Highlights for Children articles from December 2003

Highlights for Children archives from December 2003

Lullaby.(Poem)
December 1, 2003... Lullaby It is my big baby That I feel in my hood. Oh, how heavy he is! Ya ya! Ya ya! When I turn He smiles at me, my little one, Well hidden in my hood. Oh, how heavy he is! Ya ya! Ya ya! ...

Find the pictures.
December 1, 2003... Can you find each of these pictures at another place in this book? [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Dear readers.
December 1, 2003... Dear Readers, This month's cover looks like pure make-believe, but it is partly true. The room shown is in our editorial offices, and in early December, it looks a lot like this picture. Just as in the illustration, we decorate a fresh...

The chrismon tree: looking at the first chrismon tree, a church member exclaimed, "it is the first real Christmas tree I have ever seen!".
December 1, 2003... Wait! Shouldn't that be Christmas tree? Well, yes and no. The chrismon tree is a special kind of Christmas tree. It is decorated only with ornaments that remind people of Jesus Christ, whose birthday is celebrated at Christmas by...

Jacob and the baby-sitter.(story)(Short Story)
December 1, 2003... "Good-bye, Jacob!" said Mom, kissing his cheek. "Have fun, Jacob!" said Dad, waving good-bye. "We'll see you in a few hours." The door shut behind them. "Well, Jacob, what should we do?" asked the baby-sitter. "Would you like to play...

Fly feet.(Science Letters)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... When a fly walks and then stops, it starts rubbing its feet together, Why does it do that? Banah Ghadbian, Age 7 Arkansas I am fortunate to have many observant readers. I also am fortunate to have friends who know some parts of...

The Ididit.(creatures nobody has ever seen!)
December 1, 2003... The Ididit is a creature that is about three feet tall. He is brightly colored in every color of the rainbow. He is always getting into trouble. He throws dirt and toys and stuff all over your house. He eats homework, breaks machines, makes...

The opposite monster.(Creatures Nobody Has Ever Seen!)
December 1, 2003... If you say, "Are you the opposite monster?" it will say, "No." Ben Tidswell, Age 6 Massachusetts

The Weathr'omonster.(Creatures Nobody Has Ever Seen!)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... The Weathr'omonster When you want to do something But the skies won't cooperate, The weathr'omonster comes and helps And makes the weather great. But then your next-door neighbor Wants weather that's...

Baby mouse's big idea.(Short Story)
December 1, 2003... One winter morning, Mama Mouse said, "We're out of water. Please find some and bring it to the house." Three little mice walked up the hill to a puddle of water. "Perfect," said Sister Mouse. "We'll carry it to the house in our paws." But...

Weirdest of all.(Short Story)
December 1, 2003... "If anyone sees, I'll have to leave town." Gordon looked both ways down the school hallway. He hoped his body would hide Zee, who was slipping her special home-baked pumpkin seeds into his backpack. Gordon was planning to invent a new recipe....

Test your knowledge of winter sports.
December 1, 2003... Are you a winter-sports expert? See if you can answer these questions about cold-weather sports. 1. In a downhill ski race, the winner has A. the fastest time B. the most turns C. the longest jump D. the sharpest poles...

Fussy cats.
December 1, 2003... Four cats sat in a row, waiting to be fed. They were each fed a different flavor of cat food: chicken, tuna, beef, or liver. * Rusty would not eat chicken or beef. * Lucas would not eat tuna or liver. * Katie would not eat liver or...

Crossbill.(nature watch)
December 1, 2003... From the Roger Tory Peterson Institute Did You Know? Crossbills have exactly the right name. The tips of their bills really do cross over each other. The birds use their beaks to pry open pinecones and cones of other evergreens. Then they...

Christmas carolers.(Hidden Pictures[TM])
December 1, 2003... In this big picture find the golf club, candle, mushroom, carrot, bell, feather, scrub brush, mallet, slice of pie, pencil, piece of cake, and snow shovel. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Which are unkind remarks?
December 1, 2003... "I got a better grade than you did." "My shirt is nicer than yours." "Don't sit by him. He's not cool." "I had a great time at your party." "I don't want her on our team." "Let's invite your brother to play with us." ...

Christmas Is Come.(Poem)
December 1, 2003... Christmas Is Come Now Christmas is come, Let's beat up the drum, And call all our neighbors together, And when they appear Let us make them such cheer As will keep out the wind and the weather. --Washington...

Riddles.
December 1, 2003... 1. Why is lava red hot? Samantha Agcaoili, California 2. What is the opposite of a hurricane? Ben Maxson, North Carolina 3. Why did the girl name her pig "Ink"? Alora Sager, Minnesota 4. Why did the boy run around his...

Elephant grandmothers.(science in action)
December 1, 2003... When Dr. Karen McComb came to Amboseli Park in East Africa, her first task was to learn the names of the one hundred or so elephants most often seen. Scientists working in the park have learned to study elephants up close by watching them...

Thinking.
December 1, 2003... * Where would you go to buy a newspaper? To get a haircut? To mail a letter? * In which places could you have lunch? * Where could you buy holiday gifts for your family? What gifts might you buy? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Tongue twisters.
December 1, 2003... Paula picks pink paper. Chantelle Silva, Age 6 Ontario I'm a teacher that teaches teachers. Karli Green, Age 9 Nebraska Chris catches cheese in Canada. Patrick Cho, Age 9 Ontario Trent tries to tow his...

The Feast of Lights.(Poem)
December 1, 2003... The Feast of Lights Kindle the taper like the steadfast star Ablaze of evening's fire o'er the earth, And add each night a lustre till afar An eightfold splendor shine upon thy hearth.

Matching.
December 1, 2003... Look at each present on the left. Find one like it on the right. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The man who painted truth.(Oscar Howe)(Biography)
December 1, 2003... Oscar Howe sat quietly at his drawing table, concentrating on a piece of blank paper. He was looking for what his Dakota Sioux ancestors called "points of beauty" (see "The Painting of the Truth" on page 21). After a while, he picked up his...

A dress for the moon.(Short Story)
December 1, 2003... Once upon a time a young man named Madan lived in a village in northern India. Madan's father wanted him to become a farmer. But Madan wished to leave the village and find work in town. He promised his father that he would send a part of his...

For wee folks.
December 1, 2003... * How does the wild tiger know when to eat? How does the tiger in the zoo know? * Which tiger has an easier life? Which one is more free? * Which live on land? Which live in water? Which spend time on land and in water? ...

Taking up space.(Science Corner)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Find out how much space an apple takes up. Fill a container partway with water. Use tape to mark the water level. Place an apple under the water so that (as much as possible) your fingers are not underwater. Use tape to mark this new water...

I wonder ... why the sea is salty.(Science Corner)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... There is a little salt in fresh water, even the water people drink. So rivers are always adding a little salt into the sea. The sea is always losing water that goes up into the air, but the sea keeps the salt. Over many years, the sea has...

Dinosaur days?(Science Corner)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Are there any animals living now that lived when dinosaurs were living? Jacob Cordoba, Age 7 Georgia There are many animals alive today that are closely related to those that lived in dinosaur times, such as cockroaches,...

Exercising the heart.(Science Corner)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Why do many exercises that are good for the heart mainly use the legs? Exercising the Heart--The heart pumps blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients, and to take away waste products. When the blood has a lot of work to...

Cookie science: how a cookie crumbles ... depends on chemistry.
December 1, 2003... Why are some chocolate-chip cookies crispy and thin while others are chewy and moist? The answer is a matter of science. If you've ever made chocolate-chip cookies, you may remember what goes into them. Most recipes have similar...

Information, please.
December 1, 2003... In each pair, which statement gives more precise information? Grandma arrived at lunchtime. Grandma arrived at 12:07 P.M. The temperature dropped to four degrees last night. It was very cold last night. Jeffrey is very tall for his...

Goofus and Gallant[R].
December 1, 2003... "Hey, mister! How did that fire get started?" Gallant stays back so emergency workers can do their jobs. "Why do we have to leave already? They're open until five o'clock." Gallant doesn't wait until the last minute to make his...

Fun at the lake.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... My favorite holiday tradition is the Fourth of July party that we have every year. We live at a lake, and every year we watch the fireworks show that happens in front of our house. We also have a Slip 'n Slide for fun, even for the grown-ups!...

Celebrating family day.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Every Thursday we have "family day," and I like it best when we eat out on that day. Matthew Ropiejko, Age 6 Poland

Backwards day.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Every year on April 1 we have Backwards Day. For instance, we have spaghetti for breakfast, bagels for lunch, and crackers and cheese for dinner. We have recess before school (because we are homeschooled), and we say our prayers and get read to...

Don't get pinched!(Holiday Traditions)(Saint Patrick's Day)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Every Saint Patrick's Day, my whole family has to wear green. If someone does not, then everyone gets to pinch that person! Last year, my grandpa forgot to wear green! He finally found some on his pager, so we didn't pinch him. Therese...

Follow the clues.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Every Easter, my Nanny gives my brother and me a small Easter egg with a clue in it. We follow clue after clue until we come to a prize. This is my favorite holiday tradition. Jed Peacock, Age 10 New Mexico

Bowl in the New Year.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... For New Year's, our family has a light dinner, then we go bowling for more than two hours! When we come home, we have bratwurst and play board games till midnight! It is a really fun tradition. Elizabeth and Teresa Beatty Ages 11 and...

Dancing dragons.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... My favorite holiday tradition is Chinese New Year. I like it because my family goes to a Chinese temple in Los Angeles. It is very beautiful and amazing. We get to see Chinese dragons dance on the streets. Ada Ng, Age 7 California

Water-balloon toss.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... My favorite holiday tradition is our Halloween water-balloon toss. When my mother, my brother, my aunt, my cousins, and I finish trick-or-treating, we change out of our costumes, fill balloons with water, run outside, and toss them to one...

Find the Afikomen.(holiday traditions)
December 1, 2003... My favorite holiday tradition is finding the afikomen (covered matzo) on Passover. The oldest person at the seder (dinner) hides it. One time, my grampa hid it under the video player! Taylor Broening, Age 8 New Jersey

Peanuts at Christmas.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... On the night before Christmas, we go around our town and look at the Christmas decorations on all the houses. While we look at the lights, we eat hot boiled peanuts. When we get home, we read The Polar Express and the Christmas story. Cody...

La Fete des Rois.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... In January, there is a celebration. It is from France. It's called La Fete des Rois, which means "the party of the kings." It celebrates when the three kings came to see Jesus. We celebrate it because I'm half-French and half-American. We have...

Decorating the cross.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... At our church on Easter, we put a bunch of flowers on a cross out by the road. It turns out very colorful and very beautiful! I love getting my picture taken in front of it. That is my favorite holiday tradition. Katie Simmons, Age 13 ...

Bagels in bed.(holiday traditions)
December 1, 2003... Every Mother's Day, my dad, my brother, my sister, and I bike to the bagel store, which is just a few miles from our house. We bring bagels back and give them to our mom for "Bagels in Bed." We do this rain or shine. This year, it was pouring...

Sharing thanksgiving.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... My favorite holiday tradition is on Thanksgiving. My family and I take a Thanksgiving dinner to children who have cancer and are in the hospital. Since they aren't home on Thanksgiving, they are thankful that we do that. Aubrey Cooley, Age...

Colorful water fun.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... In India, we have a holiday called Holi. We call our friends, get together, and throw water with paint mixed in it at each other. It is very fun. I love Holi! Medha Chandorkar, Age 10 South Carolina

Magical Hanukkah cake.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... I like our Hanukkah party. You get to play driedel, tell the story of Hanukkah, eat latkes, and, best of all, my mom makes a Hanukkah cake. She does a special magic trick to the cake. She secretly fills it with Hanukkah gelt! Everyone wonders...

Fun with friends.(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... My dad is deaf. So every year, a whole bunch of deaf people join together in a big party. They do this for every holiday. I get to see one of my best friends, Marytina, and we always have lots of fun! Jay Finneran, Age 10 Vermont

Come back, spring!(Holiday Traditions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... On the first day of spring, my family walks around the pool and says, "Go away, Winter; come back, Spring." I think it is fun to do it. Last year we did it at night. Carrie Lancaster, Age 8 South Carolina

Make a Hanukkiya--a Hanukkah menorah.(You Can Make It!)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... 1. Find a piece of board that is less than a foot long. Paint the top and sides with two coats of paint. Let it dry. 2. Collect 10 hex nuts (3/8-inch size) for candleholders. 3. Glue two hex nuts together to make a tall candleholder for...

This gift's for you.(You Can Make It!)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... 1. Cut out a holiday shape from construction paper. Cut a flap in the center. 2. Glue a piece of white paper to the back of the shape so that the white paper shows through the window. 3. Decorate the shape, then punch a hole at the...

Craft an awesome obstacle course.(You Can Make It!)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... 1. Glue construction paper or craft foam to the inside bottom and sides of a shallow sturdy box. 2. Select several plastic containers and lids to use as bumpers and garages for toy cars. 3. With an adult's help, cut openings in the...

Celebrate with Christmas elves.(You Can Make It!)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... 1. Break a craft stick in half. Trim the rough edge. 2. Twist green and red chenille sticks together to make a striped chenille stick. Cut it in half. 3. Lay the striped chenille-stick halves together on top of one craft-stick half...

Warm a friend's heart.(You Can Make It!)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... 1. From construction paper, cut out two mug shapes that are a little larger than a packet of hot chocolate. 2. Cut out designs from wrapping paper, and glue them onto the front of one of the mug shapes. 3. Glue the edges of the mug...

The bear family.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Poozy: Why are there circles all over this tree? Woozy: It's a Wish Tree. Poozy: That's a lot of wishes! Piddy: Did anyone wish for presents? Dad: Here's a wish for someone to get well. Mom: And this one is for a safe trip...

Which rhyme?
December 1, 2003... In each group, which words rhyme? lord word sword rough tough through cool school pool rain rein reign dog log hog

A Christmas Grace.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Not only for the things That we can taste and touch But for what Christmas brings Of kindness, love, and such, We thank thee, Lord. --Garry Cleveland Myers, Ph.D. HIGHLIGHTS Founder

Jokes.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Two bats are in a bat house. One goes out to get some food. He comes back with a huge bump on his head. First bat: "What happened?" Second bat: "You see that tree over there?" First bat: "Yes." Second bat: "Well, I didn't."...

The Sea Horse.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... The Sea Horse [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Micah Atkinson, Age 7 Tennessee

Hanukkah.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... Hanukkah "Come help light the candles," Calls your ma, For tonight is the first night Of Hanukkah. You strike the match; It goes ablaze. You say the prayer as you get ready For these holy eight days. ...

The City at Christmas.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... The City at Christmas [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Raven Nadja, Age 4 New York

The Peacemaker.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... The Peacemaker The sunshine befriends me As it shows its face To the earth below it. Nathan Turner, Age 11 Kentucky

Beavers.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... Beavers [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Remi Beauregard Age 5 Alaska

Dragonfly.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... Dragonfly [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dan Platonov, Age 7 Michigan

Clouds.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... Clouds First it's a fish, then a dog. Now it's a cowboy; now it's a log. Clouds--they are fun to watch. Now it's a stereo-turn it up one notch. Looking out my window upside down, now it's...

Teeth.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... Teeth It is loose It is wiggly It will fall out soon It is under my pillow It is gone It is a dollar Elizabeth Stensrud, Age 7 Washington

Bald Eagle.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... Bald Eagle [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jamie Idso, Age 11 Minnesota

S & S (Stars and Space).(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... S & S (Stars and Space) On my way to the planets We flew past Mars, Then the asteroid belt. We soon saw many stars. We flew past Jupiter, Then past Saturn. Soon we found out Its rings made a pattern....

The Lemon.(poem )(Poem)
December 1, 2003... The Lemon The lemon is a strong fruit, bitter to some, deliciously tart to others. It presents itself and waits for the response. She is like the lemon. They both are liked and disliked by people with...

Newborn Jesus.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... Newborn Jesus [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kathy Mai, Age 10 Texas

I move like a circle.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... I move like a circle, I hang like a vine-- Ssssst! My food tastes like alligators, My home smells like cool white air, I feel like a tight hug. I am an anaconda! Daniel Amoss, Age...

Cougar Cub.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... Cougar Cub [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Samantha York, Age 10 Pennsylvania

A Walk in the City.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... A Walk in the City Clip, clop, walk into the city. Clip, clop, step into the everlasting people-pool. Clip, clop, tall buildings surround you and watch you as you walk by. Clip, clop, graffiti...

The Soccer Game.(Our Own Pages)
December 1, 2003... The Soccer Game [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mallory Johnson, Age 6 Rhode Island

The River Poem.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... The River Poem I hear rushing water. I see sand and rocks and seaweed on the river bank. I touch the sand and it feels gritty. I smell the nice air, and it makes me feel happy. The river! Joshua...

One More Person.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... One More Person We have just seven people. We need just one more. Then our teams will be even: four to four. I see one more person; do you think he wants to play? He looks as if he has a lot to do today....

My Family Is a Tree.(poem)(Poem)
December 1, 2003... My Family Is a Tree My mom is the trunk; she holds us up. My dad is the roots; he gives us power. My dog is the branches; he gives us happiness. I am the leaves that keep the tree beautiful. Sophie...

Eva's eggflip.(Short Story)
December 1, 2003... "Over easy or scrambled?" asked Dad. "What do you think?" Eva teased. But inside, her stomach flipped more than the eggs in the pan. Today she'd head back to the half-pipe, the packed-snow structure built especially for snowboarders. ...

The Timbertoes.(comic)(Cartoon)
December 1, 2003... Pa had a cold. "I'll take a little nap." Pa began to dream.... A perfect day to ride on a raft! "May I have a ride?" "Of course! Climb on." "And me?" "And me?" "Uh-oh. Wait a minute." There were too many...

Headwork.
December 1, 2003... Start at the beginning and see how far you can go, thinking of good answers from your own head. Hold up two fingers. Now hold up two more. -- Are all apples red? -- Which has more feet, a dog or a rooster? -- ...

Why does a woodpecker peck?
December 1, 2003... Tap-tap-tap-tap. Tap-tap-tap-tap. You may have heard that sound while walking in the woods, or maybe in your own backyard. It's a woodpecker, hammering high in a tree with its hard, pointed beak. Why do woodpeckers work so hard to drill holes...

Losing things.
December 1, 2003... I get frustrated because I lose things. What should I do? Joshua S., Utah If you're misplacing things and can't find them, decide on a special place to keep each item. When you've finished using something, always put it back in its...