CONTENTS​

●​ Chamlija’s latest updates

●​ reduce -reuse-recycle
●​ Metin and his team in pursuit of adventure
●​ Did you know?
●​ Kubra’s diary
●​ brain teasers
●​ The art of Origami
●​ puzzle plaza
●​ The curious squirrel
●​ Zainab's World
●​ IS it the flu or the common cold?
●​ A delicious and juicy fruit: The Apple
●​ The Travelling Stork: Myanmar
●​ Kelolan
●​ Science Lab: Mesmerizing Colors
●​ Funny Business
●​ DIY Flying Paper Plane
●​ 3D History: Past-Present-Future

Hello, Young Reader!

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the trash we throw away? Every day, we toss out
plastic bottles, crumpled paper, and empty cans from our homes and schools. But where does it
all go? Some of it ends up in landfills, piling up for years, and some even pollutes our oceans.
That’s a big problem for our planet!

But here’s the good news—recycling can help! Recycling is the process of taking old
materials, like plastic, paper, and glass, and turning them into something new instead of letting
them go to waste. It helps keep our environment clean, saves natural resources, and even
protects animals from harmful trash.

In this issue, we’re diving into the world of recycling! You’ll discover how it works, why it’s
important, and how you can make a difference—one recycled item at a time. Get ready to
become a recycling hero! ​
​
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

​
Chamlija’s Latest Updates
​
Cat Island: A Furry Takeover!

Imagine an island where cats outnumber people almost seven to one! Welcome
to Aoshima Island in Japan, also known as "Cat Island." Once home to a bustling
fishing village, the island's human population shrank as people moved to the city.
But the cats? They stayed—and multiplied!

Fishermen originally brought cats to the island to help catch mice, but with fewer
people around, the feline residents took over. Today, Aoshima is home to around
140 cats and just 20 humans! Tourists from all over visit this purr-fect paradise to
see the fluffy residents lounging in the sun, playing in the streets, and happily
accepting treats from visitors. Talk about a meow-gical place!

Turning Trash into Treasure!

What if we told you that ocean garbage could become jaw-dropping artwork?
That’s exactly what a team of over 14,000 volunteers in the U.S. has been doing!
Since 2010, they have collected 35 tons of plastic waste from beaches along a
480-kilometer stretch. Instead of letting it pollute the ocean, they’ve transformed
it into incredible animal sculptures!

So far, 86 giant creatures—made entirely from plastic waste—have been crafted

to raise awareness about pollution. These colorful sculptures help teach people
about protecting marine life and keeping our oceans clean. Who knew recycling
could be so artistic?

A Giant Snowball from Space!

Hold on tight—an enormous comet is zooming through space at 35,000

kilometers per hour! This massive icy rock, named C/2014 UN271, is the largest
comet ever recorded. And get this—its nucleus (the solid center) is 50 times
bigger than those of most comets and weighs 100,000 times more!

Astronomers say it will pass near the Sun around 2031, giving sky-watchers a
spectacular show. So, if you love stargazing, mark your calendars—this is one
cosmic event you won’t want to miss!

A Robot That Paints Your Wildest Dreams!

What if you could ask a computer to draw anything you imagined—and it did?
That’s exactly what the latest version of an artificial intelligence program called
DALL-E can do! Just type in a crazy idea—like "a monkey surfing on a rainbow"
or "a dinosaur playing a guitar"—and in seconds, the AI creates an image for
you.

This amazing technology is helping artists, scientists, and even kids explore
creativity in brand-new ways. The future of art is here—and it’s powered by AI!

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

Written by: Ahmet Selman Yiğit

Hello, my friend!

I am ‘Captain R’, a recycling expert! In this issue, I will be your guide on a journey through
recycling. If you have any questions, I’ll be here to help. Let’s start recycling!

​
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Three R’s to Help Our Planet!

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the trash we throw away? Some of it ends up in
landfills, some pollutes the ocean, and some materials, like plastic and metal, can take
hundreds or even thousands of years to break down. That’s why we need to follow the Three
R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!

The first step is Reduce, which means using less to create less waste. The best way to help the
planet is to stop waste before it even begins. For example, instead of using and throwing away
a different plastic water bottle every day, you can use the same reusable bottle daily. Bringing
your own bag when shopping instead of using plastic bags and buying only what you need—like
food, paper, and school supplies—also helps reduce unnecessary waste.

The second step is Reuse, which means finding new ways to use things instead of throwing
them away. A great way to do this is by repurposing old items. For example, an old T-shirt can
become a cleaning rag, and both sides of a piece of paper can be used before recycling it. You
can also donate clothes, toys, and books that you no longer need so someone else can use
them.

The third step is Recycle, which means turning old materials into new ones. Recycling helps
save natural resources like trees, water, and energy. Paper, plastic, glass, and metal should be
placed in recycling bins instead of the trash so they can be made into new products. Even food
scraps, like banana peels, can be composted to help plants grow. Looking for products made
from recycled materials, such as notebooks or backpacks, also supports recycling efforts.

By following the Three R’s, we can all do our part to keep the Earth clean and healthy.

The Big Trash Problem!

In the past, people didn't create as much waste as they do today. They would throw their waste
outside, and natural processes would break it down over time. However, with the growth of
human populations and increased production of goods, the amount of waste has risen
dramatically. Many modern materials, such as plastic and metal, do not break down easily and
can remain in the environment for thousands of years. This has led to massive amounts of
waste piling up, harming wildlife, polluting oceans, and negatively affecting human health.

Some places try to solve this by burying trash in giant pits or burning it, but those methods can
damage the soil, air, and water. The best solution? Recycling! Instead of letting waste pile up,
we can turn it into something useful.

Why Recycling Rocks!

Recycling isn’t just about getting rid of trash—it’s a way to save energy, protect nature, and
keep the planet clean! Making new products from recycled materials takes way less energy
than creating them from scratch. For example, making a plastic bottle from new materials
requires oil and lots of energy, but recycling an old bottle takes much less effort.

Finding Treasure in the Trash

Did you know that about two-thirds of our daily rubbish could be recycled? That means a huge
chunk of what we throw away is actually valuable! Nearly 50% of it can be turned into new
products right away, and the rest can be used in other creative ways. Instead of thinking of trash
as junk, imagine it as hidden treasure waiting to be transformed!

What Can Be Recycled?

Many items can be reused or recycled, this includes paper & cardboard, plastic, metal, glass,
fabric, batteries, food scraps and even water! Let’s have a closer look at how some of these
items can be recycled.

Save the Trees—Recycle Paper

Paper makes up a huge part of our waste, but it’s one of the easiest things to recycle! Instead of
tossing old books, newspapers, and notebooks in the trash, place them in a recycling bin. Even
better? You can try making homemade recycled paper as a fun science experiment!

Recycling paper means fewer trees need to be cut down. So every time you recycle paper,
you’re actually saving forests!

Glass: As Good As New

Glass is one of the best materials to recycle because it never wears out! Almost all glass can be
melted down and reshaped into brand-new bottles, jars, or whatever is needed. How do we do
this? Make sure your glass waste goes into a recycling bin instead of the trash!

Recycling Water: Every Drop Counts

Every day, people use large amounts of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. But
did you know that wastewater can be treated and reused? Water treatment plants remove dirt,
bacteria, and harmful chemicals, making the water safe for irrigation, industrial use, and even
drinking in some cases.

Another important way to save water is by recycling materials like paper, plastic, and metal.
Manufacturing new products requires significant amounts of water, but recycling reduces the
need for raw materials and lowers water consumption. By recycling, we help conserve
freshwater resources and protect the environment.

(Recycling Plastics)​

Kitchen Oil: Handle with Care!

Did you know that pouring used cooking oil down the drain can pollute millions of liters of
seawater? That’s bad news for fish, turtles, and all kinds of ocean creatures! Instead of dumping
it, take used oil to a collection center where it can be safely recycled. Easy peasy!

Batteries: Small But Dangerous

Batteries might seem harmless, but they contain toxic metals like mercury and cadmium. If they
end up in landfills, these harmful substances can seep into the soil and water, posing a danger
to both people and animals. The solution? Drop your used batteries into special collection bins
so their materials can be reused to make new ones. That’s a win for the planet!

From Food Scraps to Compost

Instead of tossing fruit peels and veggie scraps in the trash, turn them into compost for
gardening! When we let our food scraps decompose properly, it transforms into nutrient-rich
fertilizer that helps trees and plants grow. It's a win-win situation!

Buy Only What You Need

Ah yes, remember the first R we learnt about is “Reduce”. Everything that we buy eventually
turns into waste, so one of the best ways to help the planet is to buy less in the first place!
Before getting something new, ask yourself: Do I really need this?

Here are some cool ways to reduce waste:

 ●​ Fix broken items instead of tossing them.
●​ Use pencils, notebooks, and other supplies until they’re completely finished.
●​ Donate clothes and toys instead of throwing them away.

Remember, less waste means a happier planet!

Create a Home Storage Box

Need a quick fix for a broken zipper or a missing button? Instead of buying new supplies every
time a need comes up, keep a storage box at home for small items that might come in handy.
Old buttons, screws, ribbons, and other little bits can be useful for DIY projects or repairs. It’s
like having a treasure chest of supplies at the ready!

A Cleaner, Greener World!​

​
Let’s all make our best effort to apply the Three R’s in our daily lives. A little effort goes a long
way in keeping our world clean and beautiful!

So, next time you’re about to throw something away, think twice and remember Captain R—can
it be recycled or reused? Let’s all do our part to protect the planet!​
_______________________________________________________________

Metin and His Team: In Pursuit of

Adventure
Written by: Mustafa Dedeler

Illustrated by: Tayfun Sezer

"WAR OF THE MACHINES - 2"

Prof: This very special device is designed to protect a specific area with a magnetic shield. It
might take me days to crack the system’s code.

Metin: Why would the NORs want to get their hands on a protective device like this?

Mert: And why was this shield placed on top of the lighthouse?

Prof: We won’t be able to answer those questions until we crack the shield’s code.

Arif: While I was near the tower, I used my energy kit to download the entire system onto my
tablet. I worked on the software last night and managed to crack it.
Prof: What?! Why didn’t you say something earlier?

Prof: Arif, can you bring the tablet?

Prof: Let’s see what the shield was protecting.

[BEEP!]

Page 2

Metin: This device was protecting Topkapı Palace!

J: So… does that mean Topkapı Palace is unprotected now?

Prof: That’s why the tower was attacked. It seems the NORs wanted to get into the palace by
disabling the shield.

J: And we unknowingly helped them by removing the shield...

Arif: We must reactivate the shield before it’s too late!

Metin: Yes… First, we’ll go to Topkapı Palace, assess the situation, and alert the authorities.
Then we’ll head to the coast to reinstall the shield.

Prof: Meanwhile, I’ll research what the NORs might be looking for in the palace by studying
some old books.

A red caption reads: Topkapı Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans, was the
center of state administration and the training ground for government officials. It was built by
Mehmed the Conqueror between 1460 and 1478.

[Half an hour later, at Topkapı Palace…]

Page 3

Mert: Oh no! The NOR forces have taken over Topkapı Palace!

Narrator/Yazı: Suddenly, the palace was surrounded by police and soldiers.

Soldier: Commander, our weapons aren’t working!

Cameraman: What’s wrong with this camera? Why isn’t it working?

Metin: We’re too late… We need to find the Professor immediately!

Reporter: Don’t miss this story! Hurry up!

[15 minutes later, in the cellar]

Prof: Hmm… Oh dear… How did I miss this?

Page 4

Mert: Professor, can you please explain what’s going on?

Prof: I’m not entirely sure. But… there’s a legend in the old books about a light stone hidden in
Topkapı Palace. It’s called the Hacer-i Afitab, a stone with incredibly high energy, kept in a box
for centuries.

Prof: Sultan Yavuz Selim brought the light stone to Istanbul from Egypt, along with the holy
relics. Since then, it has been stored in a secret cellar and eventually forgotten.

Prof: The Ottoman sultans protected the stone for centuries to keep it safe and prevent it from
falling into the wrong hands.

Prof: Some historical texts even claim the stone came from beyond our world.

Metin: Now I remember—my grandfather once told me a story about such a stone. He said it
might be a fusion stone filled with concentrated hydrogen energy.

Arif: Could the NORs be after this stone?

Prof: Without a doubt. For a while now, I’ve heard that the NORs are searching for powerful
energy sources to control the machines on Earth.

Mert: We must find the light stone before the NORs do. Otherwise, every machine could turn
against us!

Metin: But how will we get into the palace? And even if we do, how will we find the stone?

Prof: Leave that to me. Istanbul is full of underground tunnels.

Prof: There’s a passageway from beneath Istanbul University that leads directly to the palace.

Prof: After the conquest, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror had his first palace built where the
university now stands.

Prof: Later, he built Topkapı Palace—also called Saray-ı Cedid, or “New Palace”—and a tunnel
was constructed to connect the two.

Metin: Then let’s not waste another second. Let’s move!

[TO BE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH…]

___________________________________________________________________

DID YOU KNOW?

Weird, Wild, and Wacky Wonders of Our World!
Not all planets are round! Most planets look like giant balls in space, but some take on strange
shapes. Take Haumea, for example—this dwarf planet is shaped more like a potato than a
perfect sphere!

Phobias come in all kinds—even peanut butter fears! There are over 500 different phobias
in the world. Some are common, like the fear of heights, while others are pretty unusual. Ever
heard of arachibutyrophobia? It’s the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth!

Hot water can freeze faster than cold water! It sounds backward, but it’s true! Scientists
believe this happens because of tiny changes in the bonds between water molecules. It’s still a
bit of a mystery, but it’s called the Mpemba effect—named after a curious student who first
noticed it!

Camels have built-in goggles! Ever wonder how camels survive in harsh, windy deserts?
They have a third eyelid—a thin, transparent layer that protects their eyes from sand during
storms. It works like nature’s very own pair of safety goggles!

Water bottles don’t expire—but their bottles do! If you’ve ever seen an expiration date on a
water bottle, it’s not for the water inside. Instead, it’s for the plastic bottle itself, which can start to
break down over time.

The deepest place on Earth is a watery world of mystery. The Mariana Trench in the Pacific
Ocean is the deepest spot on our planet, plunging 10,994 meters (36,070 feet) below the
surface. That’s so deep that if you dropped Mount Everest into it, the peak would still be
underwater!

The biggest animal ever is still swimming today. The blue whale holds the record as the
largest animal to have ever lived on Earth! These ocean giants can grow up to 33 meters (108
feet) long and weigh as much as 150 tons—that’s like 25 elephants put together!

Why do your knuckles crack? That popping sound when you crack your fingers isn’t from
bones rubbing together—it’s from tiny gas bubbles in your joints bursting! When you stretch
your fingers, the pressure changes and makes the bubbles collapse, creating that satisfying
crack.

The world’s biggest living organism isn’t an animal—it’s a forest! Deep in Utah, USA,
there’s an enormous colony of quaking aspen trees called Pando. Even though it looks like a
forest, all 47,000 trees are actually part of one giant organism—they share a single
underground root system! This amazing living network stretches over 8 kilometers (5 miles)!

Nature is full of surprises! Which fact amazed you the most?

​
 Kubra’s Diary
Written by: Mehmet Serdar Ateş

Illustrated by: Uğur Köse

A Big Mistake and an Even Bigger Lesson

​
Dear Diary ​
​
Today , my big brother turned to me and said, “Come on, let me take you for a ride in the car,”
as he grabbed the car keys.

I looked at him in shock. “But you don’t even know how to drive!”

He smiled confidently. “I learned from computer games! Driving a real car is just like a
game—easy. Trust me.”

I didn’t feel very sure about it, but I got into the car with him anyway.

“Watch and learn,” he said. “First, you press the clutch, then shift the gear to neutral, and now
we turn the key. See? Simple.”

To my surprise, the car started. My brother looked proud and sure of himself. After trying a few
things, he put the car in reverse. Before I could even blink—BANG!—the car slammed into the
garage wall!

My brother froze. His face turned pale. We jumped out of the car, shocked. The back corner was
dented, and part of the bumper was cracked.

“Oh no! What am I going to tell Dad?” he whispered.

There was nothing we could do. The damage was already done. We slowly walked back into the
house and told our mom everything.

She was furious. “You don’t even know how to drive! Why on earth would you try something so
dangerous?”

“I’m so sorry,” my brother said quietly, looking at the floor.

We sat in the living room. My brother couldn’t stop pacing. “What are we going to tell Dad?” he
kept mumbling.

Then suddenly, he said, “Wait! I have an idea! Let’s call Uncle. I’ll use my saved-up allowance to
pay for the repair. While the car’s being fixed, we can tell Dad that Uncle needed to borrow it.
He’ll never know!”

Mom frowned. “Should we lie to your dad?”

“Please, Mom. Just this once.”

Mom sat up straight. “Son, your father and I have always been honest with each other. That’s
what keeps our family strong. We all make mistakes. What matters is that we tell the truth and
take responsibility.”

My brother went quiet. “Okay,” he said after a while. “I’ll go to Melih’s house to study. Please tell
Dad I’m really sorry. Call me when he’s calmed down.”

Later, Dad came home. He saw the damaged car in the driveway. “What happened to the car?”
he asked.

Mom explained calmly.

Dad was shocked and angry. “He doesn’t even have a license! What was he thinking? And he
took his little sister with him too?”

I was so scared. “He went to study at Melih’s house,” I said, almost in a whisper.

Dad turned to me, surprised by my shaky voice. Then he softened. “You don’t need to be
scared, sweetheart,” he said, pulling me into a hug.

After a few minutes, Mom called my brother. Not long after, the doorbell rang. My brother
stepped inside, clearly nervous.

Dad looked at him seriously. “Son, why would you do something so dangerous when you don’t
even know how to drive? What if something had happened to you—or your sister?”

“I’m really sorry, Dad,” my brother said. “I thought it would be fine. But I was wrong. I promise I’ll
never do something like that again.”

After a moment of silence, he added, “Actually, I remembered a story that fits what I did today.
Can I tell it?”

Dad nodded.

“There was a crow and a donkey flying on a plane. The crow kept pressing the emergency
button for fun. Every time the flight attendant came, the crow would say, ‘Oops! Just a joke!’

Then the donkey said, ‘Let me try!’ and pressed the button too. The flight attendant got so
annoyed that she threw both of them off the plane!

The crow flew away safely. But the donkey yelled, ‘Help! I can’t fly!’

The crow looked back and said, ‘If you can’t fly, why were you messing around?’”

Dad burst out laughing at the story. It was such a funny and clever way to admit a mistake.

“Well done,” Dad said. “Not just for the story, but for being honest. Everyone makes mistakes.
What matters most is owning up to them and learning from them.”
He gave my brother a pat on the head and added, “The car can be fixed. But your lives are
precious. Never risk them again.”

____________________________________________________________________​

Brain Teasers
Nuri Aydağ​

1 Try to solve this special sudoku puzzle! Each hexagon must have numbers 1 to 6. Remember
that the hexagons are connected!

2 Try your best to count the correct number of sticks.

3 Fill in the missing numbers in each block, make sure that the equations are correct!

4 Mahmud has 3 empty water bottles of different sizes. How can he use the empty water bottles
to measure 6l of water?

SCIENCE QUESTIONS

………………………………: It weighs around 200 kilograms on average. Its body length is

approximately 2 meters. It is quite fast and agile for its size. It has large claws to make hunting
easier.

………………………………: It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. It is the fastest
living creature on land. It lives in the savannas of Africa.

………………………………: It can fly at very high altitudes. It is larger and stronger than other
birds. Its wingspan can reach 3 meters. It lives in forested and mountainous areas.

………………………………: It has a dorsal fin resembling a ship's sail. It has a needle-like

nose. It is considered the fastest fish in the world.

●​ ​ ​
​ The T. rex is three times older than the Raptor.​
 ●​ The Triceratops is 2 years younger than the T. rex.​

●​ The Raptor’s height is the same number as its age.​

●​ The Triceratops’ height is right in the middle of the T. rex’s height and the Raptor’s
height.​

●​ The Raptor’s weight is half of the total of its age and height added together.​

●​ The Triceratops is twice as heavy as the Raptor.

Some of the dinosaur facts in the table are missing. Luckily, we found the researcher’s notes!
Can you use the clues from the notes to fill in the missing information?

NAME | AGE | HEIGHT | WEIGHT​

T-Rex | 20 | Meters | 15 Tons​
RAPTOR | 4​
TRICERATOPS

Below are some fun facts about the planets in our solar system. The information is all mixed
up—can you match each fact to the right planet?

●​ ……………………………… is the closest planet to the Sun. It is the smallest planet in

our solar system.​

●​ ……………………………… is the farthest planet from the Sun. It is one of the two
coldest planets and looks blue because of gases in its atmosphere.​

●​ ……………………………… is the second-largest planet in the solar system. It looks

yellow and has a beautiful ring made of ice.​

●​ ……………………………… is the hottest planet in the solar system. It spins in the

opposite direction of most other planets and is also called the Shepherd Star.​

●​ ……………………………… is the seventh planet from the Sun. It’s the third-largest
planet and has a tilt of 55 degrees.​

●​ ……………………………… is the largest planet in our solar system in both mass and
size.​
 ●​ ……………………………… is known as the Red Planet. Many satellites have been sent
to explore it recently.​

●​ ……………………………… is the most balanced planet in the solar system. From

space, it looks blue and has a moon.

●​ ​ ​
​ Guglielmo MARCONI​
​
●​ ​ Wilhelm Conrad RÖNTGEN​
​
●​ ​ Al- Khwarizmi​
​
●​ ​ Alexander WATSON-WATT​
​
●​ ​ PİRİ REİS​
​
●​ ​ Johannes GUTENBERG​

Match each invention to the inventor who created it.

_______________________________________________________

The Art of Origami

Origami is the art of paper folding, where a single sheet of paper can be turned into amazing
shapes without using scissors or glue! People have been practicing origami for hundreds of
years, creating animals, decorations, and useful objects.

In this issue, we’ll show you how to make a simple paper cup!

Materials:
●​ One square piece of paper​

Instructions:
1.​ Fold the paper in half to form a triangle.​

2.​ Take one of the lower corners and fold it toward the opposite edge.​

3.​ Fold the other corner the same way.​

 4.​ Fold the top flap of the paper outward.​

5.​ Flip the paper and fold the other side outward in the same way.​

Now your paper cup is ready! But remember, paper is not waterproof, so be careful if you try
to put liquid inside.

Origami is a fun and creative way to turn paper into cool shapes. Keep practicing, and you’ll be
able to make even more exciting designs!

________________________________________________________________________​

PUZZLE PLAZA
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
There are 10 differences between the two pictures. Can you spot them
all?​
​
​
3D Trail
Keep rolling the cube on the path until you get to the question mark. Which view of the cube will
be visible when it reaches the question mark?

MAZE
Help the taxi find the right path to reach the hotel.

Search and Find

Can you find the hidden objects in the picture below?​

Count​
​
Write down the number of animals you see in the boxes provided.​

​
​
____________________________________________________________

The Curious Squirrel

The Speediest Creatures on Earth!
When it comes to speed, cheetahs are the champions of the land. These spotted sprinters can
reach up to 100 kilometers per hour—that’s as fast as a race car! But are they the fastest
animals in the world?

Not quite! The true speed champion is actually a bird. The peregrine falcon holds the record,
diving through the sky at an incredible 320 kilometers per hour! That’s faster than most roller
coasters. So, while cheetahs rule the ground, peregrine falcons are the ultimate speedsters of
the skies!

Do UFOs Really Exist?

When people hear "UFO," they often picture shiny spaceships and visitors from other planets.
But UFO actually stands for "Unidentified Flying Object." That just means it's something flying
in the sky that no one can explain!

Many people around the world have reported seeing strange objects zipping through the air.
Could they be alien spacecraft? Scientists aren’t sure. Some turn out to be weather balloons,
drones, or even tricks of light. But one thing’s for sure—space is full of mysteries waiting to be
solved!

How Do Horses Sleep Standing Up?

Imagine if you could take a nap without lying down! Horses can do just that. Instead of curling
up on the ground, they lock their knees so their legs stay sturdy while they snooze.

But why do they sleep standing? It’s a survival trick! In the wild, horses need to be ready to run
at any moment if a predator appears. Scientists also say that lying down for too long can make it
harder for horses to breathe properly. So while they do sometimes stretch out for deep sleep,
most of the time, they’re standing tall—even in dreamland!

____________________________________________________________________________​
Zainab’s World
Written by: Ferhan Kırbaş

Illustrated by: Nuri Can Kaflı

Discovering the Sun

Zaynab flipped through the pages of her brand-new magazine, her eyes glued to the exciting
information inside. This month’s issue was all about the Sun, and every fact she read made her
even more curious. She was so focused that she didn’t even notice her mother sitting down
beside her.

“What are you reading so carefully, Zaynab?” her mother asked.

“The new magazine, Mom! It’s all about the Sun, and it has some really interesting facts.”

“Oh? What does it say?”

“For starters, the Sun is a medium-sized, medium-temperature star. At night, it may seem like
the Moon is shining alone, but the Sun is actually just one of millions of stars in the sky.”

“Subhanallah! What else does it say?”

“Well, the Sun is made up of layers, just like the Earth. The core is extremely hot, while the
outer layers are cooler. The surface temperature of the Sun is about 6,000 degrees Celsius,
but at its core, it reaches a blazing 12 million degrees! It’s made entirely of gases like
hydrogen and helium, and the reason it’s so hot is because of a constant reaction that
transforms these gases into energy.”

“These are truly fascinating facts, my dear Zaynab,” her mother said. “We see the Sun every
day, yet we know so little about it.”

“Mom, do you know how far the Sun is from Earth?”

“How far is it?”

“150 million kilometers! The magazine says that if someone traveled toward the Sun in an
airplane flying at 500 kilometers per hour, it would take them 34 years to reach it!”

Her mother’s eyes widened. “That is incredibly far away!”

“And you’ll be even more amazed when you hear about its size,” Zaynab continued, feeling like
a scientist sharing an exciting discovery.
“The Sun’s diameter is 109 times larger than the Earth’s. That means nearly one million
Earths could fit inside the Sun! The magazine explains it this way: if the Sun were the size of a
soccer ball, then the Earth would be as tiny as half a grain of rice.”

Her mother smiled in amazement. “Allahu Akbar, that really puts things into perspective. We
often think of ourselves as big, but compared to the Sun, even our whole planet is tiny.”

As Zaynab listened to her mother’s words, she continued flipping through the pages. There was
still so much more to discover about the universe full of Allah’s (SWT) amazing creations, and
she couldn’t wait to learn more!

___________________________________________________________________________​

IS IT THE FLU OR THE COMMON COLD?

(Bogaz agrisi: Sore throat, Burun akmasi:Runny nose, Nezle oldum: I caught a cold, Maske
giyin: Wear a mask, oksuruk: Coughing, Bas Agrisi: Headache, Kas ve Vucut Agrisi: Muscle and
body pain, Hapsirma: Sneezing, Virusler: Viruses)

Flu or Cold? Let’s Find Out!

As long as the Earth keeps spinning and the Sun keeps rising, the seasons will keep changing.
And guess what? Winter is on its way! That means colder weather, warm coats, and,
unfortunately, more colds and flu. Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between a
cold and the flu? Let’s dive in and find out!

The other day, I wasn’t feeling well. I had a runny nose, sore throat, and felt really tired.
When our neighbor, Aunt Ayşe, asked my mom what was wrong, my mom said, “Mehmet has
the flu. I made him some mint-lemon tea, and now he’s resting.”

Later that day, my dad’s friend, Hasan Abi, asked, “I haven’t seen Mehmet outside. Is he okay?”
My dad answered, “It’s just a cold. He’ll be fine soon.”

Wait a minute… Did I have the flu, or was it just a cold? Who was right—my mom or my dad?
There was only one way to find out: ask a doctor!

When my dad took me to the doctor, I explained my symptoms: “I’ve had a runny nose,
sneezing, sore throat, and fatigue for two days.” After asking me a few more questions and
checking my symptoms, the doctor gave his diagnosis.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said with a smile. “You have a cold. It’s caused by a virus
and usually goes away on its own. Just take your medicine and get some rest—you’ll be back to
normal in a few days.”
That meant my dad was right! But before we left, I told the doctor how my mom thought I had
the flu. He chuckled and explained, “Many people think colds and the flu are the same, but
they’re actually different. A cold causes a runny nose, sneezing, and mild fatigue. The flu, on
the other hand, is much stronger—it comes with a high fever, body aches, a bad cough, and
headaches.”

After thanking the doctor, I walked out knowing something new: the flu and the common cold
may seem similar, but they are not the same!

So next time you feel sick, pay close attention to your symptoms—you might just solve the
mystery yourself!

__________________________________________________________________________​

A Delicious and Juicy Fruit: The Apple​

Written by: Şule Beder

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world! Whether they are red, green, or yellow,
these sweet and juicy fruits grow on trees and belong to the rose family. Apples are not just
tasty—they are also packed with vitamins A and C, which help keep our immune system
strong. That means eating apples can help us stay healthy and spend more time playing outside
with friends!

Apples aren’t just great for snacking—they also make delicious treats like cookies, cakes, and
pies. They even appear in fairy tales and stories! Have you ever noticed how many fairy tale
characters eat apples?

Did you know apples can help keep your teeth clean? When you bite into an apple, it removes
bacteria between your teeth, working like a natural toothbrush. But even though apples are
healthy, eating too many can cause bloating, so one apple a day is just the right amount!

Do you love apple juice? Let’s make some together!

How to Make Fresh Apple Juice

●​ With the help of an adult, start by peeling three apples and cutting them into quarters.
Place the apple pieces and their seeds in a deep pot.
●​ Add a cinnamon stick, two cups of water, the apple peels, and half a cup of sugar.
●​ Boil the mixture for 30 minutes, then let it cool down with the lid closed.
●​ Once it’s cool, strain the liquid through a fine cloth and refrigerate.

Now your homemade apple juice is ready to enjoy! Take a sip and taste the natural sweetness
of apples.

______________________________________________
​

THE TRAVELLING STORK: Myanmar​

Salaam, adventurers! I’m the Traveling Stork, and I fly all over the world to bring you amazing
stories from different places. In each issue, I visit a new friend and share what life is like where
they live. This time, I’m in Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia, visiting my friend Sait—a boy
whose house floats on water!

Waking Up on the Lake

Sait is 12 years old, and he has lived on Inle Lake his whole life. His house, like all the others in
his village, is built on wooden stilts above the water! Every morning, he wakes up to the gentle
rocking of his home and the sound of fishermen rowing past his window. For breakfast, his
mother makes a warm bowl of rice porridge and fresh fish caught by his uncle.

A Rainy Challenge
Living on a lake sounds exciting, but it’s not always easy. During monsoon season, heavy rains
pour down for months. The water levels rise, and strong winds make life on the lake even
harder. But Sait and his family are used to it—they know how to stay safe and keep their home
strong through the storms.

A Canoe Ride to School

Sait’s school isn’t on land—it’s on the water, just like his house! Every morning, he paddles a
canoe across the lake to get there. He’s so good at balancing that he can even row while
standing up, just like the local fishermen. His friends also travel to school in canoes, making the
journey feel like a daily adventure!

Fun on the Water

After school, Sait and his friends don’t head to a playground—they play right on the lake! They
love canoe racing, splashing each other, and even fishing. Sait enjoys learning fishing
techniques from his uncle because he likes a challenge. But when he grows up, he dreams of
becoming a teacher so he can help other kids learn.

Weaving from Water Lilies

Sait’s parents are weavers. They make a special kind of thread from the stems of lotus
flowers, which grow in the lake. This thread is used to create beautiful fabrics. It takes a lot of
skill and patience, but Sait’s parents have been doing it for years.

Myanmar
​
Myanmar is a country filled with mountains, rivers, and lush tropical forests. It is home to over 55
million people! The country has a rich history and stunning landscapes, including the foothills of
the Himalayas. Many families, like Sait’s, live on the water and rely on the lake for food, work,
and transportation. Around 10% of the population is Muslim, with most living in the region of
Arakan. Sadly, Arakan has been one of the areas where Muslims have faced many challenges
over the past century. That’s why we should always remember families like Sait’s in our prayers.

As the sun sets over Inle Lake, it’s time for me to say goodbye to Sait and fly off to my next
adventure. Where will I go next? You’ll have to wait and see in the next issue!​
Fee amanillah — see you next time for another amazing journey!​

______________________________________________________________​

KELOGLAN

Written by: Erdoğan Oğultekin

Mum:​
"Keloğlan, where do you think you're going? Winter’s almost here, and there’s a chill in the air.
You need to chop some firewood!"

Keloğlan:​
"Why is it always me who has to chop the firewood? I’m so tired of it..."

Keloğlan :​
"There has to be a way to get out of this..."

Keloğlan:​
"Aha! I’ve got an idea!"

Keloğlan:​
"I’ll just chop as much wood as I can in one day. Fast and steady... come on!"

(Later that evening)

Mum :​
"Where’s Keloğlan? I haven’t heard a sound. Is he hiding to get out of chopping wood again?"​
"Keloğlaaan!"

Mum:​
"What took you so long? Did you chop the firewood?"

Keloğlan :​
"I did, Mum. And now, I won’t have to chop firewood again for a very, very long time!"
 ​

Science Lab: Amazing Colors!

Have you ever wondered how colors are made? In this fun experiment, you’ll discover the magic
of primary and secondary colors by creating your own colorful board!

What You’ll Need:

●​ Red, yellow, and blue cellophane paper​

●​ A piece of white cardboard​

●​ Glue​

●​ Scissors​

Let’s Get Started!

1.​ Cut the red, blue, and yellow cellophane paper into long strips.​

2.​ Place the white cardboard on a flat surface.​

3.​ Glue the strips vertically onto the cardboard in this order: yellow, red, blue, yellow, red,
blue.​

4.​ Now, glue more strips horizontally on top of the vertical ones in the same order.​

5.​ Your color board is ready!​

What Happened?

Red, yellow, and blue are called primary colors because they cannot be made by mixing other
colors. But when you layer them on top of each other, something exciting happens! New colors
appear! For example, when blue and yellow overlap, they create green—this is a secondary
color because it comes from mixing two primary colors. The more strips you add, the more
beautiful color combinations you’ll see!

Fun Color Facts:

 ●​ Primary Colors: Red, yellow, and blue.​

●​ Secondary Colors: Colors made by mixing primary colors (like green, orange, and
purple).​

Try making your own designs and see what colors you can create. Science is full of surprises!

​
_____________________________________________________________________

Funny Business
Prepared by:​
Ahmet Selman

Illustrated by:​
Erdoğan Oğultekin

​
A medical misunderstanding
Yusuf wasn’t feeling well, so he went to the doctor. After checking his test results, the doctor
said:

"Hmm… you have fluid in your stomach, your muscles are stiff, and there are stones in
your kidneys."

Yusuf’s eyes widened. Then he grinned and said:

"So what you're saying is... I’m as strong as a rock!"

The Horse Tale

During English class, Mr. Ahmad noticed that Malik was completely lost in his own
world—probably daydreaming about pizza.

To get his attention, the teacher called out, "Malik! What happens in this story: A horse is
running and running, then it falls into the river and drowns?"

Malik, caught off guard but wanting to sound confident, proudly answered:

"The horse… clip-clop, clip-clop, splash… glug glug!"

The whole class burst into laughter, while Mr. Ahmad shook his head with a smile.

The Great Escape… Or Not!

A group of friends at summer camp decided to sneak out one night for a midnight snack. Their
leader whispered:

"Okay, here’s the plan: First, we sneak past the counselor’s cabin. Then, we squeeze
through the fence. Finally, we dash to the snack shop!"

That night, they carefully tiptoed past the cabins. Then, they crawled through the fence without
making a sound. But when they reached the snack shop, they saw… the door was already
open!

Their leader sighed and said, "Oh no! The plan is ruined—let’s go back and try again!"

A Bright Idea
Three friends were talking about their biggest dreams.

"I want to be an astronaut and see Earth from space!" said Maliha.

"I want to invent a car that doesn’t need fuel!" said Adam.

Then it was Amir’s turn. "I want to go to the Sun!" he said proudly.

His friends burst out laughing. "Amir, the Sun is a giant ball of fire! How will you survive?"

Amir rolled his eyes. "Obviously! I’ll go at night of course!"

​
___________________________________________________________

Flying Paper Plane

Have you ever made a paper airplane that just falls straight down instead of gliding smoothly?
We’ve researched the best designs and found the perfect way to make a gliding paper plane
that soars through the air! Follow these simple steps to create your own high-flying masterpiece.

How to Make a Flying Paper Plane

1) Start by taking a piece of craft paper and fold it in half lengthwise. This will help create a
center crease. Next, unfold the paper and fold the top two corners down so they meet in the
middle, forming a triangle at the top.

2) Now, fold the newly made pointed corners toward the center again, just like in the first step.
This time, the top of the paper will not be pointed anymore. Once that’s done, take the pointed
tip that you folded earlier and fold it over the edges you just created. After that, fold the entire
plane in half along the original crease.

3) Finally, fold down each side to form wings. Adjust them slightly to give your plane a sleek,
balanced shape.

Now your gliding paper plane is ready for takeoff! Test it out and see how far it can go. With this
design, you’ll have the best paper plane at any competition. Happy flying!

​
________________________________________________________________

3D HISTORY: PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE
Written by: Yakup Arzu Illustrated by: Sevgi İçigen

​
The Book-Saving Foundation
A long time ago, people created special foundations to help their communities. These
foundations helped build schools, roads, mosques, and even bridges. They also supported
education and helped those in need. In fact, during the time of the Ottoman Empire, so many
foundations existed that the empire was known as a "civilization of foundations."

One of the most fascinating foundations was called the "Foundation for Repairing Books."
Just like a hospital for books, it helped fix old and damaged books so they could be read for
years to come!

A Hospital for Books?

This special foundation was created by Ahmed Ziyâüddin Efendi, a wise and curious scholar
who loved books. In 1860, he made it official by writing a document that said, "All books in the
library should be repaired and renewed." Thanks to this, thousands of important books have
survived to this day! Skilled craftsmen, like doctors for books, carefully stitched torn pages, fixed
broken covers, and made sure the books looked as good as new.

Books Treasured Like Gold

The Ottoman sultans also loved books. They wanted the most beautiful and artistic ones, so
they hired talented artists from around the world to decorate books in royal workshops. These
artists created handmade covers, colorful patterns, and golden designs—turning each book
into a work of art!

What About Today?

Today, most books are printed by machines, making them much cheaper and faster to produce.
We also have e-books, which can be read on screens instead of paper. But the old art of
bookbinding—where books were carefully stitched, decorated, and protected—has almost
disappeared. Only a few people still practice this incredible craft.

Even though technology has changed how we read, there will always be people who treasure
real books—especially those with beautiful covers and carefully crafted pages. Just like in the
past, books are more than just paper—they hold the stories and knowledge of the world!