Red Howlers

Five Limbs, Five Facts:  Red howler monkeys live across South America in rainforests, deciduous woodlands and mangrove swamps. These New World monkeys (monkeys that live in North and South America) live for around 18 years. Unlike humans, red howlers frown when happy and smile when upset. Like some other monkeys, red howlers have a prehensile … Read more

A Musical Narrative Poem with an Important Lesson

The only children’s book by Robert Browning, The Pied Piper of Hamelin is illustrated by Kate Greenaway. Compared to the tale’s original recording, Browning’s narrative poem was written fairly recently: the legend first appeared in a church window around 1300 AD and this version of the story was written in 1842. The Pied Piper of … Read more

Red Kites

General Facts: Red kites, Milvus milvus, can be found in woodland, grassland and heathland. Despite being apex predators and being at the top of the food chain, red kites feed on scavenged carrion, invertebrates and small mammals. While buzzards have a wingspan of 109-140cm, red kites have a wingspan of around 185cm. They also weigh … Read more

A Children’s Classic Full of Daring Rescues

‘The next moment the big motor cruiser was round the bend, bearing down on them, towering above them…’ The fifth in the Swallows and Amazons series, Coot Club is by Arthur Ransome. This book includes sailing terms but provides definitions. Coot Club also includes two maps: one for the Northern rivers of the Norfolk Broads … Read more

Reading: A Great Hobby

Are you looking for a new hobby? You should try fictional reading. If you want a good way to relax, reading is perfect. A story can transport your mind to a different world, where your worries vanish. You don’t have to, but I find reading even more relaxing with classical music on in the background. … Read more

The Forms of Lycanroc, the Wolf Pokémon

Midday, Dusk and Midnight,The forms of Lycanroc, the Wolf Pokémon. Midday, a mushroom taupe,A mane of white fur and stone blades.A mighty howl and bushy tail.Rock Slide and Accelerock. Dusk, a perfect orange,A mane of white fur and a pointed stone arc.Emerald-green eyes and a Midday Tail.Accelerock and stone edge. Midnight, a dark crimson biped,A … Read more

I Watched a Pair of Dueling Antelope

I watched a pair of dueling antelopeOne Spring day, when something rare was my hope.Each majestic antler, a powerful sword.The clattering of wills could be heard.Their horns crossed, neither did concede.Heads bowed, both pushed for the lead.Only the strongest would succeed.

Cakes in a Window

Cake one, A round carrot cakeWith a carrot on topLike a tower on land. Cake two,A large rectangular cheesecakeWith white icingThat is a football pitch. Cake three,A perfectly-sized, round chocolate cakeWith cherry jam in the centreLike a cherry jam sandwich. Yes. Cake three is mine.I enter the shop.

The Golden Egg of Easter

‘Wake up!’ shouted a voice, as Doc was nudged by a paw. ‘Happy—the sun’s sleeping. Why can’t I?’ asked Doc, his words pierced by a yawn. ‘The Easter Festival starts today. Do you want to miss the Golden Rise?’ At this, Doc bolted up and ran towards the burrow entrance with Happy right behind. As … Read more