The Adventures of Pinocchio was created by Carl Collodi, whose real name was Carl Lorenzini, in 1881. Children can read the book or listen to a recording at: Project Gutenberg.
Jul 072026
Jul 072026
Sliced bread
Sliced bread was sold for the first time in 1928 at the Chillicothe Baking Company in Chillicothe, Missouri. Before then, people sliced their own bread. Bread consumption increased, because people found it easier to grab a slice and go. Consumption of butter, jam, and other spreads increased as well. For a short time during World War II sliced bread could not be sold. The invention led to the saying, “the best thing since sliced bread.”
Jul 072026
Nathan Aaseng (born Park Rapids, Minnesota, 1953) has written at least 175 books for children. Many of his books are about sports and athletes, but he does write about a variety of other topics. His works include Sports Great Michael Jordan and Invertebrates.
Marc Chagall (born Vitsyebsk, Russia (now Belarus), 1887; died St. Paul de Vence, France, March 28, 1965) was an artist. He went to France in 1923. His pictures contain elements of dreams and fantasy. Children could visit a website at: Marc Chagall to see how he uses color.
Robert Heinlein (born Butler, Missouri, 1907; died Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, May 8, 1988) is well-known for his works of science fiction. He wrote a number of “Heinlein juveniles,” science fiction for young adults. Those books include Citizen of the Galaxy and Time for the Stars. Children can learn more at: Robert Heinlein.
Leroy “Satchel” Paige (born Mobile, Alabama, 1906; died Kansas City, Missouri, June 8, 1982) was a baseball player. He moved from the Negro leagues to the major leagues. He played for the Cleveland Indians; they won the World Series in 1948. Children could learn more at: Satchel Page. They could find out why his nickname was “Satchel.”
Dr. John Watson “was born” in 1852. Watson was the friend of Sherlock Holmes, created by the writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Older children can read Doyle’s works at: Project Gutenberg.
Wendy Watson (born Paterson, New Jersey, 1942) writes and illustrates books for children. Her books include Moving and Lollipop. Children can visit her website: http://www.wendy-watson.com/.
Harriet Ziefert (born North Bergen, New Jersey, 1941) has written several hundred books for children. Her books include One Smart Skunk and Buzzy’s Birthday.
Jul 082026
Blueberries
National Blueberry Day is today! Two types of blueberries exist, lowbush (wild) and highbush (cultivated). Most American blueberries are highbush. Oregon produces more blueberries than any other state, followed by Washington, Georgia, and Michigan. The blueberry is considered a superfood because it contains anthocyanin, an antioxidant. The fruit can served in a variety of ways, from just grab-a-handful to blueberry pie to blueberry muffins to blueberry jam. Children can learn more at: Blueberries.
Jul 082026
Olive Branch Petition was signed by representatives from the Second Continental Congress in 1775. It was delivered to King George III as one last try to peacefully resolve differences between the American colonies and Great Britain. Older children could read a copy of the petition at: Olive Branch Petition. Idea: Children could predict what would have happened if the king had not ignored the petition.
Jul 082026
Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 by Colonel John Nixon. The Liberty Bell tolled to bring citizens to hear the reading. Children can read a copy of the Declaration of Independence at: Declaration.
Jul 082026
State Department issued the first passport in 1796. Francis Maria Barrere received the document. Idea: Children could perhaps see a passport and learn how passports are issued. Older children can read a history of US passports at: Passport History.
Jul 082026
Liberty Bell
Courtesy Bev Sikes
Liberty Bell cracked in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the second time in 1835. It was ringing to mark the funeral of Chief Justice John Marshall. The 2080-pound bell was originally cast in England in 1752. However, it cracked soon after arrival. The bell’s metal was melted and re-cast in 1753. Children can learn more at: Liberty Bell.
Jul 082026
James Cross Giblin (born Cleveland, Ohio, 1933; died New York, New York, April 10, 2016) wrote books for children. His works include The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone and The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin. He received the 2003 Sibert Medal for The Life and Death of Adolph Hitler.
Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (born Constance, Baden, 1838; died Berlin, Germany, March 8, 1917) was a German scientist. He traveled to the United States during the Civil War. He went up in Union hot air balloons and realized the importance of air travel. He returned to Europe and developed lighter-than-air dirigibles. These dirigibles are sometimes called Zeppelins. Idea: Children could check out how we use dirigibles today and find out why we do not use them extensively.
Jul 092026
Flag of Argentina
Argentina celebrates Independence Day. The country became free of Spanish control in 1816. About one-fourth the size of the United States, Argentina exports beef and wheat. This South American country is the eighth largest country in the world. Almost 43 million people live in Argentina, and Buenos Aires is the capital.