Arts
Bushfire Poetry Comp: author Jackie French’s five rules for writing a poem
artsAward-winning author Jackie French wants kids to discover the healing power of poetry. See her tips for writing a great poem
Saving the day with a gorilla named Gertrude
just for funDavid Walliams introduces Code Name Bananas, in which an orphaned boy named Eric makes friends with a gorilla named Gertrude and they save the day! With activity sheets to download
Kids News launches Bushfire Poetry Competition
artsShare your experiences of last summer’s bushfires for a chance to have your poem published in a special book commemorating the Black Summer fires
Latest
Listen to the sounds and music of space
You can now hear the sounds of space, according to a NASA project that has assigned musical notes and instruments to the goings-on of two supernovas and a colliding cluster of galaxies
‘Bat woman’ and other incredible wildlife pics
The Natural History Museum is inviting you to vote for your favourite among the finalist entries in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award
Peace and goodwill enduring themes of Christmas
Mark Knight wonders how Santa’s operations might look in the 21st century with social media, job cuts, mass manufacturing and low-cost couriers. At least we can still aim for peace and goodwill
Breakdancing added to 2024 Paris Olympics
Breakdancing, skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing have been approved for inclusion at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in a bid to include sports popular among young people
Snapshots capture happy quokkas
Quokkas are the happiest creatures on Earth, according to animal photographer Alex Cearns, who has captured the loveable marsupials on camera for a new picture book.
During fire season, we are all in this together
Mark Knight chooses a favourite cartoon from 2020 and explains the process of starting with a news event, gathering ideas and working towards a drawing to tell even more of the story
Shiny metal thing disappears, another appears
Another mysterious triangular metal pillar has been found next to an ancient fortress in the city of Piatra Neamt, Romania, days after one vanished without a trace in the desert in Utah, US
Mystery shiny metal thing appears in desert
Deep in the remote, Mars-like landscape of Utah’s red-rock desert in the US, a helicopter crew counting sheep stumbled on a mystery: A giant, gleaming metal thing embedded in rock
Unmasked! Aussies’ great effort in the pandemic
With his relaxation on wearing masks outdoors it seems Premier Dan has saved Victorians yet again, this time not from coronavirus but from weird facial tanning outcomes
Author Katrina Nannestad answers questions from Kids News readers
Writing We Are Wolves left Katrina Nannestad in tears at times but also made her happy. We know this thanks to some great questions from Kids News readers. Check out Katrina’s answers to the top 10 questions here
Huge find in Egypt’s ‘City of the Dead’
Archaeologists have unearthed 100 Ancient Egyptian painted coffins — some with mummies inside — plus 40 precious statues at the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo, Egypt
Indigenous design first for our men’s cricket team
Australia’s indigenous culture will be celebrated when the men’s cricket team takes to the field in the coming T20 series. Discover what the design represents
A Clock of Stars author Francesca Gibbons answers your questions
Thanks to everyone who sent in questions for Francesca Gibbons. Check out her answers to her favourite questions, and while you’re at it you can read the first three chapters of A Clock of Stars: The Shadow Moth for free
Kids urged to open a favourite book for Australian Reading Hour
Reading doesn’t have to be a chore. Illustrator and children’s author Beck Feiner recommends trying a picture book or a book about a hobby you love. Also, download her colouring sheet and create your own Australia Reads logo
New push to change Australian anthem lyrics
The NSW Premier has called for a change to the lyrics of the national anthem to better acknowledge Australia’s proud Indigenous history but some say it’s not enough of a change
Horse in a face mask another COVID normal?
This year we combined the race that stops the nation with the virus that stopped the world. Mark Knight explains how he came to do a quick sketch of a Melbourne Cup horse in a face mask
Relishing a delicious double-doughnut dinner
There were joyous scenes as Melburnians ate out at their favourite restaurants and cafes again after the long lockdown. Mark Knight could easily imagine what the Premier would order
A typical day in the life of a ballet dancer
To celebrate World Ballet Day, Kids News talked to Australian dancer Naomi Hibberd about what she loves and finds challenging about being a dancer, plus what her typical day looks like
Artist’s illusions transforming the streets
A self-taught graffiti artist is becoming famous around the world for his ultra-realistic murals that transform the mundane into the magnificent, earning him the nickname “The Illusionist”
2000-year-old cat found carved in desert
A huge cat carving has been unearthed on a hillside in southern Peru and is thought to be a 2000-year-old Nazca Line. Around 1000 have already been discovered
Tree-hugging tiger photo wins wildlife award
Judges called this photo of a Siberian tiger a “scene like no other” and declared it the overall winning entry in the Wildlife Photographer Of The Year competition. See all the winning photos
Wanting the Premier to hit the right target
There are lots of complex numbers in news about the coronavirus pandemic. Mark Knight explains how he created a drawing to show what’s happening in Victoria in a simple way
Short story competition winners revealed
Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s short story competition and especially to the amazing young writers who caught the eye of the judges. Read their winning stories here
Flush out some fun with Tina and Tom’s Time-Travelling Toilet
Discover some fun facts about important moments in history with book characters Tina, Tom and Dog — and download their A-maze-ing activity sheets
Author Matt Stanton answers reader questions
Well done to all the kids who sent in great questions for Funny Kids author Matt. Check out his answers to 10 of the best
No one wants to fall onto the snapping crocodiles
There were whoops of joy across Melbourne when playgrounds reopened this week, but faced with falling popularity and a hotel quarantine inquiry, it’s not all fun and games for Premier Dan
Meet the comedians in the animal kingdom
We won’t ever know if these animals are trying to be funny but we do know they’re giving us lots of laughs. Meet the stars of the finalist entries in the 2020 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Show must go on for young talents
The Crowd Favourite competition of the Sydney Eisteddfod has moved online to help young performers like 10-year-old Tracy Zhao continue passing the joy of music to their audience
The moment Djokovic stared into the void
It is big news for the world’s best tennis player to be disqualified from a Grand Slam, so Mark Knight wanted to draw a cartoon to show Novak’s shock and realisation of what he had done
Dad and daughter make a winning ballet combination
A rugby-loving dad has teamed with his ballet-loving daughter to take out top prize in a global dance challenge. Check out their moves
Here comes the AFL Batmobile, bound for glory
There were so many ways to draw a cartoon on the AFL Grand Final heading to Qld. Mark Knight decided to ignore all the obvious ways and resurrect a special vehicle for one more drive
Nature’s fury and beauty captured in winning photos
A snap of a Black Summer bushfire has been named Australia’s best nature photograph in a competition that celebrates the country’s wild side
The day the flag was missing from the big game
What a thrill to see this year’s big AFL Dreamtime game between the Bombers and the Tigers played in Darwin. But what a shock that the Aboriginal flag — an important symbol — was missing
Vegemite needs you to sing its jingle
We know Vegemite tastes like Australia, but the company that makes it wants to find out what Australia sounds like, calling on the nation to give the spread’s classic theme song a new life
Winning photos focus on wonders of science
An image of tiny Tasmanian devil joeys inside their mother’s pouch is a finalist in a photo competition shining a light on the importance of science for National Science Week
How to find your voice and talk to a crowd
A teenage public-speaking whiz is on a mission to help kids reeling from coronavirus disruptions master the art of talking to a crowd, finding their voice and their confidence
Whose big AFL grab will we sing about?
The AFL Grand Final is one of the major sporting events of the year but everything about the 2020 season is different. Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could take the mark of the year
Tough battle ahead for state of disaster
In a cartoon, using a visual metaphor can help describe another issue we may not have much understanding about. But just like with bushfires, if Australians band together, we can beat this
‘Karen’s’ mask fight not just about her rights
Like a school essay, a cartoon is a way to compare and contrast two sides to an issue. In this case it’s about someone demanding their rights but forgetting their responsibilities to the vulnerable
Awesome iPhone photo award winners
It’s hard to believe the winners from the annual iPhone Photo Awards — described as the ‘Oscars of mobile photography’ — were taken with an iPhone or iPad. Which is your favourite?
Cartoonist says sorry for taking the mickey
We all know when you try to do something in front of a camera, things don’t turn out quite as you would like them to. This was the case with the Health Minister and his face mask
Roadblock stops Premier’s getaway
Cartoonist Mark Knight discusses Victoria’s change of circumstances as coronavirus case numbers increase, and whether Premier Daniel Andrews is running away from responsibility
Tassie time lapse of our Milky Way galaxy
A beginner astrophotographer has braved Tasmania’s freezing winter nights to capture the Milky Way’s dance across the night sky in some of the state’s most picturesque locations
Yay! It’s time for school holiday fun
Kids News is taking a little break to enjoy the school holidays. In the meantime, try these Dr Seuss-themed activities. Enjoy! Have a great break and stay safe
Debate over new Australian logo with no roo
A new logo developed to promote Australia to the world has been criticised as confusing by advertising experts who say the wattle design looks more like a luxury perfume label
There’s a huge dinosaur in my kitchen
Google has a new feature that lets you view lifelike dinosaurs wherever you are through a smartphone camera with 3D augmented reality technology that works like Pokemon Go
Making ISO bears for friends to cuddle
Grace and Chloe knew how much comfort a cuddly toy could be during the stressful times of social isolation, so they decided to spread the joy and make ISO bears for people to adopt
Kids’ author Matt Stanton’s tips for writing a great story
Are you struggling to come up with an idea for the Kids News Short Story competition? Don’t worry, these tips from Matt Stanton will get your imagination flowing. But hurry, time is running out to enter.
Getting used to our strange ‘new normal’
A WWII Lancaster bomber aeroplane in the COVID-test queue? Our lives have changed so much in recent months not much surprises us any more, writes cartoonist Mark Knight
Writing yourself into someone else’s shoes
Keeping up with world news gave author Amaeh Reed an idea for her winning 2019 Kids News short story competition entry. Amaeh explains how she got from the idea to the finished story
Teens making music about COVID-19
June 20 is World Refugee Day. Kids News shares a film by a teenager at Bidi Bidi refugee camp in Uganda about young people making music to help stop the spread of COVID-19
Around an Aussie campfire of statues
Mark Knight explains the issues behind the cartoon of two Aussies sitting by this particular campfire and wonders how Australia will react to this period of self-examination
Dream job of Lego master builder
Lego master builder Kieran Jiwa — whose job it is to play and create with Lego for most of every day — has known he wanted this career since he was six years old
Characters’ stinky start to a winning story
Rose Pullinger’s Emily to the Rescue was a winning entry in the Kids News 2019 Short Story Competition. She’s keen to enter the 2020 competition and shares some tips about story writing
Collingwood fans react to big AFL news
In this weekly series for Kids News, Mark Knight explains the news and the creative process behind one of his latest cartoons. Mark imagines Pies fans would have been outraged!
Cartoons are not always meant to make you laugh
Sometimes cartoonists have to cover serious issues, such as war, famine, injustice and even death, about which it’s not appropriate or possible to make people laugh. This was one of those times
Who’s most excited about going back to school?
Kids are returning to school as COVID-19 restrictions ease. After working from home with his kids, Mark Knight wonders who in each household is most looking forward to getting back to normal
How to draw and animate your own minion
They’re cute and very cheeky. And now you can create your own, with this step-by-step guide to drawing and animating a minion – just like in the movies
Dear Australia: memories of the nation in isolation
Australians are being invited to record their coronavirus experiences for future generations in a new campaign by the country’s postal service
Lonely penguins take day trip to art gallery
Life in lockdown can be pretty dull, even for penguins. But the day got a light brighter for these little birds when they had an excursion from their zoo enclosure to an art museum.
No joke! Experts agree laughter is good for us
Humour is as ancient as human life itself, but the joys of laughter never grow old and amusement experts believe we’re on the cusp of a COVID-19 comedy revolution
Dusty models COVID-safe return to AFL season
There’s a small light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel with the AFL’s announcement of a restart to the footy season. Mark Knight imagines how Tigers star Dustin Martin could help
Lego Masters star’s huge toy collection
Lego Masters is over for 2020, but one of the competitors still gets to play with lots of toys. We take a look at Trent Cucchiarelli’s incredible collection of action figures, vehicles and play sets
Last-known film of not-so-fierce thylacine
Researchers have discovered what is thought to be the last film of a thylacine, taken two years later than any other known record and casting doubt on its reputation as an aggressive animal
Unleash the little scribes to make mischief!
Beloved Australian children’s author Andrew Daddo says storytelling platform Littlescribe invites kids to imagine breaking all the rules
Billie’s kindness lives on
Australian schoolgirl Billie Kinder always believed she could make the world a better place. Now her family hopes the third annual B Kinder Day on June 22 will take her message worldwide
Ball of cuteness and other winning nature photos
A photo of a mountain hare in a snowstorm that took the photographer several freezing weeks to capture has won this year’s BigPicture international nature photography competition
Aussie AI song takes global music prize
A three-minute song written by artificial intelligence that turned koala grunts, kookaburra laughs and Tassie devil barks into a kind of instrument has won an international music competition
Coughing over the health of Australia’s piggy bank
When Mark Knight tuned in to watch Treasurer Josh Frydenberg talk about the economy in federal parliament, he saw him coughing uncontrollably. What was the cause?
Spooky goings-on at night in the museum
British Museum guards have reported spooky goings-on including ghostly footsteps, strange lights and mysterious crying among the exhibits, like a real-life version of Night at the Museum
Put your thinking caps on to write a winning story
Entries for the 2020 Kids News Short Story competition have now closed. We look forward to announcing the winning stories soon
Aussies spreading joy with sidewalk chalk talk
People everywhere are covering footpaths with beautiful chalk art to spread joy during COVID-19, providing meaning to their lives, connecting communities and keeping children entertained
Saluting the Anzac spirit and ghosts of Diggers past
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight captures the spirit of the Anzacs and the ghostly impact the coronavirus had on one of Australia’s most sacred days
Kids get creative at school to keep COVID-19 away
Children in China are finally returning to classrooms after months of online learning, using creative thinking to find fun ways to keep their distance to help slow the spread of the coronavirus
Making music in times of trouble
A Queensland music shop expected tough times during COVID-19 restrictions but it’s been “busier than Christmas” as people turn to playing musical instruments for pleasure and comfort
Virus leaves future of Virgin up in the air
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explores the collapse of Virgin Airlines in Australia and how the company could make a buck selling its second-hand planes
Lyrid meteor shower to light up the night sky
One of the world’s oldest meteor showers is taking place again in our night sky this week. You will be able to see the glorious Lyrid meteor shower at its best tonight at your place
Home learning enough to make parents scream
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explores how parents are coping — or not — with the need to support their children’s education from home
Breaking the rules is no laughing matter
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why it’s impossible to laugh off the foolish behaviour of beachgoers who break social distancing rules
Take a virtual tour around the world
Visit the Great Wall of China, see the Mona Lisa or watch zoo animals without leaving home. Here are 10 top virtual experiences plus one very special out-of-this-world tour
Sneak peek behind the scenes at Disneyland
Disney is giving fans take a sneak peek behind its famous walls and letting children discover how rollercoasters and rides are made and how its special “lands” are created
Why drawing is a monster cure for boredom
Best-selling children’s author and illustrator Matt Stanton has declared the first day of every working week Monster Monday. Here he explains why drawing monsters is a cure for boredom
Leaders have different schools of thought
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why he drew the Prime Minister and two state leaders as musicians playing to a different beat on schools closures
Protect yourselves, we’re living in strange times
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why he drew a cricketer protected by pads and a helmet heading off to buy toilet paper at the supermarket
World’s wonderful wildlife on show
Photos of a giraffe’s bottom, a monkey deep in thought, a hunting eagle and a kookaburra surveying burned forest have each taken out prizes in the Sony World Photography Awards 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan lose their royal touch
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to split ranks with the royal family has meant losing some luxuries in life
Toilet paper now worth its weight in gold
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains how coronavirus fears across Australia have sparked panic buying and turned toilet paper into a rare gem
Underwater Photographer of the Year
Five Australian photographers have blitzed the international Underwater Photographer of the Year competition with their incredible pictures of life under the sea
It’s peak-hour traffic to put the bins out
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight looks at how waste management has become a major issue in Australia and why it’s soon to create peak-hour traffic on bin night
Violinist plays during her own brain surgery
A musician has played her violin during a six-hour, lifesaving operation to remove a brain tumour, helping calm the woman’s fears the surgery would ruin her ability to play
Aussie spirit front and centre at rock concert
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight looks at the Fire Fight Australia concert which raised $9 million to help bushfire victims and he imagined two new faces in the crowd
Tapestries finally complete Sistine Chapel
For the first time in more than 400 years, all 12 precious gold and silver tapestries designed by Renaissance artist Raphael have been hung in the Sistine Chapel, making it complete at last
Bird’s-eye view of our beautiful planet Earth
Google has added 1000 new images to Earth View – a collection of the most beautiful landscapes from Google Earth. And a farmer’s marriage proposal makes it onto Google Maps
Is vandalising vandalism a new form of art?
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight considers if vandalising vandalism is a new art form after a gang of youths spray-painted street art in Melbourne’s famous Hosier Lane
Not even Ash can drag ScoMo out of strife
Award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight returns in our weekly series and looks at how not even tennis golden girl Ash Barty could change PM Scott Morrison’s run of bad luck
Can you crack the 30-year-old code?
The final clue to a coded message on a sculpture outside the US spy agency’s HQ unveiled 30 years ago has been revealed by the code’s creator
Tribute for Holocaust 75th anniversary
The Duchess of Cambridge has taken photographs of Holocaust survivors in a moving tribute to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of World War II concentration camp Auschwitz
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