Category: Kids News

It’s Groundhog Day! The official weather-predicting groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow. That means there will be 6 more weeks of winter. But Martinsburg Maxwell, a groundhog with a degree in meteorology, said, “Phil’s only right 20% of the time. It’s impossible to accurately predict weather that way!”

8 months ago, Rachel Lawrence’s cat Barnaby, went missing. Recently, when Rachel called the veterinarian about her other cat, she heard a meow in the background that sounded familiar. Someone had dropped off a stray cat, that turned out to be Barnaby! Rachel rushed over to get her long-lost kitty, and bring him home.

A huge international research team, estimates there are 73,000 species of trees on Earth, but we only know about 64,000 of them. That means there are 9,000 undiscovered tree species. Scientists have to visit individual trees, to collect data. It’s like assembling a puzzle, where the pieces are hidden all over the world.

Today is Serpent Day, which celebrates snakes. Out of 3000 species of snakes, only 1/8th are venomous. The longest species, the reticulated python, can grow to over 30 feet long, while the tiny Barbados threadsnake, is like a 4-inch long spaghetti noodle. Snakes smell the air with their flickering tongues. Can you do that?

Today is going to be yummy. It’s Dark Chocolate Day! The bittersweet chocolate will get your tastebuds ready, for Baked Alaska Day. The dessert is a layer of cake, topped with ice cream and meringue, and then baked. Since it’s also Decorating With Candy Day, you know what to do.

Xīn nián kuài lè! That means “Happy new year” in Chinese. The Chinese Lunar New Year starts today, and it’s the Year of the Tiger. The Spring Festival begins 15 days of parties, fireworks, feasts and parades. It’s traditional to wear red and avoid sweeping. You’d sweep out good luck that the new year brought!

A rail car broke away from a train, and took off on its own adventure. The empty tank car detached from a train in Walla Walla Washington, and traveled 16 miles. It sped along at 50 miles-per-hour, before a hill slowed it down enough for someone to climb aboard, and apply the brakes.

Today is Scotch Tape Day. Invented in 1930, clear tape does more than seal packages. Artist Mark Jenkins, uses tape to make sculptures! You might be lucky enough to come across his figures in unusual situations, on the streets in your city. Learn how to use his tape-casting method at tape-sculpture.org, and make your own!

Do you own a gorilla suit? I’m sure most of you said “No,” but the “Yesses” are in luck. It’s Gorilla Suit Day! Your hairy suit will keep you warm in the snow. Go sledding and surprise everyone! It’s also Hot Chocolate Day, which both gorillas and non-gorillas will enjoy. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Today is Inspire Your Heart With Art Day. Spend some time creating art, going to a gallery, or learning about famous artists. Did you know that Leonardo Da Vinci, who painted the Mona Lisa, wrote backwards? See if you can do it, for Backward Day! Wear your clothes backwards, and see if anyone notices!