Blue Jay Builders - How do birds make nests?

by Kate Simmons >> more about the author Timothy enjoyed watching the birds in his backyard, especially on those spring afternoons when the animals were happily enjoying the warmer weather! From his large living room windows, he could see many different types of birds taking turns sipping water at the birdbath. Timothy liked naming them. There was Morris the mourning dove, Blake the blackbird and Wooten the woodpecker. One day Timothy noticed a blue jay with a mouth full of sticks. It was flying over the fence to the big oak tree in his friend Jennys yard. He and Jenny had enjoyed a picnic lunch under that oak tree last summer. As he was trying to remember whether theyd eaten ham or peanut butter sandwiches for lunch that day, Timothy noticed the blue jay return to his yard. Zoom! This time the bird flew to the tree near the birdbath and used its beak to break off some twigs. Another blue jay was nearby gathering small sticks from the ground. They then flew together back to the oak tree in Jennys yard. Zip! Ill bet theyre building a nest! Timothy said to himself. Later that day when he was outside, he saw Jenny playing in her backyard. How was your Spring Break trip to the beach? she called to him. Fun, fun, fun! he answered. I collected shells and put some of them in my garden. Timothy pointed to a small gardening pot full of seashells. Some were scalloped and others were swirled like the frozen yogurt he loved to eat. As he was pointing to his shell collection, one of the blue jays swooped in like a jet and grabbed a scallop shell with its beak! The bird then dropped it and pecked at it a few times before picking up a nearby twig and flying back to Jennys oak tree. Jenny said, It looks like youre not the only one interested in seashells! She invited Timothy to play in her yard so they could get a glimpse of the busy birds. As they looked up at the oak tree from the ground, the branches seemed like a hundred arms reaching out to the clouds in the sky. They could see the jays bright blue feathers moving in the tree, but it wasnt until Jenny had the idea to use her binoculars that they zoomed in on the birds

building action! Through the binoculars they spied a bowl-shaped nest resting in the branches. It seemed to be made out of twigs, with larger pieces sticking out of the nests edges like rays of sun . I knew it! Timothy said. As they looked closer, they even noticed bits of moss and grass mixed in with the sticks. They could see the blue jays adding new twigs to the nest. Jenny said, Theyre building it for their babies! Maybe we can watch the babies hatch when its time, Timothy added. Soon Jennys mom brought them another pair of binoculars. Now you each have a pair, she said. Do blue jays use seashells to build nests? Jenny asked. Ive never seen a blue jays' nest made of seashells, Jennys mom answered. But some birds do use bits of shells when they build, so anything is possible! Maybe the shell was too big! Jenny added. Timothy decided to name the birds. Ill call that one Billy the Builder, he said, pointing to the jay that had a twig in its beak. You name the other one, he said to Jenny. Just then the other jay swooped down from the nest and glided into Timothys yard, stopping on the ground near the fallen scallop shell. How about Shelly? Jenny asked, passing Timothy the binoculars. Yep, it was going to be an interesting spring! Bug Buddies: A Short Story by Kate Simmons >> more about the author

Leland the Lacewing flew toward the light bulb near the front door of the Miller familys house. He dodged several moths on his path toward the light, then met up with his friends Morris and Miranda. Hi, Leland, said Miranda Moth as she circled the outdoor bulb. Hi, Miranda. Hi, Morris, Leland answered, laughing as

he gave Morris a high-five with one of his six legs. Soon, Leland was eager to fly from the wall where he was perched with his friends; another light had appeared as Mr. Miller opened his front door, and Leland wanted to check it out. He flew toward it, but he collided with wire mesh. The screen door is still closed, Leland, said Miranda. No problem, he answered as he flew through a small hole in the screen. I wouldnt do that if I were you! Morris shouted. Leland quickly understood Morris warning. Once through the hole, he found himself in a whole new worldinside the Millers house! He tried to fly back out, but he was too shaken up to find the small hole where hed first entered. Did you see that? Mr. Miller asked. Theres a bug in here! Travis Miller yelled. I dont like things flying around my headIm going to swat it! Sensing danger, Leland flew onto the ceiling so hed be out of reach of the magazines swipes. Dont swat the bug, Son said Mr. Miller. But hes bugging me! Travis answered. Theres nothing to be afraid of, Mr. Miller said. I think its a lacewing. Theyre our friends. They're good for our gardenthey eat the aphids that eat our plants! Plus, he probably doesnt want to be in here any more than we want him to, said Mrs. Miller. His home is outside like our home is inside. How would you feel if you were trapped out there and couldnt get back in here? Maybe we could guide him back toward the door, said Mr. Miller, who then turned off their living room lights so the outdoor bulb shone even brighter. I think the bug was attracted to the light in here. Leland began to fly toward the outside light, which had once again caught his eye while the Millers were talking. Open the door, Travis, said Mrs. Miller. Travis quickly propped the door open just as Leland was heading in his direction, but the night air made Travis sneeze, which sent a breezy gust in Lelands direction. Startled, Leland flew to the closest surface, a small table near the door.

I have an idea! Travis said. He went into the kitchen and returned momentarily with an empty plastic jar. He knew just what to do next! As he gently lowered the container, Leland sensed something closing in and began to flutter his wings. When he flew to the top of the upside-down jar, Travis capped it with the lid. Leland energetically flew around his temporary new home. Wowhes as bright as the grass in the sunlight! Travis proclaimed as he observed Leland. Look at those shiny golden eyes, said Mrs. Miller. And the green veins in his see-through wings, added Mr. Miller. Lets get him back outside where he belongs! Travis carried the jar outdoors. When the screen door shut behind him, he carefully uncapped the container, and Leland flew out into the night! Morris and Miranda, whod been watching from the other side of the screen, were quite impressed with Lelands swift flying. I got trapped in there once, said Miranda. I dont think Ive ever been so scared. It wasnt too bad, said Leland, whod made up his mind to be brave. Besides, they even helped me get back out here. Is it true that you help their garden by eating the aphids? Morris asked. I sure do, answered Leland. And my babies can really gobble up those aphidssometimes two hundred each week from the Millers garden! Wow, said Miranda. You help them out, and they helped you out! As the moon rose higher in the sky, Leland, Miranda, and Morris continued their evening fluttering, grateful to be outside and joyful that the family inside realized the insects were there to help, not to bug! Buster the Dino - Why did dinosaurs go extinct? by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author For her birthday, Christie's cousin Dina was having a costume party! All of the kids were supposed to go to the party dressed up as something different. Christie was very excited about her costume -- she was going to be a beautiful black-and-white cat, because cats were her favorite animal!

When Christie showed up at Dina's house, all of the other kids were dressed in really cool costumes too: One boy was dressed like a monkey, another girl was a bumblebee, there were a couple of superheroes, a firefighter, and even a Statue of Liberty!

Christie said hello to Dina and some of her friends, and then went into the living room to join the rest of the party. And that's when Christie saw something she wasn't expecting a small, little dinosaur was running around the room!

What's that?! Christie asked. A stegosaurus! a giant chocolate bar replied.

Christie was confused! She understood that the giant chocolate bar could talk because it was her friend Danny dressed up in costume. But how could there be a stegosaurus in the room?! Christie has never seen a dinosaur before, and she thought that was because they'd gone extinct! Plus, if they were around, wouldn't they be much bigger?

Christie went into the kitchen where she found her mom talking to Dina's mom. Mom? Christie said. What happened to the dinosaurs? They went extinct, Christie's mom replied. A very long time ago. Do you remember that book we read together? Yes! Christie said. I do! That's why I'm so confused about the little dinosaur running around in the living room! A little dinosaur in the living room?? -- Christie's mom was confused now too!

Just then, the little dinosaur scurried into the kitchen and started drinking from Dina's dog's water-bowl. Dina's mom smiled at Christie and her mom. It's just Buster! she said. But I guess you like his costume!

Caper and Perla - Why do penguins wear tuxedos? by Kate Simmons >> more about the author Caper was a one-of-a-kind penguin! As with the other penguins, his black and white feathers made him look like he was wearing a tuxedo, but Capers tail was special. While the other penguins black tails ended in a point behind them, Capers wide tail dragged behind him like a long cape, smoothing the snow with each step. In fact, his long, cape-like tail had earned him the name Caper, which hed kind of liked at first. For one thing, Capers tail could make the ground extra slick as it dragged along the snow, which was comforting to the other penguins when they needed to slide on their bellies to get to the ocean. If Caper waddled ahead of the group, he cleared the way for a smooth ride! Unfortunately, the penguins eventually forgot about Capers helpfulness and began teasing him about his tail. Too bad youve got a cape like a superhero but you cant fly like one! Toby said. None of us can fly, Caper answered. But youve got a cape and youre still grounded! Toby continued. The penguins all admired Toby because hed won the toboggan contest when hed slid the longest distance over the snow on his belly. But one day somebody spoke up for Caper! It was Perla. Perla was different too. She didnt look like she was wearing a tuxedo. All of her feathers were white, and they shimmered like a pearl in the sun. Dont tease him! said Perla when Toby grabbed his tail and began flapping it up and down. The penguins always seemed to listen to Perla. Im sorry, Perla, said Toby, gently setting the end of Capers tail on the ground. If only my long, wide tail was as interesting as Perlas beautiful white

feathers, Caper thought to himself as he waddled to the water with the others to hunt for dinner. Splash! The penguins dove in and began to search the sea for their next meal. One by one they used their beaks to catch fish, then swallow them whole! Caper always breathed a sigh of relief when he didnt spot any leopard seals after diving in. A penguin had to be careful that a leopard seal wasnt on the hunt for ITS next meal! Over here, Caper! shouted Perla, whod dove deeper than the other penguins and found a group of small fish to feast on. As Caper swam toward Perla, he found something of his own! Leopard seals often waited under penguins and snatched them as they dove in, but one sneaky seal was lurking above Perla, ready to make her his dinner! The other penguins were camouflaged in the water since their dark backs matched the dark sea water under them, but poor Perlaher back was bright white and stood out like a snowflake on a dark roof! Perla, Caper whispered, trying to get her attention without alerting the leopard seal to his presence. Perla continued to happily gulp her fishy snack. In fact, she decided to hunt a little higher in the water to see if she could find another group of tasty fish. As she began swimming toward the surface, the leopard seal made its move and lunged toward Perla! Her eyes grew big and she began to move her flippers so she could make her escape. Ive got this one, Caper, said Toby, swooping in. Grab my tail, Perla! Perla grabbed for Tobys tail, but her flippers slipped right off its pointed end. Caper had a feeling hed be able to help! He swam toward Perla and said, Try grabbing on to my tail! Perla reached with her flippers, and she was able to securely hold Capers broad, cape-like tail so they could make their getaway. And get away they did as Caper swam so quickly it seemed like he was flying through the water! The penguins all gathered at the surface to comfort Perla and congratulate Caper. Even Toby had something to say: You were as brave as a super hero today, Caper.

Caper smiled. Even though his long, wide tail made him different, he had to admit that its ability to rescue a friend was a bit interesting! Drew & The Droplets - What is a cloud? by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author It was a beautiful, sunny day with a bright blue sky and lots of huge, fluffy white clouds rolling through. Drew had just finished playing soccer with his friends, and now he lay down in the grass to rest and watch the clouds go by. That one looks like a fluffy white meatball! Drew thought. And that one is shaped just like a foot! I wonder what these clouds are made of At the same time, way up high in the bright blue sky, three water droplets were looking down at Drew. Their names were Drip, Drop, and Drake -- they were the Droplet Brothers. Drip, Drop, and Drake were so tiny and light in weight that they could float up in the sky! By joining together and holding hands when they floated up into the sky, Drip, Drop, and Drake made a cloud! Look! Drip said to Drop and Drake. Drew is cloud-gazing again! We should make some fun shapes for him to look at! Drake suggested. Yeah! Said Drop. What should we be? A pumpkin! Drip shouted. A porcupine! Drake offered. A parakeet! Drop proposed. While the three raindrops debated it, Drew watched them from down on the ground as they quickly changed from one shape to another. I wonder what's going on up there! Drew thought. He imagined that maybe the shape-shifting cloud was like his granny's white hair blowing in the wind, or maybe it was like the big gooey pile of cake frosting he once saw behind the counter in the bakery. Drew heard his mom calling him inside for lunch. It's peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, your favorite! she called. Drew looked up at his silly, wiggly cloud that still hadn't stopped changing shapes and waved goodbye. See you later! he called up towards the sky. Just then, Drip, Drop, and Drake were called in for lunch, too. What have you boys been up to all morning? their mom asked.

We've been making fun cloud-shapes for the boy who lives down on the ground. Drake said. We've pretended to look like all kinds of things! Drip added. Cats, curtains, carrots, canaries, chameleons, crayons, cruise ships, canned food it's been so cool! Drop told her. Wow, I'm impressed! their mom said. Now eat up, my little Droplet Brothers -- I bet all that fun made you really work up an appetite! Back down on the ground, Drew had worked up quite an appetite too. He told his mom about all of the shapes he saw in the clouds, and how much fun he'd had watching them. But what I don't understand, he said, is what that cloud is made of? Drew's mom smiled. Believe it or not, she said, cloud are made up of water droplets. No way! Drew exclaimed. His mom was right -- he couldn't believe it! When droplets of water are light enough, they can float up into the sky and join together to make a cloud. Drew's mom explained. Then, when they get near some colder air, the rain droplets become heavy. That's when they fall down from the sky like rain! A cool breeze blew in through the window just as Drew's mom finished what she was saying. She looked outside and saw some darker clouds coming in. It looks like that might be what's happening right now! she told Drew. Up in their cloud, Drip, Drop, and Drake were feeling the changes in weather too. That cold air makes me feel heavy, Drop said. Drip agreed. I don't know if I'll be able to still run around and make cloud shapes after lunch. I feel heavy too. I think it's time for rain! Drake announced. The three brothers rushed to the edge of their rain cloud. Let's find a flower that looks like it's really thirsty, Drip suggested. There -- I see a dragon-flower by the side of the house! Drop pointed out. Drake counted them down. Ready set RAIN! Drew and his mom looked out the kitchen window. I hope the rain waters the dragon-flower a little bit, Drew said to his mom. She sure does look thirsty. Suddenly, Drew and his mom heard three big SPLASHES. Look! Drew called out. There they go!

Drip, Drop, and Drake landed right in the dragon-flower's pot. Hi Drew! they called as they dropped. We'll see you next time. Eight Is Great! - Why do octopuses have eight arms? by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author Although you might not know it when relaxing on the beach or playing in the sand, the ocean is a very busy place! The hundreds of sea creatures living below the surface fill up their days with activities just like you -- schools of fish gather every morning, dolphins jump and play games and do tricks like kids in the school yard, while squids use their special ink like artists and writers! Among the busy, bustling fish there was once an octopus who might have been the busiest of them all! This was back before octopuses had eight arms. Her name was Olivia, and her two arms never seemed to stop, always keeping busy with a new project or a friend in need. Olivia was a math teacher for a school of fish. She came home one day with a large pile of tests she wanted to grade right away so she could bake a cake for her friend Stan's birthday party. But Olivia had barely finished grading the first page of the first test before her sea-phone rang. It was her friend Ellie the Eel. Olivia! Ellie said. Can you help me out? Olivia was eager to finish grading the tests, but when a friend needed help, Olivia always came through. Sure, she said. Anything for a friend. What do you need? I promised Stan the Stingray I'd bring some music to his birthday party. You've got the best collection of music in the ocean. Can you help me put together a good Sea-D? Olivia looked at the tests waiting to be graded but then turned back to her friend on the phone. Sure, she said. Anything for a friend. Come on over. Olivia was half-way through finishing a Sea-D for Ellie when her phone rang again. This time, it was her friend Martin the Manatee. Olivia! Martin called out over the phone. Can you help me? Sure, Olivia said. Anything for a friend. What do you need? I promised Stan the Stingray I'd make a game of Pin the Tail on the Dolphin to play tonight at his party. You're the best artist in the ocean. Can you help me with the drawings? Olivia looked at the half-finished Sea-D and the pile of tests she still needed to

grade. Anything for a friend. Come on over. Martin came over and Olivia started drawing shapes for his Pin the Tail game while still waiting to finish Ellie's music, plus her own tests to grade and the birthday cake she needed to bake, too. Her phone rang. It was her three turtle friends, Timmy, Thomas, and Tanya. Olivia, they called out together. Can you help us out? We bought presents for Stan the Stingray, but we can't wrap them by ourselves. You're the best giftwrapper in the ocean! Before she knew it, Olivia and her two little arms had seven whole projects to balance all at once: Ellie's Sea-D, Martin's drawings for Pin the Tail on the Dolphin, a present to wrap for each of Timmy, Thomas, and Tanya, plus her own cake to bake and the tests she needed to grade! Olivia knew she couldn't finish all of these projects unless she suddenly had seven arms to do it with. I wish I had seven arms! she cried out. Then I'd have enough hands to finish everything! She put down the gift she was wrapping to quickly scratch her head with worry. No wait, she said. I wish I had eight, because then I'd have one extra to spare for scratching my own head when it itches!! All of the sudden there was a big POOF! Ellie, Martin, Timmy, Thomas, and Tanya all came running in to check on their friend, who was now scratching her head with one hand and finishing each of seven projects with another! Olivia! Ellie exclaimed. What? Olivia asked. She didn't know what Ellie was so excited about. Your arms! Martin said. You have eight of them! Timmy, Thomas, and Tanya added. Olivia looked down to see what her friends were talking about, and sure enough they were right! Olivia's wish had come true! With her extra new arms, Olivia was able to finish all of her friend's projects and her own in more than enough time for Stan's party. And when she showed up at the party later that evening, everyone agreed that they loved her new look. From then on, octopuses had eight arms -- five for helping their friends, two for helping themselves, and one for scratching the tops of their heads!

Fleck the Fire Station Dalmatian - Why do Dalmatians have spots? by Kate Simmons >> more about the author

Fleck lived at the fire station with his fire-fighting friends. Not only was he a buddy to the firemen, he was a helper. Fleck would guard the fire truck while the men worked to put out the flames they were battling. Flecks white coat was dotted with black spots that reminded the firemen of the flecks of ash that flew from the tall flames. Theyd named the dog Fleck, knowing that he would be loyal and brave. One day the firemen were called to fight a fire on the outskirts of town. It was a grass fire that was beginning to spread! By the time the firemen reached the flames, they could see the fire moving closer to a nearby house. A man walked toward the fire truck to meet Fleck and the firefighters. Everybodys out of the house, he said. But we have a horse in the barn that doesnt want to leave. We need to get her out of there! Help is on the way, Marvin the fireman said. He then turned to Fleck and added, You stay here and guard the truck. While patting Fleck on the head, he motioned for most of the firemen to begin putting out the fire, but called a few of them to help get the horse out of the barn. Fleck stayed near the truck. He was a great guard dog. Once hed chased away a couple of mischievous puppies that were chewing on the fire hose! Another time during a fire, a man wanted to borrow the firemens axe to chop wood. Fleck barked loudly to let the firefighters know that someone was touching the equipment on the fire engine. Today Fleck was as watchful as ever. While guarding the truck, he looked in the direction of the barn. He could see his firemen friends encouraging the horse to leave. Fleck could see her head and front legs, but she stomped her hooves, refusing to move any farther. As the flames got closer to the barn, Fleck knew he had to help. Guarding the truck was important, but he needed to make sure the horse was safe! As he ran toward the barn, Fleck could hear the firemen calling to the horse: Sally! This way! they said, over and over again as they tugged on the reins of her bridle.

Fleck knew what to do. He circled Sally one time then began to trot in the direction of the fire engine. He looked back and could see Sally watching him with curious eyes. Since she wasnt following, Fleck ran back to her, then used his head to motion in the direction of the truck. Again he began to run, this time more slowly. Soon he could hear the sound of trotting hooves behind him, and it wasnt long before Sally was ahead of Fleck. He was happy to let her take the lead as he ran alongside her. When they reached the fire truck, Sallys family embraced her, and they thanked Fleck, who barked happily. He would guard Sally for a bit and make sure she stayed away from the flames. Once the grass fire was put out, Marvin and the other firemen came to congratulate Fleck. I never thought Fleck would be the one to save Sally, Sam the fireman began. Im not surprised, said Marvin. Dalmatians used to help guard the horses at night back in the days when horses pulled fire wagons. The horses and Dalmatians were good friends. The Dalmatians even kept the horses calm. Like Fleck did today! Sam added. He turned to point to Fleck, but he had returned to his post as guardian of the fire truck, and this time, Sally was standing by his side! As the smoke started to clear and the flecks of ash began to settle to the ground, Marvin, Sam and the other firemen knew what a special friend they all had in their Fleck! Oink, oink. Baaah, cluck, moo - Can animals talk? by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author There was once a rooster named Ruben. Ruben lived on a farm where he was happy and comfortable. There were a few other chickens who kept him company, and the farmer's kids came by every evening, but otherwise Ruben lived alone in his barn and he liked it that way. One day, after a particularly lovely breakfast of grains, Ruben saw something strange off in the distance: The farmer who took care of him was coming back to Ruben's pen. Had the farmer forgotten something inside the barn? Ruben looked around for some tools or maybe a book that the farmer might have forgotten about, but didn't see anything except the grass and the earth. Ruben went back to his roosting, but when he looked up a moment later saw that the farmer was not only getting closer, but was not walking alone! To his

left was a strange looking creature, much shorter than the farmer with a great deal of curly white fluffy hair. Ruben thought perhaps the farmer's mother-inlaw was back to visit, but then realized she would walk on two legs and not four, like this creature before him. The farmer approached Ruben's pen and said a few things that Ruben wasn't able to understand -- Ruben didn't speak the farmer's English language, and the farmer didn't speak Ruben's Rooster language. The farmer then opened Ruben's pen, pushed the fluffy white creature inside, and left. Ruben gave the strange creature a friendly, beaky smile. Hello, he said. Baaaah, the creature replied. My name is Ruben, Ruben continued. This is my pen and my barn. Welcome. Baaaah, the creature replied. What is your name? Ruben inquired. Baaaah, the creature said. Baaaah Baaaah. Ruben was wary. Baaaah-Baaaah? Baaaah-Baaaah is your name? Baaaah! Baaaah-Baaaah responded. Baaaah! Ruben realized this was going nowhere. Over the next few days, the farmer brought a new kind of creature into Ruben's barn every day! Soon there were animals with long hair and short hair, and even one dirty-looking pink animal with a small curly tail that seemed to have no hair at all! Even though some of the animals had things in common, like fur, feathers, or food there was one big thing that no one seemed to share: a common language! After a few days, it started to become difficult to all live together under the same barn roof without being able to understand one another. Ruben liked his new friends, but missed the days when the barn and the pen were his and his alone! He climbed up to his favorite perch to roost, but found it difficult to relax with the mooing, oinking, baaahing, bleating, clucking, chirping chatter! Ruben took a deep breath and tried to forget about all the sounds and calm himself down. Sure enough after a few more deep breaths he suddenly found himself able to ignore the noise! And when this happened, Ruben saw something for the very first time He immediately raised his wings up high, lifted his neck, and pointed to the center of the pen to call a Barn-Wide Meeting -- and to his surprise, it worked! Ruben didn't have to say a word, but by communicating with the other animals

using his body, everyone was able to understand! All of the animals quickly caught on to Ruben's great idea and quieted down. They held a totally silent meeting together, and even though no one could talk to one another, they all communicated what they needed to say with wagging tails, twitching ears, puffing feathers, flapping wings, nodding heads, and paying attention! Soon Ruben's barn was at peace again. Even though the animals couldn't talk to each other or the farmer, they were finally able to tell each other what they needed. After a few days, Baaah-Baaah approached Ruben. Baaaah, Baaaah-Baaaah said. Baaah baaah, baaaah baaaah baaah baaah! Ruben raised his arms in question to show Baaaah-Baaaah that he didn't understand. Baaaah-Baaaah nodded. Baaaah, said Baaah-Baaah, apologizing. Baaaah-Baaah then did something Ruben wasn't expecting. He bent down and nuzzled the top of Ruben's head with his wet, sheepy-nose; Baaaah-Baaaah was saying thank you. Ruben gave Baaaah-Baaaah a friendly, beaky smile -- you're welcome, the smile had said. Stinky Stevie - Why do feet smell? by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author Once upon a time there was a foot named Stevie. Stevie was one of two feet, as most feet are, and her buddy on the left was named Stella. Stella and Stevie were alike in a lot of ways -- most of their friends said they looked like a mirror-image of each other -- but there was one way in which Stevie and Stella were really different: Stevie was really stinky.

Stevie didn't understand why she was such a smelly foot, but she thought it had something to do with sweat. Stevie and Stella ran around outside a lot on hot

days, and always got really wet and sweaty. They had learned in Science Class that sweat was the body's natural way of cooling off, but Stevie still didn't know why it always made her smell badly! Clearly it wasn't doing the same thing to Stella, so one day as they came back inside from a hot afternoon playing soccer, she decided to ask Stella about it.

Hey friend, Stevie said to her left. I need to ask you a question. Sure! replied Stella. Are you really sweaty right now? Of course I am! Stella said. It's 90 degrees outside! Okay, said Stevie. Then why aren't you smelly, like me? I smell like a foot! Stella laughed. Stevie, you are a foot! she joked. I know, but so are you, and you don't smell like one! You're right, Stella said, answering Stevie more seriously now. That's because I make sure to shower every day, especially when I've been outside running around a lot in the heat.

Stella explained to Stevie that the smell she complained about was caused when all of the sweat she produced as a natural way of cooling down mixed in with the bacteria living on her skin. Bacteria are tiny critters too small to see which live naturally in lots of different places, including the surface of your skin. Having some bacteria on your body, Stella explained, was normal. But having too many could be bad and could cause you to get sick, in addition to causing you to be more smelly when you're sweaty!

So that's why I make sure to take a bath every day, Stella explained to Stevie. Keeping off the extra bacteria make me healthier and less smelly.

Wow! Stevie exclaimed. Thank you so much for teaching me about that! Now I'm going to make sure I start taking a bath every day too, so that I can be more Stevie and less stinky!

The King of Friendship by Kate Simmons >> more about the author

When Rex the squirrel was ten weeks old, he left the nest where he lived as a baby and embarked on a journey in search of new territorya place to call home. Rex kept his eyes out for a welcoming area of the neighborhood, one that would offer him plenty of food and water. Soon he was delighted to find a large acorn tree in the middle of a medium-sized yard. Under the tree was a wide concrete dish filled with water. Rex enjoyed drinking from the dish, but he was perplexed by the birds that seemed to think it was a bathtub. One day he asked a mourning dove why she spent time splashing inside of the dish after drinking from it. Thats our birdbath AND our water dish, said the dove, ruffling her grey feathers. But thats MY water dish, argued Rex. Youre new around here, arent you? The dove asked. Im Terri. If you have any other questions about the area, Im happy to answer them. Rex walked away and continued his acorn hunt across the yard. He thought about his conversation with the dove, and how he didn't like what she'd said about his water dish. But still, he thought, he'd really enjoyed talking with her. Hed been on his own searching for a new home, and he had to admit that it had been a bit lonely. The next day, Rex positioned himself near the water dish. While he turned to bury a new-found acorn in a patch of dirt, another mourning dove landed on the rim of the dish. Rex had a thought...

He quickly turned toward the dove and took a series of heavy steps in his direction. Surely the bird would be startled and fly away! But instead, the dove stayed put. In fact, he lifted a wing high into the air, spreading his feathers in a way that made him seem much larger than before! Rex looked on in awe. How did you do that? Rex asked, trying to stretch his tail in the same grand manner. Thats my little secret, answered the dove. But Ill tell you my nameits Tommy. My sister Terri said she met you yesterday. Im Rex." Once again, the squirrel felt a little jolt of happiness after talking with another creature. Then he had an idea! Maybe the dove could stretch his wing, but could he jump from the grass to a nearby chair with the strength of an acrobat? Rex braced himself for the stunt, gave a short bark to get Tommys attention, then lunged toward the arm of the chair. With paws outstretched, Rex grabbed on. But he was NOT expecting the chair to be as slick as a banana peel! As quickly as hed grasped the chairs arm, he slipped off and fell into the grass with a thud! Are you OK? Tommy shouted as he quickly flew to Rexs side. Sure, Rex answered, still shaken up from the fall. Rex was surprised. He hadn't been very nice to Tommy, yet the dove stuck around to help. Im sorry for charging you at the birdbath, Rex began. Thats OK, said Tommy. You and I are going to be friends. This news made Rex very happy! If being friends meant showing kindness and helping out, Rex knew he had some serious work to do. The next day he let Tommy have the first turn at the water dish, then led Terri to a pile of twigs that could be used to build a nest. Rex even helped the blue jays and cardinals find the tasty sunflower seeds among the birdseed that fell to the ground each evening when the nearby bird feeder was refilled. Soon the neighborhood creatures began talking about Rexs helpful deeds! Rex enjoyed spending time with his new friends, and they enjoyed spending time with them too. He couldn't believe how many things they had in common! Im really glad you came to the neighborhood, said Terri one evening while Rex waited his turn for a sip of water. Why is that? Rex asked. Because youre the nicest squirrel Ive ever met. Tommy and I call you the King of Friendship!

Rex rolled joyfully in the grass. Hed found a new home full of food and water. But never did he imagine that it would also be filled with good friends. Yep he was one lucky squirrel! The Polka-Dot Bug - How did the Ladybug get it's name? by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author Once upon a time, there was a beautiful bug known as The Polka-Dot Bug. The Polka-Dot Bug got its name from the big black polka-dots on its back, and it was one of everyones favorite bugs! Just like all children, young Polka-Dot Bugs went to school. Polka-Dot Bug school was called the Aphid Academy because it was there that little boy and girl Polka-Dot Bugs learned about their most important job: Eating small bugs called aphids, who cause damage to plants and flowers. All of the polka-dotted students at Aphid Academy had a favorite teacher. Her name was Lucy-Bug, but the kids called her Miss Bug. Miss Bug often took her classes on field trips to visit flowers or other plants in the garden where they lived, called Polka-Dotville. Field trips were a lot of fun -- the class would fly together to a nearby plant and learn about the aphids they would find. Then, theyd clean up the flower or plant using their Awesome Aphid-Alleviation Techniques and fly back to school in time for the end of class! But one day, while sweeping a sunflower, Miss Bugs class encountered an unexpected problem. The flowers in their garden were being picked up out of the ground! All of the kids in Miss Bugs class knew that this meant PolkaDotville was in trouble. Oh no! called Larry, one of the students in the class. Our garden! What do we do? cried Lisa, another Polka-Dot Bug classmate. Stay calm, Miss Bug told her students. Were going to be okay, and so is our garden. Were going to save Polka-Dotville! Do you remember what we learned about Memorable Exits? The class nodded. Good, said Miss Bug. Then on my count: One two three!! As Miss Bug yelled three! all of the young Polka-Dot Bugs quickly flew up into the air! There was a swarm of polka-dots all over the garden!! The people picking the flowers quickly understood the message that these flowers, and the Polka-Dotville, should be left in peace.

The flower-pickers left. Miss Bug and her class were safe! They congratulated each other on a job well done. You saved us, Miss Bug! Youre our hero!! the class called. News of Miss Bugs bravery spread quickly among the other Polka-Dot Bugs. What a great story! theyd all say. Miss Bug really is quite a lady! Other bugs who lived near by also started getting word of this incredible lady. Pretty soon, she was just being called Lady Bug! Because she was such a hero for saving her class and the entire town of PolkaDotville, Miss Bug, now known as Lady Bug, became a symbol for all of the other Polka-Dot Bugs. And so, from then on, all Polka-Dot Bugs were known as Ladybugs! The tale of Caleb Capsize, whose boat would not float! by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author Little Caleb Capsize had more toy boats than any other kid at the pool -- he had blue boats and green boats; wooden boats and plastic boats; small boats; big boats; new boats; old boats; plain, polka-dotted, striped, and even plaid boats. And yet, although he had the most boats, Caleb had the fewest boats that would actually float. Every time he put a boat in the water he would load it up with lots of heavy toys as make-believe passengers and then watch it slip under the water instead of sail away! He knew that not everything in the world was able to float, but he knew that boats could float and he didnt know why his would not! What Caleb didnt know yet was why certain things floated while other things sank. One day at school, Calebs teacher did an experiment which taught all the kids about the way an object and the water it was in each pushed against each other. Caleb learned that boats could float because theyve been built a certain way that spreads out the weight they carry, allowing the water to have more space and opportunity to push up against the boat as it was pushing down. Plus, when the weight in the boat was more spread out, the water didnt have to push against as much weight in any one area, and there was a better chance the boat would float! Ive been making my boats too heavy with too many toys! Caleb exclaimed. Now I know what I need to do differently so they can float! Sure enough, next time Caleb tried putting his boats in the water, he divided up

his toys and put a few of them in each of several boats, instead of a whole bunch of them in just one boat. And guess what? The boats all floated! Little Captain Caleb smiled, and then sat down carefully near the edge of the water, to enjoy watching his boats spend a day on the water.