Highlights for Children articles from February 2007

Highlights for Children archives from February 2007

Shadow search.(Fun This Month)
February 1, 2007... Gert the Groundhog has lost her shadow! Follow the maze to help her find it. Shadow Search

February 2 is National Wear Red Day!
February 1, 2007... Put on something red to remind everyone about the importance of a healthy heart. Which of these help build a healthy heart? A. Bicycling B. Swimming C. Watching TV D. Walking Healthy Heart--All but C, watching TV.

Pets and Presidents.(political history)
February 1, 2007... February 19--Presidents' Day--honors two great Presidents of the United States: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Which of these Presidents gave his son Tad two goats as pets? Presidents--President Lincoln.

In China, the Lantern Festival often falls in February.
February 1, 2007... In China, the Lantern Festival often falls in February. Red lanterns can be seen everywhere! Lantern owners write riddles on slips of paper. Anyone who solves a riddle can get a small gift from the lantern owner. Can you solve this riddle?...

5 ways to be a good friend.
February 1, 2007... 1. Take turns choosing what to play. 2. Remember your friend's birthday. 3. Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry." 4. Listen to your friend's ideas. 5. Say, "I'm glad you're my friend!"

Pancake Tuesday tongue twister.(Shrove Tuesday)
February 1, 2007... Repeat "Flatter pancake batter" three times fast! Shrove Tuesday, the day before the Christian season of Lent begins, is also known as "Pancake Tuesday." This year it falls on February 20.

Find the pictures.(Fun This Month)
February 1, 2007... Can you find each of these 10 pictures at another place in this magazine?

Laughing together.
February 1, 2007... Not long ago, Highlights' art director Cindy Smith and I visited a classroom in Ohio. We loved meeting some of the kids who read Highlights at home and at school. When a couple of students said that they enjoy reading jokes and riddles, we all...

Snowman Sniffles.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Snowman Sniffles At winter's end a snowman grows a snowdrop on his carrot nose, a little, sad, late-season sniff dried by the spring wind's handkerchief. But day and night the sniffles...

Bedtime mystery.
February 1, 2007... Samantha and her cousin Julia both go to bed at 9:00 P.M. Julia goes to bed every night two hours before Samantha. How can this be? Julia lives two time zones ahead of Samantha. When it is 9:00 P.M. where Julia lives, it is only 7:00 P.M....

What's the word?(Poem)
February 1, 2007... My first letter is in part but not in cart. My fifth letter is in year but not in sear. My third letter is in tore but not in tone. My second letter is in saw but not in sow. My fourth letter is in sent but not in...

Goofus and Gallant.
February 1, 2007... "I don't know if we recycle. Just throw it away," says Goofus. Gallant reuses or recycles when he can. Goofus slouches. Gallant sits up straight.

When Waffles Are Awful.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... When Waffles Are Awful Waffles are tasty wherever-- In kitchen, on the porch, on the lawn. They're scrumptious with hot maple syrup Or freshly picked berries spooned on. Delicious to gobble at night, Delicious...

State smart.
February 1, 2007... The answer to each question is a word that can be found in the name of a state. Can you guess each word and state? Example: Which number comes after nine? Ten--Tennessee 1. What is the opposite of east? 2. What is a tool used for...

Matching.
February 1, 2007... Look at each elephant on the left. Find one like it on the right.

Capturing unicorns.(Short story)
February 1, 2007... Long ago, in a land where unicorns still roamed free, there lived a great sculptor. With hammer and chisel, he could turn a block of stone into something that seemed alive: a tree swaying in the wind, a breaking wave, a human being who seemed...

What would happen ...(science experiment)
February 1, 2007... if this glass were set over the burning candle? Ask for an adult's help if you want to try it. What Would Happen--When the drinking glass is set down over the candle, the Flame will burn For a short time, then go out. Fire needs oxygen...

Staying warm.
February 1, 2007... Do you know how Arctic seals, walruses, and sea lions can live in icy waters? Try this to find out. Coat one of your fingers with peanut butter. Dip that finger and one other finger into a bowl of ice water. Feel a difference? Staying...

I wonder: how plastic bottles are recycled.
February 1, 2007... Machines chop the plastic into flakes and melt down the flakes. The melted plastic is used to make new products, such as packaging, fences, and even lawn chairs.

Dino days.(Dinosaurs, Velociraptor)
February 1, 2007... By "Dino Don" Lessem Dinosaur Editor How do paleontologists know if what they've found is a leaf print or a dinosaur bone? Madi Harenza, Age 8 Kansas A leaf print is just that--a flat print. It shows the outline of the leaf...

Produce your own radio show: all you need is a tape recorder, a blank tape, and some good ideas!
February 1, 2007... Getting Ready * Make up a name for your show. * Decide which radio segments to include. Use the ideas on this page or create your own. * Choose whether you'll write a script for each segment or make up the words as you go along,...

When do monkeys talk?(Capuchin monkeys behavior)
February 1, 2007... Capuchin monkeys usually make a lot of noise when they find food. They shriek and yell and scream and grunt. They are letting their families know where the food is. One day, Dr. Mario Di Bitetti, a scientist, saw a monkey keep quiet when...

Beboppin' in the barn.(Hidden Pictures[R])
February 1, 2007... In this picture, find the kite, sea star, slice of pizza, spool of thread, piece of candy corn, heart, paintbrush, spoon, ring, sock, candle, CD, book, tulip, fish, and pencil. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Jokes.
February 1, 2007... Derek: "Why are you plucking your guitar strings with a pencil?" Joshua: "I'm trying to write a song." Dylan Stephan, Virginia Alice: "Did you know that all of the animals came into Noah's ark in pairs?" Cindy: "Yes, except...

Make a yummy ladybug snack.(Recipe)
February 1, 2007... Here's a ladybug that is good to eat. 1. Wash your hands. 2. Ask an adult to cut an apple in half and take out the seeds. 3. Use a toothpick to make three holes on each side of one apple half (for the legs). 4. Put thin...

A serious case of stress-itus.(relaxation techniques to fight stress)
February 1, 2007... Dear Arizona, Every time I take a test, I feel sick to my stomach and my heart starts beating about a million times a minute. Have you ever heard of this? Do you think it's life threatening? --Worried in Wyoming Dear Worried, ...

Gray wolf.(nature watch)
February 1, 2007... Did You Know? Gray wolves usually live in packs. They hunt together and talk to one another in many ways. They yip, growl, howl, and make other sounds as well. They use a body language of facial expressions, tail positions, and postures. Like...

What's the score?(intelligence test)
February 1, 2007... Sam, Taylor, and Kim were playing basketball. Each person took ten shots. Use the clues to figure out how many points each person scored. Each basket is worth two points. Half of Sam's shots went in. Taylor scored twice as many baskets as...

My sister snores.(Short story)
February 1, 2007... My sister snores. Sometimes Emily sounds as if she's blowing her nose. Other times she sounds like a train whistle. Snort, sniff, snuffle, uuuggchooo, uuggchooo! Last night was the loudest night ever. I tried sleeping with my earmuffs on, but...

The dental-floss fish.(hawaiian cleaner wrasse)
February 1, 2007... What would you do if you were a moray eel and you had a bit of octopus dinner stuck in your teeth? Without fingers, you would not be able to use dental floss or a toothpick. Eels know where to go for help--to the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse...

Smiles, the giraffe.(Your Own Pages)
February 1, 2007... Smiles, the Giraffe Paige Plagenz, Age 4 Ohio [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Music.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Music Rolling quickly, like a ball down a steep grassy hill. BLASTING, like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Invigorating, like jumping in an ice-cold pool. Has a variety, like people. Slowing down at...

My cat, tigers.(Your Own Pages)
February 1, 2007... My Cat, Tigers Molly Spalding, Age 10 Maryland [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Violin wishes.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Violin wishes, violin fun. A-a-d-d, the band has begun. Rosin up the bow and play "Hot Cross Buns." When the music starts playing, we'll all have fun! Samantha McClendon, Age 6 Georgia

My mom.(Your Own Pages)
February 1, 2007... My Mom Sadie Sequoya, Age 7 Illinois [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Two Not the Same.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Two Not the Same If you find two snowflakes, they won't be the same. If you look at two raindrops, they won't be the same. Even two fingerprints won't be the same (except if it's the same finger!) ...

Butterscotch.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Butterscotch Oh so sweet, a special treat to eat. Like morning sun on my tongue. I can hear you clicking, clacking on my teeth. A yellow flower in my mouth. Coming under the sun. Lift your petals. ...

An olive tree.(Your Own Pages)
February 1, 2007... An Olive Tree Hadassah Shaffren, Age 11 Israel [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Trees.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Trees They wrestle, They play with the wind, And they whistle. They molt in the winter, And they give high fives! They even play hide-and-go-seek! Erik Becker, Age 6 California

Desert Sunset.(Your Own Pages)
February 1, 2007... Desert Sunset Alexander Bowden, Age 7 Rhode Island [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Winter.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Winter Around the Earth the snow falls. By the pond, the cardinal calls. Children running in the snow; The temperature is very low. Everyone drinks apple cider As I zip my jacket tighter. Here I go...

Giraffe.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Giraffe The giraffe is very quiet and calm. And if you go to see him, You'll have to look Way up. Jake DiCuffa, Age 7 New Jersey

Wild Horse.(Your Own Pages)
February 1, 2007... Wild Horse Taylor Gaines, Age 11 Virginia [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Crying Space.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Crying Space The stars are crying. The moon has a frown. Pluto is so blue. A fiery asteroid breaks apart While I sit on sad Jupiter. And then a light! A magic light Sprinkles its beauty Of...

Train Going over Trestle.(Your Own Pages)
February 1, 2007... Train Going over Trestle Jacob Golat, Age 5 Washington [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hearts.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Hearts Hearts are machines-- That is true. Hearts take blood in And send it out, too. Hearts do more Than just pump blood. They fill with joy-- A wonderful flood. Hearts are light ...

Morning.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... Morning Morning is the most beautiful time Because the air smells fresh and alive. I wake early so I can see What beautiful things sunrise will bring. As I step out into cool morning air, I anticipate...

My Reflection.(Poem)
February 1, 2007... My Reflection Here I am sitting next to the pool, watching my reflection do everything I do--sitting, walking-- everything I'm doing. When I dive in, it disappears. I come out; it reappears. My reflection....

Inuit games.(children's games)
February 1, 2007... What if you woke up one morning to a bitter cold that nipped at your nose? What if you heard glaciers rumble and crack and the wind howl and whistle? Brrrr! Would you crawl back under your caribou blanket? No way! If you were like many...

Snip-snip valentine.(making a greeting card)
February 1, 2007... Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Eric is making a card for Mom. He wants to cut out a valentine heart, but he cannot find his left-hand scissors. Eric tries using right-hand scissors. It is hard to cut with them. Snip-snip-snip, he cuts a...

Hannah Taylor: there's some of Goofus and Gallant in us all. When the Gallant shines through, we show our best self.(Interview)
February 1, 2007... When Hannah Taylor of Manitoba, Canada, was five years old, she saw a homeless man searching for food. Deeply affected by this, Hannah was convinced that she could make a difference. "When I started grade one, I told my teacher what I had...

Store stuff in this skunk.
February 1, 2007... 1. Glue black felt to cover a clean empty nut can just below the top rim. If the lid is a color other than black, glue black felt to cover it. Glue a white felt stripe across the lid, and a small white stripe at the top of the face, as shown....

Make music on a heartstrings guitar.
February 1, 2007... 1. Glue colored paper to cover an empty cracker box. With an adult's help, cut a large heart shape from the front of the box. 2. Stretch five rubber bands around the box, lengthwise. 3. Cover a paper-towel tube with colored paper. Cut...

Shoelace-brush art.
February 1, 2007... For a shoelace "brush," cut a leather shoelace into two-inch pieces. Use a rubber band to hold the bunch together at the top. Dip the brush into paint, and use it to make patterns on paper.

Eraser art.
February 1, 2007... Pour out a small amount of paint, and dip an unused pencil eraser into it. Press the eraser onto paper to make dotted patterns. To switch colors, use a new eraser or clean the eraser thoroughly with a paper towel. (If you wish, use a pencil to...

This top can spin!(top)
February 1, 2007... 1. Trace a circle (a CD works well) onto cardboard, then onto card stock. Cut out the circles. Make a mark at the center of each. 2. Use markers to make a pattern on the card-stock circle. Glue that circle to the cardboard circle. 3....

Surprise someone with thoughtful messages.
February 1, 2007... 1. Cut a 1 1/2-inch-by-3-inch rectangle from corrugated cardboard. Trace it onto paper, and cut out the paper rectangle. 2. Write "Valentine Thoughts for You" on the paper, and decorate around it. Glue the paper to one side of the...

Play with a mini animal puppet.(children's handicraft)
February 1, 2007... 1. Cut two small cups from an egg carton, and trim them. 2. For a head and a body, turn one cup on its side and glue it to the bottom of the second cup. 3. Paint the cups the color of the animal you are making. 4. Glue a wiggle eye...

Touch a star.(Short story)
February 1, 2007... One night, Josh and Grandpa went for a walk. "Look at all the stars, Grandpa," said Josh. "I wish I could touch a star." The next day, Josh and Grandpa went to the beach. "Come with me, Josh," said Grandpa. "I have a surprise." They walked...

Riddles.
February 1, 2007... 1 Where do boats go when they are sick? Riley Schlichte, Iowa 2 Why did the monster need braces? Krista Hovland, Minnesota 3 What did the umpire say to the car? Taylor Zaccharine, New York 4 Where do birds stay when...

Your best self.
February 1, 2007... Do you want to hear the latest gossip? No, thanks. I'd rather not.

Puppy love: my secret admirer was a kindergartner.(Short story)
February 1, 2007... I have a problem. His name is Emerson Wilkes. And he loves me. It started when my mom began baby-sitting for him. "Jan, this is Emerson," she said. "He's almost six years old." The freckle-faced kid stopped wiggling his front tooth and...

Double-letter dogs.
February 1, 2007... Can you name each dog breed that is being referred to below? 1. Te ? ? ier 2. Bu ? ? dog 3. Ba ? ? et 4. Masti ? ? S. P ? ? dle 6. Se ? ? er 7. Co ? ? ie 8. Jack Ru ? ? e ? ? 1. Terrier. 2. Bulldog. 3. Basset. 4. Mastiff. 5. Poodle. 6....

Build a square.
February 1, 2007... Copy the shapes below onto a piece of paper. Then cut them out. If the shapes are positioned properly, they will form a perfect square. Pieces should be flat and not overlap one another.

What do you collect?
February 1, 2007... When Highlights reader Amanda Vickers suggested that we ask kids about their collections, we thought it was a great idea. Some kids collect rocks; others collect socks. Some collect boats; others collect quotes.... What do you collect? In...

The timbertoes.(Cartoon)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pa was making a table. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I almost Forgot!" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tommy was playing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Oh! Tommy remembered, too. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Brain play.(questions to think)
February 1, 2007... Start at the beginning and see how far you can you, thinking of good answers from your own head. Do frogs walk? Who is tallest in your family? Who is shortest? Can you wiggle each of your fingers by itself? Each of your toes? ...

Why is the Moon sometimes yellow?(Science Letters?)
February 1, 2007... Daniel Deegan, Age 8 California Earth's air can make the Moon look different colors. When the Moon first comes up, its light takes a long path through the atmosphere before it reaches you. In that long path. there are lots of particles...

How do chicken not crush the eggs they sit on?(science letters, eggshell)
February 1, 2007... Latoinette Wright, Age 10 Texas The eggshell is stronger than it looks. It is made of a hard mineral called calcium carbonate, and it gets even more strength from its rounded shape. Imagine cutting through the middle of an eggshell, from...

Check ... and double check.
February 1, 2007... There are at least fourteen differences in these two pictures. How many can you find?

Money tells a story.(John Jones' paintings of bank bills portrays slavery)
February 1, 2007... In 1996, John Jones made a startling discovery. He had just scanned and enlarged a piece of paper money for a customer--a Confederate bank note. Suddenly, he was face to face with an image that shocked and amazed him: slaves happily picking...

Dear highlights.(child interpersonal relations and healty eating)
February 1, 2007... My little brother and sister fight over our cat. What Should I do? Audrey F., Wisconsin Encourage your brother and sister to sit together quietly with the cat, taking turns holding it. Also encourage them to let the cat go when it's...

Picture puzzler.
February 1, 2007... Can you find at least ten differences between these two photos? We Found 14 differences in the second photo. Perhaps you Found others. Pointed scissors, no screw on sharpener, green eraser, large eraser is turned, green pencil, yellow...