Table of contents for 386 in The Week Junior

On 26 April, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and China’s president Xi Jinping held an important phone call in which they discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Why was the phone call important? This was the first known conversation between Zelensky and Xi since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. China is known to have a close relationship with Russia and the phone call is seen as China trying to become a possible peacemaker in the war. After the call, Zelensky said Ukraine would appoint an ambassador (a government official who will represent Ukraine) in China. In return, Xi agreed to send Chinese representatives to Ukraine to try and organise a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. What is China’s relationship with Russia? China and Russia are friends. When Russia invaded…

Sultan Al Neyadi has become the first Arab astronaut to complete a spacewalk. On 28 April, he checked his space suit, inspected the cable that would keep him attached to the International Space Station (ISS), and climbed out of the giant orbiting laboratory into space. He spent the next six and a half hours working alongside NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen to replace equipment and prepare the ISS for new solar panels. Al Neyadi is from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and was chosen from more than 4,000 people to join the UAE Astronaut Programme, which trains astronauts to go into space and carry out scientific experiments. As well as studying at universities in England and Australia, Al Neyadi spent time in the UAE armed forces, and practises ju-jitsu – a…

A new study has revealed that despite preferring to live alone, solitary animals still learn from other members of their species – just like those that like to live in groups. There have been lots of studies showing how group-living animals boost their chances of survival by sharing information. Honeybees, for instance, do a dance to show other bees from the hive where to get the best pollen. Mike Webster from the University of St Andrews in Scotland did a review of lots of scientific studies already done into solitary animals. He wanted to understand more clearly how animals experience social learning – in other words, how they set about learning from others. Webster discovered dozens of examples of social learning in solitary animals, including insects, fish, lizards, octopuses and…

In the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels twinkle in glass boxes. However, some of the boxes are now empty, with signs saying “in use”. The missing regalia (symbols of royalty) will be used at the King’s coronation. What are the Crown Jewels? The royal collection holds more than 100 objects and more than 23,000 gems. They are said to be priceless because of their historical and cultural importance, although experts have estimated they might be worth as much as £5 billion. How old are they? Most date back to King Charles II, who was crowned in 1661. His father, King Charles I, was executed in 1649 during England’s civil war (a war between people in the same country). Oliver Cromwell took charge and destroyed or sold many of the…

Luca Brecel Brecel, from Belgium, defeated England’s Mark Selby in a thrilling final match to win the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield for the first time. Paige Scholfield The cricketer scored 134 to help South East Stars defeat Western Storm in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. England women’s rugby union team They won the Six Nations competition with a 38-33 win over France at Twickenham, in London. The match was watched by a record 58,498 fans. Anna Henderson The British cyclist helped Team Jumbo-Visma win the first stage of the La Vuelta Femenina event in Spain.…

Have you ever looked around the city, town or village where you live and thought you could have designed it better? Pocket City 2 is a game that turns you into a town planner. It’s a mobile game for iPhone and Android smartphones, which makes you the mayor of a new city. When you start, there are no houses, offices, shops or anything apart from a road and town hall. Your job is to change that, first by creating “zones” – spaces where people can build homes, shops and workplaces. All these buildings need electricity and water, so you also build a power plant and a water tower, as well as a sewage drain to deal with your new city’s waste. From then it grows and grows as you decide…

Do you have any strange sickness remedies? I remember reading in The Beano when I was a kid that “tripe and onions is a cure for bunions” but I’m not entirely sure what tripe is (or bunions, for that matter). What’s your favourite piece of art? It changes all the time. I like Son of Man by Magritte (the man with an apple in front of his face) because it’s a bit stupid. Is Trixie based on anyone you know? She’s a mix of my two daughters plus a bit of Roger the Dodger, who was my favourite comic character growing up. Favourite food? Those chocolate bars you get with popping candy and jelly beans in. Are you planning any more Trixie Pickle adventures? Oooh, I might be, but I…

What museum? Start with a local museum. With the help of an adult, search online for a place that’s near you and see what attractions it has and when it’s open. Check if you need to pay to visit and whether you must book before you go. Museums can get busy at weekends and during school holidays. What else could I do? Visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford, in Cambridgeshire, England. It is Europe’s largest air museum with lots of aircraft and items from the First and Second World Wars. The museum is on an airfield and you can see planes take off, fly past and land in front of you.…

Bottom of the spelling class Workers in Swansea, Wales, were perhaps daydreaming while repainting the word “school” on a road outside Llangyfelach Primary School. They misspelt it “shcool”. They quickly apologised and returned soon afterwards to correct their error. To make matters worse, the Welsh word for school underneath is also spelt incorrectly; instead of reading “ysgol” it says “ysool”. It is not clear who was responsible for this second spelling mistake. A sweet idea for the royal image King Charles III has been recreated out of almost 3,000 Mars, Twix and Bounty bars. Chocolatiers in Slough, England, melted down 17 litres of Celebrations chocolate and shaped the goo into a sculpture of the King wearing the uniform he will wear at his coronation on 6 May. It took the…

Ukraine and Russia share a 1,200-mile border. It is now more than a year since Russia first invaded Ukraine, on 24 February 2022. This happened because Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, believes that Ukraine belongs to Russia. Russia had already taken the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014. There are now more than eight million Ukrainian refugees (people who have left their country because of war or the threat of violence) across Europe – around 20% of the population. It’s also estimated that around six million people still in Ukraine have had to leave their homes.…

MAKING MUSIC To mark the coronation, a musician from Norfolk, England, Chris Brooke, has written a piece of music that musicians will perform on bandstands across the country. Bandstands were built in the 19th century to put on outdoor entertainment and concerts. REMEMBERING WAR HEROES Two men from Jamaica who came to Britain during the Second World War (1939–1945) are being celebrated as part of a new exhibition in Leeds, England. Alford Gardner and Errol James moved to the UK to join the Royal Air Force. The exhibition will show how people from the Caribbean served during the war. A RARE FOX RESCUE Following a two-week rescue mission, an abandoned black fox in Barry, Wales, has been found in good health. Black foxes, with their black and silver fur, are…

Billions of letters and cards are posted in the UK every year but people are sending less post than they used to. Some people think that writing cards and letters is an important and meaningful way to connect with others. However, some think it is out of date and unnecessary in our digital world. Many cards are fully recyclable (with no plastic packaging), but there are still lots that come with decorative foil, stuck-on “gems” or glitter, and these are not. Transporting post can be harmful for the environment – it uses lots of energy and can cause pollution. The Royal Mail is trying out drones (remote-controlled flying devices) to deliver post, but many people think we should just communicate electronically. What do you think – should we stop sending…

The Turquoise Coast in Turkey attracts tourists from around the world to its beautiful blue waters. However, when marine researcher and photographer Zafer Kizilkaya dived there he found the marine life destroyed by overfishing, climate change and tourist activities. Kizilkaya took action and persuaded the Turkish government to build a network of marine protected areas that stretch more than 300 miles along the Mediterranean coast. Now there are 10 times more fish in the area. Kizilkaya’s efforts have earned him the Goldman Environmental Prize, which celebrates people who try to protect the environment.…

The first coronation The first King to be crowned at the site of Westminster Abbey was William the Conqueror on 25 December 1066. Almost every monarch has been crowned there since, although in the 13th century, King Henry III began rebuilding the structure that stands today. The double coronation In 1689, King William and Queen Mary became the only British monarchs to be crowned as joint rulers. A special chair was made for the occasion; it is still on display in the Abbey. It was also the first time a monarch promised to govern according to the laws of Parliament, which limited their own powers. Televised coronation In 1953, against official advice, Queen Elizabeth II allowed cameras into Westminster Abbey to show her coronation to the world. One politician wondered…

MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2023…

Walk to School Week takes place from 15 to 19 May, and to mark it the charity Living Streets is challenging pupils across the UK to walk, cycle or scoot to school every day. As well as being better for the environment, regular walking can boost your body and mind. Why is walking good for you? Have you ever noticed you have more energy after a walk? According to experts, walking isn’t just good for your physical health, it can also clear your mind, sharpen your senses and lift your mood. In fact, scientist and author Shane O’Mara calls walking “one of the great, overlooked superpowers” because it makes your brain work harder. Making walks part of your daily routine means you can use this superpower more often. Make the…

Details and the trailer for a new TV series, Ahsoka, were released at this year’s Star Wars Celebration, a fan convention for people who love everything to do with Star Wars. The series, which is coming out in August, will be set five years after Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and follows the journey of a character called Ahsoka Tano. Fans may recognise Ahsoka from previous Star Wars projects, including two animated series, The Clone Wars and Rebels, as well as The Mandalorian. She was originally a student of Luke Skywalker’s father, Anakin, as she learned how to use a power known as the Force. However, she soon went on her own path to become an independent leader. Over the years, Ahsoka has become a Star Wars fan favourite,…

King Charles III by Andrea Mills. Illustrated by Jennie Poh (DK) Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III with this illustrated book, which tells the story of the King’s life. Beginning with his childhood, it includes lots of fascinating facts – and will give you a glimpse into what being King might really be like. Queens: 3,000 Years of the Most Powerful Women in History by Victoria Crossman (Scholastic) Be inspired by stories of women rulers from across the centuries. Full of vibrant illustrations, this book features lots of queens, including Cleopatra, Queen Nanny of Jamaica and Queen Elizabeth II. It gives lots of rich details of their lives – pets, homes, clothes and much more. Arthur: The Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland. Illustrated by Chris Riddell (Walker Books) Discover…

Name: Isla The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger by J.T. Williams “Mysterious, thrilling and heartwarming. It shows the true meaning of friendship.” YOUR TURN Email your book review to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk. If your review is printed in the magazine you’ll receive a Roving Reporter badge. Tell us what you liked about the book and why you’d recommend it to others, and don’t forget to include your name and address.* *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 www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy…

Beatboxing is a musical art that involves people using their mouth, lips, tongue and voice to create percussion sounds, instead of using drums or cymbals, for example. People have been making musical noises for hundreds of years all around the world, but the word and specific style of beatboxing was first used by hip-hop artists in New York, US, in the 1970s. They copied drum machines, or “beat boxes”, alongside rapping. Award-winning comedian Jarred Christmas and world champion beatboxer Hobbit are touring the UK with their show, The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show (find out more at tinyurl.com/TWJ-beatboxshow). Here, they share four steps to being a brilliant beatboxer. 1 Warm up Hobbit says: Beatboxing uses a lot of air, so get those lungs working by taking a deep breath right…

With the coronation, it was obvious what to have on this week’s cover: our report on the history of the Crown Jewels (page 12). Even so, our pages are bursting with so many brilliant stories that we had lots of options. My favourite is about the secret world of ponds (page 11). They seem so tranquil to us but it’s a party down there! When scientists listened in they heard a riot of scratches, plops, squeaks and gurgles from all the different plants and creatures that share the space. I also loved the story of the fungi that can eat plastic both on land and in the sea (page 14). The tricks and stunts that the Harlem Globetrotters perform (page 18) still amaze audiences, and if you enjoy live performance…

Celebrate Empathy Day: 8 June 2023 On 8 June, it is Empathy Day. This year the Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, along with authors and illustrators including Cressida Cowell, S.F. Said, A.M. Dassu, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Louie Stowell and many more, are working with EmpathyLab. Their aim is to create a range of activities, events and challenges for young people on the theme of empathy. Teachers and parents can find out more at empathylab.uk GETINVOLVED Email your news, views and pictures to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk…

Teacher’s name: Miss Nakibinge School: Rosendale Primary School, London “We chose Miss Nakibinge because she does these lessons called ‘Relax Kids’, which are very calming for our bodies and our minds. She also makes learning really fun, even long division, and she makes sure you’re ok when learning and not left behind. We think she should be Teacher of the Week for sure.”Olive and the rest of class 4AN 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 Please include your full name and address so that we can send you a Roving Reporter badge if your contribution makes…

1 How much money has the energy company BP made this year? □ a) £4 billion □ b) £5 billion □ c) £22 billion 2 The Stone of Scone is normally kept in Westminster, England. □ True □ False 3 Which country has just launched its first “water metro” boat service? 4 What proportion of UK children have never received a handwritten letter? a) A quarter b) A third c) Half 5 True or false? Astronauts wear a special jetpack to help them get to safety in case they float off in space. □ True □ False 6 Which species of cat is the only one that lives in groups? 7 Who was the first monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey? □ a) Queen Victoria □ b) William the…

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Now that you’ve read a bit more about it, tell us what you think by voting in our poll at theweekjunior.co.uk/polls. Vote YES if you think we should stop sending cards and letters, or NO if you don’t. We’ll publish the results next week. The aim of the Big debate page is to present two sides of an issue fairly and objectively, in order to stimulate discussion and allow our readers to make up their minds. The views on the page do not reflect those of The Week Junior, and the page is not funded by third parties. The page is created in association with the English-Speaking Union, an educational charity helping young people discover their voice and realise their full potential. For more information, please…

In February, Justina Miles performed alongside pop superstar Rihanna at the Super Bowl (a big American football game in the US). Miles, who is partly deaf, translated the songs into sign language (using hand and face movements to communicate). Now she’s a cover star of the latest British issue of the magazine, Vogue, which features 19 disabled people involved in fashion, sport and the arts. Miles has been partly deaf since she was two but has always loved music, and blasts tunes through a big speaker in her bedroom in Philadelphia, US, while signing along to the beats and words. She told Vogue she hopes her Super Bowl appearance will show young deaf people that they can dream big too. THEY SAID IT! “I can’t watch myself. I still close…

Spiky but endearing, the European hedgehog comes out of hibernation in April. They are nocturnal (active at night), so you’re most likely to spot one in the evening. Hedgehogs can grow to 30 centimetres long, are brown and covered in yellow-tipped spikes, with a short tail and short legs. Their spines are actually stiff hairs that they raise using their back muscles. They can roll into a ball to protect their soft bellies and faces when threatened. Hedgehogs like dry spaces. You can build or buy a hedgehog house and if you have a fence, make sure there are gaps for them to move gardens. Hedgehogs travel far in search of food. They eat all kinds of bugs but their favourites are crunchy beetles and juicy worms.…

Each year, the world produces more than 300 million tonnes of plastic waste. Unlike natural materials like paper or wood, which break down quite quickly and mix with soil, plastic can take hundreds of years to break down. Now, a group of scientists at the University of Sydney, in Australia, have found a way to break down plastic using fungi. Fungi are a group of plant-like organisms, including mould, mushrooms and yeast. The scientists focused on two types, called Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album, which are often found in soil. In the experiment, the fungi were used to break down a type of plastic called polypropylene, which makes up 28% of the world’s plastic waste. It’s used to make food containers and bottle tops. The scientists used pieces of polypropylene…

Have you seen a basketball match live? It’s fast and exciting and lots of points get scored as two teams try to put the ball through the opposition’s hoop. In May, the famous Harlem Globetrotters from the US – the world’s most entertaining basketball team – are touring the UK. The Harlem Globetrotters are very special. They don’t play in normal league or cup competitions – instead they have skilful players who perform unusual trick shots, special stunts and comedy moves to impress the fans. The Globetrotters were formed nearly 100 years ago in Chicago, US, and have helped basketball become popular all over the world, thanks to their amazing displays. In the past, they helped to show how good African-American basketball players were. In 1950, Globetrotter Nat Clifton became…

Three years ago, Scottish playwright Hannah Lavery started writing a story inspired by her experiences of going to protests as a child with her mum. Now her play Protest is being put on the stage in Scotland. The play follows three girls, Alice, Jade and Chloe, on a journey as they discover their voices. Alice is a talented runner, the best at her school, but is finding it difficult to prove her worth. Meanwhile, Jade is learning that her education isn’t doing enough to reflect her own heritage and history, and decides that she wants to tell her own story. When litter builds up in the local forest, Chloe is determined to tackle the problem and help protect the environment. The three of them must prepare to stand up for…

Swipe it with Joe Tasker, Series 2 Available now on POP Player YouTube star Joe Tasker has returned for a second series to face even more weird and wacky challenges. He’ll be showing off new dance moves, solving some mysterious problems and trying to make members of the public laugh. Peter Pan & Wendy Available now on Disney+ In this remake of a classic book and films, a girl called Wendy meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. They set out on a magical adventure involving mermaids, fairies and an evil pirate, Captain Hook.…

by Olaf Falafel (Puffin Books) In the second book about “sort-of-superhero” Trixie Pickle Art Avenger, a strange sickness bug is spreading through town. Could there be something in the water? Trixie Pickle investigates using the power of art. She also has to deal with boring “Money Month” at school, as well as the mean girls, all while making comics with her friend Beeks. With a little inspiration from artists like Sandro Botticelli, surely the Art Avenger can find a way to triumph? There are lots of comic-strip-style illustrations and an entertaining story interwoven with intriguing details about real-life artists including Auguste Rodin and Katsushika Hokusai. It’s a brilliant way to learn about art, while following the hilarious twists and turns of Trixie’s wacky adventures. WIN! We’re giving away five copies…

On 18 May, International Museum Day is celebrated around the world. It’s an event that aims to make people think about what museums offer and why they are exciting places to visit. A museum is a place where objects from far away or long ago, or science inventions, are displayed for the public to enjoy. Museums will sometimes show art and sculptures too. There are hundreds of museums around the UK. The Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the Science Museum are three famous attractions in London, England. Other venues, such as the National Museum of Scotland, National Museum Cardiff in Wales and Northern Ireland’s Ulster Museum are places with lots of exciting things inside to explore. The national museums in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are run…

Word fill in All these sporting words fit in the grid. Can you work out where each word goes to complete it? 4 Letters Golf Sumo Team 6 Letters Discus Hockey Pelota 7 Letters Contest Croquet 8 Letters Handball Korfball 9 Letters Equaliser Potholing 10 Letters Basketball Volleyball Wordsearch Can you find all of the words listed here? They are hidden horizontally, vertically or diagonally and may read forwards or backwards. ACCELERATE BELT BOUND CANTER CHARGE DASH FLY GALLOP HASTEN HURRY HURTLE QUICKEN RACE ROCKET RUN RUSH SPRINT TEAR WHIZZ ZOOM Number tower Place a number in every circle to complete the tower. The value in each circle is the sum of the numbers in the two circles directly beneath it. Spot the difference These two pictures appear to be…

Name: Millie “I learnt about Mugurameno School and village (Zambia) when I was in Year 2. It is very remote, with no running water or electricity. My wish was to raise money for the school and village, and go there too. My wish came true. I raised £6,135 with the help of my family, friends and teachers. I took stationery, books, uniforms, school shoes, sports equipment and lots more. I also donated to a Down’s Syndrome Centre in Livingstone and three orphanages in Lusaka. I hope to inspire more young people to do charity work.” What have you been up to lately? Which books have you enjoyed reading? What have you made? Have you written a poem or drawn a picture that you’d like to see published on this page?…

We’d love to see your snaps. Send them to us at hello@theweekjunior.co.uk Don’t forget to tell us why you took them. “We marked Earth Day by joining in with 60,000 other people at a climate change march. We got stickers and badges protesting against climate change. Lots of people dressed up as different animals. Here we are reading The Week Junior with a giraffe.”Eliana and Tom “Here I am reading the Animals and Environment section of The Week Junior with my bunny, Bertie.”Amelia “This is me with all of my Week Juniors laid out in order.”Jude…

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 (find out how below). Last week we asked you if the UK should have more bank holidays. You said… “I get to spend time with my family and we play board games. I love bank holidays!” “School’s important. Bank holidays mean we miss school.” “There should be more but not all together.” “People work better when they get time off.” Tell us what you think of this week’s issue and we’ll print some of the best comments here.…