Table of contents for 447 in The Week Junior

On 26 June, Julian Assange, who set up an organisation called WikiLeaks, won his freedom after a 14-year legal battle. Later that day, he flew to his home country of Australia. Assange had spent five years in prison in the UK. Who is Julian Assange? In 2006, Assange created WikiLeaks, an organisation that publishes documents it says governments or organisations want to keep private. In 2010, WikiLeaks published thousands of secret US military files. These suggested the US military had killed hundreds of civilians (non-military people) in incidents during a war in Afghanistan (2001–2021) that the public didn’t know about. Supporters of WikiLeaks and Assange say publishing the documents was important because it exposed wrongdoing (see panel). However, the US government said some of the people mentioned in the files…

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s most recent creation is not a cookbook or a dazzlingly delicious dish, but a children’s book. Billy and the Epic Escape is the follow-up to Billy and the Giant Adventure. Billy and his friends are on a mission to save the magical Waterfall Woods – and the unusual creatures living there – from the mysterious red lady and, on the way, see how nature keeps the world in balance. There are, of course, some fantastic feasts too. On food, Oliver says, “I probably talk to my children about the food that we grow and where it comes from at every meal.” Being a dad has played a massive part in Oliver’s writing. Having dyslexia (a condition that can cause difficulties with reading, writing and spelling and…

Researchers have seen an ape in Asia heal itself with plants too. In 2022 in Indonesia, an orangutan was observed using a plant to heal a nasty wound on his face. The orangutan, named Rakus, ripped off the leaves of a plant named akar kuning, chewed on them and spent several minutes applying the juice to his wound. He then covered the wound with the chewed-up leaves. Akar kuning is known to relieve pain and fight infections, and is used by local people. After five days, Rakus’s wound had healed up.…

In Watauga River, in North Carolina, US, scientists have caught hellbender salamanders and moved them downstream, before a dam (barrier to hold back water) is removed this July. A dam-free river will be healthier but the removal process could harm the rare creature. • LIFESPAN: Around 25 years in the wild. • HABITAT: Rivers and streams in the eastern US. • SIZE: Between 30 and 74 centimetres. • DIET: Crayfish, snakes, toads and other hellbenders. • FUN FACT: Hellbender nicknames include “snot otter”, “mud devil” and “lasagna lizard”.…

A medical trial has been launched to help control seizures using an implant in the brain. A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that can affect how it works. The first person in the UK to take part in the trial was 13-year-old Oran. He has a condition called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which he developed when he was three. This is a form of epilepsy (see panel) that is hard to treat. Before Oran began the trial, he had seizures every day. These could be dangerous because they sometimes affected his ability to breathe. The implant used in the trial is called a neurostimulator. It sends out a constant electrical signal that disrupts the unusual brain activity that causes seizures. Two electrodes (objects that allow electricity…

With over 30 gold medals up for grabs, Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s best athletes competed at the UK Athletics Championships on 29 and 30 June in Manchester, England. Sports such as hurdles, high jump, long jump, pole vault and wheelchair racing were included. The competition takes place every year. This year, there was even more pressure to do well because the winner and runner-up in each event could then qualify to represent Team GB at the Olympics in July and August. Among the popular events were the women’s and men’s 100 metres and 200 metres races. Daryll Neita won the women’s 100 metres in a time of 11.24 seconds, with Louie Hinchliffe taking the men’s title by finishing in 10.18 seconds. Dina Asher-Smith won the women’s 200 metres and…

Gru from Despicable Me is perhaps the world’s unlikeliest hero. When audiences first met him in 2010, he was a criminal mastermind with an army of minions ready to help him steal the Moon. After adopting three daughters called Margo, Edith and Agnes, he had a change of heart about his evil ways. Eventually, he joined the Anti-Villain League to take down the world’s worst criminals. Gru is now returning in a new film, Despicable Me 4 (out in cinemas on 12 July). He has just had a son with his wife Lucy, but Gru Jr is quite a handful. However, his son’s behaviour is the least of Gru’s concerns when he comes face to face with a new nemesis, Maxime Le Mal. Gru and his family must then go…

BMX All Stars Available now on BBC iPlayer This adrenaline-filled series follows young riders from Peckham BMX in London, one of the UK’s most successful clubs. The riders form friendships as well as fierce rivalries, and they work as hard as they can to make their way to victory. The Imaginary Available now on Netflix Amanda’s imaginary friend, Rudger, joins her on adventures. However, when Rudger becomes separated from her, he finds himself at the Town of Imaginaries, a place where forgotten Imaginaries live.…

What inspired you to write a book set in a colonial alternative India? My children are of diverse heritage: Indian and British. Sometimes the shared histories of these countries are difficult to explain – stories help bring them alive. Were any characters inspired by real life? In The Destiny of Minou Moonshine, Minou’s fierce grandmother was inspired by my own great-grandmother. My mum has told me all about her. What do you do when not writing? Until recently I combined working as a doctor in the NHS with writing, so I didn’t have time for much else. Will we see Sam and Minou again soon? I’m working on a story with different characters now but I wouldn’t rule it out.…

Have you ever played a game and thought you could design a better one? Or have you played a brilliant game that has inspired thoughts of getting a job in the games industry? If either is true, BAFTA’s annual Young Game Designers (YGD) contest is one way to test your ideas and skills. The contest celebrates the game-designing talents of young people aged 10 to 18. This year’s winners were announced on 27 June in an online ceremony. The awards have two categories – one for 10 to 14-year-olds and one for 15 to 18-year-olds. Each category has two prizes: best game idea and the best game that’s been made. The Game Concept award for 10 to 14-year-olds was won by Orson Hayward. His game, Collateral Damage, was inspired by…

Politics can divide opinions but Australians have found a tasty way to bring people together on election day – by firing up their barbecues and serving sausages. The so-called “democracy sausage” has become an election day tradition in Australia, where voting is compulsory and always takes place on a Saturday. Volunteers arrive at polling stations early, loaded with rolls, sausages and sliced onions. Voters who don’t like sausages can relax – there are cakes available too. There are even special websites telling voters which polling stations are serving the best snacks. Discover some extraordinary election facts, from odd candidates to very unusual polling stations……

Name: Sachin “While campaigning in Scotland for a greener planet, I was lucky enough to meet and interview former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. I spoke to him about climate change and the impact it has on the poorest in the world. It can affect poor people in many ways including droughts, heatwaves and flooding, which makes people feel very scared and forces them to move. To help make people aware, I asked what advice he would give young people about the importance of tackling climate change.He said, ‘To work with friends and people who are of like-minded views to change world opinion, if necessary by one person at a time. Too many people reject action on climate change because they think only of today and not of the future, and…

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We love hearing from you! It’s easy – just write a comment when you vote in our online Big Debate poll, or even record a voice note for The Week Junior Show. Last week we asked you whether voting should be compulsory… “No, there might not be any good parties.” “Yes, it is our duty as citizens to choose the people representing us!” “No – if you have the right to vote, you should have the right not to vote.” “Yes, because everyone’s opinion counts.” Tell us what you think of this week’s issue and we’ll print some of the best comments here.…

“Press freedom” means journalists can report on things without fear of punishment. Human rights organisations say that the US government’s prosecution of Julian Assange has damaged media and press freedom. Press freedom doesn’t mean you can publish anything you like. In the UK, Ofcom issues rules that broadcast outlets (such as TV news programmes) must follow. An organisation called IPSO covers newspapers and magazines. Unlike Ofcom, IPSO is not compulsory, but many publications, including The Week Junior, agrees to follow its rules.…

PAINTING SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH A new painting of Sir David Attenborough has been unveiled. The artwork celebrates his 40 years of fellowship to the Royal Society (an organisation that promotes science and learning). The painting is on show until 7 July at the Royal Society in London. A LUCKY HEDGEHOG A poorly hedgehog that was found in frozen mud has been released back into the wild. The Holderness Hedgehog Hospital near Hull, England, nursed the animal. Vicky Pennington, from the hospital, said seeing the hedgehog – named Hope – take her first steps back in nature was “the best feeling in the world”. A HARRY POTTER ILLUSTRATION A watercolour illustration that was the cover art for the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has been sold at…

In early June, Dr Michael Mosley, who changed the way people think about sleep, exercise and weight, died in Symi, Greece. Since then, tributes for Mosley have been pouring in from all over the world from people whose lives he changed. Born in India, Mosley was sent to boarding school in England at the age of seven. He studied at Oxford University and started work as a banker, before retraining as a doctor, saying that he found people more interesting than money. Afterwards, he joined the BBC to work on television programmes. Over this time, Mosley created TV and radio shows watched and listened to by millions of people. In 1994, he made a programme with Dr Barry Marshall, who had infected himself with a stomach ulcer to prove that…

This rare butterfly was declared extinct in the UK in 1979 but was reintroduced in the 1980s and can be found in parts of south-west England. Large blues only take flight around the end of June to the start of July, preferring warm, dry natural grasslands. The large blue is actually quite small, with a wingspan of up to 5.2 centimetres. Its blue wings have thick, grey borders and spots on the front wings. The species has a strange start in life. The caterpillars feed on wild thyme plants and drop to the ground where they are carried off by ants who think they are ant grubs (babies) and return them to their nest. Here, the caterpillars fatten up by eating real ant grubs and then turn into chrysalises (the…

On 4 July, people voted for the political party they want to run the country. Find out what happens next, what Parliament is, who is involved and how decisions will be made. How does Parliament start up again? Before Parliament officially begins, Members of Parliament (MPs) have to make a promise, called an oath, that they will serve the Crown (King Charles). There is also a State Opening of Parliament where the King will make a speech setting out the new Government’s plans. This will take place on 17 July and marks the official opening of Parliament. What is Parliament? Parliament is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Crown. The King is not usually present, but he is involved in making new laws.…

Romain Bardet The French cyclist won the first stage of the famous Tour de France race. The event finishes on 21 July. India cricket team In the men’s T20 World Cup final in Barbados, India defeated South Africa by seven runs. India’s Virat Kohli was the top scoring batsman with 76 runs. Loughborough Lightning In the Netball Super League Grand Final, Lightning defeated Manchester Thunder 70-54 to be champions for the second year in a row. England football team In the men’s European Championships, England beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra time. England will play Switzerland in the quarter finals.…

The Vincent van Gogh Atlas by Nienke Denekamp and René van Blerk. Illustrated by Geert Gratama (Thames & Hudson) Vincent van Gogh is known for works like The Starry Night (1889) and his paintings of sunflowers. This fascinating new guide to his life, produced with the Van Gogh Museum, follows his travels around Europe in the 19th century using drawings, maps and photographs. Women in Art by Rachel Ignotofsky (Hachette Children’s) Find out about 50 fearless, creative women whose work has inspired the world in this beautifully illustrated book. You will learn about amazing female artists including Yayoi Kusama, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, textile artist Harriet Powers and sculptor Edmonia Lewis. Meet the Artist: J.M.W. Turner by Lizzy Stewart (Tate Publishing) Part of Tate Gallery’s Meet the Artist series, this…

4. Tell a story Memorise your favourite story, then share it in person or over the phone. Send a photo of your session to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk and you might see it in a future issue. Find some story tips at tinyurl.com/TWJ-storyteller *If you are the competition winner, we will only use the details you provide to contact you and arrange delivery of your competition prize. Further details about how we manage the data you provide can be found at futureplc.com/privacy-policy…

Holly King-Mand is a writer, presenter and campaigner for literacy (the ability to read and write). She has inspired thousands of children to learn English. Holly loves creative writing and has a passion for Greek myths. Thousands of years ago in ancient Greece, storytelling traditions created the Greek myths that are still told today. Tales involving heroes, gods and monsters were passed down through the generations. They are fantastical stories involving adventure, heroic action and battles with evil. They were also designed to explain mysterious things, like the creation of the universe and nature, as well as exploring big topics like religion, life and death. Holly loves Greek myths for their battles between good and evil and the wild ways of the gods. Practise your writing skills and unleash your…

First of all, a happy start to the summer holidays for all our Scottish readers! We’ve got lots of great books and book-related activities for you to try (page 22) or you could have a go at writing your own Greek myth (page 25). By the time you receive this issue, the country will either be voting or the election results will be coming in. We report on the last few days of campaigning (page 4) and take a look at the Houses of Parliament (page 12). Imagine walking in there on your first day as an MP! There will be lots of newly elected politicians doing just that when Parliament reopens. When we were researching election stories over the last few weeks, we kept coming across strange facts and…

The Morrab Library in Penzance, England, has partnered with the Dennis Myner Trust for the Patricia Eschen Prize for Poetry 2024, which features a writing competition for children in two age categories: 4–11 and 12–17. There is no theme, which allows young writers to express their creativity and let their imaginations run wild. It is free to enter. The judges are Annamaria Murphy, Dicky Souray and Keith Sparrow. The first prize in the 4–11 age category is £75, and in the 12–17 category it is £150. The closing date is on 19 July. Find out more at morrablibrary.org.uk/childrenspoetryprize2024…

Teachers’ names: Mrs Hudson and Mrs Mazuran School: Burwell Village College Primary, Burwell, Cambridgeshire, England “I would like to nominate my two wonderful teachers Mrs Hudson and Mrs Mazuran. Mrs Hudson always helps us when we get stuck in maths and English and is very patient as well. Mrs Mazuran is very funny and teaches us science on Thursdays. Yesterday, we made our own buzz wire game with Mrs Mazuran and it was really fun.” Abigail If we pick your teacher as Teacher of the Week, we’ll send your school three free issues of The Week Junior. Send your nominations, along with a picture of your teacher and your school’s full name and address, to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk…

1 Julian Assange spent seven years in which country’s embassy in London? ⬜ a) Ecuador’s ⬜ b) Germany’s ⬜ c) Thailand’s 2 True or false? The Children’s Laureate position was created in 1999. ⬜ True ⬜ False 3 In which part of the world has heavy fuel oil (HFO) been banned? 4 Which game holds the Guinness World Record for being the most popular board game? ⬜ a) Articulate! ⬜ b) Monopoly ⬜ c) Cluedo 5 True or false? Jamie Oliver has sold a total of five million books. ⬜ True ⬜ False 6 A new study has suggested which animal species self-medicates by eating certain plants? 7 How many miles of corridors are there in the Palace of Westminster? ⬜ a) One ⬜ b) Two ⬜ c) Three 8…

In the final week before the general election on 4 July, the UK’s political parties were busy campaigning to try to win as many votes as possible. How are politicians preparing? Party leaders have been visiting places across the UK as part of their campaigns to convince voters to vote for them. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, leader of the Conservative Party, has been making promises to keep taxes low. Tax is money collected by the Government from people and businesses. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has said the party would boost “clean” energy that doesn’t harm the planet and make it easier to see a doctor. The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, has said his party would improve the NHS and work to clean up rivers and the sea. What…

Playing a board game is a great way to enjoy some competitive fun with your friends and family. First sold in 1935, Monopoly is a popular game that has been played by families for generations. Suitable for two to eight players, the aim of the game is to buy, sell and trade properties and attempt to make the most money in your dealings. Sales in board games are increasing and new games are released all the time. Most people have played Monopoly at some point, along with games like Scrabble and Cluedo, but have you played the train-themed board game Ticket to Ride? Or the pattern-building game Azul? Some people say there are lots of better board games to play than Monopoly. What do you think? Does Monopoly deserve its…

If you’re sick or you have hurt yourself, you might see a doctor who could give you medicine to make you feel better. Wild animals can’t go to their GP but a new study suggests chimpanzees are using plants to treat themselves. Scientists already knew that chimps eat plants that have the same properties as some medicines, but they weren’t sure if this was by accident. To investigate, a team monitored the behaviour and health of 51 chimpanzees in Budongo rainforest in Uganda over four years. The scientists collected samples of 13 tree and herb species. They looked for plants they had seen sick or injured chimps eating – even though they weren’t part of the apes’ normal diet – as well as plants that other studies had suggested chimps…

REFOCUS AWARDS COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST…

Have you wondered how some people seem positive, even when things get hard? It’s a skill that all of us can develop. By choosing how we see the world, and how we talk to ourselves, we can make our days the best they can be. How do good days begin? One of the easiest ways to influence how your day takes shape is by having a good routine. “Having a good day starts the night before,” says Dr Rekha Vara, a psychologist (an expert in thoughts and feelings). Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy breakfast and listening to your favourite song are some ideas she offers for starting your day well. “Routines can help to establish positive habits,” says Vara. “You start to feel a sense of routine about the…

Wallace and Gromit are making a comeback this Christmas for the first time in more than 10 years, and a familiar face will be joining them. Feathers McGraw, a penguin supervillain who audiences first saw back in 1993, will return in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Feathers may look like a normal penguin but he is actually a ruthless criminal. In The Wrong Trousers, Feathers used Wallace to steal a diamond before Gromit unmasked him. In the new film, Wallace has invented a “smart” gnome, but it has developed a mind of its own. In fact, it seems that the figure controlling the gnome might be an all-too-familiar face from the past. Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit, said that 30 years after the first film, “it…

For her first book, The Destiny of Minou Moonshine, Gita Ralleigh was inspired by the fantasy adventures she loved to read growing up. The book was nominated for the Branford Boase Award (a prize for children’s books). Now she has written another story set in the same colourful world. We meet land pirate Sam Singh, from a tribe of hunters, snake catchers and honourable thieves. Sam is searching for his brother, Moon, who he fears may be held in the Octopus – a prison on the Isle of Lost Voices, from which no one has escaped. Sam sets out on a perilous journey through the jungle to try to rescue Moon. Along the way he gets help from a young forest guide, Lola, as well as talking parrot Suka. This…

Crossword Read the clues carefully and write the answers into the grid. Across 1 Rounded roof (4) 3 Early manual calculator (6) 8 Light that can be carried (7) 9 Bird similar to an ostrich (3) 10 Dental cleaner in a tube (10) 13 Bath plaything (6,4) 17 Little vegetable (3) 18 Four-sided figures (7) 19 Largest desert in the world (6) 20 Pip from which a new plant grows (4) Down 1 Toy that you dress (4) 2 Juicy, smooth-skinned tropical fruit (5) 4 Waste container (3) 5 Restaurant cooks (5) 6 Cup’s dish (6) 7 Insect like a cockroach (6) 11 Seaside cycle-boat (6) 12 Small green or dark purple fruits (6) 14 Sand or shingle sea-edge (5) 15 Small boat propelled by a paddle (5) 16 Pre-owned,…