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Environmental Books for Children
December 2 – I AM TODAY Blog Tour Stop
I'm thrilled to be a stop on the blog tour for I Am Today by Matt Forrest Esenwine and Patricia Pessoa. This season of giving is the perfect time to share this gorgeous book that reflects the desire of children to give their thoughts, talents, and actions to causes that are meaningful to them. If you'd like to follow I Am Today's blog tour, see the graphic below for further dates and blogs.
I Am Today
Written by Matt Forrest Esenwine | Illustrated by Patricia Pessoa
A child stands on the edge of the beach, letting the sea foam run over her bare toes. Below, a turtle wrapped in a strand of wire floats nearby, while in the background a factory belches smog into the air, and a pipe snakes over the dunes to the water, where it spills its industrial waste. As the child picks up the turtle and removes the wire, she states, "Grown-ups say I am the Future." Then while releasing the freed turtle, she finishes her thought: "But I'd rather be the Now." The child then makes her case, explaining that she's ready to contribute in positive ways, having learned decency, fairness, and generosity from her family and other role models.
Image copyright Patricia Pessoa, 2021, text copyright Matt Forrest Esenwine, 2021. Courtesy of POW! Kids Books.
The memory of the turtle she saved stays with her—her one small act inspiring her to do more. She determines "if I see something isn't right, / I need to take a stand! / Why wait to offer kindness? / Why wait to lend a hand?" While trying to go to sleep, the little turtle and a whole sea of fish and other creatures swim in her mind. Suddenly, she has an idea and gets out of bed. She writes note after note and folds each paper into origami turtles. She then goes to her window and releases them on the wind.
The next morning, despite the rain, a crowd of children has gathered at the child's door—all are holding her note. They and their parents and other adults, many carrying signs urging protection for the sea animals, march down the sidewalk and past the polluting factory to the beach. Living in that moment, they think: "The past is far behind us, / the future, well beyond. / There's never been / a better time to listen… / …learn… / …respond!"
At the beach the group fans out across the sand to pick up debris, and a turn of the page reveals a clean beach and a newspaper containing a front-page article on the factory's waste pipe that has been closed. "Someday I'll be the Future" the child says, "But right now… / …I am Today."
Illustrated instructions on how to make an origami turtle follow the story.
Children, having lived on our planet for only a few years, are all progress, moving forward, not looking back yet as each day they learn something new, develop another skill, break old barriers, and form unique opinions. So it's no surprise that kids are concerned about what is happening today and how it will affect the future—their future and the world's. In I Am Today, Matt Forrest Esenwine harnesses that power of wonder, confidence, and ambition that children possess and gives it a lyrical voice. Flowing with a rhythm as stirring as ocean swells, Esenwine's story will resonate deeply within any child's heart.
While Patricia Pessoa's lovely illustrations depict a child concerned with protecting the ocean and its creatures, Esenwine's text is universal and equally inspiring for any child and any cause. While recognizing the desire and ability of children and young people to bring about change, Esenwine also provides concrete ways that they can do so, from small gestures to larger actions, allowing all readers to feel included and important. I Am Today also presents a meaningful way for kids and adults to talk about causes that are important to them and ways that they can get involved.
With a warm, vivid color palette and fresh perspectives that allow readers to make some of their own deductions, Patricia Pessoa presents a lush landscape of a child's family life, imagination, and ideas brought to fruition. Her images of the family's picture wall and dinner time are full of heart and humor, and kids will enjoy lingering over the pages to catch all the action. Pessoa portrays the importance of saving the turtles and other sea creatures with clever imagery as the turtle appears in the bathroom mirror as the child brushes her teeth, swimming in the bathtub, and decorating the cup of water on her nightstand. Pessoa's illustrations of the fish and other ocean creatures that fill the child's mind are especially beautiful, as is the spread in which she sends her origami messengers out into the world.
I Am Today is an inspiring, uplifting, and motivational book that children will want to frequently revisit and one that families, classrooms, schools, and public libraries will want to add to their collections. The book's beauty and message makes it a wonderful gift for any child on your list.
POW! Kids Books, 2021 | ISBN 978-1576879948
Discover more about Matt Forrest Esenwine, his books, and his poetry on his website.
You can connect with Patricia Pessoa on Instagram.
Check out these upcoming dates and discover how other bloggers are celebrating I Am Today!
This year many books have been delayed from their original publishing date to a later time due to shipping and supply issues. The best way to support authors and their wonderful new books is to preorder titles from your favorite bookseller. I Am Today will be available January 23, 2022.
You can preorder I Am Today at these booksellers
Posted in Beach Books, Earth Day, Environmental Books, Inspiration, Kindness, Marine Animals, Nature, New Experiences, Ocean Creatures, Picture Books, Recycling, Sea Creatures, Social Activists
Tagged Environmental Books for Children, I Am Today Book Review, Matt Forrest Esenwine, Patricia Pessoa, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about Activism, Picture Books about Beach Pollution, Picture Books about Environmental Activism, Picture Books about Kindness, Picture Books about Making a Difference, Picture Books about Nature, Picture Books about Recycling, Picture Books about Sea Creatures, Picture Books about Self-confidence, Picture Books about the Environment, POW! Kids Books
August 21 – World Honey Bee Day
In 2009 National Honey Bee Day was proclaimed by US Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsek. The holiday quickly spread and is now celebrated worldwide. World Honey Bee Day began as National Honey Bee Day in 2009 with a proclamation issued by the Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas J. Vilsek. The day recognizes both the honey bee and the beekeepers who tend the hives and encourages people to learn about and create supportive environments in their own yards to promote healthy bee populations. Of course, it's also a day to buy and enjoy locally grown honey. To celebrate this holiday, explore a variety of honey flavors, try a few new recipes that incorporate honey, and learn all the buzz about bees, honey, and beekeeping with today's book!
I'd like to thank Sleeping Bear Press for sharing H is for Honey Bee: A Beekeeping Alphabet with me for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
H is for Honey Bee: A Beekeeping Alphabet
Written by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen | Illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen
If your garden or yard is anything like mine, the bees are humming around late-summer blooms and tracing their circuitous route to nearby or far-flung hives. The mystery and marvel of how honey bees convert powdery pollen into sweet honey never fails to awe and delight. In H is for Honey Bee, readers of all ages discover fascinating facts and stories about Bees from Apis mellifera ("Apis is the clue that we're talking about a bee. / And mellifera means it's all about honey") to Z "for Zen and BUZZZZ."
Image copyright Eileen Ryan Ewen, 2020, text copyright Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen, 2020. Courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.
In between children learn all about a bee hive, its resident bees (from Drones to Guards to the Queen), how bees communicate, and at E how organized beekeeping dates back to 2400 BC and how important it was to Egyptian culture. "Found on hieroglyphs in the sun temple of Pharaoh Ne-user-re near Cairo, Egypt, an Egyptian peasant is depicted smoking stacked hives while other workers are storing and sealing honey in jars."
At L kids learn about Lorenzo Langstroth, "the father of humane, practical beekeeping." After discovering that natural hives had small passages that allowed bees to move freely though them, he invented a hive with removable frames that didn't upset the other bees or damage the combs. Langstroth's hive paved the way for other innovations, such as the Observation Hive at O, that gives people a clear view of bees at work. "You can watch the queen lay eggs, workers fan moisture from the nectar, and observe the bees dancing on the comb" and other marvels of a bee's day.
Humans aren't the only innovative ones, and readers will be fascinated to learn about Propolis at P, which bees make from their own saliva and other natural ingredients to protect their hive. V is for Venom—the bee's defense that is more fun to learn about than experience. If you're interested in where Beeswax comes from, just flip to W, and if you want to know how to tell if a hive is happy, Z is where you'll find it.
Back matter includes resources on how you can create a safe and productive atmosphere for bees in your own yard, tips for becoming a beekeeper, and fun facts about busy bees.
Through charming and informative four-line rhymes and a column of detailed facts for each letter of the alphabet, Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen presents a full and exhilarating look at bees, honey, and the job of beekeeping. She describes the behavior of bees—from how they communicate to how they survive winter temperatures to how the queen rules the hive and more—as well as the dangers bees face, from inside the hive and out, in vivid language that will captivate kids. Discussions on the healthy properties of honey as well as the joys of amateur beekeeping are here as well.
Accompanying the text are Eileen Ryan Ewen's vibrant illustrations that give readers an up-close view of honey bees developing from egg to adult, gathering nectar, and working in their hive. Kids also meet Lorenzo Langstroth, see beekeepers working at their hives in yards and on rooftops, and travel down the Nile River with ancient beekeepers who moved their hives to continually provide them with the nectar and pollen they needed. Each page invites lingering to see and discuss all the details.
A well-rounded and comprehensive resource for those interested in bees and insects, gardeners of any age, and kids who love nature as well as for elementary and middle-grade science classes, H is for Honey Bee: A Beekeeping Alphabet is highly recommended for home, school, and public libraries.
Ages 7 – 10 and up
Sleeping Bear Press, 2020 | ISBN 978-1534110700
Discover more about Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen and her books on her website.
To learn more about Eileen Ryan Ewen, her books, and her art, visit her website.
World Honey Bee Day Activity
Busy Buzzy Bee Maze
Can you help the little bee find her way to the flower and her friend in this printable maze?
Busy Buzzy Bee Maze Puzzle | Busy Buzzy Bee Maze Solution
You can find H is for Honey Bee: A Beekeeping Alphabet at these bookseller
Posted in Alphabet Books, Bees, Environmental Books, Nature, Picture Books, Science, Wildlife
Tagged Alphabet Books about Bees, Eileen Ryan Ewen, Environmental Books for Children, H is for Honey: A Beekeeping Alphabet Book Review, Nature Science Picture Books, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about Beekeeping, Picture Books about Bees, Picture Books about Honey, Picture Books about Nature, Picture Books about the Environment, Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen, Sleeping Bear Press
November 14 – It's Geography Awareness Week
Today's holiday was instituted in 1994 by National Geographic to get people excited about geography and its importance to education and everyday life. As defined by National Geographic, geography is "the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments." This discipline includes how humans interact with the environment and the impact of location on people. These important questions affect a wide range of issues. More than 100,000 people across the country participate in Geography Awareness Week through special events, focused lessons and activities in classrooms, and attention by government and business policy-makers. To learn more about the week and discover resources for further education, visit the National Geographic website.
Into the Forest: Wander through Our Woodland World
Written by Christiane Dorion | Illustrated by Jane McGuinness
Forests, with their stands of ancient, towering trees capped with leafy canopies and thin saplings reaching for their bit of sun are mysterious, awe inspiring, and home to some of the world's most fascinating creatures. In Into the Forest Christiane Dorion and Jane McGuinness take readers through coniferous forests, deciduous forests, and tropical rainforests around the world to introduce readers to the life found there.
Readers first learn how a single tree grows from a seed to a full-grown beauty and see how the tree is nurtured and how it nurtures insects and animals in return. But a single tree does not make a forest. Children discover the ways in which many trees work together to create a forest and how the creatures attracted to the forest interact as well.
Image copyright Jane McGuinness, 2020, text copyright Christiane Dorion, 2020. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children's Books.
"Deciduous forests are found in places where there is plenty of rain and four distinct seasons through the year." Animals roost in the trees' trunks, root systems, and branches. "On the forest floor, small creatures snuffle, crawl, or hop under the thick carpet of fallen leaves in search of food and a safe place to shelter." These trees have distinctive leaves and undergo changes as the seasons change. Like the trees, the animals that live in a deciduous forest also adapt to the weather, the abundance or scarcity of food, and sheltering needs. Readers learn fascinating facts about the ingenuity of the forest's insects and animals.
After learning about the deciduous forest, readers will want to discover them for themselves. Through lyrical descriptions and charming, realistic illustrations, Dorion and McGuinness show children and adults how and where to look and listen to find the treasures the forest holds. But there can be so many different trees in a forest—or even in a backyard or neighborhood. How do you know which is which? Dorion and McGuinness provide an illustrated guide to the names, shape, size, and type of leaf of twenty deciduous trees.
Across the northern hemisphere, coniferous forests stand tall and stalwart against bitterly cold winters while attracting some of the most majestic creatures in the animal kingdom. "Most trees in the coniferous forest are evergreens with needle-like leaves" that stay green and shed little-by-little all year round. Instead of flowers, coniferous trees produce their seeds in cones. Squirrels and birds, who can use their sharp beaks and acrobatic flying and hanging skills, find food in these cones during long winters.
In coniferous forests, the floor is dark, wet, and can be rocky or even frozen year-round. Moss, fungi, lichen, and carnivorous plants are some of the vegetation found here. Readers learn how these plants grow, what they look like, and the animals that thrive on them. How do the forest animals survive the harsh winter conditions? Dorion and McGuinness follow ermine, grouse, a snowshoe hare, bats, chipmunks, bears, and other birds and animals as they navigate their cold home. They then take kids to the west coast to look up, up, up at the mammoth redwoods, some of which "have lived for more than two thousand years."
There is a wide variety of coniferous trees, and again Dorion and McGuinness present a guide to the size, shape, and type of needles and cones of fourteen trees. And why are evergreens shaped like a triangle? The clever answer to that question is here too.
When you think of colorful birds and animals, you think about tropical rainforests. Dorion and McGuinness. Found near the equator, rainforests are home to "more than half of the know plants and animals in the world" and "more are yet to be discovered." In a glorious riot of color, climbing vines, vibrant flowers and fruit, Dorion and McGuinness introduce readers to the denizens of these forests, where rain and warm weather provide plenty of food and water; "monkeys leap from tree to tree using their long limbs and gripping tails to move around;" and "screeching macaws, croaking frogs, and howling monkeys make a deafening jungle chorus" to "tell each other where they are in the dense tangle of leaves and branches."
Readers will meet animals including the howler monkey, coati, toucan, parrot, poison dart frog, and sloth. Kids also learn about hanging lianas, orchids, and why plants have waxy leaves. All of that vegetation above means that the forest floor is dark and damp, making it the perfect place for some of the world's most unusual—and feared—creatures, including snakes, spiders, jaguars, the giant centipede, and the Hercules beetle.
Frequent rain is the lifeblood of these tropical forests, and Dorion and McGuinness describe and depict their unique atmosphere as well as the ingenious adaptations some animals use to hide in plain sight and fool predators and the way nighttime transforms the forest into a feeding ground for nocturnal animals. The guide to fourteen tropical trees introduces readers to a wide variety from palm trees to fruit trees, like mango and avocado, to trees that produce nuts, cinnamon, cacao, and chicle for gum.
Dorion and McGuinness close out their book with discussions on how plants, insects, and animals work together to ensure the growth and heath of a forest; the ways in which a forest benefits the planet; and how to plant a tree so that it will thrive. Readers will love the illustrated prompt to find twenty-seven creatures within the pages of the book, giving them an exciting way to turn back to discover all the gems included in the text.
A glossary defines twenty-two terms found in the text, and a list of organizations and links to their websites complete the back matter.
Christiane Dorion's beautiful language and richly detailed narration take children into the three types of forests to see and hear how these natural communities of trees, plants, animals, birds, insects, and even weather patterns work together to maintain what are indispensable parts of our earth. The facts Dorion chooses to present will captivate young learners, telling them enough about each subject to educate while sparking a desire to know more. Perfectly paced, her text creates a lovely flow and visual accompaniment to Jane McGuinness's gorgeous illustrations.
McGuinness astounds on every page with lush images of the various types of forests in warm weather and the coldest of conditions, during daylight and nighttime, during quiet periods and busy times. Her realistically portrayed intense textures, vivid colors, unique shapes, and furtive or carefree movements of nature invite readers into the depths of the forests to truly see what is there.
Lingering over the pages rewards readers with hidden delights, such as tiny animals peeking from the knot hole of a tree, little caterpillars inching their way across leaves, a nest with three eggs secured within the branches of a spring-green tree, and masters of camouflage motionless and nearly undetectable. Spotlighted facts and the intermittent detailed guides to specific trees, creatures, and the science of forests not only teach readers about these particular features but reinforce how nature collaborates to survive and grow.
Superbly conceived, Into the Forest is a must for home, classroom, and public library collections for nature lovers, school and homeschool lessons, and anyone who would like to learn more about our planet.
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020 | ISBN 978-1526600707
Discover more about Christiane Dorion and her books on her website.
To learn more about Jane McGuinness, her books, and her art, visit her website.
Geography Awareness Week Activity
Fascinating animals are found in every part of the world. Play this fun printable Wonderful Wildlife Board Game to match each animal to the area where it lives.
Printable World Map, one map for each player
Printable Wildlife Tokens, one set for each player
Printable 8-sided playing die
Printable Dice-Rolling Guide for Numbers and Animal Tokens
Colored pencils, crayons, or markers (optional)
Print a World Map for each player
Print one set of 16 Wildlife Tokens for each player
Print two copies of the 8-sided die, fold, and tape together
If you would like, color the map and tokens
Choose a player to go first
Each player rolls both dice and places an animal on their map according to these corresponding sums of the dice below
The first player to fill their map is the winner!
1 = Flamingo – South America
2 = Emperor Penguin – Antarctica (Southern Ocean)
3 = Giraffe – Africa
4 = Bald Eagle – North America
5 = Ibex – Europe
6 = Kangaroo – Australia
7 = Panda – Asia
8 = Orca – Antarctica (Southern Ocean)
9 = Toucan – South America
10 = Buffalo – North America
11 = Koala – Australia
12 = Lion – Africa
13 = Etruscan Shrew – Europe
14 = Manta Ray – Pacific Ocean
15 = Sea Turtle – Atlantic Ocean
16 = Tiger – Asia
You can find Into the Forest at these booksellers
Posted in Animals, Book Related Games, Botany, Environmental Books, Geography, Nature, Science, Trees
Tagged Bloomsbury Children's Books, Christiane Dorion, Environmental Books for Children, Into the Forest Book Review, Jane McGuinness, Nonfiction Picture Books about Forests, Nonfiction Picture Books about Trees, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about Animals, Picture Books about Botany, Picture Books about Forests, Picture Books about Nature, Picture Books about Nature Science, Picture Books about Trees, Picture Books for Geography
Today is Arbor Day, a national celebration of trees that began as a campaign by J. Morton Sterling and his wife after they moved from Michigan to Nebraska in 1854. Morton advocated for the planting of trees not only for their beauty but as windbreaks for crops on the state's flat farmland, to keep soil from washing away, as building materials, and for shade. In 1872, Morton proposed a tree-planting day to take place on April 10. On that day nearly one million trees were planted in Nebraska. The idea was made official in 1874, and soon, other states joined in. In 1882 schools began taking part. Today, most states celebrate Arbor Day either today or on a day more suited for their growing season. To learn about events in your area, find activities to download, and more, visit the Arbor Day Foundation website.
Peter and the Tree Children
Written by Peter Wohlleben | Illustrated by Cale Atkinson
One day while Peter enjoyed his morning coffee on his porch while listening to the birds singing, "a squirrel scampered up and sat down next to him as though they were old friends." With tears in his eyes, the squirrel told Peter that he was all alone with no family. Peter was empathetic—his children didn't live with him anymore—but, he said, "'I still have the trees.'" He then told the squirrel how tree families live in the forest and asked if he would like to go look for some. This cheered the squirrel, and they headed out into the woods. On the way, Peter introduced himself, and the squirrel said his name was Piet.
Image copyright Cale Atkinson, 2020, text copyright Peter Wahlleben. Courtesy of Greystone Kids.
When they reached a sunny clearing, Piet wondered where the tree children were. Peter told him it was too hot there and led the way deeper into the woods. The way was muddy, so Piet climbed on Peter's shoulders. In the distance, they could hear a loud rumbling. As they grew nearer, they saw a "big machine busy cutting down trees." Peter told Piet that they wouldn't find tree children here either because the heavy machine had "'packed the soil down so much that the little trees can't grow in it.'"
They walked on sadly until they heard another noise. It was Peter's friend Dana and her horse dragging a tree trunk. Piet introduced himself and told Dana of their mission to find tree children. She said she hadn't seen any for a long time while Peter explained to Piet that Dana's horse left the soil soft and loose unlike the big machine. After a close call with a hawk, Piet rode in Peter's jacket.
They came to a rocky overlook where they watched a crew planting small trees in a clearing below. Peter looked at all of the big trees that had been cut down, and his face turned red with anger. Piet sniffed one of the little trees, wondering if they'd found tree children at last. He liked the orangey scent the seedling gave off. But Peter told him the trees were sad. "'This smell is how trees talk to each other, and it means that the trees don't feel so well. They miss being shaded and protected by their families.'" He wanted to show Piet some happy trees.
At last they came to a dark, cool beech forest, where "the silvery-gray trees formed a roof of leaves way up high." On the ground Piet noticed "'butterflies everywhere.'" Peter chuckled and told him that those green fluttering wings weren't butterflies but "'freshly sprouted beech children.'" Now it was Piet's turn to laugh. He told Peter how he had hidden beechnuts in this spot in the fall and then forgotten where he'd buried them. They both thought that this forest where beech trees and their children grew together was the most beautiful they'd ever seen.
The sun was beginning to set, so they started the long walk home. Back on Peter's porch, Piet looked sad again. He didn't eat the snack Peter brought him and a tear rolled down his cheek. Everyone had a family except him, he said. Peter picked Piet up and told him that he liked him very much. Then he invited him to stay. "Piet's eyes grew wide. 'Does that mean we're family now?'" Peter replied "'Of course.'" Piet smiled, and then they made plans to visit the tree children again tomorrow.
Back matter reveals five more fascinating facts about how trees grow.
Peter Wohlleben's engaging guides, Peter and Piet, educate children about the conditions necessary for trees to grow from seed to adult in his follow up to The Hidden Life of Trees for adults and Can You Hear the Trees Talking? For older children. In an attempt to cheer up Piet, Peter takes him into the forest in search of tree families and their little ones. Along the way, readers learn about the harmful effects of heavy logging machinery and the benefits of sustainable forestry. They also discover the fascinating fact that trees talk to each other through scent, which will inspire them to learn more. Adverse conditions and natural dangers draw Peter and Piet closer together, building a bond that culminates in Peter's adopting Piet as a new family member. This turn of events, as well as Piet's part in helping to foster the tree children they find, will cheer young readers.
Little ones will immediately empathize with Cale Atkinson's cute squirrel, Piet, as he shares his sadness at not having a family with Peter. As Peter and Piet head into the forest, Atkinson's sun-dappled pages invites readers to point out the butterflies, caterpillars, and flowers along their route. Kids may be surprised to see Dana and her horse and want to learn more about this type of forestry. Images of the impressive beech tree and thriving tree children will spur readers to look for young seedlings and saplings among stands of trees in their own area.
Greystone Kids, 2020 | ISBN 978-1771644570
Discover more about Peter Wohlleben, his books, and his work on his website.
To learn more about Cale Atkinson, his books, and his art, visit his website.
You can find Peter and the Tree Children at these booksellers
Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
By Peter Wohlleben
For older children, Peter Wohlleben's endlessly astonishing Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Reveals the depth of senses, awareness, and long-lasting family bonds that trees possess. In seven chapters, Wohlleben discusses in a conversational tone how trees work, what it's like for them growing up in a forest, trees' friends and enemies, how types of trees are different, forest animals, the impact of trees, and a tree's transformations over a year. Each chapter is broken into short sections of discussions on one topic, illustrated with stunning photographs that clearly depict the concept.
Here are just a few highlights:
From Do Trees Have Grandparents?: Trees can recognize members of their own family. How? Through their roots! "If a tree's roots meet those of a neighboring tree, the can check whether they belong to the same species." If they are related, "now their roots will grow together. The trees send messages and exchange the sugar they have made through this connection. It's as if they've invited each other to dinner." And what about old stumps? Looking at the condition of the stump can tell you a lot. "If the bark is falling off and the stump is rotten, the tree is out of touch with its neighbors" and is no longer alive. "If the edge of an old stump is very hard and still has solid bark, the stump is still alive… [and] getting food from its family through its roots."
Copyright Peter Wohlleben, 2019, courtesy of Greystone Kids.
In What Do Tree Children Learn at School? kids discover that mother trees don't leave their children alone and on their own. Mother trees search out their children with their roots, and when they've found them, these caring mothers connect with their babies and nurse them with sugar water. They need this nourishment because "in an old-growth forest, it's very dark at ground level. With so little light, the tree children can't produce their own sugar with their leaves, so they have to rely on their parents.
Can Trees Talk? Reveals that "a single tree notices when something bites it. After the initial shock, the tree will taste who is nibbling on it. Yes, you read that right: trees can taste. Because whenever an animal bites into the bark, a leaf, or a branch, it injects a bit of saliva into the wound. And every animal's spit tastes different." The tree then pumps a foul-tasting or even poisonous liquid into the site that wards off the predator. For example, to defeat bark beetles, trees "release a sticky, bitter substance called pitch" that trap beetles. The tree then alerts other trees to the danger by releasing a scent that causes nearby trees to begin generating pitch for themselves.
We all know that animals, such as squirrels, hide food for the winter, but did you know that jays are masters of this autumn task? In Who's the Best Forest Detective? Kids learn that when jays bury nuts and worms there are certain considerations. "Acorns and beechnuts remain fresh for more than six months, while dead earthworms only last a few days. The bird knows it has to eat the worms first so they don't spoil." And with the ability to "remember up to ten thousand hiding places," quickly finding his stash is easy. "Usually, two thousand acorns and beechnuts are enough to see it through the winter. But because the jay can't be sure that will be enough, it prefers to bury a few thousand more just in case."
With quizzes, prompts for observation, and interesting experiments to try, Can You Hear the Trees Talking? will keep young readers riveted to the pages and eager to get out into nature to explore the trees in a forest, a park, in their neighborhood, and close to home. This book would make a superb and often-referred-to addition to home, school, and public library collections.
You'll find a Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Companion Guide for parents and teachers to download on the Greystone Books website.
You can find Can You Hear the Trees Talking? at these booksellers
Arbor Day Activity
On Arbor Day children love planting trees in their yard or as part of a community project. With this easy craft, they can also make a tree for the table or to hang on their wall or bulletin board.
Two paper plates
Paper towel tube
Brown craft paint
Green craft paint (using a variety of green paints adds interest)
Paintbrush, cork, or cut carrot can be used to apply paint
Glue or hot glue gun or stapler
Paint the paper towel tube brown, let dry
Paint the bottoms of the two paper plates with the green (or other color) paints, let dry
Flatten about 4 inches of the paper towel tube
Glue or tape the flat part of the paper towel tube to the unpainted side of one paper plate
Glue the edges of the two paper plates together, let dry.
Pull out the bottom of the tube so the tree can stand up, or hang your tree on a wall or bulletin board or in a window
Posted in Book Related Crafts, Environmental Books, Nature, Science, Trees
Tagged Cale Atkinson, Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest Book Review, Children's Books about Forests, Children's Books about Nature Science, Children's Books about Science, Children's Books about Trees, Children's Books for Arbor Day, Environmental Books for Children, Greystone Books, Nature Books for Children, Peter and the Tree Children, Peter Wohlleben, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about Forests, Picture Books about Nature, Picture Books about Nature Science, Picture Books about Science, Picture Books about the Environment, Picture Books about Trees
May 30 – National Water a Flower Day
If the showers of April have dried up where you are and the May flowers are getting a bit thirsty, today's holiday makes the perfect reminder to fill the watering can or turn on the sprinkler and give them a drink. Colorful flowers are some of the joys of summer and provide food for birds and insects all season long. If you haven't begun your garden yet, it's not too late! Grab a packet of seeds or visit your local nursery and see what a wonderful, wild patch you can grow!
The Curious Garden
By Peter Brown
"There once was a city without gardens or trees or greenery of any kind." People didn't notice because they spent most of their time inside—working, going to school, or at home. "As you can imagine, it was a very dreary place." There was one boy, though, who loved being outside. One rainy day Liam discovered a stairway leading to a bridge that held unused railway tracks. Of course, he was curious, and when he reached the top he discovered a scrawny patch of wildflowers. They needed water; they needed a gardener.
Copyright Peter Brown, 2009, courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Liam wasn't officially a gardener, "but he knew that he could help." After a few false starts and a mis-snip here and there, the plants began to look better. After several weeks, "Liam began to feel like a real gardener, and the plants began to feel like a real garden." Now that the garden was healthy, it began to be curious about what lay up and down the railway track. The weeds and mosses crept down the tracks while the "more delicate plants" plucked up their courage and followed. During the next few months, Liam and the garden explored all the nooks and crannies of the railway bridge. Liam looked out over his city with a new perspective.
When winter came, the garden lay under a blanket of snow and Liam stayed below, sledding and preparing for spring. With warmer weather, Liam gathered his new shovel, hoe, pruners, and watering can in his red wheelbarrow and went back to the railway. "Winter had taken a toll on the garden." The grass and moss were brown, the flowers were just brittle twigs, and the little tree was dull and unkept. But Liam watered, snipped, and even sang to the plants, and soon they "awoke from their winter sleep."
Now the garden was even more curious about the rest of the city, and the brave weeds and mosses led the way. "They popped up farther and farther from the railway and were closely followed by the more delicate plants." They explored "old, forgotten things," wiggled their way into sidewalk cracks, and even poked their heads out of broken basement windows. When some plants planted themselves where they didn't belong, Liam moved them. He also began leaving them in surprising spots around town.
This led to an even more surprising thing: new gardeners also popped up all over the city. Now there were rooftop gardens, backyard gardens, and even gardens that climbed walls. Plants created soft carpets for stairs, huge lily pad boats, an animal parade, and high-rise tree houses for neighbors to share. "Many years later, the entire city had blossomed." But Liam still loved his patch on the railway line the best.
An Author's Note following the text reveals the true-life inspiration for the story.
Peter Brown's classic story about a little boy who brings new life to a city that has shut itself off from the natural world, reminds readers of the importance of the environment and getting outside to enjoy it and participate in its survival and growth. But Brown's story is about so much more too. As Liam's garden begins to branch out, readers see how one person can be instrumental in spreading ideas, happiness, good news, kindness, in fact any number of life-changing events. In the title and the description of the garden, Brown taps into a dual nature of "curious." What may seem odd or new or even forgotten sparks interest and exploration and new, often better, perspectives that can bring people together.
Brown opens the story with a two-page, aerial-view spread of the drab city dotted in only two places with a bit of color and giving readers a bit of foreshadowing of the transformation to come. The scrubby patch of greenery next to the rotted tracks includes a tiny tree, cleverly imbued with personality. As the garden spreads, kids will love hunting for the itty-bitty birds, bees, and beetles that appear among the colorful flowers. Kids will "ooh" and "ahh" over the pages that show how and where the garden has spread (a parking lot reclamation is a bright spot) and its influence on new gardeners. The final spread completes the promise held in the first and is a true showstopper.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009 | ISBN 978-0316015479
To learn more about Peter Brown, his books, and his art, visit his website.
National Water a Flower Day Activity
Spoon Flowers Craft
Plastic spoons aren't just for enjoying yummy treats, they make cute flowers too! With this easy and quick craft, you can give everyone you love a bouquet!
Colorful plastic spoons
Heavy stock paper or construction paper in various colors, including green for leaves
Multi-surface glue or hot glue gun
Cut petals from the heavy stock paper or construction paper
Glue the petals to the bowl of the spoon
Cut leaves from the green paper (optional)
Glue leaves to the handle of the spoon (optional)
You can find The Curious Garden at these booksellers
Posted in Book Related Crafts, Botany, City Life, Community, Environmental Books, Gardening, Nature, New Experiences, Sustainability
Tagged Environmental Books for Children, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, Peter Brown, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about City Life, Picture Books about Community, Picture Books about Gardening, Picture Books about Nature, Picture Books about New Experiences, Picture Books about Sustainability, Picture Books about the Environment, Plastic Spoon Flowers Craft, The Curious Garden
May·30
September 4 – National Wildlife Day – Guest Post by Author Marsha Diane Arnold
National Wildlife Day was established in 2005 by author and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige in memory of conservationist Steve Irwin. The day promotes awareness of the importance of conservation of animals, habitats, and the environment worldwide and offers education on the number of endangered and threatened species across the globe. To honor today's holiday, visit a local zoo, aquarium, or other nature preserve and take some time to learn about what you can do to help protect the environment.
Lee & Low Books sent me a copy of Galápagos Girl/ Galápagueña to check out. All opinions are my own.
Welcome Marsha Diane Arnold
I'm thrilled to have award-winning picture book author Marsha Diane Arnold as a guest blogger today revealing a bit of the backstory of Galápagos Girl / Galápagueña. Her past titles include the Smithsonian Notable Book The Pumpkin Runner and Lost. Found., which received three starred reviews. With more than one million books sold, Marsha's stories have been called "whimsical," "wacky," "heartwarming," and "uplifting" by captivated young readers. Marsha was inspired to write this story after traveling to the Galápagos Islands, where she met Valentina Cruz and had the opportunity to swim with sea lions and dolphins. She lives with her family in Alva, Florida.
Thank you, Kathryn, for having me visit your site on National Wildlife Day. It's a perfect day to celebrate my newest book, Galápagos Girl / Galápagueña, along with conservation of wild places and animals!
As a child, would you have enjoyed swimming with sea lions? Feeding plums to giant tortoises by hand? Having warblers fly through your house? That was the life of Valentina Cruz. Galápagos Girl is based on her idyllic life on remote Floreana island in the Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago west of Ecuador.
My photos of actual blue-footed booby and Galápagos marine iguana.
Valentina grew up surrounded by nature, but perhaps more accurately, she grew up in nature. I think when a child grows up seeing wild wonders every day, they grow up respecting and protecting nature and wildlife. Valentina and her siblings certainly did. She grew up to be a biologist and naturalist guide. One brother, Eliecer Cruz, was director of the Galápagos National Park and, later, director of the Galápagos branch of the World Wildlife Fund. Another brother, Felipe, worked on many projects with the Charles Darwin Research Station, including studying the challenges that face the Galápagos petrel. Her sister, Marilyn, is director of Galápagos Biosecurity Agency, which helps control and prevent invasive species in the islands.
In some ways, Valentina's childhood was similar to mine. She was surrounded by a loving family—her parents and eleven brothers and sisters. I only had one brother, but along with my parents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, we gathered on many Sunday afternoons at my grandmother's house. Valentina and I both delighted in nature, though hers was a more exotic nature—the distant Galápagos Islands, where Charles Darwin discovered those famous finches and came up with his theory of natural selection. Mine was a small farm on the Kansas plains—I didn't see the ocean until I was an adult. Valentina had Galápagos tortoises as pets and swam with sea lions. (Of course, keeping tortoises as pets is not allowed today.) I played with my neighbor's pet raccoon (also, not allowed today) and listened to the meadowlark's song from the roof of my house.
Valentina loves nature, home, and family, but has the soul of an adventurer. I'm much the same. When I grew up I yearned to see as much of the world as possible. When my long-time traveling buddy, Jean Gallagher, asked me to travel with her to the Galápagos, one of my long-time dreams came true.
The Galápagos Gang – fellow travelers to a far-off land. Jean is 3rd to right in front. I am 4th.
It was on that 2007 trip that I met Valentina, one of our naturalist guides. With her, we visited Floreana and saw the home where she grew up. I was enamored. I thought how wonderful a book about the islands and their unique wildlife, woven together with Valentina's childhood, would be. Yet it wasn't until April 2009 that I emailed Valentina and told her of my dream to write a picture book based on her life. Over months and years, Valentina generously shared her stories with me.
Valentina showing us the lay of the land.
Valentina got her sense of adventure and love of nature from her father, Eliecer Cruz Cevallos, who first arrived in the Galápagos in 1939. He was one of only 100 people living in the Galápagos at that time!
Eliecer returned to Ecuador and married Valentina's mother, Emma Bedon. She made him promise they would never live in the Galápagos. Who can blame her? They'd have almost no human neighbors! But in 1944, she changed her mind. Emma sailed to Floreana with Eliecer to build a life together. Valentina told me that even living in the wild, her mother taught her children "to keep all the rules of a city so we do not grow up wild."
Valentina and her father on Floreana
Valentina, her mother, and her sister
Two Galápagos tortoises were a big part of Valentina's childhood, so I had to include them in Galápagos Girl. Floreana tortoise had long been extinct (or so it was thought). So when Eliecer moved to Floreana, his friend gave him young tortoises from other islands. Eventually, the family released the tortoises to roam free. One of the most exciting things that happened to Valentina as a child was seeing the tortoises return to their farm that first year after their release. The main reason was the tasty plums dropping from the trees. Every year after that, when the plums ripened, the family waited for the tortoises to return. They always did!
An illustration of one of the family's tortoises eating a plum treat by Angela Dominguez
The tortoise story changed several times during the writing of my book due to Valentina's remembering more over time, checking facts with her family, and a discovery near Wolf Volcano on Isabela, another Galápagos Island. What's in my book isn't exactly the way things were, but it's close to the real story. As Valentina wisely shared: "Each of us remember things in different ways. Our memory is like pictures of what impresses us in that specific moment, so everything can be true and everything can be fiction."
One of eleven species of Galápagos tortoise
Regarding the exciting discovery on Wolf Volcano, scientists recently found tortoises there that carry some of the Floreana tortoise genes! There is a project now to bring these tortoises back to Floreana. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have partial Floreana tortoises wandering freely, restoring the ecology of Floreana?
You may ask, "How did Floreana tortoises get on Isabela Island?" That's one more fascinating question about the Galápagos. If I visit your school, you can ask me and I'll share more.
Thanks so much, Marsha, for sharing the fascinating story behind Galápagos Girl / Galápagueña!
You can connect with Marsha Diane Arnold on
Earth's Voices | Facebook
National Wildlife Day Review
Galápagos Girl / Galapagueña
Written by Marsha Diane Arnold | Illustrated by Angela Dominguez | Translated by Adriana Dominguez
On the day when baby Valentina joined Mamá, Papá, and eleven brothers and sisters, even the sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and iguanas seemed to welcome her to the "island formed by fire." Valentina loved growing up on the Galápagos Island of Floreana. She explored the lava rocks, where Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttled back and forth. She swam with dolphins and manta rays, and even played with penguins.
Image copyright Angela Dominguez, 2018, text copyright Marsha Diane Arnold, 2018. Courtesy of Lee & Low Books.
"Valentina watched pink flamingoes wading near mangroves. Blue butterflies fluttering on the breeze. Red-and-green iguanas sneezing salt like tiny geysers." The crashing waves, albatross, and finches created a symphony as Valentina stopped to rest on a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean. The lava lizards, blue-footed boobies, and twirling sea lions provided young Valentina with a variety of dance partners.
At home, Valentina's family shared their home with two giant tortoises—Carlitos and Isabella. One day Papá told Valentina their story as they fed the tortoises plums that had fallen from their backyard trees. Papá had gotten Carlitos and Isabella from a friend when he first moved to Floreana. Although it was nearly impossible to imagine now that the tortoises were grown, at the time they were so small that they fit into Papá's pockets.
There was also a sad note to Papá's story. He said that while giant tortoises still lived on other Galápagos islands, pirates and whalers had wiped out the population on Floreana. Papá went on to tell Valentina that many Galápagos animals were in danger. They were "threatened by other animals that don't belong here. Threatened by people who don't understand how to care for our islands." Valentina promised that she would always protect them.
When she was older, Valentina left the island to go to school. She didn't want to leave her beautiful home, but Mamá told her that she was "ready to learn about the world beyond." And Papá reminded her that "like our islands, you have a heart full of fire." On school vacations, Valentina always came back to study the wildlife on the Galápagos islands. She had not forgotten her promise to keep them safe.
After she graduated with a degree in biology, Valentina returned to the islands as a nature guide to teach visitors about the beauty and uniqueness of the Galápagos. Some visitors were even lucky enough to meet Carlitos and Isabella when the plums dropped from the trees and the two old tortoises returned from exploring Floreana to eat them. Because of Valentina's commitment to the Galápagos, her visitors also made a promise to always remember and protect them.
Extensive backmatter includes an Author's Note about Valentina Cruz, the tortoises Carlitos and Isabella, and the history of tortoises on Floreana. There is also information on the Galápagos as well as fun facts about all of the animals in the story. A bibliography of sources invites readers to learn more.
Each two-page spread presents the text in English and translated into Spanish by Adriana Dominguez.
Marsha Diane Arnold's lyrical and buoyant passages sing with the carefree joy Valentina felt as a girl exploring her beloved Galápagos and which brought her back home as a biologist to protect them. After seeing Valentina playing and swimming with the native animals and feeding Carlitos and Isabella, readers will also feel Valentina's sadness at the dangers they face and want to make a positive difference to the environment and the world around them. Arnold's dialogue-rich storytelling highlights the personal nature of the subject and will draw children into Valentina's world.
Saturated with glorious color, each of Angela Dominguez's illustrations is a celebration of the splendor of the Galápagos. Playful sea lions, high-stepping blue-footed boobies, scampering crabs, and even a sneezing iguana will captivate young readers and inspire them to learn more about these creatures and the islands. Images of Valentina camping out to study the animals during school breaks will excite environmentally conscious kids, and pictures of Carlitos and Isabella happily munching on plums will generate smiles and "awwws."
Galápagos Girl / Galapagueña will excite kids to learn more not only about the Galápagos region but about their own local environment, and the call to action will spark an enthusiasm for protecting the earth's animals. The book would make an inspiring addition to home bookshelves and an excellent way to begin classroom discussions on environmental issues and science lessons. The engaging Spanish translation will delight Spanish-speaking and bilingual families.
Lee & Low Books, 2018 | ISBN 978-0892394135
Discover more about Marsha Diane Arnold and her books on her website.
To learn more about Angela Dominguez, her books, and her art, visit her website.
National Wildlife Day Activity
Animals of the Galápagos Match Up Puzzle
There are so many fascinating animals that live in the Galápagos! Can you match the picture of each animal to its description in this printable Animals of the Galápagos Match Up Puzzle? You can find and download the activity sheet from the Lee & Low Books website:
You can find Galápagos Girl / Galapagueña at these booksellers
Posted in Animals, Bilingual Books, Biographies, Book Related Puzzles, Community, Conservation, Environmental Books, Marine Animals, Marine Science for Kids, Nature, Ocean Creatures, Sea Creatures, Women in Science
Tagged Angela Dominguez, Environmental Books for Children, Galápagos Girl / Galápagueña, Marsha Diane Arnold, Picture Book Biographies, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about Conservation, Picture Books about Galápagos, Picture Books about Nature, Picture Books about Sea Creatures, Picture Books about the Environment, Picture Books about the Seasons, Picture Books about Women in Science
August 25 – It's National Water Quality Month
The Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, and the years from 2005 to 2015 were declared an International Decade for Action: Water is Life by the United Nations to focus on the necessity of clean water around the world. Today, the work continues. The importance of clean water cannot be understated. The quality of life and the survival of all ecosystems depends on the availability of good quality water. The fact that the water systems and the water cycle are intrinsically linked not only to bodies of water but to what occurs on land, makes it critical that we treat all parts of the environment with care. Runoff from businesses, industries, and homes can quickly pollute local and remote water system. National Water Quality Month encourages people to be mindful of the amount of water and the household products they use, and it advocates for responsible and environmentally protective policies on the part of industry and governments. To honor this month's holiday, learn more about what you can do to protect the world's water supply.
Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle
Written by Miranda Paul | Illustrated by Jason Chin
On a soaking rainy day a sister and brother run up to the house with a turtle they've caught in the pond out back. They drink glasses of water and offer a bowlful for the turtle too. "Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup." Out on the porch Dad is ready with warm mugs of hot chocolate. The ghostly steam tickles their noses. "Whirl. Swirl. Watch it curl by. Steam is steam unless…it cools high." As the kids return the turtle to the pond they watch a dragon and an eagle play across the sky. "Clouds are clouds unless…they form low."
Image copyright Jason Chin, text copyright Miranda Paul. Courtesy of us.macmillan.com
Through the misty fog the school bus rumbles up the hill as a little garter snake wriggles in the fallen leaves at the end of the children's driveway. By the time the bus drops the kids off at school the fog has turned to rain. It plinks on the sidewalks and pounds the earth, creating puddles just in time for recess. "Slosh in galoshes. Splash to your knees! Puddles are puddles unless…puddles freeze."
The turtle is hiding now that winter's come, and a group of friends slip and speed across the pond, some playing hockey, some figure skating, and a couple just learning the ropes. Then suddenly it's snowing! A brilliant red cardinal watches from the birdfeeder as three sneaky kids with snowballs spy on their friends who are building a snowman. With a "smack!" the snowball fight begins. Soon, however, spring is back with rushing streams and "Creep. Seep. Squish in your boots" mud. And that "mud is mud unless…there are roots."
The apple trees in the backyard soak up the spring rains that feed the red, plump apples that are apples "unless…they get pressed. Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup. Cider is cider…until we drink it up!"
More information about water, including illustrated definitions of water-related terms, percentages of water in a variety of plants and creatures, and its importance to the world as well as suggestions for further reading, follow the text.
Image copyright Jason Chin, courtesy of us.macmillan.com
Miranda Paul's lyrical journey through a year of our interactions with water is a beautiful reminder of all the forms water takes. From life-filled ponds to pouring rains to glasses of refreshment, water sustains every creature and plant on earth. Paul's transitional "unless…" elegantly introduces each transformation in the natural water cycle in a way that children recognize and appreciate. Her rich rhyming and rhythmical language is a joy to read and makes Water an active character in the story.
Jason Chin's superb artwork is as lush and dynamic as the world around us. Each two-page spread is a masterpiece of atmosphere and details that bring not only water's cycle to life but also that of the children, growing and playing in and around water throughout the year. As the children shelter from the rain at the beginning of the book, a bushel of apples sits snug against the cider press in the corner of the porch foreshadowing the final pages where fresh cider fuels summer fun. Chin's children are real kids—joyful and playful, enthusiastically and humorously interacting with nature and each other with the kind of abandon that makes hearts sing. Young readers and adults will love lingering over each page.
Water is Water: A Story of the Water Cycle is the kind of book that can get kids excited about one of the quieter aspects of science—but one that is so important to our daily lives. It would make a wonderful accompaniment to elementary school lesson plans and a gorgeous addition to library and home bookshelves.
Discover more about Miranda Paul and her books plus resources for teachers and writers on her website!
View a portfolio of artwork by Jason Chin and learn more about him and his books on his website!
National Water Quality Month Activity
A Sprinkling of Water Words Word Search
This tree grew tall and strong by soaking up water through its roots. Can you find the 20 water-related words that are hidden inside this printable tree-shaped A Sprinkling of Water Word Word Search Puzzle? Here's the Solution.
You can find Water is Water: A Book about the Water Cycle at these booksellers
Posted in Book Related Puzzles, Conservation, Environmental Books, Nature, Science, Seasons, Water
Tagged Environmental Books for Children, Jason Chin, Miranda Paul, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about Nature, Picture Books about Science, Picture Books about the Seasons, Picture Books about the Water Cycle, Roaring Brook Press, Water is Water: A Book about the Water Cycle


There is just so much to see in Athens that you will easily occupy yourself by exploring all of the city's ancient attractions, checking out the Dionysos Theatre and of course, visiting the famous Acropolis. However, if you have time for some additional sightseeing outside of the confines of the city, then various day trips are possible.
Cruises regularly depart from the port suburb of Piraeus and take in numerous neighbouring Greek islands, while the seaside suburb of Faliro may also appeal, being just 8 km / 5 miles to the south-west of central Athens and home to the multi-use sports arena named the Peace and Friendship Stadium (Stadio Eirinis kai Filias).
Further attractions warranting excursions include Agora, the Amphiaraion Archaeological Site at Kalamos, the Chapel of our Lady of the Cavern at Plako, and the beautiful Anafiotika area, located on the north-easterly side of the Acropolis hill. If you enjoy the sunshine, then the golden sands of Schinias Beach may well beckon.
Famous for its markets, Agora was once the centre for business and political life in Athens, many years ago. Highlights include the Agora Museum, with a model of ancient Agora and many well-preserved artefacts, the foundations of the Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios, where Socrates once addressed crowds of people, and the 5th-century Temple of Hephaestus, which dates from 449 BC and is one of the best-preserved temples in Greece.
This is one of the most romantic spots in Greece and highlights include 6th-century architecture, an ancient theatre, wonderful views and nearby mountains covered in pine trees. The Amphiaraion Archaeological Site in Kalamos is an hour's drive from the centre of Athens and is also close to Marathon, as well as Agii Apostoli's pleasant pebble beach.
Close to the Theatre of Dionysos is Panagia Hrysospiliotissa, a small an interesting temple hidden in the side of a cliff face. There is a rocky path leading to this 'Chapel of our Lady of the Cavern' and ancient pictures on the walls.
Cruises from Athens are available and take in the sites of nearby islands and attractions. Olympic Short Cruises depart from the Marina Flisvos in the area of Faliro and last an entire day. Those visiting the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra will be pleased to find that the price includes lunch, which is served on the boat.
The Attica Peninsula is less than one hour from the centre of Athens and provides visitors with many attractions, including the renowned Schinias Beach - a stunning Greek beach offering some wonderful bathing, a coastal pine forest and exceptional views. There are also many excellent tavernas, serving traditional Greek cuisine for tourists. Schinias Beach can be easily reached by bus, departing from Mavromateon Street.
The Anafiotika district of Athens is without doubt one of the most beautiful parts of the city. With many small white houses and a maze of winding pathways and streets, highlights include numerous renovated neo-classical houses and buildings, the church of Agios Georgios (St. George of the Rock), which was built in the 17th century, and a museum, housed in the old university of Athens.
Close to the town of Peania and 4 km / 2.5 miles outside of Athens, Koutouki Cave is one of the most beautiful in Europe, with some enormous stalactites hanging from the ceiling. These wonderful caves were discovered purely by accident several years ago, when a shepherd's goat fell through a hole in the cave's roof. Guided tours leave every 30 minutes.


text:
Ayub Daud (Mogadiscio, 24 de febrero de 1990) es un futbolista somalí. Juega de delantero y su equipo actual es el Chiasso de la Challenge League de Suiza.

Trayectoria
Ayub Daud nació en 1990 en Mogadiscio y abandonó su ciudad natal cuando tenía cinco años, por motivos de la guerra civil que afrontaba su país. Se fue hasta Italia, precisamente en la ciudad de Cuneo. En esa ciudad empezó su carrera para ser futbolista.

En el 2009, logró algo muy importante: fue fichado por la Juventus. Con el equipo solo jugó un partido, entró en los minutos finales en el partido que su equipo ganó 4-1 al Bologna FC.

Meses después (julio), fue transferido al Crotone. Sin embargo, no tuvo muchas oportunidades de jugar y en enero de 2010 regresó a Juventus, quien lo cedió al Lumezzane. Luego, anduvo por otros equipos de esa misma liga como el Cosenza y el Gubbio, para finalmente, en noviembre de 2011 llegar al fútbol suizo, jugando para el Chiasso.

No ha jugado un partido internacional por su selección, pero es una de las nuevas futuras promesas para poder jugar con el equipo nacional.

Clubes

Referencias

Enlaces externos
 Ficha en Football.it

Nacidos en Mogadiscio
Futbolistas de la selección de fútbol de Somalia
Futbolistas de la Juventus de Turín
Futbolistas del Football Club Crotone

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Charlie Kranz cast in PIXIE which stars Olivia Cooke, Ben Hardy, Daryl McCormack, Colm Meaney, Dylan Moran, Chris Walley and Alec Baldwin..
Paramount Pictures new feature film PIXIE is now in cinemas across Ireland.
It was filmed on location in Northern Ireland with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.
Pixie (Cooke) wants to avenge her mother�s death by masterminding a heist, but her plans go awry and she finds herself on the run with two young men (Hardy, McCormack) who are way out of their depth being chased across the Wild Irish countryside by gangsters. She has to pit her wits against everyone, taking on the patriarchy to claim the right to shape her own life.
PIXIE is directed by Barnaby Thompson from an original script by Preston Thompson (KIDS IN LOVE).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Opportunity Knocks to Build Your Own Country Dream Home on Estate Setting with 25 Acres! Only Minutes to the Trains & Highways for Easy Commute or Weekender! You can Even Possibly Subdivide, (Expired BOHA from Late 1990's) Definitely Worth a Look!
Listing courtesy of Joan Mancini of Mancini Realty Inc..


text:
HSwMS Mode was a coastal destroyer of the Royal Swedish Navy, built by Götaverken and launched on 11 April 1942 as the lead of the four ship . Developed from an Italian design, the ship was capable of a wide range of roles, with depth charges to defeat submarines, torpedo tubes to attack ships and anti-aircraft guns for aerial defence, as well as mine laying capability. After serving during World War II, the ship was updated with greater anti-submarine capability and reclassified a frigate in 1953. Decommissioned on 1 July 1970, Mode subsequently operated in a training role until being scrapped in 1978.

Design and development

Mode was the first ordered of a class of four Swedish destroyers based on the  designed in Italy. Small and ideal for coastal operation, the design was a cheaper alternative to traditional designs to meet the requirements of the rapidly expanding Swedish Navy. The vessel was named after the son of Thor.

Displacememt was  standard and  full load. Overall length was , beam  and draught . A crew of 100 officers and ratings was carried.

Machinery consisted of two Penhoët A oil-fired boilers, which supplied steam to two de Laval geared steam turbines, each driving its own propeller. The turbines were rated at  to give a design speed of .  of fuel was carried to give a range of  at .

The main armament consisted of three  K/50 M42 guns produced by Bofors. These were placed in separate mounts, one on the fore deck, one on the aft deck and one on the aft superstructure. Air defence consisted two  K/60 M36 and two  K/66 M40 individually mounted anti-aircraft autocannons, also provided by Bofors. Three torpedo tubes for  torpedoes were triple mounted aft of the superstructure and two depth charge throwers were mounted further towards the stern. 42 mines could also be carried for minelaying.

Construction and service
Mode was laid down by Götaverken in Gothenburg in September 1941. The vessel was launched on 11 April 1942, delivered to the Navy on 8 October the same year and commissioned on 12 November, serving with the Coastal Fleet through World War II. The ship was allocated the pennant number 29. In 1947 Mode accompanied  and  on a trip to France and Britain. The fleet visited Le Havre, Lyme Bay, Torquay, Glasgow and Oban.

Modernisation
Mode was modernised in 1953 and re-rated as a frigate. One of the  main guns was removed, along with the triple  torpedo tubes.  Instead a single Squid depth charge launcher was fitted to improve anti-submarine capabilities and the  guns were upgraded to provide greater anti-aircraft protection. After the conversion, Mode retained minelaying capability. The upgraded ship was allocated the pennant number 73.

Disposal
Mode was decommissioned on 1 July 1970 and was used as training vessel until being scrapped at Ystad in 1978.

References

Citations

Bibliography

1942 ships
Ships built in Gothenburg
Mode-class destroyers
World War II naval ships of Sweden


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text:
Jays deliver pitch to A.J. Burnett
By Cathal KellySports Columnist
Sat., Sept. 27, 2008timer3 min. read
BALTIMORE–The Blue Jays are preparing to offer A.J. Burnett a new, improved four-year deal in order to persuade him to remain with the club.
The new contract would add two years and $30 million (all figures U.S.) to Burnett's existing contract, which still has two years to run. The proposed package, which has not yet been presented to Burnett's representatives, would total $54 million over four years.
Right now, Burnett is in the third year of a five-year, $55 million contract he signed in 2005. He is owed $12 million in each of the next two years. The new contract would bump his salary in 2011-12 to $15 million per year.
"I think that's probably a fair number," a source close to the negotiations said of the proposed dollar figure. "I think that's where it will end up."
The Jays have several off-season needs, including a muscular middle-of-the-order bat, but a serious injury to No.3 starter Shaun Marcum has recalibrated their sights.
"Our first priority is to try and keep A.J.," GM J.P. Ricciardi said yesterday.
Burnett cannot exercise the opt-out clause in his contract until 10 days after the World Series. That gives the Jays all of October to seal him up before he hears other offers. The Blue Jays hope that Burnett will accept their sweetened proposal and forego the opportunity to become a free agent.
Burnett seemed pleasantly surprised to hear the proposed new number yesterday.
"Nice," he said, nodding his head approvingly. "That's more than I thought they would come up with (pause). Here, at least."
But is it enough?
"We'll see," Burnett said, with a grin. Contrary to what the club is saying, Burnett said his agent, Darek Braunecker, has already had "a couple" of meetings with Blue Jays officials about a new deal.
Burnett has insisted recently that he isn't aware of what he might command on the open market.
"I'd have to talk to my agent about that," Burnett said.
The new deal would make Burnett the highest-paid pitcher on the Jays. Roy Halladay is in the first year of a three-year, $40 million contract. Burnett's new deal would pay him slightly more on average per annum, $13.5 million to Halladay's $13.33 million.
But with the deep-pocketed New York Yankees known to be avid suitors, money probably won't be enough for the Jays. They hope that Burnett will want to stay with the organization he likes to say he has "grown up" with as a pitcher. Burnett offered some hope yesterday on that score.
"It's about comfort, about being in a situation you're familiar with," Burnett said. "It's really not about the money."
The Jays took a strong step in that direction yesterday by extending new contract offers to pitching coach Brad Arnsberg and bullpen coach Bruce Walton.
Arnsberg coached Burnett in Florida and is close to the sometimes mercurial starter. He also enjoys a strong bond with Halladay, who yesterday praised the "hard working" coach, calling him a "great friend."
Though the financials are still up in the air, Arnsberg said he is "99.9 per cent" sure he will return on a two-year deal.
"That's just great for him. He deserves to be here for 10 years," Burnett said.
Serious negotiations with Burnett will begin once the season ends tomorrow. If the club is able to seal Burnett, it will turn to a new extension for Halladay.
If Burnett chooses to sign elsewhere, the signing of a free-agent starter becomes the priority. Yesterday, Burnett was signalling that what many thought was a foregone conclusion – that he will leave – is far from it.
"It's definitely pleasing to hear," Burnett said of the club's proposed offer.
"I love being on this team."


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"I still feel like meeting you is probably one of the most important events in my ongoing education.
Join us for the most effective BHRT course available today for BHRT Pellet Therapy.


text:
Xerox Earns Outstanding Rating for Supplier Diversity
ROCHESTER, N.Y.--June 10, 2003--Xerox Corporation's practices to support supplier diversity as a contractor to the federal government have received an "outstanding" rating by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The rating - the highest that can be achieved by a prime contractor for the federal government - was earned after a three-month audit review of Xerox's subcontracting goals and accomplishments. Such contractor reviews occur approximately every five years as part of a legislative mandate, and Xerox also received "outstanding" ratings in 1994 and 1999. The SBA analyzes whether the maximum practicable opportunities are provided for small businesses and minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses. The SBA cited Xerox for "strong management support" of its supplier diversity program, numerous outreach activities, the corporate Minority/Female Steering Committee of senior managers who provide strategic direction and oversight of the program, and an online process that helps small businesses do business with Xerox. "Our supplier program represents an opportunity for Xerox and our customers who benefit by being offered high quality at the best price and value," said Dan Robinson, manager, Xerox Global Purchasing-Market Access. "We consider our diverse suppliers to be proactive partners in developing customer solutions. Often they outperform the general supplier population on quality, cost and flexibility." Since the program's inception in 1985, Xerox has spent well over $4 billion with minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses in the United States. In 2002, Xerox purchased $264 million of goods and services from such businesses, nearly one-third more than targeted. It represented 24 percent of Xerox's total qualified U.S. purchases. Xerox also encourages its major suppliers to adopt supplier diversity programs of their own, asking they spend at least 5 percent of their total purchasing spend with minority- and women-owned businesses. In 2000, Xerox won three supplier awards from the U.S. SBA: the Frances Perkins Vanguard Award, recognizing use of woman-owned small businesses; the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence, which honors large contractors who use small businesses and subcontractors; and the Award of Distinction, recognizing large federal contractors that have exceptional small business subcontracting programs. "Xerox is among few companies to have received the 'Triple Crown' in awards presented by SBA in one calendar year," Robinson said. Long recognized for its commitment to supplier diversity, Xerox has been cited by other external organizations such as DiversityInc magazine, Working Woman magazine, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, the multicultural business-to-business portal Div2000.com, and more.


Our very own IPhone/iPad App is now available from the App store as a free download.
This app is designed to allow A.B. Paterson College parents access to information about events and daily activities at the College. It will be updated regularly to ensure that the information provided is the most current and up-to-date available.
Need to know where the Performing Arts theatre is? Look on the interactive map of the campus.
Do we need to contact parents? The notice section of the app will tell you.
Need to check on the venue and start time of a College event? The calendar in the app will hold this information.
There is a notice on the app to assist you with setting up this feature – just look at the notice section!
We trust that you will enjoy the convenience that this app will bring you.


Motivair designs and builds standard pump stations, custom pump stations and Coolant Distribution Units (CDU) from 1–100 HP. Standard pump stations can be ordered with either simplex (one) or duplex (two) pumps. These are pre-designed stations that include centrifugal circulation pumps with TEFC motors, isolation and check valves, temperature and pressure gauges, NEMA 4 control cabinets with run alarm lights, pump selector switches and visible and audible alarms.
Pump stations can also be custom designed for customer specific applications. Some available options include PLC control packages, storage tanks ranging from 50-3,000 gallons, redundant pumps, integrated heat exchangers, specialty valve assemblies and VFD pump speed control.
Available VFD pump speed control.


Little Mix photoshoot for "Rollercoaster" magazine as part of লন্ডন Fashion Week - September 2012.. The girls of Little Mix appear in a photoshoot for the September 2012 issue of "Rollercoaster" magazine where they take part in a special feature for লন্ডন Fashion Week.. Wallpaper and background images in the লিট্টল মিক্স club tagged: little mix ♥ 2012 rollercoaster magazine london fashion week photoshoot outtake photo.
This লিট্টল মিক্স photo might contain playsuit, গরম প্যান্ট, hot pants, প্রতিকৃতি, ধনু, and চতুর.


text:
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About Philip Lee
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Employment – What do emigrants returning to Ireland need to know?
As published in the Irish Examiner, December 12th 2019.
Happily, because of the continually improving Irish economy, increasing numbers of the diaspora are returning to live and work in Ireland. Some may have been gone for a handful of years; others may be returning after decades of working overseas, but they have one thing in common – they're returning to a labour market, and a system of employment law, that may be unfamiliar to them.
So what can a returning emigrant expect if they haven't worked here recently – or ever? What do they need to know about the employment law regime in Ireland?
A lot depends on where the emigrant is coming from. Members of the diaspora who left Ireland to work in other EU countries will probably be able to adapt more easily than those who have worked outside Europe since leaving Ireland. That's for one very simple reason – the employment law systems in individual countries within the EU have a lot in common.
The European Union has always taken an activist approach to employment law – and many of our most important employment law rules came from Europe to begin with. All of our equality law principles originated in Europe, for example, as did our rules governing Working Time and a variety of other laws and legal principles.
Particularly important is the fact that most EU countries embrace the concept of permanent employment – a hallmark of Irish employment law, and possibly the most important element of all. The way this manifests itself in Ireland is very simple – once you have 52 weeks of continuous employment, your dismissal is automatically deemed unfair by law and the employer must prove otherwise.
Putting it another way, Irish employment law places an onus upon the employer to justify why the relationship shouldn't continue (as opposed to there being any duty on the employee to say why it should). That is a very significant and important principle in Irish employment law – and it is mirrored across Europe.
Employees returning from the United States, however, will have to adjust to quite a different landscape. The USA does not have any comparable system of employment law to the Irish/European one. Perhaps the most fundamental point of distinction is the fact that in America, termination "at will" is both entirely legal and very common.
What this means is that other than in cases of discrimination, an American employer is free to dismiss an employee irrespective of how long they have worked in the organisation.
The employer is under no obligation to give reasons or justify their decision – they can simply make it. An immigrant returning to Ireland from the USA, therefore, will be coming to a very different landscape.
In the US, there's no concept of maternity leave – or any of the other benefits that exist as of right in Ireland (and in Europe). The same is true, to one extent or another, with the rest of the world – it's quite rare for an employee to be able to benefit from an extensive system of rights and safeguards.
There are individual countries worldwide (Australia and New Zealand, by way of example) but by and large the working experience is more akin to the American one than the European.
Regardless of where they are coming from, a returning Irish emigrant will benefit from a sophisticated set of rights enshrined both in Acts of the Oireachtas and elsewhere. It is no exaggeration to say that every key aspect of the employment relationship (from hiring to firing, not to mention everything in between) is regulated.
An employer can't discriminate in hiring, can't force employees to work indefinite hours, must allow employees to take maternity, paternity and other special leaves and must always act objectively fairly when dealing with the workforce – from disciplining them to dismissing them. In addition to this, an employee who has a grievance with their employer – ranging from being paid less than the minimum wage to discrimination on grounds of gender – can seek redress in the Workplace Relations Commission. That body will generally always uphold a legitimate claim; another powerful tool in an employee's arsenal.
The European Union is a much-maligned body in 2019. The organisation has always been the subject of criticism, but it's become especially trenchant in the last few years. Perhaps some of that is deserved, but one point is worth considering for any Irish, or European, worker. If the EU didn't exist, it's most unlikely that this country – or any EU country – would have such a comprehensive system of worker's rights.
For further information on the above article, please contact Patrick Walshe.
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I hope the you all enjoy the tourny!!
*The Fallen* of round 2.
Congrats to pindary for winning the game!
Last edited by caribbean soul on Wed Apr 02, 2014 2:45 pm, edited 40 times in total.
In! If there is room, of course!
you've got 4 maps listed... what happens if there's a 2-2 tie?
Swifte wrote: you've got 4 maps listed... what happens if there's a 2-2 tie?
Looks like Europa and E. Mini got put on the same line.
Count me in!!!!!! Oh Yeah!


text:
The institutions of open source software: Examining the Debian community
Mateos-Garcia, Juan and Steinmueller, W Edward (2008) The institutions of open source software: Examining the Debian community. Information Economics and Policy, 20 (4). pp. 333-344. ISSN 0167-6245
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.infoecopol.2008.06.001
Free and open source software activities involve and, perhaps, evolve institutions (rules, norms and standards) that influence the formation, growth, and demise of communities. Community institutions are attractors for some individuals while discouraging other individuals from entering or continuing to participate. Their suitability may change as a community grows. This paper examines the institutions of the Debian community where issues of community identity, distribution of authority, and decentralisation have facilitated growth and development. These same institutions have also resulted in conflicts regarding community purposes and the quality and delivery of the community¿s output. We examine the institutional redesign undertaken to address these problems and derive implications for F/LOS communities and companies.
School of Business, Management and Economics > SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit
Juan Mateos-Garcia


text:
<?php

namespace Magento\Paypal\Test\Unit\Observer;

use Magento\Framework\TestFramework\Unit\Matcher\MethodInvokedAtIndex;

/**
 * Class AddBillingAgreementToSessionObserverTest
 */
class AddBillingAgreementToSessionObserverTest extends \PHPUnit_Framework_TestCase
{
    /**
     * @var \Magento\Paypal\Observer\AddBillingAgreementToSessionObserver
     */
    protected $_model;

    /**
     * @var \Magento\Framework\Event\Observer
     */
    protected $_observer;

    /**
     * @var \Magento\Framework\DataObject
     */
    protected $_event;

    /**
     * @var \Magento\Paypal\Model\Billing\Agreement Factory|\PHPUnit_Framework_MockObject_MockObject
     */
    protected $_agreementFactory;

    /**
     * @var \Magento\Checkout\Model\Session|\PHPUnit_Framework_MockObject_MockObject
     */
    protected $_checkoutSession;

    protected function setUp()
    {
        $this->_event = new \Magento\Framework\DataObject();

        $this->_observer = new \Magento\Framework\Event\Observer();
        $this->_observer->setEvent($this->_event);

        $this->_agreementFactory = $this->getMock(
            'Magento\Paypal\Model\Billing\AgreementFactory',
            ['create'],
            [],
            '',
            false
        );
        $this->_checkoutSession = $this->getMock('Magento\Checkout\Model\Session', [], [], '', false);
        $objectManagerHelper = new \Magento\Framework\TestFramework\Unit\Helper\ObjectManager($this);
        $this->_model = $objectManagerHelper->getObject(
            'Magento\Paypal\Observer\AddBillingAgreementToSessionObserver',
            [
                'agreementFactory' => $this->_agreementFactory,
                'checkoutSession' => $this->_checkoutSession,
            ]
        );
    }

    public function testAddBillingAgreementToSessionNoData()
    {
        $payment = $this->getMock('Magento\Sales\Model\Order\Payment', [], [], '', false);
        $payment->expects(
            $this->once()
        )->method(
            '__call'
        )->with(
            'getBillingAgreementData'
        )->will(
            $this->returnValue(null)
        );
        $this->_event->setPayment($payment);
        $this->_agreementFactory->expects($this->never())->method('create');
        $this->_checkoutSession->expects($this->once())->method('__call')->with('unsLastBillingAgreementReferenceId');
        $this->_model->execute($this->_observer);
    }

    /**
     * @param bool $isValid
     * @dataProvider addBillingAgreementToSessionDataProvider
     */
    public function testAddBillingAgreementToSession($isValid)
    {
        $agreement = $this->getMock('Magento\Paypal\Model\Billing\Agreement', [], [], '', false);
        $agreement->expects($this->once())->method('isValid')->will($this->returnValue($isValid));
        $comment = $this->getMockForAbstractClass(
            'Magento\Framework\Model\AbstractModel',
            [],
            '',
            false,
            true,
            true,
            ['__wakeup']
        );
        $order = $this->getMock('Magento\Sales\Model\Order', [], [], '', false);
        $order->expects(
            $this->once()
        )->method(
            'addStatusHistoryComment'
        )->with(
            $isValid ? __(
                'Created billing agreement #%1.',
                'agreement reference id'
            ) : __(
                'We can\'t create a billing agreement for this order.'
            )
        )->will(
            $this->returnValue($comment)
        );
        if ($isValid) {
            $agreement->expects(
                $this->any()
            )->method(
                '__call'
            )->with(
                'getReferenceId'
            )->will(
                $this->returnValue('agreement reference id')
            );
            $agreement->expects($this->once())->method('addOrderRelation')->with($order);
            $order->expects(new MethodInvokedAtIndex(0))->method('addRelatedObject')->with($agreement);
            $this->_checkoutSession->expects(
                $this->once()
            )->method(
                '__call'
            )->with(
                'setLastBillingAgreementReferenceId',
                ['agreement reference id']
            );
        } else {
            $this->_checkoutSession->expects(
                $this->once()
            )->method(
                '__call'
            )->with(
                'unsLastBillingAgreementReferenceId'
            );
            $agreement->expects($this->never())->method('__call');
        }
        $order->expects(new MethodInvokedAtIndex($isValid ? 1 : 0))->method('addRelatedObject')->with($comment);

        $payment = $this->getMock('Magento\Sales\Model\Order\Payment', [], [], '', false);
        $payment->expects(
            $this->once()
        )->method(
            '__call'
        )->with(
            'getBillingAgreementData'
        )->will(
            $this->returnValue('not empty')
        );
        $payment->expects($this->once())->method('getOrder')->will($this->returnValue($order));
        $agreement->expects(
            $this->once()
        )->method(
            'importOrderPayment'
        )->with(
            $payment
        )->will(
            $this->returnValue($agreement)
        );
        $this->_event->setPayment($payment);
        $this->_agreementFactory->expects($this->once())->method('create')->will($this->returnValue($agreement));
        $this->_model->execute($this->_observer);
    }

    public function addBillingAgreementToSessionDataProvider()
    {
        return [[true], [false]];
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


xdotool supports running multiple commands on a single invocation. Generally, you'll start with a search command (see "WINDOW STACK") and then perform a set of actions on those results.
Can I minimize a window from the command line?


text:
MattPNBL
Ten Bold Predictions For the 2022 NRL Season
Which teams will succeed, and which teams will struggle? What could make the NRL news in 2022? With just over a month until the 2022 NRL Pre-Season matches kick-off, we look at 10 bold predictions for the new season.
Check out our 2021 Bold Predictions to see how we went.
Related: NRL 2022 Trial Matches – who play's who
COVID-19 To Play Havoc With Early Season Draw
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to play with our freedoms. Australia is experiencing a sharp rise in cases, with the peak yet to be reached. You get the feeling that the NRL draw may need some refinement early in the season while cases start to fall.
Most clubs are down in troops to start the new season as players and staff are identified as being COVID-positive, or close contacts and reduced to being in isolation.
Surely the NRL will endorse Ricky Stuart's suggestion to allow for players from any grade to be eligible to play in the top grade. It may be to the detriment of fans who want to see their full-strength side week in, week out. But the game must go on, just like it has been with cricket's Big Bash.
Manly To Go One Step Further in 2022
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles became the entertainers in 2021 with Tom Trbojevic (28), Jason Saab (23) and Reuben Garrick (23) scoring 55% of the clubs tries during the season.
Should they be able to sharpen their defence, the Sea Eagles have the springboard for success and the ability to dominate the competition, just like Melbourne and Penrith have in the past two seasons. Given that Des Hasler's success has been set on defence, expect this facet of the Eagles' game to tighten in 2022.
Their squad is quite stable with Ethan Bullemor the only notable signing. Should Tommy Turbo, Jake Trobjevic, Reuben Garrick, and DCE stay fit, they look in a strong position to be playing on grand final day.
More: next page
2022 NRL News Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Matt Burton North Queensland Cowboys NRL Editorial Oliver Gildart Paul Momirovski Sydney Roosters
Administrator and Editor of NothingButLeague. Penrith Panthers Member 13120. Email: mattp@nothingbutleague.com.
2022 NRLW Squads, Fixtures and Results
Back to the Future: Players Homeward Bound in '22
Ten Bold Predictions For the 2022 NRL Season – NRL Breaking News
[…] post Ten Bold Predictions For the 2022 NRL Season appeared first on Nothing But Rugby League – […]


text:
High-speed pursuit ends in arrest
PURSUIT: Battle Creek police arrested a 27-year-old man on charges of fleeing from police and drunken driving after a high-speed pursuit early Saturday. Officers observed a car near Emmett Street and Capital Avenue Northeast traveling at a high speed, running a red light and nearly striking another vehicle about 3 a.m. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but said the driver led them on a short pursuit through nearby neighborhoods before stopping on Wagner Drive and Emmett Street, where the man was arrested and taken to the Calhoun County jail.
TRAINING FIRE: Firefighters from several departments will be conducting a training fire Saturday morning in the 1300 block of East Michigan Avenue between Katherine Street and Wattles Road in Emmett Township. Firefighters from the townships of Emmett, Bedford and Newton will be at the scene between 9 a.m. and about 1 p.m. Motorists could experience possible delays in the area and should be aware of emergency equipment.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: One person was arrested and taken to the Calhoun County jail on a charge of domestic violence after Battle Creek police were called by a 32-year-old woman to the first block of Elm Street at 8:51 p.m. Friday.
BURGLARY: Authorities responded Saturday morning to the Five Points Veterinary Hospital at 1506 E. Michigan Ave. in Sheridan Township for a burglary investigation. Officials say the hospital has been "targeted" by thieves multiple times over two months. Those who may have information on this case can call Silent Observer at 269-781-9700 or ask for Calhoun County Sheriff's Department detectives at 269-781-0880.