Highlights High Five April 2020

the art around us

When I was a kid, my favorite piece of art was the painting Cakes by Wayne Thiebaud—not because of the painting’s brushwork or composition, but simply because it was a picture of cakes. A print of this painting hung in a restaurant my family visited often. As my parents and I would wait for dinner, we would make a game based on the painting. What cake am I thinking of? What flavor is each cake? What is each cake for? And it’s that print that inspired me to learn more about art. In this month’s poem puzzle, “Picture Perfect” (pages 16–17), Leo is painting a portrait of his friend Julia. In the background are some famous pieces of art, including a cat-inspired Mona Lisa. If your child is enjoying the feature,…

new things in spring

Tex, Indi, and their family were visiting Aunt Jen and her farm. “Welcome back,” said Aunt Jen. “You’re just in time to see the wildflowers wake up!” “Flowers don’t really sleep,” said Indi. “Do they?” “Not like we do,” said Aunt Jen. “But sometimes they rest underground through the cold winter months. When spring comes, their roots grow down to drink rainwater, their stems reach up to feel sunshine, and then they bloom!” “They’re so pretty!” said Tex. “These aren’t our only springtime surprises,” said Aunt Jen. “Just wait till you see our new little Rosebud!” The family walked past the vegetable garden, and the chickens, and the big yellow tractor. “Here she is,” Aunt Jen smiled. “Our new little Rosebud!” “You tricked us!” giggled Indi. “We thought you were showing us a flower, not a baby lamb.” “She…

spring picnic

“What a beautiful sunny day,” Ginger Paws said, poking his nose outside. “The grass is green, and the apple tree is covered with pink buds. It’s the perfect day for a picnic.” He hurried inside to pack a picnic basket and invite his friends over. “Surprise!” Ginger Paws shouted when his friends arrived. “We’re going to have a spring picnic.” “I’ll carry the picnic basket,” Davy Gravy said. “I’ll carry the blanket,” Misty said. Ginger Paws opened the door. “Oh, no!” he moaned. “We can’t have the picnic today.” “Why not?” Itty-Bitty Kitty asked. “Winter came back,” Ginger Paws said. “The apple tree is covered with snow.” “That’s not snow,” Misty said. “The buds on the tree opened into white blossoms.” “Silly me!” Ginger Paws laughed. “Let’s have our first spring picnic under the snow-white apple tree.”…

making new friends

Lola Chick was building a sandcastle at the playground when she noticed someone standing at the edge of the sand area. Lola Chick smiled. “Hola. Me llamo Lola Chick,” she said. “My name is Rocky,” he said. “¿Quieres jugar?” asked Lola Chick. “Yes, I’d like to play,” said Rocky. The two new friends started building together. Hola. Me llamo Lola Chick. OH-lah meh YAH-moh LOH-lah chick Hi. My name is Lola Chick. ¿Quieres jugar? key-YEH-rehss whoo-GAHR Do you want to play? A little later, Lola Chick noticed someone else near the sand area. She looked as if she wanted to play too. Lola and Rocky went over. “Hola. Me llamo Lola Chick,” said Lola Chick. “My name is Rocky,” said Rocky. Hola. Me llamo Lola Chick. OH-lah meh YAH-moh LOH-lah chick Hi. My name is Lola Chick. “¿Cómo te llamas?” Lola Chick asked…

veggie garden

You Need ⋆ Scissors ⋆ Brown felt ⋆ Craft foam ⋆ Glue ⋆ Paper cups ⋆ Rubber band Before you begin: Adult: Cut a 5-inch square out of felt. Cut a “+” shape in the center. 1 Cut. Cut out a veggie and a leaf from craft foam. 2 Glue. Glue the leaf to the vegetable. 3 Cut. Cut down the side of a cup. Cut off the bottom. 4 Secure. Put the felt over the top of the cup and secure with a rubber band. 5 Place. Place the cup inside another cup. Veggie Time! Put your veggie in the cup. Pull it out to watch it “grow”! What’s in your garden?…