Dr. King was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement began almost 70 years ago, and its goal was to make sure there were equal rights for all people, no matter their skin colour or background.
Dr. King was an inspiration for many others, and after a lot of hard work, his beliefs about equality became the beliefs of many other.
We are thankful for Dr. King for making this world a better place!
Are you celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day today? If so, let us know in the comments below!
If you’re looking for some fun this snowy weekend, look no further!
Chickadee’s Bonus Puzzles & Fun Booklet contains 10 pages of activities, puzzles, jokes, and more! From taking a winter scavenger hunt to testing your animal knowledge, this booklet lets you test your brain while having fun!
Celebrate Brainteaser Month by putting your brain to the test with these tricky riddles! See if you can figure them out on your own, then quiz your family and friends!
What travels around the world but stays in a corner?
What can be seen once a minute, twice in a moment, and never in a thousand years?
You can feel it, but you can’t touch it. You can hear it, but you can’t see it. What is it?
Answers:
A stamp
The letter M
The wind
Do you have a funny brain teaser to share? Leave a comment below with your favourite riddle!
Here’s a chance to win an amazing stop-motion animation set that’s full of endless possibilities!
Stikbot Studio Pro Animation Set with Pet lets you create animated movies and bring your imagination to life! Each set comes with with a tripod, a Stikpet, 2 Stikbots, 2 prop boxes, and a Z-screen that lets you digitally recreate the background of your scene. All you need is to download the Stikbot Studio mobile app which lets you snap pictures, edit your footage into a video, and add music and sound effects to your creations.
Comment below your name and age for a chance to WIN 1 of 5 prize packs that include a Skitbot Studio Pro Animation Set with Pet, plus 2 Stikbot figures!
Contest Deadline: January 29, 2020 at 11:59pm.
Winners will be chosen by random draw.
Click HERE for full contest rules and regulations.
The Amazing Animal in this issue issue of Chirp is the GORILLA. What an amazing primate! Check out this cool video of a whole family of gorillas crossing a rural road as they travel across the jungle.
To learn more about gorillas, check out the January/February issue of Chirp magazine!
Check out this amazing drawing from Chirp reader Tatyanna, age 5. Tatyanna, we love the flower faces you drew! Thank you so much for sharing your very special art with us.
Abby Borgatti (bottom, right) is the youngest member of Mini Pop Kids.
Who loves Mini Pop Kids? We do, we do! The Mini Pop Kids are back and singing the biggest hits out there with their newest album, Mini Pop Kids 17. Abby Borgatti is 11 years old and the youngest member of the musical group. Chickadee had the chance to talk to her about what it’s like to be part of an amazing team—check it out!
How old were you when you started playing music and dancing?
My family says that I started singing and dancing from the moment that I was born. I started taking piano lessons when I was seven and I taught myself how to play the ukulele when I was 10. I am currently teaching myself to play guitar along with some help from my school music teacher. I started taking dance lessons when I was three. I also started vocal lessons when I was nine.
When did you know you wanted to be a performer?
I’ve always loved performing on a stage, doing drama camps and recitals, and creating shows for my family—but when I performed with the Mini Pop Kids at the Sick Kids Get Loud concert, I knew that was where I was meant to be.
How does it feel to be part of Mini Pop Kids?
Being part of the Mini Pop Kids is so much fun, and I feel so proud to be able to share my love of music with all of our fans. I love all of my fellow Mini Pops and my teachers. I want to learn as much as I can from this amazing experience and opportunity.
What’s your favourite part of being in Mini Pop Kids?
My favourite part of being in the Mini Pop Kids is definitely doing shows for our Bright Lights Concert Tour! I absolutely love performing on stage for all of our fans. Our shows are energetic, fresh, and very inclusive. My favourite part of the show would have to be our Daddy Dance Off or Mommyoke where your parents get a moment in the spotlight to dance or sing!
What kind of training do you have to do to get ready for this tour?
We rehearse a lot before our shows. We also have to make sure that we are reviewing our choreography, songs, and lines at home so that we can give the best concert possible for our fans. I also take vocal and dance lessons weekly so that I’m in tip-top shape for the show.
What is your favourite song to perform?
My favourite song to perform in the show is Truth Hurts. It is such a fun and sassy piece to perform with all of the MPK girls!
Does the group have any pre-concert rituals before going on stage?
Before going on stage, we warm up our voices, do a sound check, and do a big group huddle which makes everyone relaxed and ready.
How do you keep up with schoolwork while being in Mini Pop Kids?
I keep up with schoolwork while being in the Mini Pops by just using any spare time I have to finish any homework or projects that are due. I also try to stay very organized and ask my teachers or friends for any work that I am going to miss. They are all very supportive and understanding.
What advice do you have for a kid who might be nervous to perform on stage or make a presentation in class?
If you are nervous, I recommend taking a deep breath, focusing only on what you have to do, and when you do go out and perform or present, look just above your audience’s heads so that you don’t see anyone that might make you nervous.
Do you have a motto that you live by?
The motto that I live by is to be kind, work hard to achieve your dreams, and to always be yourself.
Thanks for chatting with us, Abby! You can see Abby on tour with the Mini Pop Kids in a Canadian city near you.
What’s your favourite MPK song? Leave a comment below!
Here’s a chance to win tickets to a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s coming to Toronto!
Nick Jr. Live! “Move to the Music” is a musical spectacular that features all your favorite Nick Jr. friends from Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol, Dora The Explorer, and more! The performance will feature live appearances, special on-screen guests, and audience participation, along with original music from Nick. Jr. shows. Tickets to this fun music party are on sale NOW! We’re also giving you a chance to win four (4) tickets for your family for the opening day performance on February 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Here’s how to enter:
Tell us the name of your favourite Nick Jr. character for a chance to WIN!
*Remember to include your first name and age.
Contest Deadline: January 20, 2020 at 11:59pm.
Winners will be chosen by random draw. Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Tickets courtesy of Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group.
Winner will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the show.
It’s our first issue of the year—and the decade! What can you find inside? Find out about five of the coolest robots out there, make a rad rocket launcher and craft a toy town out of recycled boxes. Plus, lots of fun puzzles and comics!
What would you like to see in Chickadee this year? Leave a comment below!
Turn your home into a winter wonderland with these cool DIY snowflake decorations! To make them, all you need are some popsicle sticks, glue, string, paint, and beads. Press play on the video below for an easy tutorial!
For more cool crafts, recipes, science experiments, and more, head to our YouTube page!
Hope you are having fun family times this winter! Leave a comment below and let us know if you celebrate any amazing family traditions – we love to hear what our readers are up to!
Check out this cool animal fact about the narhwal, our animal of the month!
The narhwal is nicknamed The Unicorn of the Sea because of its famous tusk. The tusk is actually a long tooth that grows through the male narwhal’s jaw!
To learn more about this cool creature, check out the December issue of Chickadee!
Did you know there are classroom resource guides for each issue of Chirp magazine? It’s true! You can find animal facts, discussion questions, and activity suggestions for the December issue of Chirp here.
Did you know that we post educational guides to go along with Chirp, Chickadee, and OWL each month? You can find them under ‘Learning Resources’ under the ‘Parents and Teachers’ tab on the Owlkids website. Click HERE to see what we’ve come up with for the December issues!
We talked to professional figure skater Sarah Santee who will be performing as princess Jasmine in the upcoming Disney on Ice present Dream Big show! Read on below to learn how she’s preparing for her role and her tips for young athletes with big dreams of their own.
Find out below how to win tickets to this performance in Toronto!
How are you preparing for your role of Jasmine in the Disney On Ice show?
The most important things I do to prepare involve both on and off ice activities. My skating partner and I must make sure we are both well nourished and warmed up off the ice in order to practice a few of our high-level pair lifts we perform in the show. Once we are warmed up, it’s important to practice on the ice and adjust every week to the new ice surface (size and type of ice).
How does it feel being a part of a show your parents were also a part of?
It’s such a unique feeling. My entire family is or has been a part of Disney On Ice, and it creates a natural and easy bond for us all. I couldn’t imagine not having this to share with my family. I think the most rewarding part is when they come to watch my show and begin reminiscing on a beautiful part of their lives. I know that they are proud that I am able to experience it, too.
What is your all-time favourite Disney movie?
My all-time favourite Disney movie is Mulan. I think it’s a powerful movie and can’t wait to see the live-action film.
What do you love most about ice skating?
What I love most about skating is the feeling I get when performing. It’s the perfect combination of athleticism and art. We are able to create and capture beautiful movements and emotions while still pushing our bodies to extreme and difficult levels.
Is there a character you would love to one day perform on ice?
I remember going to see Disney On Ice as a kid and watching a Sleeping Beauty segment. I loved it and decided that Aurora was my favourite princess because she wears a pink dress. I think my childhood self would be very excited to one day portray that role.
Do you have any advice for our readers who dream of becoming professional athletes?
The best advice I could offer someone who wants to be a professional athlete is to not give up. It can be challenging and there will be many obstacles, but the end result is completely worth it. The feeling of accomplishing something that you’ve been working hard at for so long is like no other feeling.
Thanks so much, Sarah!
For a chance to WIN a family pack of four tickets to see the opening night show on January 24, 2020 (Toronto):
Tell us the name of your favourite Disney character in the comments section below! *Don’t forget to include your name and age!*
ONE winner will receive four tickets for the opening night performance on January 24, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Contest Deadline: January 10, 2020 @ 11:59 p.m.
Winners will be chosen by random draw. Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Tickets courtesy of Feld Entertainment. Winner will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the show.
Here’s a chance to see your favourite Disney heroes up close and on skates! The Disney on Ice present Dream Big show slides into Toronto from January 24-26, 2020. Stars include Miguel, Moana and Maui, Anna and Elsa, plus many more!
Have a look below for a preview of this special show!
For a chance to WIN a family pack of four tickets to see the opening night show on January 24, 2020 (Toronto):
Tell us the name of your favourite Disney character in the comments section below! *Don’t forget to include your name and age!*
ONE winner will receive four tickets for the opening night performance on January 24, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Contest Deadline: January 10, 2020 @ 11:59 p.m.
Winners will be chosen by random draw. Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Tickets courtesy of Feld Entertainment. Winner will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the show.
Put your brain to the test with these tricky riddles! See if you can guess the answers by yourself, then try quizzing your family and friends.
1. What is hard like a rock, but immediately melts in hot water?
2. What is worth more after it’s broken?
3. What has teeth but cannot chew?
4. What can you eat at night but never in the morning?
Answers:
1. An icecube
2. An egg
3. A comb!
4. Supper
What is your favourite riddle? Let me know in the comments below!
We asked you to tell us your favourite dinosaur for a chance to WIN a book prize pack. Congrats to our lucky winners below who each win a copy of The Story of Gigantosaurus, Gigantosaurus: The Lost Egg, and Gigantosaurus: Don’t CaveIn
Rylan, 3 — “I love all the dinosaurs. Every one of my dinosaurs is my favourite.” Scarlett, 4 – “Favourite dinosaur is a triceratops.” Louisa, 5 – “Brontosaurus.” Oscar, 4 — “I love Ankylosaurus! Rawrrr!”
(Please note the winners have been contacted.)
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! For more chances to win, keep your eyes peeled for more blog contests, and don’t forget to visit our contest page!
If you love stories about animals, I highly recommend Aye-Aye Gets Lucky, written by Terri Tatchell and illustrated by Ivan Sulima. This book is about a mischievous aye-aye who loves pulling pranks and spooking the people of Madagascar! His behaviour and creepy claws earn him a bad reputation, and people start believing he’s bad luck! Then one day, a flying fox gives the aye-aye a taste of his own medicine. The aye-aye learns it’s not so fun to feel scared and realizes he must earn back the people’s trust. I enjoyed how this story is told through rhyming verses and is about an endangered animal native to Madagascar. The additional fun facts about the aye-aye and flying fox and drawing tutorials in the back of the book were pretty neat, too!
To learn more about the aye-aye, read on below!
Aye -Aye Facts
Aye-ayes live in Madagascar, Africa.
Aye-ayes are primates and are related to humans.
Aye-ayes and all lemurs are considered the world’s most endangered mammals.
For a chance to WIN an Aye-Aye Gets Lucky prize pack or a copy of the book, click HERE to fill out your entry.
Contest deadline: January 6, 2019 @11:59 p.m.
Prize courtesy of Endangered and Misunderstood.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
Turn your home into a winter wonderland with these cool DIY snowflake decorations! To make them, all you need are some popsicle sticks, glue, string, paint, and beads. Press play on the video below for an easy tutorial!
For more cool crafts, recipes, science experiments, and more, head to our YouTube page!
In the December issue, Chirp goes snowshoeing with Sparky! Click on the picture below to colour Chirp, and don’t forget to read about his adventure in the latest issue.
Check out this hilarious Would You Rather quiz from the STEAM Activity Book!
For more fun activities, check out the new STEAM Activity Book, created by the editors of Chirp, Chickadee, and OWL magazines. Each page is jam-packed with experiments, lesson guides, and more!
For a chance to WIN a copy of the STEAM Activity Book, simply tell us your name in the comments below.
Contest deadline: December 13 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prizes courtesy of Owlkids.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
For an online tutorial, click on the video below to watch Chirp editor Jackie and reader Abbott try the balloon blow-up experiment!
For more hands-on experiments, check out the new STEAM Activity Book, created by the editors of Chirp, Chickadee, and OWL magazines. Each page is jam-packed with activities, experiments and lesson guides that kids master their critical thinking skills and encourage them to tackle learning the fun way!
For a chance to WIN a copy of the STEAM Activity Book, simply tell us your name in the comments below.
Contest deadline: December 13 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prizes courtesy of Owlkids.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
Warm up your brain with these riddles! See how many you can guess right, then quiz your family and friends.
1. What falls down in winter but doesn’t get hurt?
2. What’s it called when a snowperson has a temper tantrum?
3. What do snowpeople eat for breakfast?
4. I run, but have no legs. What am I?
Answers: 1. Snow! 2. A meltdown. 3. Snowflakes. 4. A nose!
Readers if you have any funny riddles you’d like to share, leave a comment below!
Check out this video of Chirp editor Jackie and reader Elyse making a jar of cool crystals, as seen in the December 2018 issue!
To make this experiment, all you need is a clear bowl, 1 cup of epsom salts, 1 cup of hot tap water, and food colouring. Click play to learn how to make it!
Watch Jackie and Michaela make a coin jump and dance on top of a bottle in our latest Science Corner video! Check out the December issue of Chirp to see the full instructions for this experiment.
We asked you to tell us your favourite animal for a chance to WIN a Who’s Your Llama toy. Thank you to everyone who entered the contest, and congratulations to our lucky winners below!
Gage, 3 — “I love dogs and cats.” Javad, 4 – “Horse.” Crystal, 5 – “Cow.” Ambrosia, 6 — “Llamas and unicorns.”
(Please note the winners have been contacted.)
For more chances to win, keep your eyes peeled for more blog contests, and don’t forget to visit our contest page!
Based off the Disney Channel and Disney Junior TV series, The Story of Gigantosaurus is about four dinosaur friends who set off on a Gigantosaurus hunt! They’re in for a wild adventure as they search far and wide, meeting all kinds of dinosaurs along the way.
We asked Abbott, 7, to tell us what he thought about this book. Check out his review below!
“This book was good. I liked when they were inside the giant dinosaur’s mouth. My favourite part was how they kept on running into different dinos. If other kids didn’t know about dinosaurs they might not like this book but if they know how to pronounce dinosaur names they will like it. There is a TV show, too.”
Thanks for the review, Abbott!
For a chance to WIN 1 of 4 prize packs including The Story of Gigantosaurus, Gigantosaurus: The Lost Egg, and Gigantosaurus: Don’t Cave In, comment below your age, name, and favourite dinosuar!
Contest deadline: December 4 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prizes courtesy of Candlewick Press.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
The walrus is the Amazing Animal featured in the December issue of Chirp magazine. Check out this video to learn more about these cute Arctic creatures!
Get ready for some frosty fun in our December issue! In Discovery, we reveal the secrets of the Ice Age. Then, learn about the narwhal, also known as the unicorn of the sea! Get tips on how to make fun ornaments out of ordinary things like pushpins or jar lids. We also have a recipe for a delicious frozen drink. Look out for this issue in your mailbox or at a bookstore or library near you!
Chirp December 2019 is full of winter fun! Try a c-c-cold experiment, learn how animals stay warm when the weather gets cold, read a story about a silly toboggan. This issue will get you ready for the season!
In the November issue of Chirp, we show you how to dress up like a dinosaur! Read on to learn how to make this cool costume.
You’ll need:
Craft foam and/or felt stuffing
Tights
Fabric stuffing
Mittens or gloves
Scissors
Glue
Claws
Cut craft foam into small triangles. Glue them to the ends of each mitten or glove for claws.
Head
Cut a piece of felt or craft foam int a long strip and glue on triangles for scales. Cut another strip that will fit around your head and attach it to the other strip.
Tail
Fill one leg of a pair of tights with stuffing and glue the top shut. Attach triangles made of felt or craft foam. Tie the other end around your waist to wear your tail!
In the November issue of Chirp, we featured a wordless story by author and illustrator John Martz. The story is about a young girl who has many dinosuars for pets!
If you could have a dinosaur for a pet, what would it be? Would you ride it to school or keep it in your backyard? What would it eat, and where would it sleep?
Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pick up the latest Chirp and check out this cool story!
The Dr. Seuss Experienceis a new exhibit featuring interactive elements from some of your favourite Dr. Seuss books! Right now, the exhibit is being shown in Mississauga, Ontario’s Square One Mall, but it will be travelling to other cities in the future. Chickadee readers, Abbott, 7, and Vivian, 7, got to explore the exhibit—follow along!
Abbott and Vivian outside of the Seuss Experience.
The Oh, The Places You’ll Go! maze was lots of fun!
Listen closely and you’ll hear the Lorax read through the tubes!
If I Ran the Circus room featured a huge horn and a merry-go-round.
You can fish for presents in How the Grinch stole Christmas! room
Can you be like Horton and hear a Who in the Jungle of Nool?
Abbott and Vivian had a great time at the exhibit and gave it a 8 out of 10—they wished it was longer!
What’s your favourite Dr. Seuss book? Leave a comment below!
In the November issue of Chickadee, we got to know the amazing white-lipped island pit viper. Click on the image below to learn about this beautiful blue reptile!
For more cool animal facts, check out the latest issue of Chickadee!
Happy World Science Day! To celebrate, check out this fun science experiment! Chirp editor Jackie and reader Elyse make a jar of cool crystals, as seen in the December 2018 issue of Chirp!
Check out our latest contest for a chance to win one of the silliest llamas you’ll ever meet!
Who’s Your Llama is a line of mini collectible llamas, and each one is dressed in a cute outfit and has 1 of 4 silly features: winking, spitting, grinning, or sticking its tongue out. Each toy is packaged in a reusable camper, and you’ll have to open it to find out Who’s Your Llama!
For a chance to WIN 1 of 4 Who’s Your Llama collectibles, tell us your age, name, and favourite animal in the comments below.
Contest deadline: November 17 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prizes courtesy of Jakks Pacific.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
Are you ready for a hair-raising adventure with your favourite Trolls? Poppy, Branch and all their friends are coming to life on stage in Trolls LIVE! for their first-ever tour! Jam-packed with epic music, glitter, humour and happiness, Trolls LIVE! will visit Toronto at the Meridian Hall from April 3rd – 5th for six Trolls-tastic performances. Tickets are on sale now! But we’re giving you a chance to win four (4) tickets for your family for the opening night performance on April 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
Here’s how to enter:
Just tell us the name of your favourite Trolls character for a chance to WIN!
*Remember to include your first name and age.
Contest Deadline: November 17th, 2019 at 11:59pm.
Winners will be chosen by random draw. Click here for full contest rules and regulations.
Tickets courtesy of VStar Entertainment Group. Winner will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the show.
Where Are You Now? is a beautiful picture book written and illustrated by Tyler Clark Burke. Told in simple and poetic verse, this story explores what happens to things that have vanished from our lives, be it the setting sun, melting snowflakes, or an eaten apple. The story encourages kids to look for what has disappeared in other places. For instance, sunlight is reflected on the moon, snowflakes turn into water, and seeds from an apple core can grow into a tree. The book also opens the door to conversations about loss and difficult times of change.
For a chance to WIN 1 of 2 signed copies of this book, tell us your name and age in the comments below.
Contest deadline: November 13 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prizes courtesy of Owlkids.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
Embrace your inner magician (and scientist!) by creating this colourful magic potion. You’ll need a glass jar, food colouring, vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, and an adult’s help to make this cool concoction.
We spoke with author Kristen Calis about her story Scaredy Cat, which appeared in the October issue of Chirp! This fun rhyming story is about a black cat named Pepper who learns to overcome his fears on Halloween.
Read on to learn more about Kristen (including her favourite Halloween costume) and her story!
What inspired you to write Scaredy Cat?
I was inspired to write Scaredy Cat because I know some people are superstitious and believe black cats are bad luck. I have a black cat named Henri, and I know they are anything but.
Do you have any pets at home?
I have three cats: Kinsey, Henri, and King.
When did you start writing stories?
This is my very first published story, but I have been writing for fun ever since I was little.
What was your favourite Halloween costume growing up?
My favourite costume was Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. I loved wearing the ruby slippers.
Do you have any advice for young writers?
My advice is to write every day, even if it’s just a couple of sentences.
Thanks so much, Kristen!
Readers, you can listen to an audio version of this story (read by the author herself!), by clicking HERE.
To help you get in the Halloween spirit, try solving these spooky riddles!
1. What do witches learn in school?
2. What do ghosts use to to wash their hair?
3. What’s a monster’s favourite dessert?
4. What position does a ghost play in hockey?
We love science at Owlkids, which is why we partnered with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to host the National Science Reading Day contest!
To celebrate Science Literacy Week 2019 and take part in the contest, kids and classrooms across Canada spent time reading about all-things science for a chance to WIN. All they had to do was read a science book, whether it was about crazy cool robots or amazing scientific discoveries, and send us photos or lists of the books they read that day.
We want to send a huge thank you to all of the students and teachers who took part in the event! Once again, we’ve selected four classrooms and five students as winners in this year’s contest. Congratulations to the lucky winners below!
Classroom Winners
Arin Turner’s Grade 4 class at Saskatoon Misbah School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Karen Strong’s Grade 1 class at St. John Chrysostom in Newmarket, Ontario.
Isabel Hoglund’s Grade 5 class in Calgary, Alberta.
Jennifer Dalley’s Grade 3 class at Riverwood Academy in Wing’s Point, Newfoundland.
Student Winners
Grace Jamieson
Emmanuel Oniwide
Darian Alemzadeh
Carly Stevens
Miranda Kraft
We hoped you enjoyed taking part in National Science Reading Day! Best of luck in next year’s contest, readers!
Frogs might be super cute, but the desert rain frog is adorable.
Check out the video below to hear it squeak!
While most frogs live in wet environments in swamps or forests, this little reptile likes to bury itself in sandy beaches across South Africa and Namibia.
To learn more cool facts about amazing animals, pick up the latest issues of Chirp and Chickadee!
The November issue of Chirp is full of DINOSAUR fun! Get ready to make a dinosaur costume, meet some famous dinosaurs, and bake a fossil cookie you can eat. What is your favourite dinosaur? We hope you see it in this issue!
It’s time to talk about the November issue! Meet a super-cool and colourful pit viper. Find out what this snake likes to eat and how it hunts. Do you love crafts? Try making bowls out of recycled paper. We also dive deep into the world of clocks. How did we used to keep time? How do we keep time now? Find out in this issue!
As always, we have a fun contest in Clubhouse. Enter for your chance to win a prize!
Calling all dog lovers! We have an exciting contest for you on the Chirp blog this month.
Rescue Runts are adorable pets that you care for, snuggle, and love! Comb your pet’s messy fur, heal their bandaged paws, wipe away their tears, and even pick out their fleas using the included grooming kit. You can clean up your pet again and again for repeated playtime fun!
For a chance to WIN 1 of 5 Rescue Runts, tell us your name and favourite animal in the comments below.
Contest deadline: October 29 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prizes courtesy of Rescue Runts.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered if there is alien life beyond the stars? Us too!
That’s why in the October issue of Chickadee, we took a look at how scientists are searching for life on other planets. Check out this fun fact from the issue below!
Check out the latest issue of Chickadee to learn more cool facts about aliens, animals, and more!
In the October issue of Chickadee, we featured the amazing the nudibranch! While this critter looks like it might have come from outer space, this sea slug lives on the the ocean floor. Did you know there are over 3,000 nudibranch species, many of which come in eye catching colours?
You can learn more about nudibranchs in the latest issue of Chickadee.
Check out our latest contest for some science fun!
The Science4You Spectacular Science Kit comes with 10 experiments that encourage learning and a love for science! From building a car using physics to writing secret messages using chemistry, there’s so much to learn and discover inside each Spectacular Science kit. The kit is loaded with everything you’ll need to perform the experiments along with an information booklet written by scientists to help you learn the science and history behind each experiment.
For a chance to WIN 1 of 3 Science4You Spectacular Science Kits, tell us your name and age in the comments below.
Contest deadline: October 21 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prizes courtesy of Imports Dragon and Toys “R” Us.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
If you’re still on the lookout for Halloween costume ideas, look no further! Check out the instructions below to make your own spook-tacular wizard costume!
You’ll need:
Thick blue or purple paper
Yellow paper or craft foam
Dark fabric
Scissors
Tape or glue
Hat:
Form a piece of thick paper into a cone. Tape or glue the edges down.
Cut stars out of paper of craft foam and attach them to the cone.
Wand:
Roll a piece of paper into a tube. Tape or glue the edges.
Cut out a yellow star and tape or glue it to the top of the tube.
Cape:
Cut a large piece of fabric into a half-circle.
Drape the fabric around your body and tie the ends in front.
If you end of making this costume, let me know in the comments below!
Grab your helmet and kneepads for roller skating month! Celebrated every October, this fun holiday is all about getting some exercise, enjoying the outdoors, an letting the good times roll.
Check out these cool facts you might not know about roller blades:
Roller skates were invented in London in 1760. The inventor John Joseph Merlin created roller skates so he could roll into a party while playing the violin!
In the 60s and 70s, many workers at fast food joints served their customers while wearing roller blades! These kinds of restaurants were called carhops.
The largest parade of roller skaters took place in Paris and involved over 1,188 people!
Do you love roller skating? Let me know in the comments below!
If you haven’t yet decided on your Halloween costume, look no further! In the October issue of Chickadee, we made some fun (and super easy!) emoji costumes. All you need is some yellow bristol board and art supplies!
What to do:
Cut the bristol board into a large circle.
Decorate the circle using markers or paper cut-outs to look like your favourite emoji.
Punch two holes in the top and tie string through them so the emoji hand down your front.
You can learn how to make even more cool costumes in the latest issue of Chickadee!
Readers, what’s your favourite emoji? Do you have your Halloween costume ready? Let me know in the comments below!
Fall is here, and so is Pumpkin Seed Day! Did you know pumpkin seeds are loaded with nutrients like magnesium and zinc that are good for your body? They’re pretty tasty, too!
If you end up carving jack-o’-lanterns this year, be sure to save some pumpkin seeds to make a delicious treat! Check out this simple recipe to make with your friends and family.
*Always ask an adult for help in the kitchen.
You’ll need:
1 1/2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
2 tsp melted butter
1 pinch salt
What to do:
Preheat oven to 150 °C (300 °F).
Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt.
Spread seeds on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Unicorns 101, written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson, is a book about the science behind unicorns. We asked Kevin, 6, to tell us what he thought about this book. Check it out!
This book is about unicorns that are smart. The main character was Pete the lab assistant and there were lots of pictures of him doing silly things, like hiding in bushes and being in his underwear. My favourite part was when I learned that unicorns poop cupcakes and that is why you will never see a unicorn at a bake sale. I know that unicorns are not real, but this book pretends like they are. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about unicorns, because after reading the book I feel like I am a unicorn expert.
Thanks for the review, Kevin! Find this book in your local library or bookstore!
In the October issue of Chickadee, Dr. Zed shows you how to turn your jack-o’-lantern into a Halloween experiment!
All you need are some simple ingredients from around the house!
You’ll Need:
medium-sized pumplin
pumpkin-carving tools
tall drinking glass
30 mL (2 tbsp.) baking soda
5 mL (1 tsp.) dish soap
green food colouring
250 mL (1 cup) vinegar
large plate or tray
What to do:
With a grown-up’s help, carve your pumpkin into a jack-o’-lantern. TIP: Make sure the mouth is low on the pumpkin.
Place your jack-o’-lantern on a plate or tray.
Put a tall drinking glass inside the jack-o’-lantern.
Add baking soda, dish soap, and a few drops of food colouring to the glass.
Pour the vinegar into the glass. What happens?
If you try this fun experiment, let me know how it went in the comments below! And don’t forget you can find lots more science and Halloween fun in this month’s issue.
We have an exciting back-to-school giveaway for you this month!
We’re giving away four Playmobil City Life School Bus playsets. Each playset comes with a school bus that has front and rear lights that really work! The set also includes four Playmobil figures can bend sit, and turn their heads, along with additional accessories.
For a chance to WIN 1 of 4 Playmobil City Life School Bus playsets, tell us your name and age in the comments sections below.
Contest deadline: October 14, 2019 @ 11:59 p.m.
Prize courtesy of Playmobil.
For full contest rules and regulations, click here.
Chirp editor Jackie and reader Genna put on their lab coats and made a bouncy glowing egg!
All you need is an egg, vinegar, and a highlighter pen along with a container and a flashlight to create a glow-in-the-dark egg! Check out the video below to learn how to make it:
If you try this cool experiment, don’t forget to take a photo and send it to chirpblog@owlkids.com.
You can also find this science experiment in the October issue of Chirp!
If you’re looking to spruce up your lunch box, look no further!
Check out the below video to learn how to make some beautiful sandwich art. To get started, you’ll need some bread, lettuce, cheese and crackers, or you can use whatever ingredients you have at home!
*Remember to ask an adult for help with slicing cheese and veggies.
Which sandwich is your favourite? (I think the cat is pretty cute!)
If you’re looking for a new book to read check out When Molly Drew Dogs by Deborah Kerbel. It’s a story about a girl who draws dogs when she feels nervous and how it helps her handle her feelings, even though some people think it’s a strange habit. Let’s hear what Chirp readers Clark and Grant thought of this story!
Then scroll down for a chance to win your own copy of this book.
“I like this story because it has dogs in it. If you are afraid of dogs this book helps you see them differently. I like that only Molly can see the dogs because it let’s kids know that it is okay to have an imagination and make what you are dreaming become true. The pictures are different; they look smudged but they help me think about when I dream. The pictures are like my dreams. I like that. Best Part: The dogs with the hats on made me laugh.” – Clark, 7
“The story was scary sometimes because there is a storm and a bad guy in it but in the end they get rescued by the dogs and that’s not scary. The dogs are funny because they like to play even if Molly doesn’t want them to play.” – Grant, 5
Thanks, Clark and Grant!
To WIN a copy of When Molly Drew Dogs send your first name, age, and one thing you like to draw to chirpblog@owlkids.com or comment on this post.
Trick or treat? I think the October issue is definitely a treat! Are you fascinated by space and what might be out there? This month in Chickadee, read what scientists are doing to explore space for signs of life. Do you know what you’re going to dress up as for Halloween yet? We show you how to turn bristol board into 4 fun costumes! We have tons more Halloween fun—we also have monster cookies, Halloween poems, puzzles and comics. Happy Halloween!
Are there things you do every day before school? Like brush your teeth, eat breakfast, pack your school bag? Here is Chirp’s handy checklist that you can use every morning to help you remember to do everything on your list. Have fun!
To celebrate, Owlkids has partnered with Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to present the National Science Reading Day contest!
For a chance to WIN some amazing prizes, spend part of the day on September 17, 18, or 19 to science reading. Then head to the contest page to enter your classroom or personal information. Finally, share your reading list or photos from the day.
There is $3,000 in prizes to be won! NSERC is giving away four classroom prizes filled with magazines, books, and an $100 Indigo gift card. Five individual winners will also receive a prize pack filled with magazine and books.
Listen to Chickadee editor Mandy talk about her favourite science book in the video below!
For more great science reading suggestions, click here.
As part of Science Literacy Week 2019, Owlkids has partnered with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to present the National Science Reading Day contest!
To enter, simply devote part of the day on September 17, 18, or 19 to science reading. Then head to the contest page (where you can finds lots of great reading suggestions!) to enter your classroom or personal information. Finally, share your reading list or photos from the day.
There is $3,000 in prizes to be won! NSERC is giving away four classroom prizes filled with magazines, books, and an $100 Indigo gift card. Five individual winners will also receive a prize pack filled with magazine and books.
Get excited about National Science Reading Day with Chirp editor Jackie and reader Michaela in the video below!
Every September, cities across Canada hold marathons to celebrate Terry Fox and raise money for cancer research. In the latest issue of Chickadee, we featured Terry Fox’s story to celebrate the Canadian hero.
We talked with author and illustrator Josh Holinaty about retelling Terry’s story. Let’s hear what he had to say!
What inspired you to write the Terry Fox story for Chickadee?
Initially, the fine folks over at Chickadee approached me to see if I was interested in writing and illustrating a comic about Terry Fox, and I was more than happy to take part! Terry is such a huge Canadian hero with such an inspiring story, and he’s also a personal hero of mine. Also, I was up for the challenge to try telling the story of Terry Fox in only four short pages, while also giving him the respect he deserves.
What is your favourite panel in the comic?
There are a couple panels in the comic where Terry is running with the sun setting behind him, and I think those are my favourite. They feel epic and hopeful—or at least I hope they do! What I was hoping to get across in those panels is Terry’s determination and the legacy he left behind. All of Canada, and even the world, was behind him and his cause, but in the end he was just one person filled with huge determination to make change.
What did you enjoy most about writing and drawing this story?
I think my favourite part of working on this comic was researching and reading about Terry’s story to make sure I got the details right. (A tip to young writers and artists out there: researching your subject is important). Also, I’ve always had a soft spot for Terry’s story–he’s a real hero of mine. The story of his life never ceases to amaze and inspire me, even though I’ve heard and read about it since I was a kid myself. Being able to re-read his story was once again very enjoyable.
What do you admire most about Terry Fox?
His sheer determination is so inspiring. I’m still blown away at how far he ran in such a short time while also battling cancer. It’s truly powerful, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at the same time.
Are you taking part this year in the Marathon of Hope?
You bet! I’ve been a an avid runner for years, and every time I hop out for a run, the thought of Terry Fox crosses my mind. I’ll be sure to go for a run on that day and donate to the cause.
Thanks, Josh!
Readers, are you taking part in the Terry Fox Run in your community? Let us know in the comments below!
Every year, Guinness World Records comes out with a new book about record-breaking achievements around the world.
In the Guinness World Records 2020 edition, learn about records from the natural world (the heaviest flying bird is the kori bustard) to amazing human feats (first ice-climb of Niagara Falls was by Canadian Will Gadd) to wacky records (largest hula hoop was spun by Getti Kehayova) and much, much more!
Do you want to read about more awesome records? We’re giving Chickadee readers a chance to WIN their own copy of the Guinness World Records 2020 book!
For a chance to win 1 of 2 books, tell us: Which world record would you try to break? Please leave your name and age, too!
Contest deadline: September 23, 2019 at 11:59pm.
Prize courtesy of Guinness World Records.
For full contest rules and regulations click here.
If you’re love stories about superheroes, check out Captain Carlos and the Kindergarten Cape by Jeff Szpirglas and Danielle Saint-Onge (read by authors).
This story originally appeared in the September 2019 issue of Chirp.
National Science Reading Day is just around the corner! As part of Science Literacy Week, kids across Canada will spend time reading about science on September 18 to take part in National Science Reading Day.
To celebrate, were giving away $3,000 in prizes to kids and classrooms. Head to our contest page to learn more about National Science Reading Day where you can also finds lots of great science reading suggestions.
We caught up with illustrator and author Ashley Spires to talk about her new book, Fairy Science.
The story is about a fairy scientist named Esther who doesn’t believe in magic. Read on to learn more about the book and Ashley’s inspiration behind it!
What was your favorite thing about working on this book?
I’ve been wanting to do a book about fairies for years now! So finally getting to draw the world of pixies was so much fun. Their wildly-coloured hair, sparkly wings, and even the wild plants in the background were such a delightful change from my other projects. Also, I loved getting to add so many little details to the illustrations. Fairyland is all about the details, so I tried to add lots of tiny things that kids can discover over multiple readings.
Esther is such a funny and sweet character. What inspired you to write about a fairy who doesn’t believe in magic?
I have always been drawn to characters who see the world differently from those around them. As I mentioned, I had been playing around with stories about fairies for years, but nothing seemed to stick. There are so many fairy stories and I wanted to create something different. I couldn’t think of anything more different than a fairy who doesn’t believe in magic, and the story took off from there.
What was your favourite fairytale growing up?
I was addicted to Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. I’ve always loved fairytales that are twisted and unexpected. His retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is beyond brilliant.
If you could make a scientific discovery that could change the world, what would it be?
Teleportation. It would solve so many problems! No more pollution and traffic jams, and world travel in the blink of an eye without motion sickness? Count me in!
Thanks so much, Ashley!
Readers, you can find out more about Fairy Science by clicking here.
National Science Reading Day is just around the corner! As part of Science Literacy Week, kids across Canada will spend time reading about science on September 18 to take part in National Science Reading Day.
To celebrate, were giving away $3,000 in prizes to kids and classrooms. Head to our contest page to learn more about National Science Reading Day where you can also finds lots of great science reading suggestions.
Did you know the Quebec City Carnival is the largest winter festival in the world?
Hi readers,
Hey, teachers,
You’ll Need:
For a chance to WIN 1 of 4 prize packs including The Story of Gigantosaurus, Gigantosaurus: The Lost Egg, and Gigantosaurus: Don’t Cave In, comment below your age, name, and favourite dinosuar!
You’ll need:
You’ll need:
For more fun facts, head to the Did You Know section inside your latest issue.
