Author: Lisa Mungovan

Lisa Russell was shocked, when she unpacked her suitcase in England, after a trip to Barbados. A tiny gecko had stowed away in her clothes! It made the 4000 mile journey, tucked securely in the cup of a bra. After being packed in luggage for 24 hours, the gecko was relieved to get out.

A tree fell on a house in Florida, destroying the roof. As if that wasn’t bad enough, a swarm of Italian honrybees came flying out of the tree, stinging anyone who came close. The bees were annoyed that their home was also destroyed. A deputy with beekeeping experience, relocated them into a new hive.

Today is Roald Dahl Day, in honor of his birthday in 19 16. The children’s author wrote books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, Fantastic Mr Fox, and James and the Giant Peach. Roald was also a World War 2 Ace fighter pilot, a spy, a chocolate taste-tester, and an inventor.

Some people think the number 13, breaking a mirror, or spilling salt, is bad luck. These are called superstitions, and are not actually true. Today is defy Superstition Day, so feel free to walk under ladders, step on all the cracks, and open umbrellas indoors. Just make sure there’s nothing in the way first!

Okay kids, what are we having for dinner tonight? It’s Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day! I suggest preparing something with peanuts, pickles and fortune cookies, because it’s also Peanut Day,  Fortune Cookie Day, and Snack A Pickle Day. Write your own fortunes for the cookies, like, ” Reward your children for making you dinner.”

Some basketball games seem to go on forever, but one game just took the world record. A game at a Buffalo New York gym, went on for 120 hours and 2 minutes. Players from New York and Canada, kept the basketball marathon going, as a fundraiser bringing awareness to mental health issues.

3 stonemasons were renovating a 13th-century barn in Plozevet France. They found a metal box hidden in the wall, filled with rare gold coins, and another stash of gold coins, in the rafters. The coins are worth $300,000. According to French law, those who discovered the coins will split the money with the homeowners.

Researchers placed GPS trackers, on different species of birds, to trace their flight patterns as they migrated across the sea. They discovered that some small birds, like the common swift, can fly for 10 months straight, without ever touching the ground! Birds use tailwinds and updrafts, to glide effortlessly for thousands of miles.

Today is Grandparent’s Day. Make sure you tell them how much you love them, or look at old photos if they’re no longer with you. It’s also Hug Your Hound Day, so give your dog some extra love too. Finally, show yourself some love with a delicious drink, for Chocolate Milkshake Day.

Today is Video Games Day. Maybe you can get some extra screen time to celebrate! Try playing Pong, which was the first video game invented, in 1972. It’ll make you appreciate modern graphics. Invite your parents to play with you, but no trash talking. It’s the National Day of Encouragement, so cheer them on instead!