Highlights for Children (September 2019)

SEPTEMBER 2019Highlights com.Slugson theYour Own EmojisPage 26FunFallHUNTPage 12CHECK OUT OUR APP!

A n sw e ro n p a g e 3 8 .M y s t e r yP h o t oFunThisMonth243 WAYS TOFind a tasty make ahead -breakfast recipe on page 20!September 8 Is Grandparents Day!Talk to your grandparents or other senior relatives or friendsabout what their lives were like when they were your age.You might ask them if they had any pets, what their favoritesong was, who their best friends were, or what they did forfun. Then draw pictures of them when they were kids. Shareyour artwork with them.Tongue TwisterAnna s ’nana s ’banana bandanna.Find the PicturesCan you find each of these 12 pictures at another place in this magazine?Deal with First Day--of School Jitters-StartFinishStart with a good night s sleep ’and a healthy breakfast It will .be easier to deal with nerves if you have lots of energy.Try to smile and say to yourself “This will be fun before ”you enter a new classroom .Wearing a smile will show that youre friendly even if you feel ’,shy And a positive attitude may .make things feel less scary.Remember that you probably felt nervous on the first day of school last year too But you .got through it!1 .2 .3 .Matt Amatics will step only on tiles with equations that equal 24 .Can you help him get to his apartment door ?He can move up down left ,,,or right.to the DoorAnswer on page 38.9 + 127 + 153 x 418 + 62 x 1135 - 116 x 440 - 1615 + 98 x 320 + 35 x 717 + 725 - 218 + 733 - 10

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 Fiveatany time.SEPTEMBER 2019 • VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 9 • ISSUE NO. 815Founded 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 Editors: Allison Kane, Linda K. RoseAssistant Editor: Patty CourtrightCrafts and Activities Editor: Lisa GloverCopy Editor: Joan Prevete HymanSenior Production Artist: Dave JusticeProduction Assistant: Susan Shadle ErbContributing 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 © 2019, Highlights for Children, Inc. All rights reserved.HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN is published monthly.Cover price: $5.99ISSN 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 51593-1378You Got This!I hope you had a great summer vacation. When I was a kid, part of me never wanted summer to end. Another part of me was excited—and a little bit nervous—about the school year ahead. Meeting a new teacher, making new friends, and learning new things in a new grade—that’s a lot to look forward to!If all this newness makes you a little nervous too, know that many kids are feeling the same way. That’s why we’ve packed this issue with advice on how to start the new school year right. Be sure to read “3 Ways to Deal with First-Day-of-School Jitters” (page 2). Then check out Arizona’s tips for turning off the “worry button” (pages 40–41).Believe it or not, some of the best advice in this issue comes from a frog! In “The Curious Frog and the Milk Pail” (page 24), Frog isn’t headed back to school, but he does find himself in a stressful situation. His tip for solving a problem is a key ingredient in the recipe for success. I hope you’ll remember it as you get back into the swing of school and challenge yourself in new ways.Do you have any back-to-school tips? If you send them to me, I’ll share them with other readers.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’.H

VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 9 • ISSUE NO. 81514Hidden PicturesSmile and say Meow“!”15JokesWait—whois at the door?16Back in Time()to SchoolDon t forget your’lard bucket!18CraftsMake a parachute andtoss it high.20Build Ahead-BreakfastWrap it sleep heat it and eat,,,.21Check. . .and Double CheckFun on the flying swings.22Biggest FriendsForeverThese elephant palsno longer have to perform.Dear Highlights,Sweet!September isNational HoneyMonth.81Write downthings you like todo such as sports,and hobbies.2Join a teamor a club You ll.’meet kids withsimilar interests.3At school,smile and say hito kids who areby themselves.32 11We re glad you wrote to us Ryan Here are some tips’,!.—Ryan Wash,6 SnakeskinA note from a slithery “”neighbor.7The TimbertoesAnother family is waitingto eat wild hickory nuts.8Eucalypta What—?Dingo is on a quest to findKoalas favorite food’.10Goofus and GallantGallant invites other kids tohave a turn playing games.11Gallant KidsBria Neff uses her talentsto help animals.12My SciA rock n roll puzzler’ ’.!hingtonMissing Tooth Emoji-Adele AyashAge 8 • New York4 SEPTEMBER 2019

24 The Curious Frog and the Milk PailAre there flies inside?25 Paws and ThinkRiding the subway.26 Your Own EmojisClever kids like Adele share their emoji ideas.27 Your Dream KiteSend us your kite designs realistic —or wacky!28 Game On!Siblings Tara and Bryan are on opposing teams. 32 Into the WindHarper must think quickly to help a friend on planet Via. 34 Your Own PagesSee more work by creative kids like Evelyn.36 Dragonfly FishingMake a water powered toy -that catches flies“.”38 RiddlesWhy don t people build ’robot horses?39 BrainPlayWhat kinds of heroic things might animals do?40 Ask ArizonaTips for turning off the worry “button.”A ❤for Art and AnimalsBria Neff paints to help endangered species and their habitats.EvelynAge 8 • Wisconsin

SnakeskinSomething loose across a log—a snake has shed his skin.It’s almost like he’s left a noteto tell us where he’s been.Excitedly, I pick it up,but sweat drips from my browas I start to wonder where he went—and where he’s hiding now!By Christie Ollar Art by Estrella Bascuñan•6 SEPTEMBER 2019

By Rich Wallace•Art by Ron ZalmeTheTimbertoesPa cracked a few open.Everyone tasted them.They packed some to take home.Nuts kept falling.The Timbertoes headed for home.The bears filled up too.Another family waited.It s a ’big year.Hickory nuts!For what? SEPTEMBER 2019 7

Eucalypta—“We have a problem .Koalas eat only eucalyptus .”“ Will you come for a picnic today?” Dingo barked up into the trees.“Me? A picnic?” Koala peeked out between some leaves. “I’d love to! But just in case you didn’t know, koalas eat only eucalyptus.”“Koalas eat only eucalyptus?” said Dingo. “I did not know! But don’t worry. We will have eucalyptus at our picnic. And we will have the picnic right here, beneath this nice-smelling tree.”“Perfect!” said Koala.Dingo ran to find his friends. “Koala can come to our picnic,” Dingo said. “But we have a problem. Koalas eat only eucalyptus.”“Whoops!” said Wombat. “What’s woocalyptus?”“That’s the problem,” said Dingo. “I don’t know what it is.”“I don’t know either,” said Platypus. “But perhaps someone inside that shop will know.” She pointed to the Outback Instrument Outlet across the road.They went inside.“G’day!” said the man in the shop. “My name is Hugh.”“Hugh?” said Dingo.“Yes. Hugh Cole Liptak. But you can call me Hugh. May I help you?”“Now I don’t remember what we’re looking for,” said Dingo to his friends. “Is it yuca lipstick?”“I don’t think so,” said Platypus.“Perhaps it’s a Yukon lift switch,” said Hugh. “You’d find one at the car-parts store.”By Kerry R McGee.Art by Christina LarkinsWhat?8 SEPTEMBER 2019

“We hopeyou likethis.”“That’s not it either,” said Dingo.Wombat spotted something small and snazzy. “Whoa!” he said, pointing.“That’s a used ukulele,”said Hugh.“Wowee!” said Wombat.“Yes!” said Dingo. “That must bewhat we’re looking for.”“It’s for Koala,” Platypus explained.“She eats only ukuleles.”Hugh looked alarmed. “This ukuleleis not for eating!” he said. “It’s amusical instrument. This one is madeof well-worn walnut wood!”But it was time for the picnic, so thefriends bought it anyway.“I do not know if this is right,” saidDingo as they crossed the road.“It will have to do,” said Platypus.“What wonderful well-worn walnutwood,” whispered Wombat.When they arrived at the tree, Koalawas waiting. “Thank you for invitingme,” she said.“About your lunch . . . ,”said Dingo.“We hope you like this,”said Platypus.After everyone ate the picnic foodsthey liked best, Platypus picked upthe ukulele and plucked out a fewnotes. Hugh’s used ukulele suresounded snazzy!“Wowzers!” said Wombat.The friends all agreed: the nice-smelling eucalyptus tree was theperfect place for a picnic.“It’s a ukulele,” called Hugh Cole Liptak from across the road. He had stepped out of his shop and was waving his arms. “Please do not eat it!”“Thank you!” said Koala, taking the ukulele. “We can try playing it after we eat lunch.” She pulled a fistful of fresh green leaves from the nice-smelling tree. “Just look at all this eucalyptus! Yum.”Dingo looked at the eucalyptus. It did not look like yuca lipstick. It did not look like a ukulele. And it definitely did not look like a Yukon lift switch.“Yes That must be !what we re looking for’!” SEPTEMBER 2019 9

GoofusandGallantThere 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 Idumped a full bucket of sandon my brother.”Cam Age 10 New Hampshire,,“I felt like GallantwhenI put away the Play-Dohafter I played with it.”Lillie Age 7 Georgia,,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.“Sorry it s a game for just , ’two kids says Goofus,”.“Would you like to play the winner of this game?” asks Gallant.Goofus puts his shoes on the desk.Gallant keeps his shoes on the floor.10 SEPTEMBER 2019

GallantK dsArtist for theAnimalsBy Robert LeroseTwelve-year-old Bria Neff lovesart and animals. So she combinesthe two by creating paintings ofanimals that are endangered.With her mom’s help, she sellsthe paintings or donates themto auctions—all to raise moneyfor organizations that protectanimals and their habitats.We asked Bria about her work.You ve done hundreds of’animal paintings so far.How did you get started?When I was eight, I enteredan art contest run by theInternational Fund for AnimalWelfare. I found out that thereare thousands of endangeredspecies, and I wanted to help.Since I love to draw and paint, Ithought I could use my time andtalents to showcase endangeredspecies and their challenges.How do you decide whatto paint?I do ones that really inspireme. I research the animalsand read about them andstudy their biology andecosystems. Sometimes, afterresearching them, I put theirnames into a jar and just pickone to paint.How long does a painting take?I complete a painting in one totwo weeks. I start by lookingup lots of pictures of the animalin its habitat. That gives meinspiration. Before I paint,I spend time sketching theanimal and deciding what thebackground will look like or ifthere’s going to be more thanone animal.What art supplies do you use?I use mixed media, likewatercolor and acrylics andsometimes pencil or markers.A lot of times I have to waithours or even days to get to thenext step because it’s drying.You created a coloring book for the Great Plains Zoo How .did that come about?I just thought that maybe if I created a coloring book, other kids could learn about endangered species. So I set up a meeting with the zoo, and they liked the idea. All the proceeds go to support the endangered species at the zoo.What s most rewarding ’about what you do?Knowing that I’m making a difference for animals and their habitats and that I have inspired others to do the same.What do ou say to other ykids who d like to do ’something meaningful?I want them to know that it doesn’t matter how old you are. Do something you love, and you can make a difference. We just need to work together and believe we can do great things.Highlights is proud to know this Gallant Kid.Bria Neff raises money to benefit endangered animals.Photos by Amityshay. SEPTEMBER 2019 11

MYSCBy Amanda ZimmermanSea slugs or ,nudibranchs (NEW duh branks --),are like snails without shells Most .nudibranchs roam the ocean floor in search of animals to eat Then they use .their small toothed ,tongue to grab and pull in their meal.But the lion s mane ’nudibranch has no tongue Instead it .,attaches itself to kelp or sea grass and expands thin skin around its mouth to form a wide hood .It sweeps the hood back and forth to catch tiny animals that are drifting by .Then it closes the hood forcing the ,prey into its mouth to be swallowed.If cerata are grabbed by a crab or other predator the cerata pop ,off and the nudibranch swims away Cerata grow back. (.)As the hood closes its tentacles ,interlock trapping prey inside,.Leaflike cerata (sir ROT tuh --)give its body extra surface area which ,absorbs more oxygen.Supper ScooperRock n Roll’ ’Which way of moving a big rock will take less effort Think ?of your best answer then read our explanation on page 38,.

The nudibranch absorbs oxygen through its skin.Glands give off a strong odor which ,makes most predators stay away .(But it smells fruity to humans!)By Dougal Dixon • Art by Robert Squier HalszkaraptorThe nearly completeskeleton ofHalszkaraptorhad many features incommon with modern day-animals that hunt in water.Halszkaraptorlikely huntedfor small prey in pondsand streams.Could probablystand upright tail;was too light touse for balanceFinger bones similar to ,those in a penguin s ’flipper probably used ,for swimmingLong neck which,it could stretch outto grab preyMany sharp tiny,teeth useful for—holding small,slippery preyLong legs,likely forwading ratherthan runningWHEN:75 million years agoWHERE:MongoliaHOW LONG:2 feetWHAT IT ATE:Small water-dwellinganimalsHALTS kah RAP tur---“Halszka s hunter after Polish’” (paleontologist Halszka Osmólska)25220114566PresentTriassicJurassicCretaceousCenozoicHow is yogurt made?A Highlights Reader by e mail(-)Yogurt is made from milk To get the .process started yogurt makers heat ,milk to just the right temperature then ,add certain kinds of bacteria These . (aren t the bacteria that make us sick’.)The bacteria digest a sugar that is in milk naturally turning it into a mild ,acid The mild acid gives yogurt its .slightly sour tangy taste It also makes ,.proteins in the milk attach to one another The connected proteins .thicken the liquid milk turning it into ,the gel like yogurt you know-. SEPTEMBER 2019 13

Want a challenge?Fold back page 15 to hide the picture clues.Check out our Hidden Pictures app!In this big picture find the ruler heart magnet slice of pizza hat needle drinking straw sailboat ,,,,,,,,,tube of toothpaste loaf of bread fishhook musical note candle spoon boot and seal,,,,,,,.Purr fect Class Picture-By Pat Lewis14 SEPTEMBER 2019

Picture CluesAnswers on HighlightsKids com..J O K E SAuggie Ohio,Bug 1# :What is a ladybug s’favorite outfit?Bug 2# :A red coat with blackpolka dots.Elishka Lanning Montana,Make us laugh!Send a joke or riddle along with your,name age and address to,,,803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,“Knock knock,.”“Who s there’?”“Thermos.”“Thermos who?”“Thermos be anotherway to tickle yourfunny bone.”Blair:Do you want to heara really good joke aboutpeanut butter?Waiter:Sure let s hear it,’.Blair:OK but make sure you,spread it around!Blair Texas,A book never written:NeitherHot nor Coldby Luke Warm.Evan Hahn Illinois,Kyla: Why did the cowboy want to buy a dachshund?Kevin: Because he wanted to get a long little doggy,.Kyla Peck Florida,CanEweSolveThis?Use the codeto answer theriddle below.What dosheep use tocarry theirhomework?Answer on page 38.ANSWERBONUSCan you also find the cupcake ,acorn slice of ,watermelon ,and crayon?rulerdrinking strawmagnetloaf of breadsealcandlehearttube of toothpasteslice of pizzafishhookspoonhatmusical notebootneedlesailboat SEPTEMBER 2019 15

Lunch bucketPotbellied stoveSlate boards and chalkHurry through the woods, over the creek, along the dirt road—and back in time. Take your seat in a one-room schoolhouse.In the 1800s, one-room schoolhouses were built in rural areas across the country. Students often walked several miles, in any weather, to go to school. Grades 1 through 8 gathered in one classroom, and one teacher taught them all.The day usually began with a prayer. In later years, the class also said the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the teacher would give lessons to one or two grades while older students helped younger ones. By Karen DelleCavaBack (in Time) to Maybe I can trade my corn muffin.Eight grades no —problem!

Other grades worked independentlyuntil it was their time for a lesson.Classrooms didn’t have many books.Kids worked out math problems andpracticed penmanship using slateboards and chalk.Report cards went out monthly.Besides studying the usual subjects,kids also took physiology. At the time,that meant health and hygiene.Basic physiology lessons taught the importance of regular baths and washing before meals. Keeping clean was an effort because water had to be pumped outside and heated on a stove.An outdoor well pump supplied water to the school. Students took turns filling buckets. One of the buckets was for drinking water. The entire school shared one dipper or drinking cup. The second bucket was used as a fire extinguisher.A potbellied stove was fueled by coal or wood. It heated the room unevenly. Students near the stove were roastingwhile other students shivered.Students carried lunch to school inold lard buckets or syrup pails. Insidemight be corn muffins, apples, and ahard-boiled egg or a cheese sandwich.A chunk of sausage was a special treat.During recess, kids played gamessuch as Ring Around the Rosie, Dropthe Handkerchief (similar to Duck,Duck, Goose), and Red Rover. They alsoenjoyed jacks, marbles, and jump rope.More than 100 years later, you canstill find many of the old schoolhouses.Some are empty. Others have beenmade into town halls, churches, houses,preschools, or museums. The buildingsgive a glimpse of what it would be liketo go back (in time) to school.SchoolyardgamesSchoolIt s pretty ’toasty by the stove.I hope I win this time! SEPTEMBER 2019 17

Play ParachuteBy Annette Whipple1.Cut an 18-inch-wide circle from aplastic garbage bag.2. Punch 8 holes around the circle, 1 inch from the edge.3. Tie a length of string through each hole.4. Punch two holes in a paper cup. Decorate the cup withstickers.5. Tie the ends of four strings through each hole.TO PLAYTightly close the parachute like an (umbrella fold it in half ),,and place it loosely inside the cup folded end up ,.Throw the parachute as high as you can staying away ,from power lines and trees.CraftsCraft Challenge! Make a painting using a leaf as your canvas and acrylic paints Share your result on HighlightsKids com...Photos by Jim Filipski Guy Cali Associates Inc except parachute ,,.,-craft background by iStock Getty Images Plus kokoroyuki//.Make This Next Month !18 SEPTEMBER 2019

WLp you mber!OWhelpremem“Owl Do It List”By Edna Harrington1. Cut out an owl shape, wings, and other features from felt.2. Poke holes in the wings and body. Use metal fasteners to attach them.3.Glue on the features. Add wiggle eyes.4.Cover a cardboard rectangle with cardstock. Glue a cardstock square and a sticky notepad on the right. Glue the owl on the left.5. Glue a felt loop and a magnet to the back. Add a pen.SnackBy Edna Harrington1.Trace theplastic lidofaround containerontocorrugated cardboardtwice. Draw legs belowboth circles, as shown.Cut out the shapes.2.Draw a head on cardboardand cut it out. Glue it toone of the shapes.3.Glue the shapes to thecontainer and lid. Let dry.4.Paintthe animal. Let dry.5.Glue on ayarntail.AnimalsI m not a ’pack animal—I m a snack ’animal!Peace PendantBy Jean Harris1. Draw a peace sign and a circle on craft foam. Cut them out.2.Glue together the ends of a piece of wide ribbon to make a hanger loop.3.Glue the peace sign onto the circle with the loop between them.4.Glue on craft gems. Thread yarnthrough the hanger loop.

Build-Ahead BreakfastMake this tasty meal the night before for an easy morning.Ask an adult for help with anything sharp or hot.1 .Arrange the fillingon asmall flourtortilla.2 .Fold the bottom flapover the filling Fold in.one side of the tortilla.3 .Roll the wrap tightly.Veggie Burger1/ 2patty,cooked anddicedChives2 tablespoons ,choppedSun Dried-Tomatoes1 tablespoon,choppedCHEF S TIP’Try different fillings !Choose ingredients that are low in moisture or dry on the outside .This will keep your tortilla from getting soggy.CheddarCheese1/ 4cup,shredded4 .Cover the wrap with parchment paperand store it in the fridge.Before eating the wrap heat it ,in a microwave oven for 30 seconds.20 SEPTEMBER 2019

Check and Double Check...Compare these two pictures Can you find at least 18 differences.?Teammate Name GameBy Teresa A DiNicola.The members of the Rockets kickball team are picking up their jerseys which have ,the players last names ’printed on them Use .the clues to figure out each player s full name ’.The first one has been done for you.1. Justin is never late for practice .(ANSWER Justin Thyme ):.2. Jean makes super-smart plays on the field.3. Brock eats green vegetables to fuel up.4. Clara plays a woodwind instrument to relax before games.5. Joe loves making his teammates laugh.6. Crystal is good at predicting who will win.7. Mary never tires on the field.8. Kara brings after-game treats for the team.9. Al likes to volunteer to help the coach.Answers on page 38. SEPTEMBER 2019 21

BIGGEST Friends oreverFAfter years in zoos and circuses these elephants roam and play together,.By Susan Berk KochDebbie Ronnie ,,and Minnie spend a lot of time together.

Minnie and her favorite toy a drainage pipe:.These two had performed in acircus for years. The caregiversworried that the two old friendsmight not accept Minnie. Sothe caregivers gave Minnie aseparate area where she couldsee, touch, and smell Debbie andRonnie through a fence.Minnie explored her spaceand played with her favorite toy,a 200-pound drainage pipe. Butshe often met with Debbie andRonnie at the fence, where shecould touch her trunk to theirs.“Trunk touches are generallyaccepted as a way of sayinghello, like a handshake forhumans,” Montgomery says.Soon staff arranged playdatesfor the three. After one playdate,Ronnie, Debbie, and Minnieshowed no signs of tiring of eachother. Now the three elephantsare often seen together. Theirtrumpets and rumbles vibratethroughout the habitat.The elephants who roamThe Sanctuary had spent muchof their lives performing or ondisplay. Today, their space is notopen to visitors. “I like to thinkwhat we do here gives them alife closer to what they may haveexperienced in the wild,” saysMontgomery. “I like to think thatmakes them happy.”Sissy was quiet and cautious when she arrived at her new home, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Sissy is an elephant. Like people, elephants are social. They are healthiest and happiest when they have family or friends.But Sissy was not used to other elephants. She had spent 30 years alone in zoos. Now she was suddenly sharing a 2,700-acre refuge with several other elephants. At first, she carried a tire with her everywhere, like a security blanket. That’s what she did in the zoos. “But the staff wasn’t too worried,” Todd Montgomery says. He is an educator at The Sanctuary. “Sissy had adapted to new homes before, so we felt confident that she would adapt.”Sissy and Winkie BFFs—Several months later, another elephant arrived: Winkie. In no time, Sissy and Winkie became friends and were rarely apart. They often swam together in a pond, even in the rain. One day, Sissy walked away from her tire. That was a good sign.Sissy, Winkie, and all the elephants who live in The Sanctuary were retired or rescued from zoos or circuses. At The Sanctuary, they can live out their lives with room to roam. Life in the refuge is not quite like life in the wild, where all the elephants in a herd are members of the same family. These elephants are not related. But they learn to share the same space, and many of them become constant companions.A Place for MinnieAnother elephant, Minnie, arrived at The Sanctuary. She had lived at a wild-animal farm in Canada and, later, was in a circus. At first, Minnie was quiet and shy. The caregivers slowly introduced her to two other new arrivals, Ronnie and Debbie. Caring for ElephantsSince The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee opened in 1995 28 elephants have ,lived in this safe habitat Nearly all of them were taken from the wild when they .were young to perform in circuses or live in zoos As they aged they were retired .,and sent to live at The Sanctuary They couldn t survive if returned to the wild.’. SEPTEMBER 2019 23

Lynne MarieArt by Jacob SouvaFrog found a pail in the cow barn.I wonder what s in the ’pail Maybe flies .are inside.Frog hopped in.Yikes!No flies.Just milk!The milk was deep Frog could!not climb out He kicked his legs..After all that churning,the milk turned into butter!It s solid’!I can climbout now.Zap!The best way to succeed is not to give up!Keep swimming .Keep swimming.A Fable Retold byableRetoldbyLM iAFThe Curious Frogand the Milk PailTap!Tap!24 SEPTEMBER 2019

Riding the SubwayPaws andThinkWhy might people choose to ride the subway instead of other forms of transportation?Does the express train stop at the park?Art by David Coulson.Is there a subway in yourcity or town If not can ?,you imagine one there ?Why or why not? Why do local trains which stop at (every station on a line and express )trains which stop at only some ()often run on different tracks? Where would you find uptown trains at this station ?

RadI would send this emoji to my friend if I’m feeling cool. Or if I think that something my friend sends me is cool.Jackson KellyAge 8 • North CarolinaSmart CookieAdriana KletzkinAge 8 • New YorkRelaxation EmojiI chose a bear chewing gum because she looks relaxed I .would use it when I want to relax on a lazy Saturday.Avery McCarthyAge 8 • MassachusettsPuffin Sugar CookieI made this because I love puffins and I love sugar cookies. I might send this emoji to a friend to show cheer, happiness, and a taste of sweetness.Mara HostAge 7 • OhioHungry RaptorYou use this emoji when you’re hungry. It’s a raptor eating chicken nuggets. Also, it has English tea.Will SaintAge 9 • AlabamaElf EmojiThis is a kind of elf emoji, but it does not have big ears. It has curly hair. I would use it when I am feeling silly.Isla June JenksAge 8 • South CarolinaYour Own EmojisWe asked you to draw an emoji and tell us when you d ’use it We loved your .creative responses !Here are just a few.Sun and RainbowMy emoji would be the sun and a rainbow I .would send it to people when I saw a rainbow.Gemma SpencerAge 9 • Minnesota26 SEPTEMBER 2019

Angry Red RabbitFor when I’m super-duper really mad.Mia HawkinsAge 9 • OhioChameleonSometimes my mood changes.Paloma AkinsAge 8 • ColoradoThe DabberGraham FinleyAge 8 • OregonLOLipopI would use this emoji instead of typing “LOL.” I call it the LOLipop emoji. The LOLipop’s face is laughing.Itzet MarquezAge 11 • FloridaStay CoolMallory HeisermanAge 9 • MarylandBigfoot EmojiIce Cream Emoji-When you send this emoji on your phone it can mean ,that you are going out to get ice cream with your friend.Grace GerrosAge 6 • TexasI d use it when ’I m suspicious ’.Grant SileoAge 8 • New Jerseyis blowing, and you’vedesigned the perfect kite to fly all day. What does it look like? Is it realistic or fantastical? We want to know! Send your kite drawing toPlease include yourname, age, and address. We must receive your reply by October 1, 2019, to consider it for publication.hoosee we we wwindYour Dream KiteYour Dream Kite803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,

J o r d a nD e v inT a r aB r y a nGAME ON!Sibling RivalryBryan is facing his sister Tara in ,,a crucial match.By Rich WallaceArt by Rafa AlvarezBryan pumped his arm and shouted “Yes!” as his shot sped into the goal. He’d given his team a 2–1 lead, and only a few minutes remained in the game.As he ran back to the Raptors’ side of the field, Bryan met his sister’s gaze. Tara looked so fired up that he glanced away. “Defense!” he shouted.Bryan was used to having his sister cheering him on when he scored a goal. But she wasn’t doing that in today’s game. They were playing against each other.Tara passed the ball into play. Bryan stayed close.It was rare for Bryan and Tara to be on opposing teams. But the city’s soccer league assigned players randomly, so the two siblings were split up. Bryan and Jordan led the Raptors, while Tara and Devin played for the Ghosts.Friendly rivals, Bryan thought. But the “friendliness” had slipped a bit today. The two teams were battling for a playoff spot. Bryan knew Tara was not ready for her season to end. But his late goal had made that a strong possibility.Devin passed the ball to Tara and she raced along the sideline. Bryan matched every stride, staying between the ball and the goal.Tara stopped short and 28 SEPTEMBER 2019

Bryan by sending a pass to him instead of booting the ball up the field. Bryan had a lot of space in front of him, but Tara was already charging.Get rid of the ball,Bryan toldhimself. He wasn’t confidentenough in his own moves to tryto fake out Tara, so he kickedthe ball hard up the field. NoRaptors were in the area whereit landed. Devin and the Ghostsbegan attacking again. Thislooked like their final chanceto tie the score.All of the Ghosts wererushing forward now, frantic tomake a tying goal. Devin’s shotbounced off the goalpost, andplayers from both teams rantoward it. Tara trapped the ballwith her thigh and let it drop.pivoted, stepping over the ball and nudging it forward again. Bryan had seen her make that move a hundred times in their backyard. He tapped the ball with his foot and it rolled out of bounds. Tara scooped it up.“Good ‘D,’ Bryan!” Jordan called.Bryan drifted back as Tara threw the ball toward the middle of the field. He was tempted to chase after it but knew he couldn’t leave Tara. She was quick. She could get open near the goal in a second.Tara was a year older, and she outplayed her brother in most sports. But Bryan had been catching up. Practicing against her at home helped a lot. They played one-on-one basketball, worked on their baseball pitching, and ran sprint races in the yard. Lately they’d been sharpening their soccer skills.Bryan’s mind raced. Can I contain her for just two more minutes?The Ghosts moved rapidly down the field. Tara darted toward the goal. “I’m open!” she shouted.No, you’re not, Bryan thought. He was guarding her as closely as a shadow.Devin faked past Jordan, then kicked a blistering pass across the turf to Tara. She trapped it with her foot, turned toward the goal, and swung her other leg back to shoot.Bryan poked the ball just enough to throw off Tara’s aim. The ball sailed wide of the net.“Nice try,” Bryan said.Tara scowled. “Guess I need some new moves.” As she ran up the field, she muttered, “This isn’t over yet, little brother.”Soon, I hope, Bryan thought. He knew what a fierce competitor his sister could be, but he wasn’t used to being on the other side.Bryan took a deep breath of crisp autumn air. He’d stay back here on defense now. If the other Raptors could generate some offense, he might not have to battle Tara again.The Raptors’ goalie surprised Bryan poked the ball just enough to throw off Taras aim’.A Tip from the AuthorA big part of playing defense in soccer is keeping yourself between the ball and the goal .That gives you the best chance to intercept the ball and it ,makes it much harder for your opponent to score.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)Bryan knew Tara was not ready for her season to end. SEPTEMBER 2019 29

With a quickswipe Bryan took,control of the ball.“Whatever I ve ’learned came from you.”A Tip from a KidIf you’re scared to goon the field, take a deepbreath and just do it.You will feel proud youfaced your fear.Lily HarlanMarylandShare a sports tip!Send it toSports Tips803 Church StreetHonesdale PA 18431,Only Bryan stood between her and the goalie. She drifted to her left, then stepped over the ball and dragged it with her right foot.That was one of Tara’s best fakes, but Bryan wasn’t fooled. He shielded the ball and Tara stumbled. With a quick swipe, Bryan took control of the ball. He angled toward the sideline, then kicked it way up the field.The referee blew his whistle. “Game over!” he called.Jordan and the rest of the Raptors leaped and cheered. Bryan stared at the ball as it rolled away. His sister stood beside him, eyes on the ground.“Good game, Tara,” Bryan said softly before trotting off the field to meet his teammates gathered by the bench.“Great job,” their coach said. “We’ll practice Tuesday and Thursday after school. Playoffs begin a week from today!”Jordan gave Bryan a gentle punch on the arm. “You won it for us,” he said. “Great goal.”Bryan shrugged. “We all won it. Everybody attacked. You made the perfect pass. I just knocked it into the net.” He glanced back at his sister.Jordan nodded. “She’ll get over it,” he said, referring to Tara. “You win some, you lose some. We all know that.”Bryan wiped his sweaty forehead with the sleeve of his jersey. The teams lined up to shake hands.“Great game,” Devin said when he reached Bryan.“You too,” Bryan said. He glanced ahead as he tapped fists with the other Ghosts.Tara looked angry. She held out her hand to Bryan, but she didn’t make eye contact. “You were pretty tough on defense,” she mumbled, slowly shaking her head. “Where did you learn that?”“Are you kidding?” Bryan stopped walking. “I’ve been chasing you around ever since I learned to walk. Whatever I’ve learned came from you.”Tara forced a smile. “You stopped all my moves in the last couple of minutes.”“I may have learned how to stop them,” Bryan said, “but I’m not very good at making those moves myself.”Tara clapped her brother on the shoulder. Her grin grew bigger. “We’ll work on that this week,” she said. “Get you ready for the playoffs.”(Continued from page 29)30 SEPTEMBER 2019

Can You ACE It?By Mary McClellanUsing the clues add one letter to the word ,ACE to make a new word.1 . A contest to see who’s the fastest runner.2 . Where your eyes, nose, and mouth are.3 . A string you tie on your shoe.Now add two letters to ACE to make more words.4 . Where astronauts travel.5 . What you do when you use a stencil.6 . A calm and relaxed feeling.Answers on page 38.S U N R IS E—Charles GhignaDawn breakswakesturns the nightinto dropsof dewthat dripdripdripfrom the tiptiptipsof swayingbladesof morninggrassthat dancein the glowof the suddensuddensun. SEPTEMBER 2019 31

By Pamela LoveArt by Cory GodbeyHarper guided the hovercraft carefully. This was the first time Dad had let her pilot it solo. One meter above the ground wasn’t much, but it was the closest she had ever come to flying on the planet Via.When the Vians had hired Harper’s dad to improve their power stations, Harper had been excited about moving from Earth to Via. On Via, the people flew. The animals flew. Even the plants seem to fly, Harper thought now as a striped flower zipped past the hovercraft. (The flower didn’t actually fly. It was just caught in one of Via’s constant updrafts.)When Harper had imagined all this flying, it had somehow slipped her mind that she didn’t have wings of her own. She couldn’t help feeling left out.Not that the visit hadn’t been fun anyway. Harper’s new friends liked hearing about Earth, especially because most of them had never left Via. One friend, Zin, would be joining Harper today while Harper ran an errand for her dad—dropping off a replacement sensor at a power station. The operator at the station was Zin’s cousin Tal.Harper spotted Zin walking to meet her. Harper braked the hovercraft, and Zin climbed on.“The healer took your cast off!” said Harper. “Why aren’t you flying?”Zin frowned. “She says I must exercise it for a few weeks before flying again. For now, I’m still trapped on land. How do you live without wings, Harper?”Harper sighed as she restarted the hovercraft. “Well, I sometimes feel like an ostrich or a penguin here.” She described Earth’s flightless birds.Zin shook her head. “I can’t imagine it.”It was noon when they reached a winding river, which they followed deep into a canyon. The power station was built next to a dam, surrounded by steep cliffs of layered orange rock.Harper knocked on the station’s door, but no one answered. She knocked harder. Still nothing. “That’s weird. Tal On a planet where everyone flew ,Harper felt left out.“We need a healer right away!”32 SEPTEMBER 2019





was expecting us,” she said.Zin peeked through a nearby window, then trilled loudly.Harper knew the sound meant trouble. She peered over Zin’s wing and saw an unconscious Vian lying on the floor. Sparks were flying from a communications panel nearby.“Looks like Tal has been shocked!” Harper said.“We need a healer right away!” said Zin.Harper activated her communicator. “No answer. Those cliffs must be blocking its signal. We have to get up there, above the cliffs.”Zin held out her hand. “Your hovercraft is too slow. I’ll fly the communicator above the cliffs.”Harper hesitated. “The healer said you’re not ready to fly yet.”“It’s an emergency!” Grabbing the communicator, Zin turned into the wind and leaped upward. Harper held her breath. Normally, a few downstrokes later, Zin would be airborne. But Zin’s right wing flapped awkwardly. A gust of wind spun her. Unable to straighten herself, she landed hard, right next to the river.“Zin!” Harper ran to her.“I’m OK, but you’ll have to use the hovercraft.” Zin held out the communicator.Harper shook her head. Zin had been right: the hovercraft wasn’t fast enough. Never had she felt so flightless. What could she do?She took a deep breath. She could think like a problem solver. Eyes closed, she thought until she found an answer. “Wedon’t need to fly,” she said. “Only the communicator does. And it’s small and light. . . .”“But wingless,” said Zin.“Not for long.” Harper ran back to the hovercraft and pulled out a toy she’d made out of cloth, tent support rods, string, and tape. She tied it to the communicator.Zin looked doubtful—andworried. “Will thistoybe ableto save my cousin?”If it works,Harper thought.Zin set the communicatorto broadcast an automaticdistress call. Then it wasHarper’s turn to head intothe wind. Her feet pounded over the pebbly ground as she fed out string. The communicator rose higher and higher on a powerful updraft. Only now did Harper realize there might not be enough string to reach above the cliffs.Beep-beep-beep! The communicator was sending the distress signal.“Hear that?” she shouted to Zin. “Help is coming!”Later, with Tal out of danger, Harper and Zin climbed into the hovercraft.“Kite,” Zin said, trying out the word. She blinked rapidly, which Harper knew was how Vians smiled. “I said you had no wings, but I was wrong, Harper. Your ‘wings’ are in your mind.”What could she do ?She could think like a problem solver.Beep !Beep !Beep!WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM KITE LOOK LIKE? We want to know Turn to page 27!.

Your Own PagesSeth PackardAge 11 • TexasAmelia BorchardAge 9 • OregonMarsSavannah BaddersAge 9 • MississippiFarm LifeOn a farm look out for snakesOn a farm you see some cowsOn a farm you see a plowJohn Deere tractors everywhereWheat, soybeans, and some cornGrowing high, so very highFarms in South Dakota are very prettyA farm in South Dakota is where I liveA farm is where I want to liveAnd no one can change itTeresa MeliusAge 11 • South DakotaHelp Save Our PlanetHelp save Earth.It’s the place of your birth.To stop the pollution,You’re the solution.Recycle, pick up trash, go green.It’s the only thing that can keep our planet clean.Ethan UlrichAge 9 • CaliforniaGlueGlue is nice.It gets things done.When you use it,it’s so much fun!Glue will glue thingsso they will not tear.You can use it anywhere!Glue, glue, glue, oh my,but don’t put it into a pie!Emma TheobaldAge 8 • MinnesotaRelaxationAhh so good ,.Family and friends.Quiet music .Soft blanket.Writing this poem .Lovely.Isabella MayAge 9 • IndianaHome Sweet HomeJulian CouchAge 9 • Arkansas34 SEPTEMBER 2019

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,We cannotreturn yourwork so you,might want tokeep a copy.My Dream GuitarEthan MillerAge 11 • WashingtonWren RanoAge 6 • OhioCrocodileBently RohlandAge 7 • MinnesotaAoife EggerAge 9 • MichiganJaguarsJaguars, jaguars on the prowl,listening to wolves on their midnight howl.Growling, prowling through the night.Right when you see her, you’ll run in fright.Eyes glow, green and bright,hiding in the shadows at night.Razor-sharp teeth for crushing bone,mostly hunts all alone.Living wild, strong, and free,napping on the tallest tree.Jaguars, jaguars on the prowl.Run away if you hear her growl!ROAR!Quinn EstesAge 9 • North CarolinaDawn and Dusk on the LakeDawn on the lake,it’s cool and calm.Dusk in the evening,I hear the cricket song.Morning near the pond,the sky turns bright.Dusk on the pond,saying “good-bye” to the light.Tomorrow will be fun,and hot, and long.I’ll wait, and wait,till the morning sings its song.Dashiell Miller-RaoAge 9 • OhioI Love DaddyMy dad works so hard.He even mows the yard.He works on computers,And sometimes he says I can go on the scooter.He loves me so much.I love my dad.Charlee LuggAge 6 • Alberta Canada,

Dragonfly Catch flies with a“”water powered insect-.By Angie NeerYou can find air line tubing -at a pet supply -store and oral syringes at a pharmacy counter.The Hows of HydraulicsA hydraulic system uses liquid to perform tasks by pushing the liquid from one side of a container to the other Cars machines and .,,even insects and toys can use hydraulics.  PompomCardstockkWiggleEyesTo PlayScatter flies“”he ground. Usea timer to seehow many youcan pick up inone minute.Then try tobeat yourrecord.Son thcFishing36 SEPTEMBER 2019

2.Push all the air out of a second oral syringe. Attach the syringe nozzles to the ends of the tube.3.Using tacky glue or a low-temperature glue gun, glue two large craft stickstogether, as shown.7.Use tape to secure the tubing to the end of the craft sticks.1.Fill 3 feet of aquarium air-line tubing and one 10-milliliter oral syringewith water. Optional: add food coloring.4.Glue one end of the craft sticks to the barrel of the water-filled syringe.5.For the mouth, glue the bottom half of a paper cup to the other end of the craft sticks.6.Glue the bottom half of another paper cup to the end of the syringe’s plunger. The cup tops should touch.8.Tape a 1-foot-long dowel to the other syringe and tubing.9.Use cardstock and markersto create a dragonfly body. Glue it to the craft sticks.Ask an adult to help with anything hot.Pull to open the mouth.Push to close. SEPTEMBER 2019 37

Answers124853976Covers: Fall Fun! by Chris Biggin; What’s Wrong? by Chuck DillonIllustration credits:Page 2: Kevin Zimmer; 12: Vin Vogel; 15: Jokes by Rich Powell, Can Ewe Solve This? by Gary Boller;21: Teammate Name Game by Mike Moran, Check . . . and Double Check by Josh Cleland; 26: (cell phone) by DigitalVisionVectors/Getty Images/mikimad, (message bubbles) by iStock/Getty Images Plus/VikiVector; 27: Derek R. Douglas;31: “Sunrise” by Dave Szalay, Can You ACE It? by Rob McClurkan; 39: Erin Mauterer.Photo credits:Page 2 and 38: iStock/Getty Images Plus/stickytoffeepudding; 3: Gina Lenz; 4: iStock/Getty Images Plus/shutter_m; 4–5: courtesy of South DakotaHall of Fame; 12–13: courtesy of Jens Tröger; 13: (top right) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Povareshka; 16–17: (top) courtesy ofCanton Historical Museum, Canton, CT; 16: (bottom) Library of Congress Online Catalog, Reproduction Number LC-USF33-001230-M3 [P&P] LOT 255, Farm Security Administration–Office of War Information Photograph Collection; 17: (bottom)Fred Hultstrand History in Pictures Collection, NDIRS-NDSU, Fargo (2028.369); 20: Jim Filipski, Guy Cali Associates, Inc.;22–23: copyright © 2015 The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee; 36–37: Jim Filipski, Guy Cali Associates, Inc., except 36(background) by iStock/Getty Images Plus/HAKINMHAN and 37 (background) by iStock/Getty Images Plus/Serg_Velusceac;39: (dog) iStock/Getty Images Plus/GlobalP, (bathtub) iStock/Getty Images Plus/jgroup, (popcorn) iStock/Getty ImagesPlus/fcafotodigital, (toilet paper) iStock/Getty Images Plus/hwanchul, (waffle) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Juanmonino, (bird)iStock/Getty Images Plus/Ocs_12, (painter’s palette) iStock/Getty Images Plus/artisteer, (girls) E+/Getty Images/LattaPictures, (cat) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Anton Ostapenko; 43: (1) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Morgar, (2) E+/GettyImages/walik, (3) iStock/Getty Images Plus/still-life, (4) iStock/Getty Images Plus/walik, (5) iStock/Getty Images Plus/mbbirdy, (6) iStock/Getty Images Plus/skodonnell, (7) iStock/Getty Images Plus/51Systems, (8) iStock/Getty Images Plus/CHIARI_VFX, (9) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Nerthuz, (10) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Michael Burrell, (background) iStock/Getty Images Plus/Nastco.page 2Fun This Month24 to the Doorpage 15Can Ewe Solve This?BAACKPACKS.page 21Teammate Name Game1 .Justin Thyme.2 .Jean Yuss.3 .Brock Lee.4 .Clara Nett.5 .Joe King.6 .Crystal Ball.7 .Mary Thon.8 .Kara Mell.9 .Al Dewitt.page 31Can You ACE It?1 .Race.2 .Face.3 .Lace.4 .Space.5 .Trace.6 .Peace.page 43Picture Puzzler1 .Basketball hoop.2 .Hockey stick.3 .Baseball bat.4 .Skateboard.5 .Ice skate.6 .Volleyball.7 .Ski pole.8 .Golf tee ball/.9 .Surfboard.10 .Tennis racket.9 + 122 x 1115 + 917 + 77 + 1535 - 118 x 325 - 23 x 46 x 420 + 318 + 718 + 640 - 165 x 733 - 10page 12My SciRock n Roll’ ’—Using the stickas a lever takes less effort The.little rock serves as the fulcrum,or pivot point for the lever,.By using a lever and fulcrum,the dog can move a rock thatwould be too heavy to movewithout them.Mystery PhotoWhisk.R DID L E SWhat s a dentist s ’’favorite dance?Ruby Grice Florida,What lake has ghosts in it?Samuel Nutting Colorado,You take off the outside ,cook the inside eat the ,outside and throw away ,the inside What is it.?Hadassah New Jersey,What kind of a nut can sneeze?Riddhima Das Washington,What is a tornado s’August Bonig Maryland,Why did the ballerina quit?Akal and Arjun Chickering Florida,What did one wall say to the other?Knox Ridley Georgia,Why did the coffee taste like mud?Madison Grizzle and Faith Camarata Arizona,Why don t people build ’robot horses?John Russell Michigan,1 . The floss Lake Eerie An ear of corn .2 ..3 ..4 .Cashew! Twister It was tutu hard 5 ..6 ..7 . Meet you at the corner Because it “.”8 .was fresh ground They go haywire.9 ..favorite game?Back-to-School Laughs“You must be the new kid!”“But you told me to have a seat.”38 SEPTEMBER 2019

FAVORITE thing to do at a party?Take your brain on a hike !STARTName a food that spills easily.Can What is your Name some things that are hollow.Why do we give names to people and pets but not usually to trees or homes?What are some“BREAKFAST FOODS ”?Do you ever eat them at other meals?If it were up to you ,what would you change about your neighborhood?Name some hobbies THAT COULD ALSO BE JOBS.Is it easier to believe people who are TRUTHFUL or people who ve LIED WHY’??What kinds of heroic thin sgmig thanimals do?WHY OR WHY NOT?you in a bathtub?swim THE ENDWhat background sounds do you rarely notice?Did you hear that?

Ask izonaTurning Off theWorry ButtonBy Lissa Rovetch • Art by Amanda MorleyDear Worrying,A thousand is definitely a lot of things to be nervous about. I have a feeling you might be stretching that number just a bit. But I totally know how you feel. Sometimes all it takes is one teeny nervous thought to push the worry button in my brain. I know there’s really no such thing as a worry button, but that’s the best way I can describe how it feels in my head.Just like you, I found myself dealing with worries right before the new school year started.My neighbor Ollie and I were skateboarding in the park when we happened to see some kids from my school.“I wish summer wasn’t ending,” said Rose. “But at least I’ll be in Ms. Ramirez’s class. My brother had her last year. She’s so nice.”“I got Mr. Nishimoto,” said Jack. “I’ve heard he brings his guitar and plays funny songs.”“I’d love to have a singing teacher!” I said. “I have Ms. Newman, and I know nothing about her.”“Oh no!” said Alex. “I bet she’s the one people call the mean, green homework machine.”“I don’t listen to rumors,” I said with a smile. But part of me thought, What if what Alex said is true? And that’s when the worry button got pushed in my brain. And as you know, once the worry button gets pushed, one worry can turn into lots and lots of worries surprisingly quickly.That night, I had a wild dream. I was searching for my perfect first-day-of-school outfit, but a hungry goat got to it first and chomped it to bits. So I was stuck wearing the only things left in my closet: a swimsuit, goggles, and swim fins.So how does someone wearing snorkel gear get to school? By swimming, of course. And since swimming through the busy streets of San Francisco isn’t easy, I arrived at school really late. To make matters worse, the hallways were all twisty-turny, and by the time I made it to my classroom, it was almost lunchtime.“You’re late!” yelled a scary green monster. “Now you’ll have One teeny nervous thought can push the worry button in my brain.40 SEPTEMBER 2019

to do 10 times as much homework! Every night, forever!”I woke up with my heart racing.That afternoon, Ollie’s grandma, Abuela, asked if I was looking forward to school starting.“Um, not exactly,” I said. And I started describing my super-stressful nightmare. The more I described it, the more ridiculous it sounded. By the end of my tale, Ollie, Abuela, and I were laughing so hard that we could barely catch our breath.“Wow,” said Ollie. “I guess that stuff Alex said about your new teacher really got to you.”“You know,” said Abuela, “I think there might be some information about the teachers on your school’s website. How about we do a little detective work?”On the site, we found a picture of Ms. Newman, who was actually a smiling human, not a scary monster. Beneath her photo was a description of her hobbies and her pet turtle, Mr. Spottypants. The minute I learned some facts about my mystery teacher was the minute my worry button finally switched off.Abuela also suggested I make a list of my worries, and that helped too. Being able to see my worries on paper made it much easier to talk about them and figure out how to plan ahead.I realized I needed to get my school supplies and outfit ready a few days early. I also made sure I knew exactly when the school bus would arrive, and I printed out a map of the school with directions to my new classroom.So, dear Worrying, when you need help turning off that worry button, try these tips:1. Talk over your fears with someone you trust.2. Do a little research. Knowing more about something often makes it seem less scary.3. Make a worry list, using words or drawings or both.4. Make a plan so you feel more prepared.I bet school is going to be just fine once you get used to it. Ms. Newman is turning out to be a fantastic teacher. She even brings Mr. Spottypants to class once in a while!Ciao for now,ArizonaAbuela suggested I make a list of my worries.“I bet she s the teacher ’people call the mean green ,homework machine.”The more I described my nightmare the more ,ridiculous it sounded.

Dear HighlightsI can t decide ’if I m goin to ’gplay with t e hfirst graders or -my classmates at recess. I don t ’want to hurt anyone s feelin s’g .Laurel Indiana,You might try asking your classmates and first grade friends -if they would like to play a game together If they don t want to .’,that s OK In that case you can just take turns spending time ’.,with each group.If you are planning to play with one group and some kids ,from the other group ask you to play nicely explain that you ,already have plans but you ll play with them at the next recess’.I am going to be a cartoonist ,but I never have inspiration Help.!Jonah West Virginia,Cartooning is a wonderful creative ,activity A great way to .find inspiration for your cartoons is to jot down what you find funny or interesting in everyday life Also .pay attention to which comics characters ,,and ideas make you laugh You can learn from those Then follow up on your notes by .!drawing the funny scenarios from your own life The more you do .this the easier the ideas are likely to flow You can keep a small ,.notebook with you so that when something makes you laugh ,you can doodle it or write it down to use as cartoon inspiration.I have severe dwarfism .People either stare at me or talk to me as if I m much younger ’than I am.A Highlights Reader by e mail(-)Sometimes when people see someone who looks different from themselves ,their first impulse is to stare or act inappropriately If people .are acting in rude or unkind ways they do not deserve your ,attention Do your best to keep .your focus on the positive people around you.The next time someone speaks to you as if you re much younger ’than you are you might smile ,and say Hi I realize that I look “.young but you should know that ,I am years old Then change ___.”the subject to something you d ’like to talk about.It s important to remember ’that it is not your responsibility to educate others around you It .is their responsibility to act kindly and respectfully to everyone around them But sharing a little .bit about yourself may help others grow in understanding.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 SEPTEMBER 2019

z zExtreme close up Can you identify each piece of sports equipment-!?Answers on page 38.13524671089

Visit our website!What s ’Wrong?Which things in this picture are silly ?It s up to you ’!