Census reveals changing shape of Australia
humanitiesThe 2021 Census data reveals a nation of 25.5 million people of diverse backgrounds, speaking a number of languages, practising different religious faiths and living in a mix of dwellings
Extra-curricular kids happier and healthier
healthChildren who play sport, learn an instrument or even just muck around with friends after school are more likely to feel happier and healthier than kids who are parked in front of a screen
Last days to enter Short Story Competition
short story competitionThere’s still two days to enter the Kids News 2022 Short Story Competition – prime time to forage through your family’s stories and give your favourite a fictional makeover before entries close
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Find the Short Story Comp entry form here
Don’t miss out on the Kids News Short Story Competition. Entries close on Friday, June 24. Find the online entry form and more info here
‘Little Picasso’ takes art world by storm
Parents cherish every artwork that makes it home, but if the exploding international interest in 10-year-old Californian Andres Valencia is any measure, not all classroom art is created equal
Cartoon celebrates wiggly World Cup win
What chance did Peru have against goalie Andrew Redmayne and his wiggly mates in Australia’s World Cup qualifier, asks cartoonist Mark Knight
How social media can help your storytelling
Still looking for inspiration for the Kids News Short Story Competition? If you post or create drafts of anything in social media, chances are you are sitting on a treasure trove of top ideas
Wiggly jig helps Aussies to World Cup
The Socceroos have qualified for the World Cup in a sudden-death shootout, won after goalie Andrew Redmayne’s rousing routine of what looked a lot like the Wiggles’ Hot Potato
Chores could boost kids’ brains
It might sound like a tall tale cooked up by parents keen to escape the kitchen, but a new study suggests kids could get a brain boost by making family meals and helping out more with housework
Have you read these Aussie kids’ favourites?
Australian kids love funny, naughty and cheeky books. Is your favourite on the list of top 50 most popular children’s books of the past decade?
Young Ivy rollerskates to ‘mini’ World Cup win
The ‘mini’ division of the Artistic Skating World Cup in Italy delivered a major victory for an Adelaide roller girl, who first laced up and skated onto a local rink at the tender age of two
Australians love ‘true blue’ homemade TV
There’s laughter, tears, the relaxed local lingo, a familiar family and a relatable, authentic Australian vibe – no wonder a new study has found we want more Bluey-style TV
Eurovision has a new winner
First Ukraine took out Eurovision, now its leader Volodymyr Zelensky is the winner in cartoonist Mark Knight’s political version of the famous song contest
TikTok teaching set to trump tired English tasks
TikTok, memes, blogs, podcasts and Instagram posts might shake up the curriculum and revamp old-fashioned English tasks as digital writing looks set to join the classics in the classroom
Marilyn Monroe pop art makes a motza
Screen star Marilyn Monroe’s lasting allure was the perfect match for Andy Warhol’s pop art style, with one famous portrait now the most expensive 20th century work ever sold at public auction
Ms Pac-Man enters Hall of Fame
An early trailblazer in the gender debate, Ms Pac-Man has chomped her way into history after popularising female video characters and proving girl gamers were ready to play
Irwin family blazes digital art trail
No wilderness frontier is a match for the intrepid Irwin family and the new crypto universe is no exception, with the Australia Zoo wildlife conservationists launching a new digital art project
Giant jungle bridge made of glass
A huge glass-bottomed bridge is set to bring international visitors to Vietnam after Covid, with Guinness World Records expected to confirm that the ‘white dragon’ is the biggest bridge of its kind
Inside tragic final months of King Tut’s life
Archaeologists don’t know for sure what killed Egypt’s “Boy King” Tutankhamun but a new documentary reveals his final months were probably pretty miserable
How to have a native animal Easter
Australia’s beloved koala is now officially an endangered species – but families can help conservation efforts simply by downloading a free children’s book over Easter
Ibis ‘bin chicken’ to the big time?
Worshipped by Ancient Egyptians, the ibis has been down on its luck since arriving in Australia – but all that might change after calls to make the nation’s ‘bin chicken’ an Olympic Games mascot
Fortnite profit to fund Ukraine aid
Epic Games to donate two weeks of proceeds from the game Fortnite to support Ukrainian relief efforts in response to the Russian invasion
Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 90
The iconic and beloved Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 90 on Saturday, March 19, and the NSW capital plans to party like it’s 1932
Ever wanted to peek inside a lion’s mouth?
A lioness has given wildlife fans an amazing close-up after chomping on a GoPro camera. WATCH THE VIDEO
Ukulele a dangerous weapon in PM’s hands
Who’d have thought a ukulele could be such a dangerous weapon? Cartoonist Mark Knight says not even the Prime Minister’s security team could protect him from the damage
Musos join push for Indigenous lessons
Singer Isaiah Firebrace’s petition for Indigenous languages and cultural lessons in schools is gaining momentum and could lead to changes in the teaching of First Nations history
Check in at Bluey’s? Whackadoo!
Life has imitated art – with a bark – with the Heeler house from hit TV show Bluey being recreated as a weekend getaway ‘for real life’
Aboriginal flag ‘freed’
The Australian Aboriginal flag has been made free for public use after the federal government finally settled a complicated copyright battle
Cartoon Contest winners unveiled
The absurd side of pandemic life and a rugby obsessed penguin have inspired the winning entries in the inaugural Kids News Cartoon Contest. Check out the winning cartoons here
Bird sounds set for ARIA success
Endangered Australian birds could knock pop songbirds from their perch, with an album of birdsong in the running to debut in the ARIA Top 10
Time to have some fun with Gangsta Granny
Download four great activity sheets to celebrate the end of the school year and the release of international best-selling author David Walliams’ new book, Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!
Get a sneak peek of Matt Stanton’s new book
One of Kids News’ favourite authors, Matt Stanton, is back to round out our year with his latest graphic novel, The Odds: Run, Odds, Run. Start reading it here
Short Story Comp 2021 winners revealed
Our Short Story Competition has unearthed some amazing new writing talent and given a past champ another chance to shine. Find out who the winners are and read their stories here
Acting legend at one with the land
Cartoonist Mark Knight has paid tribute to Indigenous acting legend David Gulpilil Dalaithngu whose death was announced this week
Kids News Cartoon Contest is now closed
Well done to all the budding cartoonists who sent in cartoons. The judges are checking them out now
Great white an underwater warhorse
Stunning images of a heavily scarred great white shark suggest a battlefield lies beneath the surface of the ocean
Should have called in an expert
Cartoonist Mark Knight reckons a teenage fangirl would have been the perfect option to pull off Channel 7’s botched interview with singing megastar Adele
Enter the Kids News Cartoon Contest
Sharpen your pencils, we want budding cartoonists to create a cartoon about a news event that matters to them. Get tips from some of Australia’s best cartoonists and find the Kids News Cartoon Contest entry form here
Big Bird ruffles feathers after Covid shot
Not even Sesame Street’s fictional feathered friends are safe on social media, as Big Bird’s Covid jab sets off US Senator Ted Cruz
VIPs leave their mark on climate summit
The irony of world leaders and other VIPs arriving at a climate change conference in carbon-emitting jets is highlighted in Mark Knight’s latest cartoon for Kids News
Child soldier’s tale is our book of the month
Imagine finding yourself alone in a war at the age of six. Author Katrina Nannestad transports us to Russia in 1942 and into the life of Sasha. Start reading Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief here
Tips for a Covid-safe Halloween
Halloween fun might look a bit different this year. Take a look at our tips for safe trick-or-treating and find out where this spooky tradition came from
Fifth grader wins global photo prize
A 10-year-old boy from India has won a prestigious wildlife photography award. See his winning photo and other shots from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 competition
Greta comes to the rescue again
Young people are not only coming to the rescue of our climate but also our prime minister in the latest cartoon from Mark Knight
Teen dancing queen joins The Wiggles
Year 10 student Tsehay Hawkins isn’t much older than the kids she will entertain after being named the new Yellow Wiggle
Lego to build blocks without bias
Lego has pledged to remove gender bias from its product range after an international study finds stereotypes persist
Film crew to make first movie in space
Russian movie star Yulia Peresild has beaten Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise into orbit, safely docking at the International Space Station to star in the first film shot in space
Singing sisters set world record
A Queensland sister act has set a new world record for singing, after learning nearly 200 national anthems by heart
Kid poets published in bushfire book
The winners of the Kids News Bushfire Poetry Competition have had their poems included in the book Fighting Spirit: A tribute to the bushfire-affected communities of Australia’s Black Summer
The amazing kids setting world records
From the youngest magazine editor to a basketball and spelling prodigy, the Guinness World Records 2022 edition showcases some of the globe’s most amazing young people
Racism pain inspires song about Eddie Betts
One of Australia’s most respected singers and songwriters has turned AFL legend Eddie Betts’ fight against racism into an emotional song
Perth Grand Final has a blockbuster feel
The AFL’s biggest game of the year has plenty in common with a movie blockbuster, according to cartoonist Mark Knight
Last chance to enter Short Story Competition
There is still time to enter your best effort in the annual Kids News Short Story Competition - and if you’re stuck for ideas, one of last year’s winners suggests a new dog and old tricks
What stories really matter to you?
Grab your favourite book for Australian Reading Hour as children’s authors invite kids to consider their own stories of family and belonging during Australia Reads this week
Covid vaccine race is finally on
Beating Covid-19 is a bit like a drag car race between the vaccine and the Delta variant, according to cartoonist Mark Knight
Why Aussie kids love audio books
Children’s audio books are gaining in popularity in Australia, rescuing some reluctant readers and even creating a few budding young authors along the way
Funny wildlife shots are something to smile about
Don’t worry, be happy! That’s the message from this little guy, one of the finalists in this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. What’s your favourite shot?
Lockdown dives produce winning nature snap
The 2021 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Scott Portelli formed a bond with this leafy seadragon after being stuck in South Australia during lockdown. Check out some of the competition’s top nature snaps
Travelling in style all the way to Perth
If the 2021 Grand Final must go to Perth, the AFL boss and cup might as well travel in style in the famous “batmobile” from 1991, according to cartoonist Mark Knight
Author’s golden rules of story planning
Planning only adds to the fun and creativity of writing, according to Australian author Katrina Nannestad. Follow her five steps to planning a brilliant story for the Kids News Short Story Comp
Good news in NAPLAN results
Australian primary school students should pat themselves on the back, as 2021 NAPLAN results suggest pandemic disruptions have not hampered performance
Famous authors urge kids to get writing
Thinking of entering our Short Story Competition like student Olivia Green? Check out these words of wisdom from one of the world’s great storytellers and some of our leading local authors
Why making up stories is good for you
Letting your imagination run wild is one of the best things about being a kid – and a great way to start your entry for the 2021 Kids News Short Story Competition
The Big Pineapple’s Brisbane Olympics bid
Some Olympic mascots have completely missed the mark – but the Big Pineapple’s birthday bid to become the Brisbane 2032 mascot is a green and gold Queensland dream
Six secrets of a winning short story
The Kids News Short Story Competition is back for 2021! Check out reigning champ Amaeh Reed’s top writing tips and get your story in with our online entry form
Meet Australia’s youngest First Nations filmmaker
Wiradjuri girl Penelope Towney is just seven-years-old, but the Year 2 student from the Illawarra region of NSW has already made a short film celebrating her family’s country and culture
Coach Dean Boxall deserves a gold too
Ariarne Titmus wasn’t the only one to put in a gold medal performance in the 400m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics, according to cartoonist Mark Knight
Super Mario game goes for $1.56 million US
A mint condition copy of Super Mario 64 has sold for a super price, with a mystery bidder breaking the previous record to claim the game at a US auction
Daniher gives the MND beast a shove
Though we are in a pandemic, the annual Big Freeze event reminds Mark Knight that there are other medical battles being fought that also deserve our attention
Perfect pairing of pandemic symptoms
We’ve been well informed about the effects of the coronavirus on people, but Mark Knight observes two other symptoms appearing together during the latest Victorian lockdown
Matt Stanton’s guide to pranking
Creating a great prank is just like creating a great story, according to Funny Kid author Matt Stanton. Here are his tips on how to do it
How to make a pen pal with purpose
Children’s charity Fly High Billie invites Aussie kids to write to students in Covid hotspots abroad this B Kinder Day on June 22
Would you wash with snail slime soap?
One French artisan believes snail slime has anti-ageing properties that make it perfect for his boutique beauty soap
Aussie invention coins reveal national love of chocolate
Some of Australia’s best chocolate creations are being celebrated on new $1 coins – along with other great Aussie inventions
Funny photos have judges howling like hyenas
Surfing penguins, a frowning bird, a pouting boxfish and a laughing lion have had the judges of The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2021 laughing a lot
Clever ads no cure for vaccine complacency
Mark Knight was wondering what it would take to encourage a reluctant public to front up for Covid-19 vaccinations when the answer presented itself in the form of another outbreak
The Aussie landmark coins to flip over
Australia Post’s new collectable coins feature some of Australia’s best loved landmarks. Find out which ones made the Great Aussie Coin Hunt along with some cool facts about the icons
PM resolute on keeping the drawbridge up
When it comes to international travel, it doesn’t look like our Prime Minister is ready to open up Fortress Australia anytime soon, which gives Mark Knight lots of fun metaphors to draw
Australia’s Olympic Games uniforms unveiled
Australia’s Olympic Games uniforms for Tokyo show how clothes carry stories, memories and inspiration for our athletes
Aussie coins encourage conservation in kids
Zookeeper and bushfire survivor Chad Staples says showcasing native creatures in the Great Aussie Coin Hunt is “so important” for conservation awareness
Other story puts Federal budget in shade
The Federal budget is the biggest day of the year in the nation’s capital, yet the size of the pile of money Josh Frydenberg has to manage is dwarfed by the wealth of two other people in the news
The Great Aussie Coin Hunt is here
The Great Aussie Coin Hunt is back at Australia Post, with the new A-Z of $1 collectable coins from the Royal Australian Mint full of fun and surprises
Helping Aussies leave the kitchen table
Despite new childcare subsidies intended to make it cheaper for adults to go back to workplaces, Mark Knight wonders whether anyone actually wants to get out of trackpants and slippers
Why pranks can be good for you
Playing tricks can relieve stress and raise a smile – and kids who share their funniest prank could end up with a character named after them in the next Funny Kid book!
Kanye West’s sneakers sell for record $1.8 million
Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy sneakers have smashed the record sale price previously set by a pair of Air Jordans
Quick decision by ScoMo not a surprise to cartoonist
Visual metaphors can help illustrate complex political situations. With air travel to India ceasing suddenly due to the coronavirus disaster there, Mark Knight needed an aviation metaphor
Bushfire Poetry Comp winners impress judge Jackie French
Young writers have used the power of simple words and real experiences to win over renowned author and Kids News Poetry Competition judge Jackie French. See the winners and runners-up
Drawing the Queen and Prince Philip
Mark Knight reflects on choosing to depict the Queen accompanied yet again by her husband, so that despite her being seated away from others, she is not totally alone
Kids quizzed by app to gain phone access
Two Australian parents have invented an app that asks kids a maths or English problem before they can unlock their phones.
This is what a spider web sounds like
Scientists have used artificial intelligence to study spiders and their webs to create eerie music from the vibrations. Listen to what a spider web sounds like
Crayola launches inclusive crayons
Crayola has teamed up with MAC Cosmetics to create a range of racially inclusive crayons, pencils and textas.
Meet the Bee’s perfect score kids
As top scoring students nationally advance to the state and territory round, Kids News speaks to 10 of Australia’s perfect score kids. Discover their spelling secrets and how they are tackling the next stage of the competition.
Robot Sophia’s artwork sells for $900,000
Artwork created by a robot called Sophia has sold at auction for an amount equivalent to more than $900,000, paid in the form of a non-fungible token, or NFT
Volcanic eruption photo wins top prize
A photo titled The Landscape of Fear and showing a volcano erupting within an incredible electrical storm has won first prize in a global photography contest. See some of our favourite photos
Aussie athletes dressing for Olympic success
Members of the Australian Olympic Team have revealed the Tokyo 2021 Games uniform. Meanwhile, FIFA has announced nine Australian cities will host Women’s World Cup matches in 2023
Captain Underpants author sorry for spin-off book
A graphic novel spin-off of the Captain Underpants series is being pulled from libraries and bookstores after its publisher and author apologise
Of droughts and flooding rains
Australian poet Dorothea MacKellar surely nailed it when she wrote her classic poem My Country in 1904. Mark Knight reflects on how it sums up this land of amazing contrasts
Photos to celebrate the spirit of adventure
A new photography competition named for famous Australian photographer, adventurer and explorer Frank Hurley has attracted more than 1200 entries from 26 countries
Being fed to the Tigers at the home of footy
Cartoonist Mark Knight celebrates the return of AFL to Victoria and the MCG and draws comparisons with the gladiatorial battles of Ancient Rome
Digital artwork snapped up for $90 million
![CORRECTION / This undated handout image obtained March 10, 2021, courtesy of Christie's shows a digital art collage by Beeple, for sale in New York. - The digital collage by the American artist Beeple, also known as Mike Winkelmann, a pioneer of the exploding virtual art market, sold for a record $69.3 million, Christie's announced on March 11, 2021. "Everydays: The First 5,000 Days" is now the most expensive NFT -- non-fungible token, or collectible digital asset transformed using blockchain into something ownable -- ever sold. (Photo by Handout / CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE/HANDOUT " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / âThe erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Handout has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [American artist Beeple, also known as Mike Winkelmann] instead of [American artist Beeple, also known as Scott Winkelmann]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.â](https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/dee14debc16fae6a692a9877cb6a2a79?width=100)
A digital collage by an artist named Beeple has sold for a record price far higher than that paid for traditional works by many well known artists
