We love partnering with Science Odyssey because it’s Canada’s biggest celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)! From May 4-19, tons of fun science activities took place across the country, including our 2019 Science Odyssey Contest. We asked families to do three scientific activities together, whether it was planting flowers in a garden, drawing a space ship, or visiting a science centre, for a chance to win some cool prizes.
We had another great turnout for this year’s 2019 Science Odyssey Contest. Congrats to all our lucky winners below!
Here are the winners!
Our grand-prize winner is Connor Stephens who sent in this awesome video. He made a snap circuits fan, paper airplanes, and defied gravity in an indoor skydiving simulator. Check it out!
Runners-Up
Hyera Taillefer
Elijah Opps
Chloe Doucet-Landreth
Connor Nicol
Kyran Misra
Nolan Eby
Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to everyone who participated! We hope you had a great time exploring some fun STEM activities and look forward to hearing about your experiences in the comments below.
Hope to see you next year for the 2020 Science Odyssey Family Contest!
We love science here at Owlkids! That’s why from May 4-19, we partnered with Science Odyssey to bring you the 2019 Chirp Science Odyssey Family Contest.
All families had to do was to document themselves in the act of exploring science together, whether that was identifying constellations in the night sky, observing insects in the outdoors, or trying fun science experiments.
Our grand-prize winner will receive a Playmobil and Owlkids prize pack. Our three runners-up will receive fun prize packs as well.
Grand-Prize Winner
Spencer Friesen, 4
Runners-up
Hawken Tomlinson, 5
Teagan Anders, 3
Joseph O’Donoghue, 4
Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! It was inspiring looking through all of your submissions, and we hoped you enjoyed taking part in the event as well. Great work, everyone!
Hope to see you next year for the 2020 Science Odyssey Family Contest!
If you’re looking for something fun to take with you on your next family road trip, check out our latest contest!
LEGO Friends Mia’s Heart Box is a travel case that lets you bring fun to the outdoors or with you on-the-go. It comes equipped with a Mia mini-doll figure, rabbit figure, binoculars, walkie-talkie, campfire, marshmallow on a stick, and sunglasses—everything you need for a summer adventure!
You can remove the Heart Box’s lid to use it as a stage for Mia or place the box on its stand to display in your room. After some role-play fun, safely store all of the pieces inside the Heart Box and secure it with the lid.
For a chance to WIN 1 of 5 LEGO Friends Mia’s Heart Boxes, simply leave your name and age in the comments section below.
Contest deadline: June 30
Prize courtesy of LEGO.
For full contest rules and regulations, click here.
Check out our latest contest for some colour and counting fun!
Inch Worms comes equipped with 10 colourful inch worms, one grassy mound, and one spinner, everything you’ll need for some worm-catching fun.
To play, spin the wheel and pick a worm from the ground. Pull the worm until you see the matching colour on the spinner. If you don’t see the colour you spun, keep pulling the worm! Connect your worms as you collect them, and at the end of the game, measure your worm to find the winner!
For a chance to WIN one of three Inch Worms games, tell us your name and age in the comments below.
Contest deadline: June 17
Prize courtesy of Ravensuburger.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
If you love getting creative with colours and having fun with science, you’ll want to enter our latest contest!
Nickelodeon Rainbow Slime comes equipped with everything you’ll need for some ooey-gooey fun. Using the mixing bowls provided, simply mix in the slime activator with the glue and add the colourants to create rainbow slime you can squish and stretch!
You can save your rainbow slime in the cups with lids provided for some more super-gooey fun later!
For a chance to WIN one of five Nickelodeon Rainbow Slime kits, tell us your favourite colour of slime along with your name and age in the comments below.
Contest deadline: May 30
Prize courtesy of Toys“R”Us Canada and Incredible Novelties.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
We have a fun new contest underway for the month of May! We’re giving away a hilarious mix-and-match game called Heads Talk Tails Walk.
Heads Talk Tails Walk comes equipped with several animal head and body tiles, and players have to try matching the correct pieces. But if players put the wrong pieces together (like frog legs with a chicken head), they have to hop like a frog and cluck like a chicken!
For a chance to WIN one of three games, tell us your favourite bird along with your name and age in the comments below.
When Fred Penner found out a beagle (also named Fred Penner!) was in need of a home, he spread the word on social media. We are happy to report Fred Penner the dog has been adopted.
In celebration of Pet Month, we caught up with the beloved children’s entertainer to talk about the importance of animals in our lives and his music.
It’s great news that Fred Penner the beagle has found a home! How did you feel when you first saw the advertisement for Fred Penner the dog to be adopted?
Over the years, I’ve known people who’ve named their animals Fred, but never anyone who gave their pet my full name. Seeing Fred Penner the beagle was a surprise, and I was excited to learn that around 20 people called in to adopt him. I thought that was wonderful, how beautiful for people to do that.
Did you have any pets growing up?
My family had birds, a budgie named Peter, and when I was about 10 years old, we had a couple of chickens. Over the years, we had lots of cats and a couple of dogs. We had many pets in our world.
Fred Penner the beagle – photo courtesy of Sympathetic Ear Animal Rescue Society
You have many songs that are about animals (one of my favourites is about a cat!). How have animals influenced your music?
Along with “The Cat Came Back,” “Poco,” and “Little White Duck,” there have been many songs I’ve done over the years not just about pets, but about animals. I like observing how animals move throughout the world and listening to the sounds they make. I love watching animals because they have things to teach us about focus, energy, and concentration. When you’re caring for an animal, you have to pay attention.
What is your favourite animal?
I love dogs and I love cats, especially their aloof quality. Cats are their own individuals and will do what they want, when they want to. You just have to provide them with food, water, and a litter box, and they’re ready to crawl into your lap and give you warmth and affection.
Do you have any advice for kids who want to adopt a pet?
Animals might be really cute and cuddly when they’re small, but they require lots of care. It’s really up to the parents and the whole family to take on that responsibility. When you do have a pet, learn how to take care of that animal to the best of your ability because they are relying on you and only you.
Pets are an important part of our lives. They teach us love, responsibility, and how to care for one other. I think we learn many important lessons when we have a pet to take care of, whether it’s a rescued animal or from a litter in the neighbourhood. Animals need love as much as anybody.
Thanks so much, Fred!
To learn more about Fred Penner and hear about his upcoming events, be sure to visit fredpenner.com.
To kick off the month off April, we are giving away Bananas Toys! Each colourful bunch comes with three cute critters, 15 hidden surprises and 21 stickers and gemstones. (They smell super sweet, too!)
Comment below your favourite fruit along with your name and age for a chance to WIN one of five Bananas Toys!
Contest deadline: April 14 at 11:59pm.
Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Today we caught up with the talented Geraldo Valério. He is an author, illustrator and the creator of “Art on the Fly,” a colourful story that appeared in the March issue of Chirp! We asked Geraldo to finish some fun sentences for us. Here are his answers.
1. When I was a kid, my favorite thing to draw was locomotives. My father worked for the railroad company. I was always amazed by those huge and noisy machines. I used to make simple drawings of locomotives with rectangles, triangles, squares and circles. That’s how I learned about shapes.
2. My hidden talent is baking. I love making all kinds of cakes—chocolate, lemon and coconut. Baking any kind of cake brings me great joy. The best part is eating them. I could eat cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
3. My favorite way to eat eggs is scrambled with peppers and herbs from my garden. Sprinkling some cheese on top doesn’t hurt.
4. A perfect day is spent in my studio creating my books. I really enjoy every part of making a book—from the first drafts and sketches to the final art. Best of all, I like sitting at my desk cutting paper, arranging coloured shapes and making collages.
5. The best way to end my day is going to a yoga class to move and stretch my body and calm my mind. After I have my dinner, I relax on the sofa reading a book or magazine until sleep comes.
6. My favorite books are all kinds of art books, history and nature books and novels and memoirs. I am very passionate about picture books.
7. My heroes are my friends. We have been together for so long through many moments of happiness and sadness. I’m never alone because I have great friends.
8. What I love most about being an artist is telling stories with beautiful and engaging images.
9. My advice for young artists is to get to know what really excites and motivates you to be creative. Find time in your day to work on your ideas and work every day of the week. Soon, you will realize this is the best time of your day. I love working!
Thanks so much, Geraldo!
Readers, if this interview has you feeling inspired, send us photos of your artwork for a chance to be featured on the Chirp blog! You can send the images to chirpblog@owlkids.com.
For the latest edition of “Get to Know An Author” on the blog, we caught up with Chris Jones! He is a writer, illustrator and the creator of “Our Babysitter is a Monster,” which appeared in the March issue of Chickadee. We asked him to finish 10 sentences for us. Here are his answers:
1. The first thing I do in the morning is go for a walk with my dog, he’s a fun and furry wheaten terrier. After my walk, I will eat a breakfast of oatmeal and blueberries, followed by coffee. (Lots of coffee is very important!)
2. If I were an animal, I would be some sort of bird (maybe an eagle), so I could soar high above, enjoy the views and have the freedom to fly wherever I want.
3. My favourite book character is Gandalf (the wizard) from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings.
4. If I could have any superpower, it would be the power of flight; the ability to avoid all traffic and explore lots of interesting and remote places would be wonderful.
5. When I was a kid, I loved drawing silly characters and monsters.
6. My favorite thing to draw now is silly characters and monsters. I guess I’m still a kid at heart!
7. If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would visit Galápagos Islands. I love exploring nature and wildlife, so I’d really like to travel there one day.
8. My hidden talent is my ability to make myself yawn simply by drawing a person yawning.
9. What I love most about illustrating stories is creating characters, planning which moments in the story to illustrate, and adding as much humour as I can. I guess you could say I love the whole process.
10. My advice for young artists is to draw a lot. The more you draw, the more you learn to see the world around you. Bad drawings are okay—you can learn from them and improve if you keep at it. Draw when you feel like it and also when you don’t feel like it. This will develop your discipline, which is a very important skill for an artist. Most importantly, draw what you love— draw things that excite or inspire you!
Thanks so much, Chris!
If you’re feeling inspired, readers send us photos of your artwork for a chance to be featured on the Chickadee blog! You can send the images to chickadeeblog@owlkids.com.
Chickadee caught up with Jay Odjick, a super talented illustrator, writer, television producer and comic creator. We asked him a few questions about illustrating Robert Munsch’s latest children’s book, Bear For Breakfast.
Congrats on Bear for Breakfast! What does having this book published in both English and Algonquin mean to you?
For me it is a dream come true. As a kid, I couldn’t have imagined seeing a book like that. I’m proud that Bear for Breakfast is an entryway for people both on-and off-reserves to learn the language. At the end of the day, this book is about a kid having an adventure, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what race you are, you can read the book and have a good time.
What is it like to collaborate with Robert Munsch? Why does your collaboration work so well?
What I appreciated most is that Robert really trusted me to tell the visual part of the story. I think that comes from him being very comfortable and confident in his abilities as a storyteller. He understands that the best way is to be collaborative, and that to me is invaluable.
What kind of technology do you use to draw?
I did Bear for Breakfast 100 percent on the iPad Pro and did the colouring on an iMac computer. I also use an app called Tayasui Sketches School, an app called Procreate and one called Clip Studio Paint for Manga. I think the coolest thing is to be able to show kids and say, “Look, you can draw on the exact programs that I do, use the exact same hardware, and use the same apps.” It’s really cool.
What do you love about illustrating for kids?
I think it’s getting back to the things I loved as a kid and trying to think in that mindset. It’s fun to think, “What can I do here that would really capture my imagination?” If I can say I spend half of my day trying to think like a kid—that’s a good job to have at the end of the day.
What did you love to draw as a kid?
Superheroes. When I was a little kid, I learned how to read through comic books. The over-the-top and in-your-face bright colours were comic book hallmarks I really dug as a kid, and I try and bring in that same level of dynamic action into my illustrations.
Do you have any art advice for kids?
Try to find balance between working on what you need to improve while still having fun. Be your toughest critic but also recognize and celebrate your improvements. There are many ways to do things and try to find what works for you—be bold and embrace technology. Try what I use, the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, which is great gear and environmentally friendly! Practice, practice, practice, and remember, the only thing you can control is how hard you work!
Have you ever eaten bear for breakfast?
I’ve had bear, but not for breakfast. Growing up on the reserve, we ate a lot of wild game, but bear meat is a little less common. But at one point as a kid, I did have bear… but it was for lunch!
Thanks, Jay. It was great chatting with you!
Readers, what is your favourite breakfast food? Comment below!
Disney’s The Nutrcracker and the Four Realms is now available on BLU-RAY™ and digital. It’s the classic tale about a young girl named Clara, who is transported to a magical and mysterious world full of dancing sweets and scurrying mice. The movie also includes breathtaking performances by ballet superstar Misty Copeland. Make that warm holiday feeling last all year round with your chance to WIN a copy right here!
We’re giving away three (3) copies of Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. All you have to do to enter is leave your name and age in the comments below.
Contest Deadline: February 11, 2019 at 11:59PM.
Meanwhile, check out the movie trailer here. Good luck!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SBOTRupQ0
Winners will be chosen by random draw. Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Prizes courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada.
Owlkids intern, Taylor, has some fun winter tips for you!
Hey readers,
Winter is in full swing, and with the cold and snow of the season comes lots of fun activities you can do outside. Read on for some ideas!
Build a snow family: take building a snowman a
step further by building a whole family! You can build snow-children,
snow-pets, and snow-parents.
Look for animal tracks: look out for footprints
in the snow and try to guess which animals they belong to. You can see tracks
from dogs, squirrels, rabbits and more!
Snow hopscotch: hopscotch isn’t just a summer
activity! Instead of using chalk, you can trace lines in the snow. Or, to make
it harder, you can try to jump into your friend’s footprints instead of boxes.
Have a snowball-throwing contest: pick a target,
like a tree trunk, and see who can hit it with a snowball. Make sure to be
respectful and use trees in your own yard.
What are your favourite winter outdoor activities? Let us
know in the comments!
Allison and Kaitlyn won from the Chirp blog and Esme won from the Chickadee blog.
I also got a chance to see Disney on Ice in Toronto and it was incredible! All the star characters were there, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Anna and Elsa, Belle and the Beast, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and many more!
My favourite part of the show was watching the skating version of Frozen. The costumes and set design were stunning — there were even special effects! And of course, the music was great to sing along to.
Reading a book is a great way to learn! Who Believes What is a book about families, people and their religions around the world. It explains five of the world’s major religions by population and shows what they have in common and their differences. These religions include Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. You can learn about different kinds of religions, or learn about your own!
Reading doesn’t have to be serious – it can be silly too! Pick up a book that will make you laugh out loud, like Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild. This newest book in the Dog Man series follows Dog Man, a hero who is part dog, part man as he tries to prove his innocence after being blamed for a crime he didn’t commit. (Or, if you haven’t read the rest of the series, you can try starting with the first book, Dog Man!)
Family Literacy Day is perfect time to pick up a classic book you haven’t had a chance to read yet, like Roald Dahl’s The BFG. The BFG, short for The Big Friendly Giant, is about a girl named Sophie who gets swept away by a giant one day. However, this giant doesn’t eat people: he is a friendly giant who catches dreams, giving the good dreams to children and destroying the bad dreams.
Are there any books you’re planning to read for Family Literacy Day? Leave a comment to let us know!
Do you love to ski or snowboard? Hit the slopes with a SnowPass! Parents of a grade 4 or 5 (or 9 to 10 year old) child can enter to WIN one of five SnowPasses plus a SnowPass Prize Pack.
To enter, simply leave your name in the comments section below.
In honour of today’s International Day of Education, here are some fun facts about animals, science, history and more! You can share them with your family and friends, too.
Crickets can “hear” sounds through their knees.
Ketchup was originally sold as medicine, not as a sauce.
Some snails can sleep for three years straight.
Applesauce was the first food ever eaten in space by an astronaut.
Blue whales are the largest animals in the world – they’re even bigger than dinosaurs were.
99% of people can’t lick their elbows.
Butterflies taste their food with their feet.
There are cars that can run on used french-fry oil instead of gas!
Do YOU know any fun or weird facts you want to share? Leave them in the comments for us.
Today is Penguin Awareness Day! What’s that you ask? Well, it’s a day where we focus on penguins and how we can protect their homes and save them from going extinct.
To celebrate, here’s a cute and funny video of penguins having fun.
Did you know that you can listen to Chickadee fiction stories online? The stories are also read by the author! Check it out by clicking HERE. This month, author Sarah Tsiang reads “Bammy and Sugared Ginger”.
Let us know what you think of the stories in the comments below!
Dumbo is a shy circus elephant with a very unusual talent: he can fly! After showing off his soaring skills, Dumbo becomes the centre of attention at the circus. But when the circus makes secret plans, Dumbo and his friends discover that not everything is what it seems. Find out what happens and pick up this movie — Disney’s Dumbo is available on digital and Blu-rayTM tomorrow. Or, you can enter our contest for a chance to win!
We’re giving away three (3) Blu-ray copies of Disney’s Dumbo. Enter by leaving your name and age in the comments below.
Contest Deadline: July 14, 2019 at 11:59PM.
Meanwhile, check out the movie trailer here. Good luck!
Winners will be chosen by random draw. Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Prizes courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada.
Hey readers,
