Spots & Dots by Fun For Kidz

FACEB O OK. CO M/ FUNFO RKI DZ • FUNFO RKI DZ.COM

Presents...

Spots & Dots 3 Check It Out! 4 Weird & Wacky Spotted Creatures 8 Spotted Cookies 9 A Young Ladybug 10 Little Ladybug Lost 13 Cowboy Clark & Larry 14 Dalmatians Earn Their Spots 15 Write Your Name in Dots 16 Puzzles 18 Can You Spot the Difference? 20 10 Spot-On Facts 22 Loads of Laughs 24 Solve the Riddle 25 Test Your Eyes 26 Drawing With Dots 28 Kidz Corner 30 Puzzle Solutions 2

How many things can you name that look like spots or dots? I think of polka dots. Some of you may be lucky enough to wear polka dots every day on your face. These are freckles and may appear darker or more plentiful in the summer when you have been out in the sun. There are some spots that are no fun to have, like chicken pox or mosquito bites. This issue will show you lots of spots and dots. Some you will recognize on insects and animals, but I am sure there are some creatures that you may be seeing for the first time. There are loads of laughs in this issue and challenging puzzles. You will learn how to use dots in art and perform a science experiment to test your eyes. There will be riddles and rhymes. Everything you could ever want to know about spots and dots awaits you. Settle down in a comfy spot and enjoy your dots.

Weird & Wacky Spotted Creatures The world is full of animals peppered with spots, dots, and splotches. Some spots look like eyes, and this confuses predators. They jump on the wrong end because they can’t tell where the head is. Poisonous animals have spots that warn other animals to stay away. Spots let animals blend into the background so their enemies can’t see them. Blending in also lets a spotted creature creep up unseen to prey when it’s time to eat. Giraffes don’t sweat, so warmer blood goes to blood vessels underneath their spots. Then the heat is forced out of their bodies. Cool! Discover for yourselves some of the most peculiar spotted animals out there.

Caterpillar of blue tiger moth

Red Handfish • Flattened bumps cover their bodies. They are less than four inches long. Their colors vary from bright red to pink-brown. And they are among the rarest fish on Earth. Only about 100 of these fantastic creatures are left on two small reef areas in southeastern Tasmania. • They use their oversized pectoral fins as hands. The special shape of these fins lets them “walk” on the sandy, rocky seafloor. • These fish wait patiently for prey to come to them. A fluffy lure above the mouth waves back and forth to attract meals of worms and small crustaceans.

Variable Neon Slug • This sea slug with raised neon-green spots is downright bizarre! The 3000 species of sea slugs come in a crazy variety of sizes, colors, patterns, and shapes. • Like other sea slugs, this one is colorblind, and its eyes see only light and dark shadows. It uses its rhinophores – the feathery horn-like extensions on its head – to smell its way through the water. • When threatened, they release slimy mucus filled with toxins.

Tiger Quoll • They look harmless, but the force of these Australian animals’ bites equals a lion’s bite! Because of this, they’re not afraid to hunt huge animals, like kangaroos. • High-pitched, scary screams keep away enemies. This may be how they got their “tiger” name. • Babies are born underdeveloped and are the size of a grain of rice. Quolls are marsupials, so the babies crawl into their mothers’ pouches and eat until they are fully developed and ready to crawl out.

Ruby Gold Target Tortoise Beetle • These eye-catching insects with metallic gold shells live in South American rainforests. They’re tiny, only ¼ of an inch long. • Can you see why they are called target beetles? They have a shiny golden bullseye surrounded by a thick ruby-red circle on their shells. • Look closely at the shell’s edges – they are see-through. Unlike a tortoise’s shell, the shells of these beetles can open up for flight!

Yellow Boxfish • These quirky-looking fish with the odd, puckered mouths float more than they swim. When young, they have lemonyellow, square bodies. But as they grow up, their bodies lengthen and their colors fade. • Hard bony plates beneath their scales give them their cube shape. If predators try to gobble up a yellow boxfish, they can end up with broken teeth. • When they are stressed, these fish can release a cloud of poison into the water. That’s more bad news for predators.

Spotted Hyena • Only spotted hyenas make the famous laughing sound. It’s so creepy, it can send shivers down your spine. They also giggle, groan, whoop, grunt, and yell. • These are the largest and fiercest of all hyenas. They stalk in packs and have no problem taking down zebras, wildebeests, and other big animals. • Incredibly, they can digest almost every part of their prey. All that’s left in their waste is calcium from the bones they eat. Because of this, their poop is white!

Whale Shark • Meet the world’s largest fish. These sharks can grow to 45 feet long and weigh about 40,000 pounds. Each shark’s spot pattern is as unique as your fingerprints. • They have tiny, tooth-like structures on their eyeballs! Wacky! They have no eyelids, so these “teeth” help protect their eyes. • Though gigantic, these animals eat some of the ocean’s smallest creatures. They swim thousands of miles always searching for plankton, shrimp, and fish eggs.

by Marcy L. Collier America’s most popular cookie is made with dots of deliciousness! In 1930, Ruth Graves Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn with her husband, was whipping up a batch of butter drop do cookies for her guests. She realized she had run out of baking chocolate. She needed a substitute to make her chocolate cookies, so she used a semisweet candy bar that was given to her by chocolate maker Andrew Nestlé. She cut the candy into pieces and mixed it with the dough. She expected the candy to melt when the cookies were baking. Instead, the chocolate didn’t melt, it only softened. This was the first batch of chocolate chip cookies! Ruth named her creation the Toll House cookie, after her inn. As you might imagine, her guests loved the new dessert. People flocked from all around the New England area just to sample Ruth’s cooking. The recipe was soon printed in local newspapers. Eventually, Ruth struck a deal with Mr. Nestlé to sell the rights to her recipe and the Toll House name. The company printed her recipe on each wrapper of their semi-sweet chocolate bar and supplied her with all the chocolate she could use in her lifetime. In 1939, Nestlé began offering Nestlé Toll House Real Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels. To this day, Ruth’s recipe is still printed on the back label. That goes to show that sometimes our mistakes can bring the sweetest rewards.

by Helen Brodeur illustrated by Shannon Comins

There once was a young ladybug. She wanted a spider to hug. In its web she got caught. Thus she learned she should not Ever give a spider a hug.

by J.T. Waite • illustrated by Ginny Pruitt • colored by Gaurakisora Tucker Miss Penelope Pettigrew Poindexter Primm had red, red hair. She had deep blue eyes that sparkled like a brook in the sunshine and a friendly smile that always seemed to say, “How are you, my dear?” Miss Penelope Pettigrew Poindexter Primm had a funny little house that leaned this way and that and a big backyard with tall trees, green grass, and wildflowers of every color and description. One day, while Miss Primm was standing at her kitchen sink looking out the window at the wildflowers in her yard, she noticed a lovely little ladybug on the countertop. “Why, hello,” said Miss Primm, smiling her friendly smile. The little ladybug didn’t say a word. Miss Primm went about her business. She forgot all about the little ladybug until noontime, when she sat down for lunch. Then she noticed that the little ladybug on the counter was no longer alone. There were two other lovely little ladybugs beside her.

“Well, well,” said Miss Primm. “What have we here!” But the little ladybugs didn’t say a word. Miss Primm went about her business again, and by 6 o’clock that evening, there were 10 little ladybugs on the counter, two more in the sink, and another three by the windowsill. “Oh, my!” said Miss Primm. That night, Miss Primm dreamed about ladybugs. The next morning at breakfast, there were lots and lots of lovely little ladybugs on the counter — in the sink, by the windowsill, and under the chair. Miss Primm could not go about her business now, so she put on her hat and walked down the lane to Mr. O’Conner’s house. Mr. O’Conner was sitting on his front porch. “Good morning, Miss Primm,” he said with a smile. “What’s on your mind today?” “Ladybugs,” said Miss Primm. “I beg your pardon?” said Mr. O’Conner. “Ladybugs,” Miss Primm repeated. “On my mind and on my counter, in my sink, by the windowsill, and under my chair!” Mr. O’Conner followed Miss Primm back to the funny little house that leaned this way and that. “Oh, my!” he said when he saw all the little ladybugs. “Exactly,” said Miss Primm, “but what does it all mean?” “I don’t know,” said Mr. O’Conner. Together they walked down the lane to Mrs. Potts’ house and knocked on the door. Mrs. Potts poked her head out the upstairs window. “Hello?” she said. “No time for that,” said Mr. O’Conner. “It’s ladybugs,” said Miss Primm. “Ladybugs?” said Mrs. Potts. “Yes,” Miss Primm insisted. “Come and see.” Miss Primm and Mr. O’Conner and Mrs. Potts walked back up the lane to the funny little house that leaned this way and that. By now, there were long lines of lovely little ladybugs on the counter, in the sink, by the windowsill, and under the chair.

“Oh, my!” said Mrs. Potts. “Exactly,” Miss Primm and Mr. O’Conner agreed, “but what does it all mean?” “I think they’re lost,” said Mrs. Potts. “Lost?” said Mr. O’Conner. “It happens,” Mrs. Potts assured him. “It happens all the time.” “Are you lost?” Miss Primm asked the little ladybugs. But the little ladybugs didn’t say a word. Miss Primm thought for a moment. “I know what to do,” she said. She went out into her yard and picked a big bouquet of wildflowers and brought it back into the kitchen. “Now we’ll wait and see,” she said. At first nothing happened. But while Miss Primm and Mr. O’Conner and Mrs. Potts went about their business, one by one, all the little ladybugs on the counter flew to the wildflowers. One by one, all the little ladybugs in the sink flew to the wildflowers. One by one, all the little ladybugs by the windowsill flew to the wildflowers. And finally, one by one, all the little ladybugs under the chair flew to the wildflowers. “Oh, my!” said Miss Primm the next morning. She summoned her friends at once. When Mr. O’Conner and Mrs. Potts arrived back at the funny little house, Miss Primm carried the wildflowers, now covered with layers and layers of lovely little ladybugs, from the kitchen to the back porch. At first nothing happened. Soon, one by one, all the little ladybugs began to stir. Then, one by one, all the little ladybugs began to fly. And finally, one by one, all the little ladybugs flew from the wildflowers on the porch back home to the wildflowers in the yard. “Lost,” said Mr. O’Conner. “And found,” said Mrs. Potts. “Exactly,” said Miss Primm, smiling her friendly smile. The little ladybugs didn’t say a word. But then, insects seldom do.

While a storm raged outside, Cowboy Clark, Larry, and Mrs. Whiskers relaxed on Larry’s back porch. Mrs. Whiskers asked, “Spot me that pillow will you, Larry?” She nodded to a pillow on the chair. “Huh? What does that mean?” “I mean, allow me to use it. I would enjoy a bit more comfort, and that appears to suit my style.” “That pillow is all one color – gold. It doesn’t have one spot on it,” Cowboy Clark chuckled. “You’ve finally lost it, Mrs. Whiskers.” “You know,” Mrs. Whiskers said, “the word spot can be used in many ways.” Cowboy Clark wasn’t convinced and looked at Larry, who simply shrugged. He didn’t know either. Cowboy Clark barked, “Spot means something with a lot of spots on it, like a Dalmatian.” “Oh, I get it,” Larry said, “like Spot, the dog who lives two houses down.” Mrs. Whiskers smiled. ““Boys, don’t tell me you aren’t aware of the different ways spot is used.” She turned to Cowboy Clark. “How about, ‘I spot a silly dog wearing a cowboy hat?’” “For the love of. . .” Cowboy Clark muttered. Mrs. Whiskers wasn’t finished. “There’s spotlight, pick a spot. . .” Cowboy Clark barked, “We get the message!” “Do you?” Mrs. Whiskers asked. “Does X finally mark the spot for you?” She chuckled. “Then there’s. . .” “Enough, we get it,” Cowboy Clark said, throwing his head back and emitting a long, soulful howl. “That’s interesting, Mrs. Whiskers,” Larry said. “I never knew there were so many meanings for the word spot. You’re smart!” “You’re spot on, Larry!” Mrs. Whiskers exclaimed. “I like how you connected the dots. Now be a dear and throw me that pillow. My muscles could use a spot of comfort. See what I did there?” Larry chuckled and Cowboy Clark rolled his eyes.

Dalmatians are the dog world’s spotted superstars! Pups are born white. The spots are there, but they’re hiding under the pups’ coats. Within a couple of weeks, the black or liver-colored spots begin to show. Dals are popular the world over, and not just because they are so eye-catching. These are active dogs, athletic, strong, and full of energy. They are also smart, alert, and easy to train. They are friendly with other animals, especially horses. The story of these two best animal buds goes way back. Years ago, people traveled in coaches pulled by horses. Since Dalmatians could run long distances and got along great with horses, wealthy travelers took many Dals with them to run beside the horses. The loyal dogs watched out for highway bandits who wanted to rob the rich people. The Dals also kept a lookout for animals that might startle the horses and cause an accident. Today Dalmatians are famous for being “Fire Dogs.” Firefighters used to rush water to fires in horse-drawn wagons. When the alarm sounded, trained Dalmatians dashed out of the firehouse, barking loudly to warn people that a fire wagon would soon come racing by. Then they ran ahead of the wagon, barking to clear a path for the horses and wagon. At the scene of the fire, these brave dogs had an important job to do. Horses are afraid of fire. So, as the horses pulled the fire wagon close to the blaze, the Dals would distract and calm their horse friends. With modern firetrucks, firehouses don’t really need these dogs anymore. Yet some fire stations still keep them. But now, the dignified Dalmatians get to ride inside the firetruck instead of running alongside it!

illustrations by Pamela Harden By feeling patterns of raised dots on paper with their fingertips, blind children are able to communicate by reading and writing. A French boy named Louis Braille developed this alphabet for the blind when he was only 15 years old. Write a note to a friend using the Braille alphabet and sign your name in Braille. Make a copy of the Braille alphabet to include with your note so your friend can read what you wrote.

Alsu/Shutterstock.com

Reading in Braille

Mystery Picture Puzzle

©Liz Ball www.hiddenpicturepuzzles.com

pig lips anvil turtle lizard camel donut house button mitten 2 socks lollipop balloon 5 hearts ladybug flashlight jingle bell salt shaker 2 dominoes 2 mushrooms

by MaryEllen Uthlaut • illustrations by Rebecca Spohn

ACROSS Find the correct answers to the clues from the 2 Big cat with black spots word list and write them in the crossword puzzle. 5 Writing with raised dots Then rearrange the letters in the circles 6 Horse with white spots to answer the riddle. 9 Spots are on his shell. 12 The British drink a spot of _ . 6 13 Game using tiles marked with spots DOWN 1 Morse _ is made up of dots and dashes. 3 This dot marks the end of a sentence. 4 White dog with dark spots 7 Pattern of dots you might see on a dress 8 Dots of a constellation 10 This answer goes with 7 DOWN 11 Itchy spots on the skin might be chicken _ .

8 9

10 11 12

RIDDLE: Why did the _ (2 ACROSS) refuse to take a bath? ANSWER: He didn’t want to be

Cow Spots Maze by Neal Levin

by Guy Belleranti • illustrations by Rebecca Spohn

Spot all the words DOTS and SPOTS in the lines below and draw a line through them. Then write the leftover letters on the blank lines to spell out seven things with dots and spots.

Can you spot the right path through this cow? Keep on moooving!

©Liz Ball www.hiddenpicturepuzzles.com

L E S P O T S O P A D O T S R S P O T S D D O T S L A D O T S D Y B S P O T S U G C H E S P O T S D O T S E T S P O T S A H D A L D O T S M D O T S A T I A N D S P O T S I S P O T S C E F D O T S R E C K L S P O T S E S J D O T S A G U A R

Seven things with Dots and Spots: _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, ______

Fractionnition by David Lindo illustration by Rebecca Spohn Find the letters described by the fraction given in each statement. Print the letters you select, in the order provided, into the boxes. What did you get? Were you surprised? The last 1/4 of CLAY The middle 1/3 of SHOUTS The middle 1/3 of TURNED The first 1/9 of ACCORDION The first 1/5 of MONEY The last 1/4 of HOME

What belongs to you, but others use it more than you do?

Spot the Answers on Page 30. 17

Can You Spot the Difference? by Casey Steinhauer

Leopard

Have you ever had a hard time finding one of your friends during a game of Hide-and-Seek at the park? Your friend’s green shirt and brown pants blended with the grass and bark of the tall trees. They were camouflaged by their surroundings. Jaguars and leopards are two big cats that use camouflage to hunt in their environments. They look very similar but live on different continents. Jaguars are native to South and Central America. They are the third largest cat in the world. Only the tiger and lion are bigger. Jaguars weigh about 125 to 210 pounds, but some males weigh over 300 pounds. Jaguars aren’t fast runners like cheetahs, so they sneak around their jungle habitat to ambush their prey. They eat animals like deer, turtles, fish, and caimans, a reptile related to alligators. A jaguar’s powerful jaws prevent their catch from escaping. Jaguars also like to hide on the thick branches of a tree then leap down on their unsuspecting prey. Their thick and powerful legs make them great leapers. Jaguars have a spot pattern on their body called rosettes. Each spot is shaped like a rose with two dots in the center. Their spotted body helps them blend into their surroundings to hunt their next meal.

Jaguar

Like jaguars, leopards also have a spot pattern on their body. But their rosettes do not have any dots in the middle. Leopards are found in more habitats than any other large cat in the world. They live in forests, grasslands, snowy mountains, rainforests, and other habitats on the continents of Asia and Africa. People who go on safari in these places rarely see leopards because they are experts at hiding during the day. They mostly hunt at night. A leopard’s body is slender compared to the thick body of a jaguar, and their tail is longer too. Adult leopards vary in size. They can weigh 130 to 200 pounds. The larger ones can measure eight feet long. The shade of their coat depends on their habitat. Both leopards and jaguars can have black coats. Leopards, like jaguars, use surprise attacks from the trees to catch their prey. They also can move quietly through tall grass to sneak up on an animal. To keep their catch from being stolen by another predator, leopards use their strong jaws to drag their prey up into the trees to eat. They will feast on their meal for days. Leopards eat a variety of animals, from insects and rodents to baby giraffes. Jaguars and leopards are majestic large cats that look and behave in similar ways, but both have unique features that enable them to thrive in their different habitats. Can you spot the difference between the two big cats by looking at the pictures? (If you need help, look for the answer below the pictures.)

by Kathleen L. Floyd illustration by Miriam Sagasti I have a million mosquito bites, So my legs are a polka dot mess. If all those mosquitoes had bitten my clothes, Would I now have a polka dot dress? I wouldn’t mind polka dot socks or shoes. Dotted shorts would suit me fine. But I don’t like the kind of polka dots That itch almost all the time!

by Kathy Zakri illustration by Donna Catanese

I birthday wished for freckles, But got a bike instead. I sat in the midday sun, Waited for freckles to come, But got sunburn speckles instead. I penciled in some gray dots Across my nose and chin, But no one noticed, Not even my freckled friends. Then one day it happened. Small spots appeared everywhere. Inside my mouth, between my toes, And underneath my hair. At last, my wish was granted. But are freckles supposed to itch?

Spots Limited Vision and Dots by Cindy J. Breedlove • illustration by Roy Green

by Eileen M. Clark illustrations by Rebecca Spohn Spots on caps, raised Braille dots, Bright spotlights on a stage. Tasty ice cream “hits the spot.” Fierce leopards in a cage. Firefighters “on the spot,” A polka dotted shirt. Tiny dots on dominoes, And stepping stones in dirt. Spattered dots of yellow paint, Each one a different size. When I fall and hit my head, Spots flash before my eyes. X marks the spot for pirates. Dots make a sentence end. A “spotter” in gymnastics Helps vaulters twist and bend.

“Oh Doc! Oh Doc!” the young man cried. “You’ve got to help! I’m scared inside!” And gasping thus, he made his plea. “Tut! Tut!” said Doc, “What seems to be The cause of all this agony?” “I tripped and fell this rainy morn, And both knees in my jeans were torn. Except for that, I was all right, I thought, till noticing with fright, Something wrong with my eyesight!” The Doctor frowned and peered at him. The man went on, “It’s all so dim! I shook the raindrops from my hair And looked around, but everywhere Were spots and dots, a real nightmare! “I went home and took a rest And got up hoping for the best. But still! My vision isn’t clear. The spots persist. And now I fear I’ll never see well again. Oh dear!” The Doctor gave a little cough And said, “Just clean your glasses off.”

Everywhere I look each day, A new red spot appears. Fifty-seven chicken pox Have spread to both my ears. Ladybugs with small black dots, A bald spot on Gramp’s head. Best of all, my favorite “spot” Is reading books in bed.

Solve the Riddle

These spots and dots have been around for over 4000 years. They are made out of plastic, leather, rubber, metal, or glass. Most are round, but some can be in other shapes. You may have lost one, or you may be wearing one right now! Have you guessed it? The answer is buttons! These special dots, or buttons, were once as valuable as money. Pioneers and early settlers often traded buttons for food and furs. Originally, buttons were sewn on coat sleeves, but not for decoration. Can you imagine why? They were put there to discourage the person wearing the coat from wiping their nose on their sleeve! During World War II, a compass was placed inside buttons to guide soldiers if they became lost. The top of the button could be flipped open to show a neatly hidden compass inside. Long ago in England, there were street vendors selling buttons. They dressed in fancy clothes decorated with shiny pearl buttons and became known as the Pearly Kings and Queens. Some of these outfits had 40,000 buttons sewn on and weighed over 60 pounds. Today’s Pearly Kings and Queens don’t sell buttons. Instead, they raise money for charity. Every year, they hold a lively festival and show off their glittery, pearly-buttoned outfits. The next time you use a button, appreciate that this dot has a very special history. Ask your friends and parents what they know about buttons, and then amaze them when you share these facts!

How good are you at making comparisons? Look at the spots and dots and see if you can answer these questions. Look at the dot in the center of each circle. Which one do you think looks bigger? If you guessed the one on the left, you are wrong. If you thought it was the one on the right, you are also incorrect. The dot in the center of both illustrations is the SAME SIZE! They may look different because the dots around the center dot can make the center dot look bigger or smaller when comparing it to the other circle of dots.

Now try this experiment. Compare the size of the two circles. One circle is inside a box. The other has a box inside it. Although the circle with the box inside may LOOK smaller, it is the SAME SIZE as the circle on the left that shows a box outside the circle. Amazing!

Here is one more experiment. The triangle has one dot in it. Compare the size of that dot to the dot in the square that contains a bunch of dots to the top and side of the single dot. Which is different? If you guessed they were the same size, you were correct.

by Rebecca J. Gomez Can you imagine filling in a space in your coloring book with tiny dots of color? Some artists do exactly that. They draw entire pictures using just dots. This method of drawing is called pointillism. Artists who use pointillism place tiny dots or points close together on their paper or canvas. An artist may start with a simple line drawing, but the details are done with dots — lots of them. Imagine how long it must take to create an entire picture using dots! Pointillism can be done with paint, of course, but it is usually done with pencils, pens, markers, pastels, or even chalk. The colors in pointillism are never blended. Instead, artists use the colors in a way that tricks your eye when you look at them. The colors seem to blend themselves together when you look at the picture from a distance. For example, blue and yellow dots can be grouped together to make the appearance of green. But what about a black and white drawing? Shading is done with dots too. With a pencil or black pen, grouping the dots very close together forms dark shadows. The farther apart the dots are, the lighter the shadow will be!

You can try pointillism yourself, and you don’t even have to take an art class. Try a simple shape at first, like a circle. You can make the circle look like a ball by adding a shadow. Here’s how: 1. Draw a circle shape. It can be any size you want.

2. Decide where to place the shadow. It should be on the inside edge, either on one side or along the bottom. A shadow on a ball will be shaped like a crescent moon. If it helps, use a pencil to lightly draw a line marking where the shadow is.

3. Next, begin shading by filling in the shadow with dots. The dots are simply points from the tip of your pen or pencil, like dotting an “i” or a “j.” Press harder for darker dots. The dots closest to the edge of your ball should be very close together and get farther apart as you move toward the inside of the circle.

4. When you are finished, erase the pencil line. You now have what looks like a 3-dimensional ball.

If you aren’t happy with your drawing, don’t worry. Just try again. Eventually, you can try pointillism using colored pencils or oil pastels. Then you can move on to other simple shapes, like apples or pears. You’ll get better with practice. Have fun with pointillism! We’d love to see your drawings. Send them to Kidz Corner, PO Box 227, Bluffton OH 45817-0227. Be sure to include your name and age. You may see your artwork in a future issue!

The Lost Melody by Aoibhe McVerry, age 8

EMAIL TO: kidzcorner@funforkidz.com

Send Us...

your drawings, poems, and jokes & riddles, and photos for publication!

OR MAIL TO: Kidz Corner, PO Box 227 Bluffton, OH 45817-0227

My Amazing Gym Adventure: A 10-Year-Old Boy’s Journey by Yahel Weil Hey there, boys and girls! Today, I want to tell you about my super cool experience going to the gym. Yup, you heard it right! At the young age of 10, I’m hitting the gym six times a week, and let me tell you, it’s a blast! You might be wondering why I go to the gym so often. Well, let me explain. I love sports and being active. Whether it’s playing soccer, riding my bike, or climbing trees, I’m always on the move. Going to the gym helps me get stronger, faster, and better at the sports I love. When I first stepped into the gym, I was a little nervous. It was like entering a whole new world! But my awesome trainer, Coach Mike, made me feel right at home. He explained everything to me in a way that made it super easy to understand. Every day, I have a routine that helps me work on different parts of my body. We start with a warm-up to get my muscles ready for action. I do some light jogging, jumping jacks, and stretching exercises. It’s like a mini workout before the real workout! After the warm-up, it’s time to hit the weights. Don’t worry, I’m not lifting huge heavy weights like those big bodybuilders you might see on TV. I use lighter weights that are just right for my age and size. I do exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and squats. It’s important to use the right form and not rush through the exercises to avoid any injuries. Then comes my favorite part: cardio! I get to use all sorts of fancy machines like the treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical trainer. It’s like being in a spaceship and going on an adventure! I can increase the speed and incline, and it feels like I’m running faster than the speed of light!

Starcat was gazing round space. She saw someone asking for help. Starcat flew over to see what happened. A young, little alien was standing at a wormhole. Starcat asked the alien, “Why are you standing here? Where are your parents?” The alien replied, “Down there,” as he pointed at the wormhole. Starcat looked into the wormhole. Someone said, “HELP!” It was the alien’s dad. “This is a lost melody,” said Starcat. “I’ll get the police,” said the poor little alien. “No. I’m the guardian of the galaxy. I’ll save him. Get me a rope and a helmet,” said Starcat. The alien ran over to the shop and bought the stuff. He came back with all the things. Starcat said thanks. Starcat climbed down with her rope tied to her, and she tied the other rope round him. Starcat had no choice but to stay in the wormhole because they bought one rope, but a gamer star came along, and he said to the star, “I’ll help!” So she got another rope and threw a side of the rope down, and they both got up. The aliens left, and the star said do you want to come to my gaming room and, Starcat said, “YES!”

Of course, it’s not all about lifting weights and running on machines. Coach Mike also teaches me about the importance of nutrition. He tells me how eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can give me the energy I need to perform my best. Sometimes, I also get to meet other kids at the gym. We play basketball or have friendly races on the track. It’s fun to make new friends who share the same interests as me. Going to the gym six times a week might sound like a lot, but it’s actually super fun and rewarding. I can feel myself getting stronger and more confident with each visit. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and healthy. So, if you’re a young boy or girl like me who loves sports and being active, I totally recommend giving the gym a try. Find a friendly trainer like Coach Mike who can guide you through the exercises and make it a fun experience. Remember, staying fit is not just for adults. We kids can do it too! And who knows, maybe one day you’ll see me on TV, lifting those big weights and breaking records. But for now, I’m happy being a 10-year-old gym enthusiast, enjoying my amazing gym adventure! Keep moving and stay active, my friends!

Coconut/Palm Tree by Phoebe Wong

All About Jaguars by Avyaan Rangbulla, age 8

• Jaguars are great swimmers • Jaguars are good climbers • Jaguars eat crocs, alligators, peccaries, rodents, toucans, and cattle • Jaguars have retractable claws • Retractable claws means the claws of Jaguars can go inside and outside the paw • Jaguars have leg muscles that help them jump about nine feet long in a single bound • Jaguars are found in Central and South America • Jaguars are carnivores • Jaguars can break a bowling ball in two with their strong bite force • Jaguars are in the category of wild cats

Ivan Edwards-Leeper, age 8

Did you travel? Go swimming? Spend nights looking at the stars? Fun For Kidz readers want to know! Send us a photo or write and tell us what your favorite summer activity was. ATTENTION READERS!

Write to Ziggy, the Fun For Kidz dog. If you write to Ziggy, he will write back to you! Send letters to: Fun For Kidz, Attn. Ziggy PO Box 227, Bluffton, OH 45817-0227

Dear Ziggy, If you are a dog, how are you writing that letter? If you TRULY are, then go to the talent show to show Simon what you can do! I also looked at the “Z.” It does look like a dog! In the picture I made in the Kidz Corner, can you name it “Coconut/Palm Tree”? And can you write my full name, Phoebe Wong? And can I have the magazine first? And can you put in more fun games? I really like them! I have so many questions! It is OK about that mistake – it was just hard. Hope you write back again! Oh – and put both of my messages in the Ziggy’s Mail Zone place! Please? Sincerely, Phoebe P.S. Minecraft is not like Legos, but they are like blocks!

Hello Ziggy! I am 11, and I live in Alaska. There are mountains and rivers all around. We use a car and a truck and two boats. I have a dog named Kookie because he is very kookie! He is black and white. He is a super-fast runner and loves to play in the grass. In the winter, he likes it when it snows. Keep up the good work with the magazine! We love it!! Your friend, Callie Sitka, AK

Spots and Dots Crossword on page 16

Mystery Picture Puzzle on page 16

Riddle: Why did the leopard refuse to take a bath? It didn’t want to be SPOTLESS!

Cow Spots Maze on page 17

Spotting Dots and Spots on page 17 L E S P O T S O P A D O T S R S P O T S D D O T S L A D O T S D Y B S P O T S U G C H E S P O T S D O T S E T S P O T S A H D A L D O T S M D O T S A T I A N D S P O T S I S P O T S C E F D O T S R E C K L S P O T S E S J D O T S A G U A R

Fraction-nition on page 17 What belongs to you, but others use it more than you do? YOUR NAME

Seven things with Dots and Spots: LEOPARD, LADYBUG, CHEETAH, DALMATIAN, DICE, FRECKLES, JAGUAR Photo Credits: via Wikimedia Commons: Caterpillar of a blue tiger moth - Rison Thumboor from Thrissur, India [CC BY 2.0] 4 (top); Nembrotha kubaryana 2 (variable neon slug) - Steve Childs [CC BY 2.0] 5 (top); Beutelmarder (Dasyurus) [quoll] - Jens Freitag [CC BY-SA 4.0] 5 (bottom); Ruby Gold Target Beetle - João Burini [CC BY-SA 4.0] 6 (top); Yellow boxfish - Rickard Zerpe [CC BY 2.0] 6 (bottom); Cookies and milk - Carsten Schertzer from Santa Cruz, CA, United States [CC BY 2.0] 8 (top); Semi-sweet chocolate chips -Editor at Large (Own Work) [CC BY 2.5] 8 (bottom-right); Namibie Etosha Leopard - Patrick Giraud [CC BY-SA 3.0] 18 (leopard); Benh LIEU SONG from Torcy, France [CC BY-SA 2.0] 18 (background); Melanie Dinane [CC BY-SA 4.0] 19 (background); Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival 2019 - AndyScott [CC BY-SA 4.0] 24 (bottom-right); Buttons, Knopfe – 2018 -- 0502 - Dietmar Rabich [CC BY-SA 4.0] 24 (background). Other: Red handfish Thymichthys politus by Rick Stuart-Smith 4 (bottom).

Gift Giving for Friends & Family Don’t forget to let us know where to send your magazine!

Give the kids on your gift list

Fun For Kidz magazine and they’ll run to the mailbox all year long!

Kids love mail!

by email customerservice@funforkidz.com call 419-358-4610 (9 AM - 5 PM E.T.) US Post PO Box 227, Bluffton, OH 45817

Check out more

Fun For Kidz activities on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Order on our website, FunForKidz.com, or call us at 419-358-4610 (9 AM – 5 PM E.T.).

Visit Us Online! Facebook.com/FunForKidz • www.FunForKidz.com Vol 22 No 6 • NOV/DEC 2023 Publisher: Thomas M. Edwards Editor: Marilyn Edwards Associate Editor: Diane Winebar Graphic Design: Gaurakisora Tucker Marketing Director: Jonathan Edwards Circulation Manager: Mark Studer Science Editor: Larry White Science Illustrator: Alan Wassilak Cowboy Clark & Larry Editor: Lisa Rehfuss Cover Artist: Chris Sabatino

FUN FOR KIDZ (ISSN 1536-898X) is published bi-monthly Subscriptions: All subscription inquiries and changes of by the Bluffton News Publishing and Printing Company, address should be addressed to FUN FOR KIDZ at P.O. Box 227, P.O. Box 227, 190 Sunset Dr., Bluffton, OH 45817. Bluffton, OH 45817. Telephone: 419-358-4610. Telephone: 419-358-4610. POSTMASTER: Send address Subscription rates are six issues (1 year) $32.95; twelve issues changes to Fun For Kidz, P.O. Box 227, Bluffton, OH (2 years) $55.90; eighteen issues (3 years) $68.85. Canadian 45817-0227. Periodical postage is paid at Bluffton, OH postage - first class - $18 per year, all other foreign countries first and Preston, ID. class airmail - $37.50 per year. FUN FOR KIDZ, INC. accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any Replacement Issues: We will replace one damaged or lost-ininjuries arising out of the use or misuse of ideas, materials, and the-mail issue per year. Your request must be made within 45 activities featured in its publications or products. days of the specific issue’s date: January 1, March 1, May 1, July Copyright © 2023 by the Bluffton News Publishing and Printing 1, September 1, or November 1. Co. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. FUN Attention Readers: Send in your letters, short stories, FOR KIDZ™, and the FUN FOR KIDZ logo™, are trademarks of FUN poems, jokes & riddles, and drawings for publication. Send to: Kids Corner, PO Box 227, Bluffton, OH 45817. FOR KIDZ, The Bluffton News Publishing and Printing Co.

/funforkidz funforkidz.com

Coming Next

$7.95

Vanished

Inside the Old House

Lost in Time

Meeting the Monster

Mystery at the Well

Mystery on the Boat

Mystery of Knossos

Mysterious Animals