)Sometimes people tease others in order to spark a big reaction If teasing you is .the kids way of getting your ’attention it might be best to ,simply ignore their comments .Turn your focus back to your artwork and don t let them ’distract you You might also .decide to sit near a supervising adult or some friendlier kids in the program The next time .the kids make remarks you ,might even choose to laugh and say something like Are you “kidding This is perfect?!”It may help to remember that there are few rights and “”“wrongs when it comes to art ”.Every artist has a unique style and vision so who is to say what ,is a mistake Stay true to your ?own sense of creativity.Write to us!Please include your name age ,,and full address Mail to.Dear Highlights803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,Or e mail us at Letters Highlights [email protected] by Keith Frawley.42

PicturePuzzlerArt by Kelly KennedyCan you find 15 items or shapes that appear in both scenes?Answers on page 38.

Visit our website!hat s’ ’WhWrong? ®Which things in thispicture are silly?It s up to you’!