KIDZERA
Vol. 4
2013
Your media, your voice
What is this? KidzEra was first invented in 1995 in Boulder, Colorado. It started as a small newspaper, with art and writing made by kids in one particular school in Boulder. It was an instant success. KidzEra then grew into a global magazine and now exists as a digital magazine and world wide media channel. Anyone from the ages of 8-18 is invited to submit their creative work through the website or the mail.
Where does it come from? KidzEra receives submissions of art, writing, photography, sculpture and video from kids all over the world. It’s pretty amazing. We constantly review work as it comes in. Work is scanned and filed. When it comes time for a new issue, the editor sits down and creates a magazine from the submissions that work best together for that issue. We do our best to cram every issue as full of art and writing as we can but unfortunately we can’t publish everything we receive. If you haven’t seen your work in KidzEra yet, keep sending stuff in!
Who does this? The KidzEra Team is: Maggie Snyder Editor and Designer Jeremy Tomlinson Web Production Matthew Smith Director Christy Szoke Production Director Ryan Madson Video and Media Support But really, it’s all the artists, writers, thinkers and creatives that submit their work who make this what it is.
How do I get in it? If you are between the ages of 8-18, please submit your work by creating an account at KidzEra.com. You can also send your work here: KidzEra PO BOX 20250 Boulder, CO 80308 USA If you include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) we will mail your work back to you once we have scanned it for our collection.
If you have any questions, email us at communications@kidzera. com or give us a call at 1-888-400-KIDZ. Mandala submitted by: Kim S-W., Age 10, International School of Penang, Uplands, Malaysia
What ’s in here?
Besides stuff and things? Mostly art and writing. And some funny jokes. To wit:
KIDZERA ART
WRITING
TOP ARTIST—p. 12
INKSLINGER—p. 10 Because short, insightful poems are all we can concentrate on in the heat. Everything else is too long.
Featuring the work of Oolongteaholic (front cover), Stephanie C. (back cover) and Chiaki K.
CLICK A PIC—p. 16
SOS—p. 6 Let’s talk about braces. And also a call to action: help out with a bossy friend!
The challenge? Click a pic of something pretty. CHALLENGE MET.
ANYTHING GOES—p. 18
ZEITGEIST—p. 8
Featuring the poem Moments by KidzEra superstar user, PomieK.
What’s up in your world! As it turns out, not all of us are currently on summer vacation! :O
JOKES and assorted random fun.
SHENANIGANS—p. 20 Jokes, comics and quizzes.
We have no idea. You tell us! Best answer gets a prize!
Flower submitted by: Lucy W., Age 14, WR Satz Middle School, Holmdel, New Jersey
Why did the KidzEra Team cross the road? 3
Flowers submitted by: Monica P., Age 11, Hoxton Park Public School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
4
TALKBACK So here we are. It’s the middle of summer. It’s 80 degrees outside at 9 a.m. (That just shouldn’t be possible!) Maybe you’re asking yourself, like we are, what should we do today? What should we do this weekend? Maybe we should go canoeing or swimming. Maybe we should ride our bikes around the lake. Maybe we should beat the heat with a nap in front of the AC. Summer has so many possibilities! While you are busy cramming those last fun summer things in, stop by KidzEra.com and leave a comment about YOUR favorite summer fun things to do. Tell us about what you did, what you wish you did and what you look forward to doing before school starts again! Catch you on the flip side! -The KidzEra Team
Heart hands photograph submitted by: erynwade 5
S O S S O S S SO
I am super self conscious about getting braces next week. I am also scared about the pain and inconvenience. Any stress relievers or advice? My advice is...don’t be self conscious about them! Lots of people have braces, and it doesn’t really effect the way you look! The pain is no big deal— it really just feels achy the first few days and then it wears off, until you get them tightened again. Inconvenience? Well, there are a few foods you can’t eat, but that’s it. Don’t worry about it! Afterward, your teeth will look great! Keep smiling! :D Submitted by: enilorak
Well, look at it this way, it’ll help your teeth and you’ll be able to take it off sometime later. Just be careful and I’m sure you can handle the pain! Submitted by: Nadhirah2001
My advice is...braces are tough but they are also a great excuse to make smoothies with all your favorite fruits. Maybe sneak a little ice cream in there! If you use frozen fruit, the coldness will help a little bit with the achy feeling. Good luck! :) Submitted by: Jacaranda
6
S SO
help now: My problem is...that there’s this girl in my class that is super ultra bossy. She’s mean to her BFF and makes her do stuff. Now she’s trying to be my friend too. I don’t know what to do. PLEASE HELP ME!
Bear in Field submitted by: Samantha
7
Currently...picking a dress for graduation! Should I go with old hollywood, girly romantic or edgy elegance? Submitted by: little-ms-diva
Currently...drinking chilled lemonade on my porch and soaking in some vitamin D! Submitted by: little-ms-diva
Currently...me and my BFF are at school and not working at all and I am getting hit with my BFF’s hair. Submitted by: anime123 8
Girl Abstract submitted by: Sarah W., Age 14, Bala Cynwyd Middle School, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Currently...I have so much homework I don’t even think I can catch up on it and also secretly watching anime even when I’m not allowed to. Submitted by: SailorJupiter
Currently...summer vacation started! Perfect time to go out of the country or enjoy some non-stressful days. Did I mention it’s Ramadan as well? Ramadan is the day where all Muslims (maybe not kids) fast the whole day and eat at late-noon. It’s celebrated on July usually. Happy Ramadan folks! Submitted by: Tarisha S.
Currently...I’m trying real hard to sneeze with my eyes open. Seems impossible to me. You should try it yourself! Submitted by: Tarisha S.
9
Finding Yourself Submitted by: enilorak
Over hills of grass Under soft trees Through wet swamps and past the closed door Shed your layers until you are raw There, you will find it The one you have been searching for On white, plush clouds you will find yourself.
10
Thoughts
Submitted by: enilorak
Alone with my thoughts in an ocean of words Unspoken, yet sought after I’m stranded here alone A lifeboat in the storm ready to tip over Drown me in my thoughts and let them take control.
Summer Storm Submitted by: Supernatural
The outside is dark and gloomy with clouds that swim the gray dark skies. The rain pounds on the houses and doors, wanting to be invited into the warm and bright houses, filled with our cozy love and conversations.
The rain feeds the plants the nutrients they need, Then soon the plants and flowers will bloom with beauty and glory.
BOOKS
Submitted by: creativegirlever
Books are always filling my head, Whether I’m reading in a car or in my bed. Like the soul of a child with a warm and kind heart, The sun soon comes out and with it, a rainbow with its summer colors. Finally the sun is ready to peak at the horizon with its bright warmth and light— It’s time for the kids to come out and play.
Full of words they are, Coming to my life making it look totally bizarre. Characters, as if they are actual people, That I have known all my life. Fiction or non-Fiction I’ll read it all, Even if I may not recall reading it before. Books go beyond breaking all boundaries, Of building a strong imagination. It feels like they speak to me, Making me feel like I am totally free. Each book is different in its own way, Some are great and some went a bit astray. I just want more and more, I could read forever but it would never be enough.
Shaper drawing submitted by: NoahArk
11
Cover art submitted by: Oolongteaholic
top artist Oolongteaholic
n bee d e v ’ icke r! I ove ce I p c e in n th ever s ol. o se be ent cho I ho o c o t t s m r y fair n what n ono is mo om m u h o be th an fr uld decided le. It’s bout azine o le w ! a g W , It ven’t r peop st peop e t s i WO ming ra ma t v a r e a te a lies. I h elp oth ugh mo olor, I lo . i r dre KidzE o h ve ay fav ho ec a e a them lo want to ers, alt favorit own w up v a h urg d heir n’t ally l of ve a s an at I I do over al but I re s hamb on’t ha iful in t G P h i t R MO o do w one t to be, snack ack.I d e beau M n r g t in e wan avorite er it a s olors a play pire m y f c s d i i y e s stor ty e ins i i M t con th v H f i t o l c e ’ l ch don all. Al nd a er peop to b with ri e k e e v m h a we ot the ht h ubjects rite arious g i o v s m v fa ool esting My c and h c s i er mus ow. ct in ally int e j b re su do n rite hey’re o v T fa My Math. s. and ground k lic bac aho te
ong
-Ool
13
top artist, con’t.
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” -Victor Hugo (author of Les Misérables)
Horse DJ submitted by: Stephanie C., Age 11, Holy Spirit Ringwood School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisioned by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape? If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we’re partisans of liberty, then it’s our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!” -J.R.R. Tolkien (author of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit) Girl Wonder submitted by: Chiaki K., Age 14, International School of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
15
clickapicofsomet
Pretty nail polish submitted by: little-ms-diva Pretty kitty submitted by: little-ms-diva Pretty parrots submitted by: Dogzrule106 Pretty peacock submitted by: Dogzrule106 Pretty barrett submitted by: enilorak Pretty flower submitted by: enilorak Pretty water shadows submitted by: enilorak
thingpretty
17
Moments Moments, They from every second of every minute of every hour of every day. They are the most special time that is given to us. Everyone has these moments, These moments, Of pure grace, and peace. Like that moment in the shower, When the water trickle becomes peaceful And everything becomes clear, And the noise outside is muffled, And it’s just you. You, who had won first at a competition,but no one cared to ask. You, who had given countless hours working on the homework just so your friends could understand it. YOU! Who had friends and then no friends, and then friends once more, and just to have them leave you again! Then what is left? What. Is. Left? You. And those precious moments, Where nothing matters, Where the world is at peace, Where there is no war,
No politics, And nobody else. Where you are you. And when this moment is gone, There you are again, alone in that shower. You see, We have to recognize these moments, And reminisce in them. Because they will never come again. Because moments, Form every second of every minute of every hour of every day. Because they are the most special time that is given to us. Submitted by: PomieK
Moment drawing submitted by: machinegun123
19
SHENANIGANS
WHO’S YOUR HERO? Buildings, hero drawings and hero quiz submitted by: Hannah
6
Mom
Batman
Veterinarian
Television
Dad
Spiderman
Taxi driver
Pet
Sister
Superman
Film Director
School
Brother
Robin
Teacher
Friends
Meteorongs!
Why did the dog jump in the lake? He wanted to catch catfish!
Why did the fairy turn a bird into a clock? She wanted to see time fly! Jokes submitted by: Lena C., Age 11, Aptos Middle School, San Francisco, California
Burger comic submitted by: Justin R., Age 11, Malley Dr Elementary School. Northglenn, Colorado
You’re under a-vest!
What do you call meteorites that are wrong?
Bananatown comic submitted by: Samuel Z., Age 13, Woodglen Elementary School, Thornton, Colorado
What did the garment cop tell the shirt?
21
KIDZERA YOU ARE AWESOME