Cricket Magazine Fiction and Non-Fiction Stories for Children and Young Teens March 2015

Ever since I was a child I’ve always loved to play with color, shape, and line. Most children have this sort of curiosity, and some never loose that sense of wonder. Playing is how we learn, as both children and adults. I try to approach my art that same way. Enjoy the ride; let it take you to the places you need to explore. Whether it’s a personal painting or an image for a children’s book, I always want my art to be infused with the random discoveries I make along the way. My passion is to create fun and vibrant products for everyone to enjoy. It’s pretty simple; I want to bring playfulness and joy into people’s lives. Doing the cover of the maple trees in winter was a…

Dear Cricket, I just started getting your magazine, and it is really awesome! I love reading all the cool stories you put in it, especially the true ones! I also like that you have the Letterbox. I like seeing what other people think about your mag. I love to read realistic fiction. My favorite colors are blue, green, and pink; my favorite foods are steak, baked potatoes, and broccoli. Writing and baby dolls are also hobbies of mine. I have some friends who take a mile from the inch that I give them. Cricket have you ever been to Ireland? I hope to visit there someday. Have you ever seen a leprechaun? I have! My friends and I have a leprechaun club where we tell each other about leprechauns we…

DYNE SHAIZAR couldn’t believe his eyes. The warrior called Haddon, renowned the world over as one of the greatest living heroes, was lounging in the comforting shade of an apple tree just outside the village. The man’s eyes were closed, and he wore a satisfied smile. Dyne cautiously approached. “What are you doing here?” One of the warrior’s eyes cracked open. “Resting. Or at least I was until you interrupted me. What is it you want, boy?” “It’s just . . . why aren’t you slaying the beast?” Dyne asked timidly. “My mum said our village paid you to slay it. You’ve been here for days, though, and the beast killed more livestock last night. Yet here you are asleep.” Haddon just sighed and closed his eyes again. He certainly…

MOM PULLS UP to the top of Gramp’s farm road. “Kayo, do you have your work gloves?” I can see Gramp setting up the syruping stove next to the spring creek at the bottom of the driveway. “Yes, Mom.” I get out of the car. Mom has asked me at least four times this morning. “Honey, have a good time with Gramp, and have a great harvest! Tell your grandpa I’m running late.” Mom beeps the horn and waves, and then pulls away. I tramp down the slushy driveway. Rivulets of water have carved the icepack into stripes of icy islands, and all of the melted water runs down to the creek at the bottom. Everything is a muddy mess. It’s maple syruping time for sure. “Hey, sweet girl!” Gramp…

MAPLE SYRUP IS one of the joys of winter’s end and spring’s beginning. If you live east of the Mississippi River and above 39° north latitude (in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, or the central and upper Midwest), it’s very likely you can tap a maple tree in your or a friend’s backyard to make your own sweet syrup. First you’ll need to find a find a sugar maple, black maple, silver maple, or box elder tree. Ask your parents for help, or look in a field guide. The trunk needs to be at least 10 inches in diameter, so the tree will not be harmed. Make sure you get the owner’s permission to tap the tree! You can purchase a spile—a spout—from a maple syrup supply company, or you…

WHETHER YOU PURCHASE maple syrup or prepare your own, you can enjoy this sweet treat. What You’ll Need: 1 cup pure maple syrup 8 cups popped popcorn medium-sized saucepan mixing bowl large enough to hold the popcorn large spoon cooking oil spray or butter candy thermometer (optional) What to Do: 1. Lightly oil or butter spoon, mixing bowl, and saucepan. Pour popped corn into mixing bowl. 2. With the help of an adult, pour maple syrup into saucepan and heat until it reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer, or until a few drops spooned into a glass of very cold water forms a soft ball in your fingers. 3. Turn off heat and ask an adult to drizzle the candied syrup over the popcorn. Careful—the syrup will be quite hot!…