The Dark: a palindrome I’m just The Dark At night, Only those too tired to think believe There is magic in my depths Moonlit Night by Hailey Scrivens Guardians of the Glow by Hailey Scrivens Hailey Scrivens is an 11-year-old book lover and pencil collector, about to enter middle school. She loves crocheting, drawing, writing poetry, and snuggling up on the couch with her dog, Charlie, and a good book. Your poem, "The Dark" has such a creative structure where you can read it in reverse and it changes the meaning of the piece. What made you decide on this structure and what did you find challenging and rewarding about writing a poem this way? My poem, "The Dark," is a palindrome. That means that it can be read in reverse and have a different meaning. I first learned about palindromes at a weekly writing group with my friends. At first, we both struggled, but we were determined to try it out. It was challenging, but at the end, finally creating a palindrome felt very rewarding. What is your favorite topic to study in school? My favorite topic in school is either writing or art. What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? I am learning to speak French, and something I find interesting about it is how some words sound similar to English words and some, completely different! What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? My favorite book is a fantasy series called Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messanger. I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages who want a little magic in their lives. The story is hooking, and always keeps you on edge.

My Adventure in the Dark I was coming home one moonless night through a dark jungle. There was no light in the vicinity and nothing ahead, could be seen properly. An owl hooted from a ghostly banyan tree nearby and I also heard the soft call of a nightjar and the distant howl of jackals. In other days, when I came home, I could spot many stars in the night sky twinkle like a thousand beautiful eyes but that day I couldn’t see anything. I was much frightened by this. And when, I least expected it, the rain started pouring heavily and I started searching for a place to shade myself from it. I, searched here and there until, I finally found a cave nearby. Without giving it a second thought I rushed inside the cave. And though I was already drenched in the rain, I thought that it would be better to stay inside until the rain stopped. I didn’t have a torch with myself and couldn’t see anything but got a nasty smell, which helped me sense that there were bats inside the cave. I had read somewhere that many bats are deadly blood- sucking draculas, just the other day which is why I trembled in fear. I didn’t realize when I felt asleep but when I woke up I saw that it was midnight. The rain had stopped. So, I went outside and walked quietly. But the path was slippery and I hurt my leg several times, as I slipped or bumped into a rock. I knew that my mother would be getting concerned about me, so I tried to increase my pace in order to get home faster. I had walked merely some distance when I noticed two golden - yellow eyes glowing in the dark. I felt afraid and my heart started beating loudly. I gathered some courage and gradually walked towards those eyes and when I stood right in front of them, I felt a bit strange as they rarely blinked. I took a twig and threw it at those eyes. Then the eyes danced away and I realized that they were nothing dangerous but just harmless fireflies. I followed those fireflies, which were later joined by a few other fireflies. Their light guided me and also helped me walk back home without getting hurt again. When I reached the doorstep, the fireflies flew away. That was when, I realized that I had a real adventure, where I might have been haunted by the dark but those benevolent fireflies helped me return home. The dark may seem gloomy but the wonderful creatures of the dark, make it very gloamy. On that note, I’ll say… goodnight!! And, sleep tight!! In the Dark As I came home, Last night, I noticed that there was a pin-drop silence, In the vicinity. Occasionally, the gradual call of a night jar broke the solitude. But except that everything was quite and still, It was a full moon night, And many stars twinkled in the sky, Like a thousand beautiful eyes. The stillness of the night, and The quiet atmosphere, Was not just good but lovely, indeed. And, Whatever the others might say A quiet and still night, Is always better, than the noisy and playful day. Arush Dey is 12 years old and has been published in various magazines like Kloud nine magazine, whose chief editor is the famous author Ruskin Bond. Arush's favorite books are those which are written about nature or praises its beauty, like Vagrants In The Valley. Arush would like to travel to Kenya, Vietnam, and Switzerland. Your poem, "In the Dark" wonderfully captures the magical feeling of a quiet night. What do you like best about nighttime? Why do you think "A quiet, still night / Is always better than a noisy and playful day"? I love the nighttime because they are lovely, gentle and provide peace, comfort and warmth to my soul and befriend me as if they are my best friend. I do like the day too, but not more than the night because I prefer silence and solitude. Your story, "My Adventure in the Dark" is full of sensory details—spooky sights and sounds, a drenching rain—that are heightened by the subject of being alone in the dark. When writing this story, how did you decide what images you wanted to use to create a sense of tension and fear for the reader? When I was writing this story, it was raining heavily outside. I imagined myself, wandering out there in the spooky rain, drenching myself and my clothes fully with the rainwater. I included the idea of a cave in my story to make the story a little more engaging and exciting for my readers, in a manner where they would be able to experience the scenes in a more lively and close manner. I wanted my readers to imagine themself in the situation and enjoy reading my story to the fullest. What is your favorite topic to study in school? My favourite topic to study at school is English. Though I love other subjects too, English is the one I enjoy reading the most. What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? Recently, I learned in English that a word can have several meanings. This fascinated me, quite a lot. For instance; The meaning of March can refer to the Month March as well as in these kinds of sentences like; The army is marching down the road And August can refer to holy or divine or also to the Month of August. What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? I am currently reading the book, The Room on The Roof, which was written by my favorite author Ruskin Bond in 1956 when he was just seventeen years old. Yes, I would prefer readers above the age of ten to read it. It's a very good book that can reduce our screen time and help us make reading infinitely more fun.

Little Thoughts Press Issue Fourteen: Traditions and Rituals featuring the poem "Dhol Drums" by Kerenza Peugniez. Kerenza Peugniez is a primary school music teacher in East London. She loves reading, writing, crisps, walks, quirky clothing and of course, music, singing and playing flute, gamelan and many other instruments. She first had a piece of music published at age 12 but is delighted, some 30 years later, to have poems published in Tyger, Tyger, The Toy, The Dirigible Balloon and Little Thoughts Press, as well as having poems featured on radio via BBC Upload. Little Thoughts Press: Your poem “Dhol Drums” blends music and poetry through a structure that is meant to mimic the specific rhythm of Bhangra music. Speaking more generally, though, how do you think your musical background influences your approach to poetry? Kerenza Peugniez: When I write a poem, the rhythm and stress of the poem is really important to me. Saying it out loud and hearing that rhythm is really important and actually reading aloud to someone, treating it like a performance, is important. It's then that I notice things that don't work. When I perform poetry, the inflection and pitch and even changes of dynamics, louder and quieter moments are all part of it. Thinking too about a poem being like a written piece of music, I think this is why I struggle to write free verse more—I really like the confines of a rhythm and structure which often music conforms to and I think that's why I am a fan of a rhyme! I love the musicality of certain words. Beyond that, I'm not sure I've ever consciously considered how my musicality affects my poetry writing process! Apart from the fact I actually have an entire poetry collection about music, aimed at children, ready to go! Little Thoughts Press: In your author’s note for this piece you write, “As a musician, I believe that music is a huge part of celebrations!” What role does music play in your own celebrations and traditions? Kerenza Peugniez: For me, music is always a part of celebrations. As a child growing up, I was involved in music in all aspects of my life—I sang in the church choir from the age of 4, having sat under the table in the vestry listening to my Mum's choir practice. Christmas is synonymous with music for me and I count myself so lucky as a primary music teacher to organise the Christmas carol services at school, to choose and write songs for school (I've had a tradition as a teacher that I write a new Christmas song every year for my pupils to sing as part of our performance and this is one of my favourite traditions for the Christmas season. I have 20 songs and I am just about to begin number 21!). Carol services are a huge part of my Christmas celebrations, be they at school, church or elsewhere! If anyone asks me to sing or play in one, I absolutely will! And I always have to listen to Victor Hely-Hutchinson's "Carol Symphony" which was used as the music from the children's TV series I mention below. Little Thoughts Press: This issue is about big traditions, but also the little rituals that give our lives magic, joy and peace. What is your favorite small ritual that brings you joy? Kerenza Peugniez: On a Saturday morning, when I've got nowhere to be, I like to make myself a full pot of tea (with loose tea leaves from the Zero Waste shop and milk just delivered from the milkman in reusable glass bottles) and sit in bed and drink cup after cup whilst reading a book. Or on the sofa. There's something soothing and magical about that early morning hush, reading and tea combined. Little Thoughts Press: How did you get started writing kid-lit and what do you find most challenging and rewarding about writing for kids? Kerenza Peugniez: I've always written in my spare time, be it stories, poems or blog posts. However, the first time I wrote for children was at the end of my first year of being a qualified teacher. I loved my first class and wanted to write them a story all about them. I wrote and included each and every one of them in a story which showed their idiosyncrasies and printed everyone a copy. A younger colleague recently married a pupil from that first class (he was a child when I started teaching!) and he told me she still has that book! I did this for my next two classes, before my role changed. I used to love teaching writing and reading and even though I had moved onto being a music specialist, a part of me still wanted to be in on the literacy part of the curriculum. Quite often, I would write model texts for teachers who wanted to give an example of a piece of writing they wanted from the children. I started writing poetry aimed at children a few years ago when my school started trying to make more of a focus on poetry and I wanted to DO the thing we were asking the children to do—write poetry! However, it was only after attending one of the Emma Press' online workshops with Kate Wakeling about writing poetry for children that I really started writing in earnest AND after discovering the Toy Press' word of the week, it became a regular exercise. I think I am still very much a child at heart and this is why I find it more fun writing for children than attempting anything for adults! I still think I'm about 12 in my head. I find it challenging finding the balance between wanting to introduce new and challenging vocabulary but at the same time making it approachable, I think I also sometimes waffle on a bit too much—more succinctness needed! I find writing poetry for children huge fun! You don't have to take yourself too seriously but I also love experimenting with vocabulary. I also love it when someone really likes a poem—you see that glee! It was a thrill when 180 children this summer performed my Dhol Drums poem as part of my school's South Asian performance alongside a series of folksongs and dances. Little Thoughts Press: Which kid-lit authors and books were your favorites growing up? Kerenza Peugniez: I devoured Enid Blyton with alacrity as a child and wanted to write wonderful poetry like Fatty/Frederick in the Mystery series. I think I read most of her books. This led me, on a rainy holiday in France, after I'd read my books in two days, to start on my sister's Agatha Christie books. That love of a mystery has never left me. The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew further fulfilled the love of a mystery and I loved the Tim and the Hidden People series by Sheila K. McCullagh which was part of our school reading scheme—such brilliant, exciting stories with wonderful evocative illustrations! Noel Streatfield and Malcolm Saville were authors I adored when I was bought their books as presents. The Hobbit was a big memorable book for me too and who doesn't love a bit of Roald Dahl? I really enjoyed Beverley Cleary's Ramona books and Elizabeth Goudge's A Little White Horse and Moondial by Helen Cresswell and finally the wonderful Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce. The garden in that story is my grandparents' wonderful garden. Also, I read and reread Brian Patten's Gargling with Jelly poetry book until it was tattered. Finally, I fell in love with John Masefield's The Box of Delights after watching the BBC children's TV adaptation of it and reread it again and again. It was a thrill as a grown-up to discover the prequel, The Midnight Folk! Little Thoughts Press: And what about today? Any kid-lit writers you love and want to shout out? Kerenza Peugniez: I have discovered SUCH a wealth of contemporary children's authors over the past 10 years or so, having read about 100 books a year. My favourite character is Chrestomanci from the Worlds of Chrestomanci books by Diane Wynne Jones. I'm still waiting to find a silk dressing gown and top hat in a charity shop so I can dress as him for World Book Day. I adore Katherine Woodfine and her wonderful Sinclair's Mysteries and Taylor and Rose series—the third book, The Painted Dragon, sets up such an exciting sequence of events that thrill me as I read! Robin Stevens' Murder Most Unladylike series too. Jasbinder Bilan's stories have gained a place in my heart such as Naeli and the Secret Song (spoiler: it's got music as part of the plot!). I have really enjoyed her characters and evocative setting descriptions particularly those in India. I think Onjali Q. Rauf is a superb writer and her stories are full of heart and really make you think and empathise with those in difficult situations, such as The Letter with the Golden Stamp. Kiran Millward Hargrave, Ross Montgomery, Emma Carroll, Kereen Getten, and M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgeman all write brilliant midgrade books with a mystery. I love a series with an overarching mystery and Thomas Taylor's Eerie on Sea series starting with Malamander, is a wonderful blend of mystery, legend, monsters and suspense. Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun and the subsequent books by Tolá Okogwu are a superb series too. I've enjoyed quite a few books by Nigerian heritage authors like Jummy and the River School by Sabine Adeyinka and Jude Idada's Boom Boom which taught me about Sickle Cell Anaemia. In terms of poets, Si Mole and Neal Zetter, Attie Lime, Sarah Ziman and Kate Wakeling all hugely inspire me as well as the hilarious Michael Rosen! Little Thoughts Press: What advice would you give to young writers? Kerenza Peugniez: Carry around a notebook and pen with you at all times. Have one by your bed, in your bag, when you are watching TV, playing flute in a rehearsal... Inspiration can strike at any time and if you don't write it down in the moment, you will forget it. One of my favourite poems written in recent times was inspired by a typo from the text from an Instagram story from someone. Similarly, my first published poem with Tyger Tyger was written during an orchestra rehearsal when I was bored counting a lot of bars rests. If I hadn't written the ideas both down, the moment would have passed. Also, even if you feel like you haven't got inspiration for a particular task, just give it a go anyway. Start it, write something. Come back to it in a couple of days. I tried to join in with word of the week for a whole year with The Toy and there were certain poems I wrote that I posted that I wasn't sure about, took a whole week to work on, still not convinced about them, but I still think it was worth having battled with them. Even if those poems didn't turn out the best, the process makes me a better writer! Another point is to write poems about something you love or you think you know best! Your memories are a great source of inspiration, write about them especially if they are important to you. Share your writing with others. It should go without saying that you should keep reading new authors! I thought I was a voracious reader as a child but I wish I had read more widely, not just reread old favourites! If you want to write effective poetry or prose, read lots of authors! Finally, be kind to others who are writing and ask to read their work too—I think as writers, we should be big supporters of others, don't treat everything like a competition! Congratulate your friends on their successes and help out where you can. Little Thoughts Press: Is there anything else you wish I had asked? Any upcoming projects, publications, or other news you'd like to share? Kerenza Peugniez: I wish I had some poetry or writing projects or news to share! Sadly, nothing I can think of at the moment. I think I might have asked if there is anything I really care about beyond the arts. I wish there was a way we could do something about the constant battle against the pollution and overconsumption in our world. Sometimes, I think my friends and colleagues get tired of me being a bit dogged over my determination to save, reuse, buy second hand and talk about eco issues but I do think every action and conversation is important, no matter how small and we shouldn't just take the easy option of blaming those in power without doing the little things ourselves too! Are there ways I can incorporate this into my poetry or writing without being too preachy?!

Little Thoughts Press Issue Fourteen: Traditions and Rituals featuring the poem "Raise the Rainbow Flag" by Mary E. Cronin Mary E. Cronin lives on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Her books include Trucks, Boots, and Bells, a poetry collection set in a busy city firehouse, and Like a Mother Bear, a picture book biography of PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford. Mary’s poems have appeared in numerous children’s anthologies and in The New York Times. www.maryecronin.com. Little Thoughts Press: In your poem, “Raise the Rainbow Flag” you describe the Pride flag in the following ways: “the stripes a celebration,” and “The colors weave a joyful noise, a mix of song and poem.” This flag is not only a symbol of identity, but of connection, celebration and joy for the LGBTQ+ community. Why is joyful celebration such a vital part of the LGBTQ+ community’s traditions, and how can kids best join in and support Pride celebrations? Mary Cronin: I think many of us are familiar with stories of struggle and overcoming challenges in the LGBTQ+ community, which is why leading with joy is so important. There is a stubbornness and a determination in the LGBTQ+ community-- there may be challenges, but no one can stop our joy and delight. Children can understand that and feel that, in every Pride gathering, large or small, and they can join in by cheering, waving flags, singing along, or marching with family… or simply by displaying a rainbow flag at home. Little Thoughts Press: There is currently a growing effort to ban books for young readers that feature LGBTQ+ families, history, and themes. So let’s shout some out instead! What books should we be reading and sharing with our students and kids? Mary Cronin: These are all picture books! Two of my favorites are Mac Wears a Hat and Molly's Tuxedo, both by author Vicki Johnson. Menudo Sunday by María Dolores Águila is a fantastic multi-generational family story. And It's Pride, Baby by Allen Wells is the quintessential joyful Pride book! You can find these authors on Instagram: @vickijohnsonwrites, @allenwriteswell & @maria.d.aguila. Little Thoughts Press: This issue is about big traditions, but also the little rituals that give our lives magic, joy and peace. What is your favorite small ritual that brings you joy? Mary Cronin: For me, it’s about setting up my writing routine. Every evening I make a big thermos of Irish tea and set it on my desk. I wake at 5 in the morning to start my writing time, and when I open up that thermos and steam comes out, it pleases me every time! Little Thoughts Press: How did you get started writing kid-lit and what do you find most challenging and rewarding about writing for kids? Mary Cronin: I’ve been a teacher for as long as I’ve been a writer, so the two have always gone hand-in-hand for me. Working with young students inspires me. I started writing poetry to support the curriculum I was creating for the classroom, and I then gravitated towards picture books, because children’s literature was always a huge part of my life as a classroom teacher. Little Thoughts Press: Which kid-lit authors and books were your favorites growing up? Mary Cronin: As a child, I would read anything and everything…short stories, chapter books, joke books, picture books, MAD magazine, the encyclopedia, comic books, and the back of cereal boxes! I was a voracious reader and that has served me well as a writer for children. Little Thoughts Press: And what about today? Any kid-lit writers you love and want to shout out? Mary Cronin: Sticking with picture books, I love the rich and varied books that Brittany J. Thurman creates, and I feel the same about books by Anika Aldamuy Denise. I’ve already mentioned a few authors above, so I’ll add the poets who inspire me: Georgia Heard, Janet Wong, Alice Schertle, and Jacqueline Woodson. You can find these authors at: Brittany Thurman- @britjanee, @anika_aldamuy_denise, @georgiaheard1, @janetwongauthor, @jacqueline_woodson & aliceschertle.com Little Thoughts Press: What advice would you give to young writers? Mary Cronin: Keep a notebook--decorate it, fill it with your ideas, wonderings, scraps of language that please you, things you want to know more about, the beginnings of stories and poems. That notebook will keep you grounded as a writer--it becomes a place to come back to, to add to, to remember all of the ideas rumbling in your head. The things in the notebook are just for you--they don’t have to be finished or polished. I always keep a notebook and find it helpful and comforting. Little Thoughts Press: Is there anything else you wish I had asked? Any upcoming projects, publications, or other news you'd like to share? Mary Cronin: My poetry book Trucks, Boots, and Bells: Firehouse Poems has just been published by Holiday House Books for Young Readers! It’s an action-packed book of poems about the tools, tasks, and teamwork of a busy firehouse, inspired by my dad’s career in the New York City Fire Department. In March 2027, my second book will be published by Simon & Schuster. Like a Mother Bear: How Jeanne Manford's Words Change the World for Queer Kids is an upstander story, a picture book biography of Jeanne Manford, who stood up for her gay son Morty, founded the organization PFLAG, and became a mother figure to many young LGBTQ+ people and their families.

Little Thoughts Press Issue Fourteen: Traditions and Rituals featuring the poem "Peppers in His Pockets" by Diane Gonzales Bertrand. A quick glance at any book written by Diane Gonzales Bertrand shows a writer who grabs inspiration from her family life in San Antonio, Texas. She captured her experiences in her short story collection Upside Down and Backwards, in her novel The Ruiz Street Kids, and in her poetry book, The Taco Magician/El Mago de los Tacos. She is the author of ten novels for teens and a dozen bilingual picture books for children including the award-winning Uncle Chente’s Picnic, A Party for Papa Luis, and Cecilia and Miguel are Best Friends. Her books have earned awards from the International Latino Hall of Fame and Writers League of Texas. Bertrand was named a Tricentennial Poet for San Antonio in 2019. In 2022 she retired from her position as Writer-in-Residence at St. Mary’s University. Her picture book, Music Rides the Bus, is forthcoming from Piñata Books in 2027. Little Thoughts Press: The specificity in your poem "Peppers in His Pockets" creates a beautifully tender and vivid portrait of your pápa. What advice can you offer to young or newer writers for creating a strong identity in a character even when you’re working with such limited text? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: With fewer words in a story or poem, every word has a specific job. One interesting detail has to do more work than a paragraph. I rely on a big thesaurus, searching for words until I find the right one. When I feel “stuck,” I close the computer and read a book. I learn from other authors about language, description, and building characters through details. Read, read, read to become a better writer. Little Thoughts Press: You’ve published a great many books for children. Can you tell us about a few that you think best capture the theme of Traditions and Rituals? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: I write from my experiences growing up in a Mexican American home. We spoke more English than Spanish, but the Mexican culture is the foundation for our family’s traditions and rituals. My first book, Sip, Slurp, Soup, Soup/Caldo, caldo, caldo reflects the Sunday ritual during the winter months when Mom cooked a big pot of caldo. My second book, Family, Familia, tells the story of a boy who comes to the annual Gonzales/Gonzalez family reunion for the first time. The Last Doll/La Ultima Muñeca, presents the tradition to give a teenage girl her last doll at her fifteenth birthday party, a quinceañera. Readers learn about this ritual as the doll, Sarita, understands her important role in this very special party. Little Thoughts Press: This issue is about big traditions, but also the little rituals that give our lives magic, joy and peace. What is your favorite small ritual that brings you joy? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: My favorite ritual is decorating the cabinet top in my dining room for different holidays. I have small figures for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s and Father’s Day, July 4, or Dia de los Muertos. I decorate with old photos and classic toys on family birthdays. I use small stuffed animals, bright flowers, troll dolls in costume, and various wooden pumpkins or turkeys my husband has made in his workshop. Decorating and looking at the cabinet through the special season or occasion brings me joy. I look forward to watching my dinner guests enjoy my display and ask me about some of the decorations. Little Thoughts Press: How did you get started writing kid-lit and what do you find most challenging and rewarding about writing for kids? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: When I was in graduate school, Dr. Anne Semel, a religious sister, encouraged me to write kid lit because I had two small children. She gave me an anthology of essays written by influential children’s authors. I started writing picture books, then as my children grew older, I wrote novels for their age group. I love writing, creating poems and stories. When I start, I have no idea if the story will be a picture book or stretch itself into a novel. That discovery is part of my enthusiasm for writing every day. My biggest challenge is to trust the writing process, because it takes many, many drafts to discover ways to connect my ideas, to form the characters, or to create patterns of words. My favorite reward is meeting children at schools, libraries and bookstores. When they tell me, “I read your book, and I liked it,” I feel as if I won an Olympic gold medal. Little Thoughts Press: Which kid-lit authors and books were your favorites growing up? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: I am a big fan of Dr. Seuss. If he couldn’t find a word to express an idea, he wove letters together to make a new word. As a child, I started writing poems and stories because I wanted to play with words like he did. My parents took us to the library every week, and I read books like Ferdinand the Bull, The Five Chinese Brothers, and Horton Hears a Who. As I grew up, I loved to read novels set in other cities or countries or in different periods of American history. I could stay in my room and let those books take me far from hot summers in Texas. Little Thoughts Press: And what about today? Any kid-lit writers you love and want to shout out? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: I enjoy San Antonio kid lit writers Naomi Shihab Nye, Lupe Ruiz Flores, and Xavier Garza. I also like reading the drafts of the talented kid lit writers in my two critique groups. We give each other valuable feedback and support each other after disappointing rejections. And I belong to three incredible writing organizations, SCBWI, Writers League of Texas, and Gemini Ink, where I meet more writers and poets at readings, meetings, and workshops. Little Thoughts Press: What advice would you give to young writers? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: Specific details help create an interesting character. Use all five senses to discover setting details. If you slowly re-read “Peppers in His Pockets,” you can see how concrete details describe how, when, and where Papa liked to eat peppers. Writing this poem about my father helps keep his memory alive, especially to my grandson, who didn’t have the chance to meet him. Little Thoughts Press: Is there anything else you wish I had asked? Any upcoming projects, publications, or other news you'd like to share? Diane Gonzales Bertrand: Piñata Books will publish my bilingual picture book, Music Rides the Bus/La música viaja en camion illustrated by C. Rod. Unalt in March 2027. I love to visit schools and libraries as a cheerleader for literacy, so sharing a new book brings me extra joy. Sometimes we feel we are not “real” writers for children unless we get a book published. There are wonderful opportunities to share kid lit writing through small magazines, the local newspaper, on stickers and bookmarks, or typed up as a gift. Having my poem, “Peppers in His Pockets,” published in beautiful Little Thoughts magazine is a wonderful boost to my writer’s spirit. Read, write, share. Do this from your own corner of the world.

Family Breakfast a half piece or whole piece of fat fluffy waffle drenched in golden syrup a slither of crispy bacon a couple of fat pork sausages a parent and grandparent laughing uncontrollably with the server My tummy rumbling with anticipation I wonder how long until breakfast will be here William Holmes is 8 years old and is a year 4 student at Te Paritō Kōwhai Russley School in Ōtautahi Christchurch. So many traditions and celebrations involve enjoying a meal with people you love. Why do you think food plays such an important part in so many traditions? Food makes people happy because it joins people together. It can be for celebrating a special moment and everyone can enjoy it. What are some other traditions you have with family or friends that are unique and special in your life? Go to my grandparents and celebrate with a big Christmas dinner with all of my family. At Easter, my sister and I wear bunny ears and hunt for Easter eggs at my grandparents house. We celebrate birthdays with cake, presents and parties. My family has movie nights with the lights off and warm blankets in winter. We always have our meals together around the dinner table where we talk about our day or listen to audio books. What is your favorite topic to study in school? Maths because I love a challenge and it is fun. What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? I’ve learnt a new division strategy which helps with longer and harder division questions. What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood. I recommend this Five Realms series of books because it is full of adventure, rabbits and monsters like the Gorm. I have read most of Kieran Larwood's books, and I love the cool new characters and bad guys he creates.

My Family and I When Eid arrives my family and I celebrate with our amazing friends Sometimes my mum invites friends to our home Other times, we gather up in a hall filled with many people We eat flavourful biryani and creamy sweet sheer khurma I wear a purple gharara stitched with delicate floral embroidery feeling bright and new But, sometimes I wonder will there be a year I will spend Eid alone? and will the generations after me celebrate Eid? and will my descendants celebrate Eid the same way my family does? Or will it slowly fade, like an old story rarely told? I suppose some things will remain a mystery Hania Dawood is 11 years of age and in year 7. She lives in Otautahi Christchurch. She loves netball and is obsessed with chocolate. Hania Dawood was born in Pakistan but has lived in New Zealand most of her life. Your poem beautifully captures the way traditions connect us to the past and across generations and contemplates the possibility that rituals fade over time. How do you think kids can help to keep traditions going as they get older? What parts of your family’s Eid traditions do you most want to carry with you into the future? I think kids can help keep traditions going by continuing to celebrate them and sharing them with future generations. I would like to carry on my family’s Eid traditions such as always gathering with friends and family and dressing up nicely for the day. What are some other traditions you have with family or friends that are unique and special in your life? Some other traditions I have with my family are always offering chai to anyone who comes to our house, serving our guests a full meal, and giving money in envelopes to kids on Eid. What is your favorite topic to study in school? My favourite subject to study at school is currently art because I enjoy expressing my creativity through drawing and painting. What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? Something interesting I recently learned in science is the difference between physical and chemical changes. I enjoyed learning about how and why they happen. What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? The most recent book I read was a book called Watch Your Back by Sue Wallman. I would recommend it to readers who like mystery, drama, secrets, and exciting twists.

Easter At Easter we go to the beach My family and I Mum tells me of when she did the cold plunge in Antarctica I wonder if the sea in New Brighton is as cold as Antarctica Jessica Pollard is 10 years old and is a student at Te Paritō Kōwhai Russley School in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Visiting the beach sounds like such a fun and unique Easter tradition! Why does your family choose to celebrate the holiday this way? What kinds of things do you do at the beach together? How cold is the sea in New Brighton?! Easter in New Zealand is in Autumn heading into winter and the water is very cold! It’s a challenge my family has to run in together, dunk your head under and stay in as long as possible. If it is a very cold day we will visit the hot pools afterwards. In summer we go boogie boarding, swimming and sometimes hunt for crabs. Christmas in New Zealand is in summer too so we also have our family Christmas photo on the beach with Santa. Our dog comes for a photo too! What are some other traditions you have with family or friends that are unique and special in your life? A couple of days before school starts we always go and get a special drink, it might be a monster shake which is a milkshake topped with delicious ice cream, sweets, popcorn and cocktail umbrellas on top, or sometimes a bubble tea. One of my friends and I always get ready for our school discos together. Sometimes our whole friend group can come. We help with each other's outfits and do our make up and hair, sometimes we also have a mini disco to get our dancing skills ready before the real thing. What is your favorite topic to study in school? Writing is my favourite topic because I get to let my imagination run wild. I also love researching in books for the information reports we do in school. Preparing speeches about a topic we get to pick is super fun. What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? The most interesting thing I learned is that ancient people in Peru ate popcorn, and that archaeologists have found popcorn cobs they think could be up to 6,000 years old. What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? I am reading Factopia by Kate Hale. There are 400 really interesting facts in the book and there are three books to collect. I would definitely recommend this to other readers, it teaches you stuff you probably didn’t know.

The Warmth of the Diya The vibrant diya It’s light flickers from the winds trying to extinguish it My hands shields it from the harsh winds coming for it It’s light shines in the cold darkness of the night Signifying the warmth of my loved ones Helping me through the darkness of my life I set it down outside my doorstep Luring good luck and love towards my house It’s light shines brighter now I think it’s gained strength And can now handle the cruel winds tormenting it Holi Festival Handfuls of color in the air On the ground is a vibrant array of powder Like how we are all different In our own way Fun, laughter, and joy is everywhere Each throw of color Symbolizing love Time flies when we’re bonding with friends and family Inside our hearts Valuable memories will always stay And when times get tough we can always remember the Love filled in the times that we went through together Zaira Menon is a twelve-year-old in sixth grade. She is a black belt in taekwondo and she loves to sing, read, and dance. She has also published a poem on Little Thoughts Press: Issue 12: Better Together Your poems beautifully demonstrate the way traditions can bring both connection and comfort to our lives. Why did you choose these specific traditions to focus on in your pieces? What do these rituals bring to your life? They bring me a sense of comfort and joy, since I have been doing these rituals for many years. It has become a part of my life that is impossible to forget. What is your favorite topic to study in school? My favorite topic to study in school is Language Arts, specifically writing. What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? The most recent book I have read was called The Giver by Lois Lowry, and it was one of my favorite books! I would definitely recommend it to other readers.

on the last day of school on the last day of school me, my brother and my dad go out to the scrumptious avonhead tavern I smell lovely fish’n’chips floating to my mouth I feel drool s l i d i n g down my chin I see people gobbling delicious doughnuts I hear people yapping as loudly lions roaring I wonder how many doughnuts I could eat in one sitting Basti Clare is 8 years of age and in year 4 at Te Paritō Kōwhai Russley School in Ōtautahi Christchurch. He enjoys playing cricket and loves doughnuts. A special meal is a great way to celebrate the last day of school. Why do you think we create traditions to celebrate when the school year comes to an end? Do you have any traditions to celebrate the start of a new school year? We make traditions to celebrate the end of the school year because we are so happy we have made it through another year. My brother and I have a photo taken together in our school uniforms on the first day of school. What are some other traditions you have with family or friends that are unique and special in your life? We have take-aways together as a family every Friday. We take a family photo in front of our house every December. We spend Christmas with our cousins. I have a birthday party every year with my friends. We go away on family holidays at Easter, July school holidays and the summer holidays. What is your favorite topic to study in school? My favourite topic to study in school is science because we get to do cool activities. What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? I learned how to do long multiplication. What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? I recently read Big Nate Remain Calm. I would definitely recommend this book because it is funny.

there’s always something to do at a hockey game a crowd full of loud cheering a ball getting hit hard into a goal a team of speeding players a coach who encourages us to play like professionals on the field team mates running like 100 gazelles with me Kieran Beckingham is 8 years old and in year 4 at Te Paritō Kōwhai Russley School in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Your poem wonderfully captures the energy and collaboration of a team sport. Why did you choose this topic as the focus of your piece? What do you like most about playing sports? Thank you very much. I chose this topic because hockey is my favourite sport, and I look forward to learning new skills at training and playing games every week. I love playing with my friends and working together as a team. It’s fun and keeps me fit! What are some other traditions you have with family or friends that are unique and special in your life? My mum is from the USA, so we celebrate some of those holidays and traditions. We always dress up on Halloween and go Trick o’ Treating, and every Christmas Eve, we get to open one present before we go to sleep. What is your favorite topic to study in school? My favourite topic to study in school is Maths, because I like working with numbers and solving problems. What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? My sister recently did a Passion Project about the giant squid. I learned that they can grow up to 13 metres, which is around the size of a bus! What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? I am reading the Treehouse Storey series by Andy Griffiths. I would recommend these books to other readers because they are really funny to read. They are about three people who live in a treehouse, and they go on cool adventures and solve problems.

Chinese New Year a festival in spring the start of the year everyone celebrating people from around the world come back home to eat and share delicious beef dumplings happy children hopping away with red pockets from the elders filled with money and their best wishes Everyone laughing Everyone having a splendid time Ryan Cui is 8 years old and in year 4 at Te Paritō Kōwhai Russley School in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Your poem wonderfully demonstrates the way traditions bring joy and connection to our lives. Why did you choose this specific tradition to focus on in your pieces? What does this holiday bring to your life? I thought it would be fun to share one of my traditions and show other people that Chinese New Year is full of fun! This holiday is very important to me because it marks the beginning of a new year, and it reminds me that I’m growing up. What are some other traditions you have with family or friends that are unique and special in your life? Celebrating birthdays with my family which is not a particular Chinese holiday, but is still an important tradition and a special part of my life. What is your favorite topic to study in school? My favorite topic in school is maths, I think it’s in my blood! What is the most interesting thing you recently learned? I learned that a bug called a scorpionfly has a scorpion tail but is harmless. What book are you currently reading or read most recently? Would you recommend this book to other readers? I recently read The 104-storey Treehouse. I would recommend Treehouse books because they have a lot of humor, fun stories, and rich language.