1 . Story Walk at Lake Wilderness Arboretum
Lake Wilderness Arboretum and Maple Valley Library have partnered together to bring a Story Walk to Maple Valley. Story Walk is an innovative approach to encouraging people to get out and walk while enjoying wonderful children’s books. With her wealth of experience, Sharon Chastain, the children’s librarian at Maple Valley Library, selects the best children’s books for the project. Then the pages are put in frames (配框) along Arboretum’s Main Looping Trail, so as you walk, you can read the book one page at a time while enjoying being outside. Our hope is that this feature will provide people with a new way to see, learn and experience the amazing world that we live in.
The Story Walk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier and developed in cooperation with Kellogg Hubbard Library. Since its start in 2007, the project has been warmly welcomed in 50 states and 12 countries.
March Story Walk:
Looking for a reason to get outside? Take a walk at the Arboretum and read this month’s Story Walk selection, Trillions of Trees by Kurt Cyrus. This fun, rhyming story follows a brother and sister as they turn a misunderstood phone call into a way to improve their environment. Hard work, getting dirty, and accepting help from others lead the two on a journey of planting a trillion trees.
EVENT DETAILS WHEN
March 9 9:00 am-5:00 pm
March 10 9:00 am—5:00 pm
March 11 9:00 am—5:00 pm
Click here for more information about the arrangement!
PRICE
Free
RECOMMENDED AGES
All ages
VENUE
Lake Wilderness Arboretum 22520 SE 248th St Maple Valley, WA 98038-6008
1. What can be known about the books for Story Walk at Lake Wilderness Arboretum?| A．They are written for adults. |
| B．They are chosen by a librarian. |
| C．They will be hidden in a local library. |
| D．They will be awarded to some hikers. |
| A．It is popular. | B．It is struggling. | C．It is short of money. | D．It is open to writers only. |
| A．In a textbook. | B．In a newspaper. | C．On the Internet. | D．On a blackboard. |
2 . A series of trains between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day add extra fun, especially for families. Here are four holiday trips to celebrate the season. All aboard!
Cascade Canyon Winter Train
This memorable five-hour steam (蒸汽) train ride takes passengers through the snowy ops of the Rockies and remote wilderness of San Juan National Forest. Enjoy a fireside lunch or a hike along the picture-like Animus River during your hour-long stop.
Aurora Winter Train
This seasonal train heads north from Anchorage to Denali, America’s highest mountain. You can stop after three hours at Talkeetna to ski down the mountain or continue on for another nine hours to Fairbanks for some breathtaking northern lights viewing. Trains leave every Saturday morning, with return trips every Sunday.
Amtrak California Zephyr
Long-distance train trippers love the Zephyr in any season, but winter adds the attraction of pretty snow outside the window as you go over the Rockies. Departing daily all winter from both Chicago and San Francisco, the 51-hour journey offers hotel-level service in a bedroom with a private bathroom and shower. Or, break up the trip with stops to sleep and ski in Denver or Salt Lake City.
The Polar Express
The Polar Express, a Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book and Tom Hanks’ movie, is re-created in 40 Polar Express rides in 24 states, putting more than a million annual passengers in train seats. The story is read and performed by onboard actors, while Santa and dancing chefs who serve hot chocolate and treats add to the fun on the way to the “North Pole”. Most of the rides will take you to scenic places like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier, and the Catskills.
1. How long does Cascade Canyon Winter Train stop at the Animus River?| A．One hour. |
| B．Three hours. |
| C．Five hours. |
| D．Nine hours. |
| A．The Polar Express. |
| B．Amtrak California Zephyr. |
| C．Aurora Winter Train. |
| D．Cascade Canyon Winter Train. |
| A．Enjoy a fireside lunch. |
| B．See live performances. |
| C．Cook meals with Santa. |
| D．Watch Tom Hanks’ movies. |
3 . Wildlife Preservation Volunteer Programs
Elephant Preservation Volunteer Program in Nepal
This program is suitable for active volunteers who love animals and want to care for the well-being of elephants. No experience is needed as you’ll be working closely with placement staff. The elephant shelter takes in elephants that have medical issues and require care.
Volunteers are accommodated in a local hotel. You should expect to share a room with one other volunteer.
Marine (海洋的) Preservation Volunteer Program in Croatia
This program is suitable for physically fit volunteers who are experienced divers (潜水员). You will use your diving skills to collect marine waste from the bottom of the seabed. You will work within a team on sorting waste out and handing it to the recycling centre.
Volunteers will be accommodated in a hotel. Local workers will clean the accommodation throughout the week.
Victoria Falls Wildlife Volunteering in Zimbabwe
This program is suitable for animal-loving volunteers who want to contribute to protecting amazing creatures and their habitats. Activities include animal tracking, camping out on the reserve and supporting other partner organizations.
Volunteers are accommodated within private rooms at the preservation centre. The accommodation has an open-air area where volunteers can socialize.
Amazon Jungle Preservation Volunteer Program in Peru
This program is suitable for volunteers who care about the environment, like working hard and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. It’s a great opportunity if you’re looking to reset your life by getting out of your comfort zone. You’ll also be developing personally and professionally.
Volunteers are accommodated in local people’s houses. There are running showers but you can expect water to he cold.
1. What do the programs in Nepal and Zimbabwe have in common?| A．They need experienced volunteers. |
| B．They are suitable for animal lovers. |
| C．They include dirty work in the field. |
| D．They require camping out on the reserve. |
| A．They work on the seabed all the time. |
| B．They help to keep the environment clean. |
| C．They are taught diving skills after arrival. |
| D．They lead a team to explore the marine creatures. |
| A．Elephant Preservation Volunteer Program. |
| B．Marine Preservation Volunteer Program. |
| C．Victoria Falls Wildlife Volunteering. |
| D．Amazon Jungle Preservation Volunteer Program. |
4 . Much-loved 100-Word-Story Competition
Our much-loved 100-Word-Story Competition is back! Enter for the chance to win prizes of up to₤ 1,000.
Rules and prizes
Please ensure that submissions are original, not previously published and exactly 100 words long(not including title). Don’t forget to include your full name, address, email and phone number when filling in the form. We may use entries in all print and electronic media.
Terms and conditions:
There are three categories—one for adults and two categories for schools (one for children aged12-18 and one for children under 12).
● In the adults category, the winner will receive £ 1,000 and one runner-up will receive £250.
● In the 12-18s category, the winner will receive a £200 book voucher (代金券) or a Kindle Paperwhite and a ₤ 100 book voucher for their school, and the runner-up will receive a £100 book voucher.
● In the under-12 category, the winner will receive a £100 book voucher or a Kindle Paperwhite and a £50 book voucher for their school, and the runner-up will receive a £50 book voucher.
Please submit your stories by 5 pm on January 5, 2024 either online or by post addressed to:
Reader’s Digest
00 Word Story Competition
Warmers Group Publications
West Street, Bourne
PE10 9PH
The editorial team will pick a shortlist of entries, and the three best stories in each category will be posted online at readersdigest.co.uk on February 1, 2024. You can vote you’re your favourite, and the one with the most votes will win the top prize. Voting will close on February 29,2024 and the winning entries will be published in our May 2024 issue, and posted online on April 16, 2024.
1. What do we know about the writing event from the text?| A．It will pick out 6 best entries. | B．Each entry is 100 words or fewer. |
| C．Only students over 12 can enter it. | D．Entries can be in electronic version. |
| A．A Kindle Paperwhite. | B．A £ 100 book voucher. |
| C．£250 in prize money. | D．An issue of Reader’s Digest. |
| A．On January 5, 2024. | B．On February 1, 2024. |
| C．On April 16. 2024. | D．On February 29,2024. |
5 . The Ultimate Guide to Sussex
Sussex offers beautiful countryside, charming seaside towns and some of the best vineyards (葡萄园) in the UK. Plan your Sussex getaway with our ultimate guide.
Monk’s House
Put your National Trust membership to good use with a visit to Monk’s House purchased by Virginia and her husband Leonard Woolf in 1919. Virginia wrote many of her most celebrated works at the house, including the essay A Room of One’s Own. Admire the weather-boarded cottage’s beautiful antiques, seemingly untouched since 1969, when Leonard died.
Beachy Head
Come to Beachy Head and you’ll be greeted by one of the most splendid coastal stretches in all of Britain. It offers superb views of Eastbourne and the English Channel from 530 feet above the water. Spring through autumn are the best times to visit. Look out for the Beachy Head Marathon, which takes place every October. There’s a pay and display car park, a pub, toilet facilities and, during summer, the welcome sight of an ice-cream truck.
The Long Man of Wilmington
On the grassy ground of Windover Hill—a 235-foot figure known as the Long Man has been here for centuries. Archaeological researchers believe The Long Man of Wilmington actually dates to around the 16th century. If you’re feeling active, hike from The Long Man of Wilmington to East Sussex’s other chalk-carved figure, the Litlington White Horse.
Lewes
This town is just the right size to explore in a day, though do consider staying overnight to make good use of the local restaurants, pubs and wine bars. Lewes is one of the best places to shop in Sussex with a delightful mix of independent, antique and high street brands. If you’re visiting during summer, pack your bathers for a visit to Pells Pool, the oldest known freshwater swimming pool in the UK. You’ll need to pre-book a session.
1. In which place may visitors witness a sports event?| A．Monk’s House. | B．Beachy Head. |
| C．The Long Man of Wilmington. | D．Lewes. |
| A．Book in advance. | B．Apply for membership. |
| C．Contact a local lifeguard. | D．Learn from experienced bathers. |
| A．To introduce special exhibits in Sussex. | B．To show us where to stay in Sussex. |
| C．To tell us what to explore in Sussex. | D．To advertise the coming events in Sussex. |
6 . Established 11 years ago, Let Me Play started off as a sports camp organization. Through rapid growth and diversification, we now provide coaching and teaching programs for after-school clubs, breakfast clubs and lunch-time clubs for schools across London.
We need passionate coaches to deliver high quality lessons to children aged 5 to 18 in schools in and around London. Each class will have 15-20 children. There will be a framework (框架) of coaching principles to work within but coaches are expected to bring their expertise and coaching knowledge and to make teaching plans before every lesson.
This job is perfect for a student or someone looking for extra work, as the hours are flexible.
Person Specification:
A keen interest in sports coaching
Confident in delivery
Good level of English
EXCELLENT communication skills
Capable of coaching in at least one sport
Experience of working with Children
Anti-Discrimination (歧视) and Equal Opportunities
Sport belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone equally. Let Me Play is aimed to remove discrimination whether by reason of race, nationality, ethnic origin, color, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities.
How to apply: Send your CV to sports@letmeplay.co.uk
Closing date: Friday 14th November
Assessment day: Monday 17th November
Income: £20 per hour
Location: Schools all over London
1. What is Let Me Play?
| A．It’s a charity organization. | B．It’s a voluntary organization. |
| C．It’s a fast-developing organization. | D．It’s a world-wide organization. |
| A．Set out lesson plans in advance. | B．Get professional training before work. |
| C．Give lessons to primary school students. | D．Make a framework of coaching principles. |
| A．Sending the CV in person. | B．A keen interest in human rights. |
| C．Experience in sports coaching. | D．Applying before 14th November. |
7 . In September, thousands of monuments, civic buildings and private homes throw open their doors to offer a rare glimpse of normally of-limits spaces. Here are some less-known treasures around the UK.
Guided tour of Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden
Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden will be running special tours as part of the Open Doors-Wales festival. It was built as a memorial to prime minister Wiliam Gladstope, Take a tour of beautiful Reading Rooms housing 150,000 books.
September 16, 10 am-2 pm, booking required.
Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow
The atmospheric Britannia Panopticon will be showing off its collection of theatrical relics, props and costumes. Sample Victorian items at the world’s oldest surviving music hall without booking.
September 15 and 16, 11 am-5 pm and September 17, 12 pm-5 pm
Gothic Temple, Stowe Gardens
Visitors to Stowe Gardens will be offered a rare chance to see inside the 18th century Gothic Temple. Though it’s normally rented as a holiday let, its circular rooms and mosaic ceilings will be open to prebooked visitors for one weekend.
September 16 and 17, 10: 30 am-4: 30 pm, free of charge
Appleton Tower: School of Informatics, Edinburgh University
As part of Scotland’s Doors Open Days festival, Edinburgh University’s Appleton Tower will be offering tours of the world-leading School, including a visit to the study suite on Level 9 which offers far-reaching views of the Edinburgh skyline.
September 23, 11 am-2 pm, booking in advance.
1. What can visitors do at Britannia Panopticon Music Hall?
| A．They can appreciate theatre-related items |
| B．They can listen to the oldest surviving music |
| C．They can visit a study room with far-reaching scenery. |
| D．They can read in Reading Rooms with 150,000 books in store. |
| A．Gothic Temple. Stowe Gardens |
| B．Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow. |
| C．Guided tour of Gladstone’s Library. Hawarden |
| D．Appleton Tower: School of Informatics, Edinburgh University |
| A．They both last for four hours. | B．They both require early reservations |
| C．They both honor world famous figures | D．They both offer special views to visitors. |
| Heather’s Clothing Shop Good news! Men’s business suits, jackets, shirts, sportswear and ties are 50% OFF. This week only! On the corner of First Street and Second Street. Opening hours: 8:00 a.m.~7:00 p.m. every day | Fashion Shop Come and see what we have on sale for ladies. Fashionable blouses and hats are 60% OFF. Ladies’ spring dresses, coats, trousers and shoes are 20% OFF. On Fifth Street. Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.~ 8:00 p.m. except Tuesday | Happy Times There are all kinds of clothes in our store. Welcome! Everything is 40% OFF. Only this weekend! On Center Street. Opening hours: 10:00 a.m.~9:00 p.m. every day |
| A．Three. | B．Four. | C．Five. | D．Six. |
| A．$12 | B．$48 | C．$60 | D．$24 |
| A．Heather’s Clothing Shop | B．Fashion Shop |
| C．Happy Times | D．any of the three shops |
| A．Happy Times’ address. | B．Fashion Shop. |
| C．Ladies’ clothes in Fashion Shop. | D．Heather’s Clothing Shop’s telephone number. |
| A．a news report | B．a shopping poster |
| C．a fashion show | D．a story |
9 . If you are looking for culturally and globally unique experiences, here are four fascinating festivals that you can try from different corners of the world.
Holi Festival in India
Holi Festival in India is a colorful celebration of the arrival of spring. This festival, which falls in February or March, is celebrated with much enthusiasm and excitement all across the country. During Holi, people smear (涂抹) each other’s faces with brightly colored powders and spray colored water using water guns called pichkaris.
Carnival of Venice in Italy
This is a festival when you can see the streets of Venice flooded with colorful masks and carefully prepared costumes. Participants engage in a series of events ranging from parades and costume contests to masquerade balls (化装舞会). There is a popular event at the carnival, in which a girl in a traditional costume descends a rope from a tower to the square below.
Carnaval de Oruro in Bolivia
This carnival is a visual performance that takes place every year. The carnival features colorful and intricate (复杂精细的) costumes worn by tens of thousands of dancers and musicians who parade through the streets of Oruro over several days. The carnival is devoted to the Virgin of Candelaria, resulting in a fascinating and unique display of cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Day of the Dead in Guatemala
The Day of the Dead is a gift to the loved ones who are dead. The festival is a mixture of traditional Mayan culture and Catholic traditions. It takes place on November 1st and involves flowers, candles, and food offerings for the loved ones who are dead.
1. What is special about the Holi Festival in India?| A．Costume contests and masquerade balls. |
| B．Beautiful flowers and good food offerings. |
| C．Colorful and intricate costumes of dancers. |
| D．Brightly colored powders on people’s faces. |
| A．They feature carefully prepared costumes. |
| B．They just cost a little money. |
| C．They are celebrated for the rich. |
| D．They are in memory of famous musicians. |
| A．It is a weekly celebrated festival. |
| B．It is an event with some parades. |
| C．It is a festival for the dead people love. |
| D．It is a mixture of six different traditions. |
10 . Summer at the Library
Starting Thursday, June 9, the New York Public Library is giving away 500,000 free books to kids and teens in branches this summer! Here are also various books for all book lovers to choose from. Drop by and pick up new books to take home for your children and yourself.
●For Babies & Toddlers（学步的孩童）
Join the Library this summer-and all year round-for story times, free events and programs, activities, and many more. Plus, explore what you can do at home with your Little Learners！
●For Kids
Read, learn, and have fun all summer long with our all-new Make Waves program！Take the summer reading challenge, join us in branches for our "Summer Cruise" programs, and enter our annual summer writing contest.
●For Teens
Make waves this summer by contributing to our brand-new magazine for teens！Plus, join us for Anti-Prom, author talks, arts and crafts（工艺），photography and many more in the branches and online.
●For Adults
From book discussions and author talks to a plant exchange and a citywide dance party, there's something for everyone this summer at the Library! Explore everything the Library has to offer.
What Else Can You Do at the Library?
●Discover oceans of possibility with free events and programs
●Get a free New York Public Library card
●Visit our free exhibitions
Click HERE to learn more details!
1. Who can enter the Library's competition?| A．Authors. | B．Kids. | C．Teens. | D．Adults. |
| A．Attend a dance party. | B．Discuss books online. |
| C．Exchange ideas with authors | D．Learn to make artworks. |
| A．A newspaper. | B．A travel brochure. |
| C．A magazine. | D．A website. |
