Anytime is Storytime Don't wait until bedtime to drift into the fantastic dream world of castles, kings and bizarre creatures. There is a story waiting for you right now, courtesy of Whootie Owl, at www.storiestogrowby.com. With tales from all over the world (and for kids of all ages), Whootie's got lots of stories you've surely never heard before. Meet the fish-girl of Spain, or the French prince with an enormous nose. Check out the great animal stories, too, from the fairy tale files of Africa and Norway. It isn-t a dream. Storytime is anytime you want it to be. (Disclaimer: This site now contains advertisements.)
She Never Lost Her Smile The "Mona Lisa" is nearly 500 years old, but her charming smile continues to captivate art audiences worldwide. What's the deal behind that timeless smile, anyhow? Thanks to the students of Bronx High School and their partners in Borlange, Sweden, "Why is Mona Lisa Smiling?" has been developed to give art enthusiasts a better understanding of the history behind the painting. Was Leonardo Da Vinci inspired by a model, or was he painting himself? Decide for yourself at http://library.thinkquest.org/13681/data/davin2.shtml where you can check out multimedia exhibits, take an online quiz or simply gaze into Mona's eyes. Read up on the scientific theories behind the painting and watch as photo manipulation puts the "Mona Lisa" into a new perspective. The Da Vinci Dispatch has the latest on the artist's exhibits, including an upcoming display in Victoria, British Columbia. It's time to learn more about Leonardo. Don't forget to smile back when you meet Mona!
Web Crawlers Bug lovers will adore Insecta, your online insectarium. From majestic creatures like butterflies and yellowjackets to creepy-crawlers like cockroaches, termites and silverfish, this site has them all. Buzz out to www.insecta.com and don't forget to bring bug spray! This site has oodles of interesting facts and photos. Did you know that carpenter ants will bite when handled, or that ladybugs love south-facing walls and windows? Insecta's Family Tree does an outstanding job of classifying each insect and describing its unique qualities. There's also a great glossary of terms, which fills you in on everything from compound eyes to metamorphosis. If critters and varmints are your things, then Insecta is sure to be your bug heaven.
This 4Kids Detective game has expired. To play the current Kid Quest Challenge, go to 4Kids.org/kidquest.
1. Which year did Da Vinci paint the Mona Lisa?
Dear Amy: Two of my closest friends moved this summer. What can I do to make them remember me?--Laura, Etowah, TN Dear Laura: It's really sad when your friends move away, but there are lots of ways you can keep in touch with them through the Web. You can write to them every day through e-mail. But a really awesome way to keep in touch is to share a Web page. By getting a free account at Angelfire at http://angelfire.lycos.com you can share a project together no matter where you are. Your Web page could have a theme like your pets or saving the environment.