Author: Lisa Mungovan

Hippo Happy Day. I mean, Happy Hippo Day! Did you know, hippopotamuses give pink milk? Another crazy fact is, they can’t swim! They just walk underwater. They might look slow and harmless, but be careful; they kill around 3000 people a year. Also, they fling poop with their tails, to mark their territory!

Happy World Whale Day! Whales are mammals that live in the ocean. They range in size from the 8-foot dwarf sperm whale, to the 98-foot blue whale, the largest creature that ever lived! Whales are endangered, after some species were nearly hunted to extinction. Whale songs can travel thousands of miles through the water!

Do you know who Spongebob Squarepants is? Then you’ll know what to do, on Annoy Squidward Day. Squidward’s grumpy, but Spongebob doesn’t let that stop their friendship. It’s also Gumdrop Day! Percy Truesdell was the Gumdrop King, perfecting the candy in 1915. The sugar-coated gelatin drops are often flavored with allspice, clove, mint, or licorice.

Today is World Bonobo Day. They aren’t as well-known as gorillas, chimps, and orangutans, but they are also great apes. They are matriarchal, meaning females are in charge of the troop. Bonobos are extremely smart, playful, and generous. They self-medicate by finding healing plants, laugh when tickled, and share their food, even with strangers!

The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition featured an exciting new ride, invented by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. He created the first Ferris Wheel! Jake “Paco” Navarro holds a world record, for riding one for 53 hours straight. The tallest Ferris wheel ever, is in Dubai. It’s 820 feet high! Happy Ferris Wheel Day!

Today is Frederick Douglass Day. Douglass was an African-American abolitionist, orator, writer, newspaper publisher, and statesman. He escaped from slavery in 18 38, and began giving lectures and writing autobiographies, becoming the most photographed person of the century. He fought for the abolition of slavery, and the right to vote after the Civil War.

Today is Cream-Filled Chocolates Day. Since you might get a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect time to figure out the secret to what’s inside, before you bite into them. Some boxes have a map, to find your favorites. Many candy makers use a specific swirl on top, for each flavor.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Saint Valentine was a priest put to death in the third century, but legends vary as to the reason why. His feast day evolved into a celebration of love in the Middle Ages. The best reason to celebrate today is to show appreciation to people in your life. And to eat chocolate!

Today is No One Eats Alone Day. Does your cafeteria have a table where kids can go to find a lunch buddy? Suggest one, so that no one ever has to eat alone! If you’re doing virtual learning, have lunch with a friend by facetime, or put them on speakerphone.

Today is Get A Different Name Day, so it’s a chance to try out a new nickname! You could make a new character name in a role playing game too, or pick out your next user name. It’s also Tortellini Day, a fun type of filling-stuffed pasta, that looks like a belly-button!