In the book “The Sparkle Box” a boy named Sam is very excited when he notices something shiny on the mantel. His mother tells him that the special gift is called a sparkle box and they will all open it together later, but she and Sam’s dad must fill it first.

Sam becomes more curious about what’s inside the sparkle box. As Sam and his parents do things to help people in need and the homeless, it makes Sam wonder more and more about what could be inside the box.

Looking at the moon is fun throughout the whole year, but International Observe The Moon Night is an event that encourages everyone to study and observe the moon. This year it takes place on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The event began on Sept. 18, 2010. The main purpose of this event is space science and astronomy outreach. This event takes place on a different date each year, held usually in September or October when the moon is at first quarter.

Since May, 2020, NASA has been inviting people all around the world to participate in their virtual guest program.

The program is free and anyone can sign up. Visit nasa.gov/virtualguest to sign up and partake in exciting missions without having to leave your home. You can also download a free NASA virtual guest passport and put the stamps you get from each mission into it.

It’s lots of fun making bird feeders out of pinecones, covering them with peanut butter and rolling them in birdseed to hang outside. There is also a way to make a bird feeder out of an egg carton. This bird feeder is an eco-friendly activity that’s not only a fun craft project, but can be reused over and over.

At Easter, I like munching on a chocolate bunny. Last Easter, I also helped take care of the Earth. It’s almost like I was celebrating Easter and Earth Day at the same time last year.

Since they have vitamins to help plants grow big and strong, I reused the egg shells from eggs that had been cracked open. I did that by breaking the shells into tiny bits to make them into egg shell fertilizer instead of throwing them into the trash. Then I mixed the bits into the soil around my privet plant.

On a hot day in the desert, birds and other animals are scurrying around the desert looking for food. When they start to feel tired, they stop to rest in a giant cactus, which is their hotel in the desert.

In the book “Cactus Hotel” written by Brenda Z. Guiberson and illustrated by Megan Lloyd, when a bright red fruit falls off a tall saguaro cactus, it splits apart with 2,000 seeds glistening in the sun as it lays upon the sandy floor.

This fall Chandler Fashion Center will open the first Arizona location of Scheels. The grand opening will take place on Sept. 30. “After studying the Phoenix market for several years, we are pleased to announce the first Scheels location is coming to Arizona,” said Scheels CEO Steve M. Scheel.

Once it opens, Scheels will offer a total of 220,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space for the whole family to enjoy during their visit. Scheels is an employee-owned company that strives to provide customers with the best retail experience.

In the magical town of Grimlock Lane, a boy named William noticed commotion in the street. In the book “The Night Gardener,” written by the Fan Brothers (Terry and Eric Fan), there is a mysterious gardener who makes topiaries of animals during the night. Topiaries are the art of trimming trees or shrubs into objects.

In March of this year, four firefighters from the Tempe Fire Department, Station 2 came to visit us at our day program. They showed us their fire truck and all of their gear.

I had the chance to interview one of them. Firefighter Tony said they prioritize their career, family and friends by helping family first. He said that the fire department’s primary role is protecting the city. He said that it is their responsibility when there isn’t an emergency is to make sure the city is safe. He said his favorite part of being a firefighter is helping people.

On Jan. 27, 2023, Disneyland started hosting a 100 Years Of Wonder Celebration with a new attraction and nighttime spectaculars. Visitors to the park will be able to experience the 100th birthday of the Walt Disney Company.

A new attraction called Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway was open for guests to try. The new attraction takes place in a screening room and once the film begins, guests become part of the movie. There are sound effects and a shaking train car.