fuzzy

VISIT .COM FOR TONS OF PUZZLING FUN!

DECEMBER 2020

Highlights.com

GO

COOKIE

MAGIC

Page 24

FUZZY
Picasso
Page 34

Fun This Month What’s Your
Elf Name?
Penguin

Party

The penguin family
is having a dance!

Find 8 bow ties
in the scene.

Answers on page 38.

Delicious Dilemma Find your
Would you rather . . . birth month.

54% 46% JANUARY: Peppermint
FEBRUARY: Sugarplum
Top all your Never eat MARCH: Jolly
food with chocolate APRIL: Frosty
chocolate MAY: Starlight
again JUNE: Cinnamon
Find the PicturesCataannyootuhefirnpdlaecaechinotfhtihsemseag1a0zpinicet?ures JULY: Sunshine
Head to HighlightsKids.com AUGUST: Chestnut
to take this month’s poll. SEPTEMBER: Cranberry
OCTOBER: Marshmallow
tery Photo Answer on NOVEMBER: Gingerbread
Mys page 38. DECEMBER: Merry

Find the first letter
of your first name.

A–C: Twinklekins
D–F: Jingletoes
G–I: Sparkleberry
J–L: Cuddlecloud
M–O: Fuzzyboots
P–R: Cookiepie
S–U: Tinselfluff
V–X: Candycakes
Y–Z: Figgymittens

Dear Reader By Christine French Cully
Editor in Chief
DECEMBER 2020 • VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 12 • ISSUE NO. 830

Founded in 1946 by Garry C. Myers, Ph.D.,
and Caroline Clark Myers

Editor in Chief, Chief Purpose Officer: Christine French Cully SUPER!
EVP, Product Development: Mary-Alice Moore
VP, Magazine Group Editorial: Jamie Bryant As 2020 ends, I’m feeling
Creative Director: Marie O’Neill grateful for kids who are using
Editor: Judy Burke creativity, kindness, and empathy
Design Director: Patrick Greenish, Jr. to make the world a better place. You
Senior Editor: Joëlle Dujardin can read about one of these changemakers on page 11.
Associate Editors: Allison Kane, Linda K. Rose Using some of his own money, Cavanaugh Bell,
Assistant Editor: Patty Courtright age 7, helped seniors stay safely at home during the
Copy Editor: Joan Prevete Hyman pandemic. Along with some helpers, he gathered
Senior Production Artist: Dave Justice supplies for more than 1,000 people in need.
Production Assistant: Susan Shadle Erb Other kind, caring kids wrote to tell us about masks
Contributing Science Editor: Andrew Boyles they made and positive messages they posted in their
windows for neighbors and health-care workers.
Editorial Offices: 803 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431-1895. They wrote cheery letters, left goodies on friends’
E-mail: [email protected]. porches, and planned surprise Zoom parties.
To submit manuscripts, go to Highlights.submittable.com. Although the year was full of disappointments
and uncertainty, these kids refused to feel
(Writers younger than 16: please use the postal address above.) helpless or hopeless. They discovered they
had a superpower—optimism! And when they
CEO: Kent S. Johnson put it to work, they made a difference.
President: Lece Lohr From all of us at Highlights, thank you for
SVP, International and Global Content Licensing: Andy Shafran showing concern for others and being your
Business Offices: 1800 Watermark Drive, best self. You inspired us all.
P.O. Box 269, Columbus, OH 43216-0269. Happy holidays. Stay healthy and hopeful.

Copyright © 2020, Highlights for Children, Inc.
All rights reserved.

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a better place for the children of today and foInfProyAtHtHooqiRuigagusErhnhiwlNtycieighFTtthiicrivSlhemtdesa:te,idaos.cytall Your friend, Tell us what you’ve done.
tomorrow, Highlights is committed to
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AWARDS Highlights has been
given awards by The Association
of Educational Publishers, The
Education Center, LLC, Family Choice

Awards, Freedoms Foundation, Graphic Arts

Association, iParenting Media, Magazine Design and Production,

National Association for Gifted Children, National Conference of Life During COVID-19

Christians and Jews, National Parenting Center, National Safety These are challenging times! You and your parents can find tips, ideas,
and things to do on HighlightsKids.com, on our YouTube channels,
Council, Parents’ Choice, Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media and in the Highlights@Home segments on Highlights.com.

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Business Bureaus.

HL1220_182736

e mber Solve a
sock puzzle
on page 43!

• NUMB 830

Dear Highlights,

—Silas, Ohio

We hope these tips help, Silas. Good luck! Cozy.

1 Start by 2 3As you draw When you’re National

making a list of a new superhero, finished, choose Sock Day is

December 4.

names that you add more names the name that

think might work. to your list. feels just right.

36

30 28

6 Kwanzaa 10 Goofus and Gallant 20 Crafts

The flavor of hope Who’s about to drop the Felt ornaments that look
for tomorrow. tomato soup? good enough to eat.

7 The Timbertoes 11 Gallant Kids 22 Bringing Their Best

A warm wish on a Cavanaugh Bell dishes out Sports pros from around
cold night. positive energy. the world talk about their
move to the United States.
8 Boatmeal 12 My Sci
Something’s 24 Cookie Magic
not quite right How wicks and wax work.
with Dragon’s The stories of Hanukkah
recipe. . . . 14 Hidden Pictures and Christmas help us
appreciate the
A fun day on the holidays—
mountain. and give us
cookie ideas.
15 Jokes

. . . including Zinash’s
bird-acious drawing!

16 The Spider’s Gift

Oksana befriends a
spider, who weaves a
special Christmas present.

Ready
fFcioanrrdiboWouuitnlwiktheeyr

the cold.

Of Sunset and Fire 33 Paws and Think 40 Ask Arizona
Video-chatting with
Natasha Appel faraway relatives. Arizona oversells her
trampoline skills.
Age 12 • South Dakota 34 Create
42 Dear Highlights
28 Nature Watch See more drawings and
poems by creative kids Noah might teach his sister
Caribou are well suited like Natasha! how to play the piano.
for life in cold places.
36 A Snowstorm 43 Picture Puzzler
29 Wrap It Up Solve a sock puzzle!
for Grandma
How hard can wrapping 5
presents be? Um . . . Avery doesn’t want to
dance, until she learns
30 Finders Keepers something about
Grandma Lani.
Joel finds something
amazing. Will he keep it? 38 Riddles

Why do shoelaces
never win races?

39 BrainPlay

Pondering
pizza shapes.

Kwanzaa it is the smell of nameless souls
long gone, that was cast out
By Alfonso Siverls • Art by Gladys Jose
of the family of man, whose scent
it is the light dwells beneath my skin
of candles
it is the taste of
that shines brightly the pain of yesterday, with
after a long journey the f lavor of hope for tomorrow
proclaiming here I stand
of darkness,
that empowers my soul it is the touching of my heart
and proclaims my place with your heart
in the culture of humanity
in joyful celebration
it is the sounds that vibrate of the sacrifice of our ancestors
across the earth with an echo
that whispers and sings my song

6 DECEMBER 2020

A full moon rose over the hills. TThiembertoes

By Rich Wallace • Art by Ron Zalme

Tommy and Mabel ran out to see. The night was cold.

We should
make a wish.

You wish on Well, I’m Tommy wished hard. The wind blew.
a star, not going to wish
the moon. on the moon!

Tommy’s wish came true.

Come on in!

DECEMBER 2020 7

By Kirstin Price Smith • Art by Cecilia Messina WtheelcKEofoiadmtdrcecowehlhmpoivayteimcreoteroorsanhdcueortureiteectnemsthh.dnpiftopWmwu,haeeseawle,iateo.lClydyr-inFtnrathoeooeethtfiourogrhorwaipdel’hncbtslceevtogapuerberwenaytrsmrroeactoceyletklsuaoraytueaaeshokoiebgcstnkaifunneh!uearjrglso-sttyste, p.

Dragon has just
received the package
he’s been waiting for.

Step 1. Pour contents of pouch into a pot. Step 2. Add 2 cups of water
and bring mixture to a boil.

8 DECEMBER 2020

Remember: Always have adult Or, in a microwave-safe bowl, heat
supervision around an open flame! mixture for 1 minute.

Step 3. Let it cool. If it’s too Step 4. Sprinkle raisins
thick, add a splash of milk. generously over the top.
Add a touch of brown sugar.
apBpoéntit!

woidatdohtmemoCltaroirhe.wvenaPefAeater.lfrShet,ttsuoh.leeeyyratAnresovsjsybasoyeeamooysarauavttprplthiiselPlscgeaaoa!elhyantftetriykynnhot-,oogcamyaultooyruso,eudr Oops.

Goofus There’s some of Goofus and Gallant in us all.
aGndallant When the Gallant shines through, we show our best self.

“My parents said not this time,
but thanks anyway,” says Gallant.

“My parents are so mean. They
said I can’t go,” says Goofus.

Gallant carries things carefully.

Goofus is careless with
things he carries.

YOUR Goofus and Gallant Moments Tell us when you’ve felt like
Goofus or Gallant! Visit
“I felt like Goofus when I “I feel like Gallant
HighlightsKids.com or write to
didn’t push in my chair, and when I help my mom
someone tripped on it.” Goofus and Gallant Moments
peel hard-boiled eggs.” 803 Church Street
Holly, Age 8, Illinois
Noah, Age 7, New Jersey Honesdale, PA 18431

10 DECEMBER 2020 Art by Leslie Harrington.

Gallant
K ds

Caring Cavanaugh Bell looks for ways to help
others and to pass along positivity.
During COVIDBySaraMatson

Since he was five, seven-year- way, she wouldn’t have to leave and politicians to raise
her apartment. awareness about bullying
old Cavanaugh Bell has done and to support kids who
volunteer work with his parents. Cavanaugh thought about his have been bullied.
He wanted there to be more grandma’s elderly neighbors. He
opportunities for kids to take wanted them to stay home and “After being bullied
action. So he and his parents safe too. So he used his savings myself, I channeled that
started an organization called to create more care packages, darkness into a bright light
Cool & Dope. That stands for with food, soap, toilet paper, that I’m using to change the
and other supplies. Friends and world!” he says. “I’m going
“Considering Others’ Obstacles in family donated funds, too, so to spread more positivity
Life, Dish Out Positive Energy.” that Cavanaugh could make and inspire others to do
enough bags for everyone in his the same.”
Cavanaugh says, “That means, grandma’s building. He even
you don’t know what’s going on in was able to deliver hot meals. Highlights is proud to know
people’s lives, so stay positive.” this Gallant Kid.
“It felt great to help,” says
Supporting Seniors Cavanaugh. “The seniors know A COOL Tip
that I have their back.” from Cavanaugh
As the COVID-19 outbreak
started, Cavanaugh thought More people and companies “You don’t know what’s
about the obstacles senior citizens heard what Cavanaugh was going on in people’s lives.
faced. They were supposed to stay doing and sent donations. That
home to be safe, so he wondered allowed Cavanaugh to help more They could be having a
how they would get supplies they than a thousand people. bad day, so you should stay
needed. “I was thinking about positive and say ‘How are
my grandma because usually she Shining a Light you?’ or ‘Have a great day’
walks to the grocery store every
day,” Cavanaugh says. “I decided Cavanaugh wants to or ‘How can I help?’”
to make a care pack for her.” make good changes happen
in other ways too. He talks
He and his mom bought items to kids, parents, educators,
his grandma might need. That

Photo courtesy of Cool & Dope. DECEMBER 2020 11

MY SC 5 Parts of the wax vapor

2 The wick that don’t burn completely
form soot. It rises, heats
soaks up up, and glows, making the
melted wax. flame look yellow.

1 A lit wick 4 The vapor’s

begins to burn. molecules rise into the
Its flame melts a flame, where they mix
little wax at the with oxygen and burn,
top of the candle. creating heat that
melts more wax and
Wicks continues the process.
and
Wax 3 The hot

By Amanda Zimmerman flame turns
the soaked-up
When a candle is wax into a
lit, you might think vapor.
that the string wick
at its center is what AMWAISKHE !WpiiutattschhswWhameoanehufyesdletalflttntremheho,ydeaemto-htcgwuefatouhabngeexelduosl—vlfsweolata’puspomoftofffu.uetrat!e—.—iarl—
burns. That gets
the process going, Fire is dangerous. Never light a candle
but the wick alone by yourself! Always ask an adult.
wouldn’t burn for
long. Instead, it
pulls up fuel for the
flame from the wax
candle. Here’s how.

12 DECEMBER 2020

Adratiklit By Dougal Dixon Likely had a double row of plates and
Art by Robert Squier spines along its back and tail
AD-rah-TICK-lit
“mountain lizard” (in a Berber language) Just a few
bones were
Adratiklit is the earliest-known stegosaur. Small
found.
Most early stegosaurs were discovered head on a

in Europe, and later members of the f lexible

group were found in North America and neck

Asia. But Adratiklit was found in northern

Africa. No other stegosaurs have been

found in that region.

WHAT IT ATE:
Low-growing plants

HOW LONG:
15 feet

WHERE:
Morocco

WHEN:

168 million years ago

252 201 145 66 Present

Triassic Jurassic Cretaceous Cenozoic

Why doesn’t the Ocean waters do freeze sometimes—but only in the
ocean freeze, while world’s coldest regions.
lakes and rivers do?
Ocean water contains a lot of salt, which the fresh water
Molly (by e-mail) in most lakes and rivers doesn’t have. Salt lowers the freezing
temperature of water. So air temperatures have to get a lot
colder to freeze oceans than to freeze lakes or ponds.

Ocean waters also have currents that keep them on the
move. That makes it hard for water molecules to stick
together, which they have to do to form ice.

But at Earth’s poles, some ice does exist year-round. That’s
because these areas have very cold temperatures for long
periods of time. And in the Arctic region, streams of fresh
water flow in from land around the ocean, making the top
layer less salty and more likely to form sea ice.

DECEMBER 2020 13

Zipping Down the Mountain FcohlWdptaiocbaltahlunceirdketnepcgaatlhugeeee?s1. 5

By Gary LaCoste

In this big picture, find the mushroom, teacup, comb, bell, snake, butterfly, candy cane, ladder,
lollipop, toothbrush, dinosaur, tack, piece of popcorn, balloon, pennant, slice of bread,
envelope, carrot, ice-cream cone, golf club, and sailboat.

14 DECEMBER 2020 Play online! Head to

Picture Clues JOKES

teacup “Knock, knock.”
“Who’s there?”
mushroom Crab #1: Why did you yell?
“Shirley.” Crab #2: Sorry. I got snippy.
comb butterfly
“Shirley who?” Eleanor, Maryland
snake “Shirley you
remember me!” A book never written:
bell The Present and Future by
Easton Brown, Georgia Todd Day and Tom Morrow.

Natalie Roberts, South Carolina

Mushroom #1: Are you hanging
out with him?

Mushroom #2: Yeah, he’s a fungi!

Jane Mathews, New Hampshire

candy lollipop Robin: What did you get Raven Make us laugh!
cane for his birthday?
Send a joke or riddle, along with your
ladder Woodpecker: Owl show you name, age, and address, to
later. It’s a hoot!
toothbrush 803 Church Street
Zinash Williams, Washington Honesdale, PA 18431

dinosaur tack

piece of balloon

popcorn

pennant

envelope

slice of
bread

carrot

ice-cream golf

cone sailboat club

BONUS Like a Polar Bear
I haven’t got a coat of white But I am like a polar bear
Can you also find Or four gigantic paws. When winter snows are deep.
the needle, ring,
My home’s not in the Arctic I make a den of blankets.
coat hanger,
and heart? Where the cold ice rarely thaws. Then I nestle down to sleep.

Answers on HighlightsKids.com. —Jody Jensen Shaffer

DECEMBER 2020 15

The

Spider’sBased on a Ukrainian Folktale

GiftBy Kieren Dutcher
Art by Sofia Moore
Long ago, a man and a the spider spun down next
to her.
woman and their daughter,
Oksana, lived in a tiny “Hello there, little spider,”
cottage on the edge of a Oksana said.
village. The family was poor,
but their home was rich She watched as the spider
with love and laughter. And began to spin a delicate
Oksana was never lonely, for design in the window.
behind their cottage was a
high hill where the village When Mama came to set
children played throughout some tea by Oksana’s bed,
the year. she noticed the spider too.
“What’s this?” she said.
But one winter, Oksana “Let’s get the creature out
fell ill. Her parents were too of here!” She reached for
poor to pay for the costly the broom.
medicine she needed.
Oksana would sit by the “No, Mama, please let her
window all day, watching stay,” said Oksana. “She is
her friends outside. my friend. Look, she’s
Sometimes they would spinning a web for me.”
wave to her from the hill.
“Ah, Oksana, talking to
While Oksana watched spiders. You silly girl!”
the children, a little spider Mama patted Oksana’s
watched Oksana from her cheek. “We need to get you
web in the rafters. One day, back outside with your
friends. You’re as pale as
While Oksana the snow.”
watched the children,
As the spider scurried
a little spider away, she tilted her head
watched Oksana. toward Oksana as if
to say thank you.

(Continued on page 18)

16 DECEMBER 2020

“Please let
her stay.
She is my
friend.”

DECEMBER 2020 17

(Continued from page 16) without Oksana’s company, As soon as
it didn’t feel the same. Oksana, Mama,
Christmas Eve came. The and Tato were
cottage filled with the scent As the spider watched
of fresh-baked kalach bread. Oksana’s family, an idea asleep, the
Mama set the table with her came to her. Once Oksana, spider set
best embroidered cloth. Just Mama, and Tato were asleep, to work.
then, the door burst open the little spider set to work.
with a blast of cold air. The longer she worked, the
The spider spun down more intricate her patterns
“Oksana, look who has to the f loor, then scuttled up became. As the night sky
arrived!” Mama said. the tree’s sturdy trunk. She lightened, the spider
carefully climbed every reached the top of the tree.
In the doorway was an branch, leaving a trail of It was only a short way to
evergreen tree. “Shall I stand sticky web behind her. her own web in the rafters,
here by your bed, little one?” but it felt like miles.
a voice from the tree asked.
Suddenly, a gust of frosty
Oksana smiled, spotting Christmas air blew under
her father through the the door and turned the
branches. “Tato, I know it’s gray webs to silver—real
you!” She inhaled the scent silver. The webs swayed and
of pine. “Now I can pretend shimmered magically in the
I am outside.”

“It needs just a few
ornaments,” Tato said as he
propped the tree against the
wall and took off his coat.

Mama hollowed out some
eggs so Oksana could paint
them as decorations for
the tree.

But halfway through
painting the first one,
Oksana stopped. “Mama, I’m
too tired.” She sighed and
shut her eyes.

Mama finished the egg
and hung it on the tree. Tato
found some scraps of wood
and whittled a few stars, but

18 DECEMBER 2020

“Mama,
Tato,
look!”

moonlight. The spider, Christmas The next day, Tato took
exhausted, curled up to magic!” the heavy silver webs to
sleep in the rafters. Kiev, where he exchanged
“How is this them for coins. The coins
It wasn’t long before the possible?” asked were more than enough to
spider woke to the sound of Mama and Tato. pay for Oksana’s medicine.
Oksana’s voice. “Mama, By the time the snow had
Tato, look! It’s real silver!” Oksana looked up at the melted, Oksana was playing
web in the rafters. “It’s my outside on the high hill with
Sunlight streamed into spider friend. Thank you, her friends.
the window. Oksana sat up, little spider! Merry
gazing at the glittering Christmas to you!”
branches. Ref lections
shimmered and danced on When villagers got word of
the walls, bouncing off the the sparkling tree, they all
glittering webs. “It’s magic! came to see it.

DECEMBER 2020 19

Crafts Felt Garland

Felt Lollipop 1. Make two long strands of felt: for
each, use tacky glue to connect
1. Cut four 3/4-inch-wide strips of felt.
many 1/2-inch-wide strips end to
Stack them neatly. end. (We used white felt for one
strand and multicolored felt for
2. Use tacky glue at one end to hold the other.) Let the glue dry.

the strips together. This will 2. Set one end of both strands
be the center.
under a weight. Loosely twist
3. Turn the stack sideways and roll the each strand, then twist
the strands together
strips around the center, adding a dab gently. Use clothespins
of glue every inch or so. Trim the ends to hold the twists in
so the outside strip is the longest. place as you work.
Glue it down. Use a rubber band to
hold the strips in place until the 3. Add glue at each
glue dries.
end of the finished
4. For a hanger, cut a piece of string, garland.

knot the ends together, and glue it
on the back.

5. Glue a stick to the back. Tie on
a ribbon.

Felt Ribbon
Candy

1. Cut three 1-inch-wide strips
of felt.

2. Stack them, using tacky glue

between them. Fold the stack
into a ribbon shape, adding glue
in each fold. Use ribbon or a
rubber band to hold the strips
in place until the glue dries.

3. Trim the ends.
4. For a hanger, cut a

piece of string, knot

the ends together, and
glue it on.

20 DECEMBER 2020 Crafts by Buff McAllister. Art by Mike Lowery.
Photos by Jim Filipski, Guy Cali Associates, Inc.

DECEMBER 2020 21

BRINGING
By Marty Kaminsky
Art by Liam Brazier

These
sports pros
adjusted to
new teams—
and to life in
the U.S.

For many athletes Thembi Kgatlana Victor Hedman

from other countries, Kgatlana currently plays soccer Hedman, a hockey defenseman,
coming to the in South Africa and Portugal. is from Sweden. Considered a
United States to play Two years after competing in top European player, he was
professional sports the 2016 Summer Olympics, she drafted at the age of 18 by the
is a great opportunity. and her South African teammate Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009.
But it comes with Linda Motlhalo played for the He is a three-time National
challenges. They must Houston Dash of the National Hockey League All-Star. In 2018,
leave their families and Women’s Soccer League. During he won the Norris Trophy as the
friends behind. They their time in the U.S., the two league’s top defenseman.
have to adjust to a brought some of their nation’s
new language, strange spirit to the American team. “I think foreign players
foods, and different provide a unique kind of
customs. What’s it like? “Before we arrived in the chemistry. We show that
Here, a few athletes U.S., after our team scored when all players respect each
share their personal a goal, the players would other, then the contributions
experiences and just jump up and down. My that each of us can make for
insights with teammate Linda and I taught the good of the team help all
Highlights readers. them to be spontaneous and of us in the long run. The
creative after scoring, which is little differences that each
very South African. Now, after player brings with his own
a goal is scored, the team breaks background make the whole
out into a joyous dance.” team stronger.”

22 DECEMBER 2020

ph“ooImtwlaeTatatoshorheensense.da”dy

Damiris Dantas Elvis Andrus Ricky Rubio

Born in Brazil, Dantas has Andrus, who plays shortstop Rubio started his
played on her home country’s for the Texas Rangers and is a professional career at the
Olympic basketball team and in two-time All-Star, was born in age of 14 in his homeland
the Brazilian league. She now Venezuela. After signing his of Spain. Since 2011, he
plays forward for the Minnesota first professional baseball has been wowing National
Lynx of the Women’s National contract at the age of 16, he Basketball Association
Basketball Association. quickly discovered that food fans with his spectacular
traditions were different in passing. He has played
“It was not very difficult the United States. for the Minnesota
to adapt to life in the U.S. Timberwolves and the
I already knew some of the “In Latin American countries, Utah Jazz. He now plays
music and the food. I had lunch is the big meal of the day, for the Phoenix Suns.
trouble communicating at first, but here I learned that people
but I’ve worked hard to learn might eat just a hamburger “When athletes from
English. When we travel, my and fries. I would ask, ‘Where different cultures play
teammates sit with me and is the rice? Where is the together, you learn from
joke with me. I’ve brought in chicken?’ People thought I each other and can become
Brazilian food for them, and was crazy. For two months, better people because of it.
they loved it. Sharing food is when we went out to eat, all I You understand different
a great way to share a part of could order was chicken and points of view and can see
your culture that people can rice. Then I learned how to that it’s OK when people
understand and enjoy.” say ‘mashed potatoes.’” do things differently.”

DECEMBER 2020 23

Discover the stories behind some of the
traditional ingredients, shapes, and colors
of Hanukkah and Christmas. Then use
them to add a twist to sugar cookies—
and make your holiday magical!

tortheftimermbaceliduinoisnmie,dmtmaiepwomrBonsaaalropsnustnf.eyeaduIcGnnJimisosateeadelwacdnnsonaicathslnisohsaed.rdnaet Oil reminds Jewish people The original menorah n
of a time more than
2,000 years ago when lights. The Hanukka ,
a one-day supply of oil
called a Hanukkiyah, has places
miraculously lasted eight
days at the Temple for eight main candles, symbolizing
in Jerusalem.
the eight days of Hanukkah. The
Oil is used in fried
foods like latkes ninth candle is the shamash, which
(potato pancakes)
and sufganiyot
(jelly doughnuts).

is used to light the others.

24 DECEMBER 2020

Art by Angela Southern. Photos by Jim Filipski, Guy Cali Associates, Inc.

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during Hanukkah.

dough,
st with
king.

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DECEMBER 2020

“sfmouDargtrdahoieerurpdnfelrdfupurrmriueetids-stf,se”siln,ohlsetfaodCvymhepereuabitsdreistmde.ianenLnesgudgsjseutewnshdtdeitichn1sa2a1Clyl3ahesrpdiintosh“gstparmtletlueadpmssiee.stno”rpteoslaerts

ianHlnsetodhcealeiloaveycssen,ooestwrnactehtioavmiilcsneohengrsssyhif.nmoadCrsuwhbrwrroiiinenlsisndtgtetioabertf,hnerheersfrateiCbesesherstbnrgivieaaasaelnntlnmldsiufuagssesiris.nneecgeden

26 DECEMBER 2020

For centuries, people have
rung bells to celebrate the
birth of Jesus, especially at
midnight Christmas services.

AccalaJcenneasgdsdenoeyuyrdnfvsycdstiaichtsssienetcaceiktycsaoskhislslsekietnspehdtthhoeaotapethcpJrhtaedeshisdlhGGedawoemlriporekhmendqeosuaSdavitnhueiossretchii.lptnhoeHehgoopdeeikhrarbsmedlhCari,kadahbaes’prysntitesedshJdtreteamagstshfuaaftessv.a.effs roCFlluscRt.oFsPUohlEkaaIicSeTpeseTstaShIfoVTetuemtREr oobIfnaPfkcrSiuoniogtl.ed

In thteoBainbnleo,uanncgeeltshesebrivrtehaosfmJeessusse.ngers CHEWY CHUNKS
ix chopped dried
SEND US YOURS! GO TO HIGHLIGHTSKID raisins, prunes, apricots,
figs,
or cranberries into
sugar-cookie dough.

7

Nature
Watch

Caribou reacgaanrBrntyoilobdeewtraohfsuree.mvmthheaaaarvlylteee

By Peter Friederici REINING THE DEER

DID YOU KNOW? Caribou In northern Europe and Asia, caribou are called
reindeer. People in these regions have domesticated
(CARE-eh-boo) are cold-loving and herded reindeer for hundreds, if not thousands, of
members of the deer family. years, using the animals for meat and fur.
They live on open tundra and
in forests across the Far North, Photo by iStock/Getty
including much of Alaska Images Plus/RelaxFoto.de.
and Canada.

These big mammals have
several features that are well
adapted to life in cold areas.
For example:

FUR A dense layer of coarse,

hollow hairs adds insulation and
repels water like a thick raincoat.

FEET Their large feet allow

them to walk on snow or soft
ground without sinking in too
deep. (Humans use broad
snowshoes to do that.) And their
hard hooves act like shovels,
digging away snow so the
caribou can find a favorite
wintertime food—large,
nutritious lichens.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Caribou have a special way of
keeping their internal organs
warm. Their thin legs don’t
need as much warmth as the
rest of their bodies do. So
their blood vessels “exchange”
heat. The vessels save warmth
from the blood before it travels
into the legs, then put heat
back into the blood as it moves
up into the body again.

28 DECEMBER 2020





Wrap
It Up

By Claudia Kramer Kohlbrenner
Art by Ana Duna

How hard can wrapping presents be?
I know it won’t be tough for me.

Paper, scissors, tape, and bows
and the perfect gift I chose.

Oh no!

I cut the paper way too small!
The tape is tangled in a ball!

The corners look like wings of bats!
The bow’s stuck on the bottom. Rats!

But though the wrappings are in tatters,
isn’t it the thought that matters?

DECEMBER 2020 29

Finders Keepers
By E.J. Nowicki
Art by Raissa Figueroa

Joel something and couldn’t find
the owner, it was yours.
stared at the
ground. Rather, The robotic glove was
he stared at what now Joel’s.
was lying on the
ground: a robotic Picking up the glove, Joel
glove. It was made of realized it wasn’t as heavy as
metal, with black and he expected it would be. Even
yellow paint. though it was much bigger
Joel looked around than his own hand, he decided
his backyard. How did a to try it on.
robotic glove end up next to
his dad’s vegetable garden? He slipped his hand inside
In any case, Joel had and felt the machine come to
found it. life. It beeped three times.
And no one else
was around. Joel wiggled his fingers, and
That meant only one the robot fingers wiggled too.
thing: finders keepers. Joel walked over to a large
Wasn’t that how tree branch that had fallen
finders keepers in his yard and wrapped the
worked? If you found robotic fingers around it.

The robotic glove glowed and
hummed like a million pieces
were spinning and whirling, and
his hand felt lighter. He lifted
the branch. It should have been
heavy, but with the glove it was

30 DECEMBER 2020

no heavier than a twig. Finders keepers antigravity machines. I’m
He couldn’t believe it. Now, didn’t work if you always testing my inventions,”
found the owner. Mr. Shore said, examining the
what was he going to do with robotic glove.
his new gadget? Joel took a deep breath and
called out, “I think I found it!” “I’m happy to help with your
Joel’s mom was inside He held it up. testing,” Joel said.
rearranging the furniture. He
could walk in and say “Do you Mr. Shore and Joel’s dad Just then, Joel’s mom called
need a hand with that?” before turned to look at him. His dad out the window, “It’s time to
easily picking up the couch and seemed surprised. Mr. Shore’s move the couch!”
setting it somewhere else. face lit up with relief.
Everyone looked at each
At the library, he could say “That’s it!” Mr. Shore cried. “I other—and then everyone looked
“Let me help” and carry in a tall was trying to make it f ly, but I at the glove.
stack of boxes filled with books. guess that part still needs work.”
Mr. Shore held it out to Joel
At the park, he could say Joel ran over, took off the with a giant smile. “Would you
“How about we eat lunch over robotic glove, and gave it to his like to use it?”
there?” and carry the picnic neighbor. “I found it in the
table to a shady spot. backyard,” Joel said. “I tried it Joel’s smile was as big as
on and I could lift a huge Mr. Shore’s. “Yes, please.”
Everything would feel as branch. It’s amazing.”
light as a pencil. He’d feel Joel slipped on the glove
like a superhero. “Thanks. It’s one of my before hurrying inside.

But first, he wanted to show The couch was as light
his dad what he’d found. He as a pencil.
started running toward the
front yard. Joel felt like a superhero.

That’s when he heard “I think
someone call, “Has anyone I found
seen my robotic glove?”
it!”
Joel stopped short.
Near the garage, his dad
was talking to someone.
It was their new next-door
neighbor, Mr. Shore.
“What does it look like?”
Joel’s dad asked.
“It’s metal, with some
yellow and black paint,”
Mr. Shore said.
Joel’s eyes widened.
Finders keepers didn’t
work if you found the owner.
Mr. Shore was the owner.
Just like that, Joel’s
dreams faded away. He
wasn’t going to be a
superhero after all.
“I haven’t seen a robotic
glove,” Joel’s dad said.
Mr. Shore seemed
disappointed.

DECEMBER 2020 31

Mixed-Up Gifts

By Teresa A. DiNicola

Jacob is making Hanukkah gifts for his four

siblings, Adam, Esther, Carly, and Ben. The gifts

include a dreidel, a hat, a bookmark, and

a bracelet. Use the clues to figure

out which gift he’ll give CLUES
to each sibling.
• One of

Jacob’s

brothers

has a hat

collection.

• Carly’s sister
doesn’t wear
jewelry.

• One of Ben’s
sisters loves
to play the
dreidel game.

• Adam’s
brother loves
to read.

Answer on
page 38.

Tricky Trios By Catherine Dawgert

What connects 1. Pancakes, gymnasts, coins
the three things 2. Storms, potatoes, needles
in each group? 3. Unicorns, marching bands, cars
4. Balloons, corn, bubble gum
EXAMPLE: The ocean, 5. Comets, horses, pennies
good-byes, sound 6. Jewelry, baseball stadiums, argyle socks
7. Locks, Florida, pianos
ANSWER: Things with waves. 8. Tea, cupcakes, a sprained ankle

Answers on page 38.

32 DECEMBER 2020

Keeping in Touch Paws and
Think

This family is video-chatting with Did someone
faraway relatives. Why might people mention
want to do this? treats?

What are some things this family is able
to share over video?

How are video chats like phone calls?
Like letters or packages? Like in-person
visits? How are they different?

What are some ways you keep in touch
with the people you care about?

Art by David Coulson.

Fuzzy

Picasso

Alysa Dollarhide

Age 10
South Carolina

Pumper Truck

Adam Martinez

Age 8 • Arizona

Positive actions can make a difference. especially FwSprnoshfoOowomohoaoh,n”roegnelegcf,tncdaoeo’bgrtbsrrtiwueogteaAbhitdtodtotgFaehtirkecwwtAFrreekiea5rtwoabiaotnui•dwswihnazggpdSyssw,aaeoasitwwstsudfuioinolnrnetehawoGhstnsgozeauPfircCtoenrrnnowra!ontoteids”forenga!ehoforSts“ns.lihoionOnll.ioeesha“hek.Iepa
Encouraging people can go a long way,
I Love Fred!
After a very hard day. the
Caring makes other people feel good, but the Aaron
Earth always a great place, especially people on it.
is Age 9 • Wisconsin
Aura Mortimer
Age 10 • Colorado

The Butterfly Pancakes for
Breakfast
The butterfly,
big and bright, Today for breakfast

flies, flies, Is pancakes for sure.
day and night. With maple syrup

Oh, butterfly, It is better than better,
big and bright, But with cocoa chips,
take me with you It is better than can be.
during your flight. And when you eat it,
You will definitely want more!
Lilly Bielenberg
Spencer Werstuik
Age 8 • Idaho
Age 5 • Connecticut

34 DECEMBER 2020

NICE
TREE
HOUSE

Tree House

Anna Sun

Age 7 • China

Waylon Downing The Night

Age 10 • Florida The night, the night,

The Batter Oh, how the moon shines bright.

I wake up in the morning, When the stars shine, too,
I put on my baseball outfit.
We go to the field early Trying to be the moon.
and practice a bit.
I step up to the plate. When owls come out to play
I do some practice swings.
I look up at the pitcher And bats take flight,
to see what he’ll bring.
I look at the ball with focus. When it gets chilly and Kite
Dark in the night.
I swing the bat faster than Oh, how I love the night. Vedika Krishna
lightning.
Age 6 • New Jersey
The ball goes to the outfield,
and I come to home plate Emma Seiders

sliding. Age 9 • Pennsylvania

Noah Joseph Cats, Cats Share Your
Creative Work
Age 8 • Georgia Cats, cats,
We’d love to see it!
lie on the couch.
Art must be on unlined paper.
Cats, cats,
Poems must have fewer than
scratch me, ouch!
75 words. All submissions
Olivia Arcuri
must be created by you.
Age 8 • South Carolina We also
welcome your Visit HighlightsKids.com to
short STORIES upload work, or mail to

and PHOTOS

(no people, Your Own Pages
please)! 803 Church Street

Honesdale, PA 18431

A Snowstorm

“What’s
bothering

my
Avery?”

“Almost showtime!” Ms. Tuttle called. Hawaiian. Grandma Lani is Japanese-
American, and she has always lived in
“Costumes on and smiles out!” Hawai‘i. Whenever she visits, she teaches
I frowned at myself in the dressing-room me new Hawaiian words. “You love to dance.”

mirror. I was wearing white tights, a white I used to love to dance. Then Ms. Tuttle
leotard, and a white swim cap that hid gave the part of the Snow Queen to
most of my hair. I was one of 10 snowf lakes Christine Abrams. Christine got to wear a
in my dance school’s Winter Wonderland blue leotard and a feathery skirt that drifted
show. I’d learned in science class that out like a cloud every time she twirled. And
no two snowf lakes are alike, but all of us she got to do a dance onstage all by herself.
snowf lakes were wearing the same costume.
The snowf lakes just had to run and
“Grandma, I really don’t feel like being spin to look like a blustery snowstorm.
in the show,” I said.
I sighed. “I don’t like our dance. And
Grandma Lani looked up from the elastic no one would notice if I wasn’t there.
she was sewing onto my ballet shoe. “Why, There are so many of us.”
mo‘opuna?” Mo‘opuna means “grandchild” in
“I would notice. So would your parents.”
No two snowflakes are alike, Grandma paused as Christine walked
but all of us snowflakes were toward us holding a basketful of pretty
wearing the same costume. snowf lake ornaments.

Christine handed one to me. “Break a leg,

36 DECEMBER 2020

for Grandma
By Mariko Turk • Art by Javiera Maclean Alvarez

Avery,” she said, smiling. That means good to create something magical. “Snow changes

luck. The ornament had my name on it. the way the whole world looks,” I said.

“Thanks. You too,” I said. It was nice of Grandma nodded.

her to paint everyone’s name like that. We watched the snow for a few more

Grandma Lani smiled at Christine. minutes, even though my toes were turning

“What a beautiful costume!” to ice. Then the wind settled down and the

Christine glided away, her skirt last f lakes melted away.

f luttering behind her. “Aloha,” Grandma whispered to the sky.

I hung my head. Grandma took my Aloha can mean many things, including

hand. “What’s bothering my Avery?” “love,” “hello,” and “good-bye.” “I don’t know

I could smell the plumeria Grandma when I’ll see something like that again.”

Lani wore behind her ear. She had brought “I do,” I said. I took Grandma Lani’s hand

the f lowers from Hawai‘i in a cooler so they and pulled her back inside.

would stay fresh. When the stage lights came up and the

“You came all this way,” I whispered. music started, I spun and ran with all

“And you won’t be able to tell me apart of the other snowf lakes. I didn’t care if

from the other snowf lakes.” Grandma Lani could see me. I was helping

Grandma was about to speak. Then her see a snowstorm!

something outside the window

caught her eye. She grabbed my

hand and my coat and pulled me “In Hawai‘i,

out of the dressing room and it snows
through the doors to the outside. only on the
very tops of
It was snowing. Big swirling
f lakes. Grandma gasped and I

suddenly thought of something. mountains.”
“Grandma, have you ever seen

snow before?”

“No, mo‘opuna. In Hawai‘i,

it snows only on the very tops

of mountains.”

I had seen snow lots of times,

but now I tried to see it

differently. Like it was new.

I saw snowf lakes twisting

through the air in different

directions, sparkling and

winking at us. So many

snowf lakes coming together

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation RIDDLES
(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

Answers 1. Title of Publication—Highlights for Children 1 What did the bee say
2. Pub. No. 244–600 to the flower?
page 2 3. Date of Filing—August 31, 2020 Samuel Tyler, New York
4. Frequency of Issues—Monthly
Fun This Month 5. Number of Issues Published Annually—Twelve (12) Why didn’t the orange 2
6. Annual Subscription Price—$39.96 finish the relay race?
Penguin Party 7. Location of Known Office of Publication—1800 Watermark Drive,
Megan Kuder, Virginia
Mystery Photo—Pinecone. Columbus, Franklin County, OH 43215-1060. Contact: Rick Schordock,
614-487-2757
page 32 8. Location of General Business Office of the Publisher—
1800 Watermark Drive, Columbus, OH 43215-1060
Mixed-Up Gifts 9. Publisher—Highlights for Children, Inc., 1800 Watermark Drive, Columbus,
OH 43215-1060; Editor in Chief, Christine Cully, Highlights for Children,
Jacob will give a hat to Adam, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431
a dreidel to Esther, a bracelet 10. Owner is Highlights for Children, Inc., 1800 Watermark Drive, Columbus, OH
to Carly, and a bookmark to Ben. 43215-1060. The names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding
1 percent or more of the total amount of stock: Myers Family Voting Trust,
Tricky Trios 1800 Watermark Drive, Columbus, OH 43215-1060.
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or
1. Things that flip. 2. Things with eyes. Holding 1 Percent or More of the Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages,
3. Things with horns. 4. Things that or Other Securities: NONE
pop. 5. Things with tails. 6. Things 12. Tax Status: Not applicable.
with diamonds. 7. Things with keys. 13. Publication Name—Highlights
8. Things that are iced. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data—September 2020
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

Average Number Number Copies 3 When is the right time
Copies Each Issue of Single Issue to buy a bird?
During Preceding Timo, China
Nearest to
12 Months Filing Date

a. Total Number Copies Printed 789,339 765,694

b. Paid Circulation 736,743
0
(1) Mailed Outside-County
10,582
Paid Subscriptions 724,588
0
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(3) Paid Distribution—Outside USPS 9,670 10,000
0
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0
of Mail Through USPS 765 WhaYtistdrhaoeelywMiainlrldeero, bwWrsaoskhfeeinengl?townhen
4,270
c. Total Paid Distribution 735,023 14,270 4
761,595
d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 4,099
765,694
(1) Free/Nominal Rate Outside-County 98.13%

Copies 41,115

(2) Free/Nominal Rate In-County Copies 0

(3) Free/Nominal Rate Copies—Other

Classes of Mail Through USPS 0

(4) Free/Nominal Rate Distribution— 5 How do you

Outside USPS 8,807 stop a rhino
from
e. Total Free/Nominal Rate Distribution 49,922 charging?

f. Total Distribution 784,945

g. Copies Not Distributed 4,394

h. Total 789,339

i. Percent Paid 93.64%

I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print)
are paid above a nominal price.

I certify that all information furnished above is true and complete.

KENT S. JOHNSON, Chief Executive Officer

Meg Reichard, Colorado

What does a snowman wear 6
to a wedding?

Addie Hairhoger, Pennsylvania

7 Why didn’t Beethoven want
any chickens?
Brayden Giovenco, Florida

page 43 What kind of train never
stops eating?
Socks, Socks, SOCKS! Iris Horton, Iowa 8

Covers: Go for It! by Shiloh Gordon; What’s Wrong? by Dave Whamond 9 Why do shoelaces never
win races?
Illustration credits: Page 2: Kevin Zimmer; 13: (map) Josh Lewis, (polar bear) Paula J. Becker; 15: Jokes by Rich Landon Howell, Massachusetts
Powell, “Like a Polar Bear” by MacKenzie Haley; 32: Mixed-Up Gifts by Roger Simó, Tricky Trios by Rich Powell;
34–35: (frame art) iStock/Getty Images Plus/carlacdesign; 39: Erin Mauterer. Photo credits: Page 2: (boy) iStock/ 1. “Hey, bud!” 2. It ran out of juice. 3. When it is
Getty Images Plus/drbimages, (girl) iStock/Getty Images Plus/AaronAmat, (chocolate) iStock/Getty Images Plus/ going cheap. 4. They feel pane. 5. Take away its
Tim UR, (pinecone) iStock/Getty Images Plus/peakSTOCK; 3: Gina Lenz; 4: (striped socks) iStock/Getty Images credit card. 6. A snowsuit. 7. Because all they
Plus/egal; 4–5: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Glenn Pettersen; 12: iStock/Getty Images Plus/AllaSaa; said was “Bach, Bach, Bach.” 8. A chew-chew
22–23: (reference photos) (Kgatlana) Shutterstock, (Hedman and Dantas) ZUMA Press Inc/Alamy Stock Photo, train. 9. Because they always tie.
(Andrus) Cal Sport Media/Alamy Stock Photo, (Rubio) EFE News Agency/Alamy Stock Photo; 39: (toy turtle) iStock/
Getty Images Plus/Flopaganifoto, (piñata) E+/Getty Images/duckycards, (girl with sign) iStock/Getty Images Plus/
SDI Productions, (pizza) E+/Getty Images/Vasko, (boy with soccer ball) E+/Getty Images/FatCamera, (youth band)
E+/Getty Images/gradyreese, (ice) E+/Getty Images/kedsanee, (dog) iStock/Getty Images Plus/andresr.

38 DECEMBER 2020

Take your brain
on a hike!

START

What

is your

favorite

“Take care of WHAT MAKES SOMEONE knickknack?
A GOOD LEADER?
yourself!” What does

that mean to you?

Musical Wexhcyitemdigahbtoyuotua feel
chairs, project?
anyone?
wWohryrimedigahbtoyuotuitf?eel

Would you rather What makes
eat pizza that’s the difference?
cut into squares or
mWorheicimh pwoorutaldntyoinuasasoynisg:
triangles? WHY? THE WORDS OR THE MUSIC?

WHEN YOU What is your
AREN’T favorite party game?
PLAYING
ON A TEAM, WHY DO YOU
WHAT CAN LIKE IT?
YOU DO TO
KEEP UP
YOUR
SKILLS?

Sit.
Stay.

Which

jobs

do you How would you What is the
sum up your life so first thought
thimnk aorest that comes to
far in one word? mind when
important? you think of
the word ice?
WHY?
DECEMBER 2020 39

Ask “I’m confused,” I said.
izona “Why are you talking about a
trampoline at karate camp?”
Just a Beginner
“Wait,” said Maggie. “You
By Lissa Rovetch • Art by Amanda Morley do know that this camp has
trampoline time every other
Dear Not an Expert, realized that most of the kids day, right?”
already knew each other.
Well, when a similar thing “Oh, of course!” I said,
happened to me last week, my But our instructor, Sensei gulping down a bite of my
first idea for a solution landed Annie, turned out to be really sandwich. “I just, um, like to say
me on the ground, with a friendly, and things got much weird stuff every now and then.”
banana peel on my head! better as the morning went on.
By lunchtime, I was genuinely “That’s cool.” Tyler laughed.
My friend Mareya and I had having fun. “Who wants to have a contest
been so excited to go to a winter- tomorrow to see who can do the
break karate camp at the Y. But Most of the kids best trampoline tricks?”
then, at the very last minute, already knew
Mareya had to drop out. each other. “I’m in!” said Maggie.
“Me too!” said Jack.
“I can’t go!” I told my mom “Hey,” said Jack at our “What about you?” Tyler
when it was time to leave. “I lunch table, “when we’re on the asked me. “You do know some
won’t know anyone.” trampoline tomorrow, I’m going trampoline tricks, right?”
to try that kick we just learned.” “Um, sure I do,” I said.
My mom smiled. “How about “I’m in too!”
we take some nice deep breaths “Good idea!” said Maggie. “I I really didn’t mean to say
and listen to some relaxing can’t wait to master my f lips.” something that wasn’t true. It
music on the way?” just kind of happened! After
“Guaranteed I’ll get more air that, I felt torn in half. I wanted
When we arrived, I did feel than anyone,” said Tyler. to keep going to the karate part
a little calmer. Unfortunately, of camp. But how could I face
I felt worse again the second I my new friends once they found
walked through the door and out the truth? I’d never even
been on a big trampoline before,
and I definitely didn’t know
any tricks.
As soon as I got home that

40 DECEMBER 2020

day, I grabbed my skateboard. “Whoa! Are
Since I didn’t have a trampoline you OK?”
to practice on, I figured the
skateboard was the next best
thing. But let’s just say I didn’t
exactly figure right. I tried to
get double the air with a regular
skateboard trick, and—

CRASH! I smashed into the
trash can, and a banana peel
f lew out and right onto my
helmet! Just then, my friend Ollie
happened to be passing by.

Ollie said some “You always put so much So, dear Not an Expert, even
stuff that changed pressure on yourself to be the though I don’t have a “solution,”
best,” he said. “But maybe it’s OK the advice from Ollie really did
everything. to tell those kids you don’t have help. You don’t always have to be
much trampoline experience. great at things. Sometimes, it’s
“Whoa! Are you OK?” he said, I mean, think about it. What’s OK just to start at the beginning
looking super concerned. “I’m wrong with being a beginner once and go from there. Real friends
pretty sure you just gave a whole in a while?” care more about honesty than
new meaning to ‘taking the perfection. So be brave and tell
trash out’!” It wasn’t easy, but the next day your friends that even though
at camp, I took Ollie’s advice and you’re not actually a great
“Good one,” I said, dusting told my new friends the truth. snowboarder yet, you’re ready
myself off. “I’m fine. I just need to Tyler seemed a little annoyed, but to have fun trying.
master the trampoline without a Maggie and Jack went out of their
trampoline by tomorrow.” way to give me lots of helpful Ciao for now,
pointers. The best part was that
“Huh?” he said. “You know that I learned a lot without hurting Arizona
makes no sense at all, right?” myself trying to do tricks outside
my comfort zone.
When I explained the situation
to Ollie, he said some stuff that
changed everything.

“You do know
some trampoline

tricks, right?”

DECEMBER 2020 41

Dear
Highlights

My brother I always feel super
wears fake weird when people clap
eyeglasses with for me. What should I do?
no lenses. I’ve
Emelia, Maryland
asked him politely
so many times to It’s common for people—
take them off. How both kids and adults—to feel a
can I deal with it? little uncomfortable when they
receive praise or attention. We
Eva, California may feel this way because we’re
not quite sure how to react.
It’s best to let your brother express himself the way he
likes. We may not always agree with a person’s fashion Perhaps you can practice
choices, but everyone gets to choose his or her own style. how to respond when others
Just as you get to choose what you wear, your brother gets clap for you. First, smile. Smiling
to decide that for himself too. shows that you appreciate the
applause. Second, stand up
The next time you’re bothered by his glasses, try to straight and face your audience.
smile and say to yourself, “That’s my brother! He has his You could clasp your hands
own style.” behind your back or place them
at your sides. Then you could
My parents are giving simply say “thank you” once the
me the option to teach clapping is finished.
my sister piano. Any tips?
Try to remember that when
Noah, Wisconsin people clap for you, they’re
showing that they admire what
What an exciting opportunity you’ve done and they feel proud
for you and your sister! It sounds of you. You should feel proud of
as if your parents appreciate your yourself too!
musical talent and are confident
you will do a great job teaching Write to us!
your sister.
Please include your name, age,
Talk to your parents and sister and full address. Mail to
about what they expect. Together,
make a clear plan for how the Dear Highlights
lessons will proceed. This will help set you up for success. You
could also consider using a piano book, which may help you plan 803 Church Street
each lesson. Finally, remember to be patient with your sister! Honesdale, PA 18431
A music teacher at school may have more ideas for you. Or e-mail us at [email protected].

42 DECEMBER 2020 Art by Keith Frawley.

SSoocckkss,,

SOCKS!
Each sock has an exact match.
Can you find all 8 pairs?

Photo by iStock/Getty Images Plus/xxmmxx. Answers on page 38.