9 . Moving into your own apartment is exciting, but it can sometimes take a little while to really feel settled in.     1     And many of them are inexpensive and easy to do!

Work on unpacking one room at a time if you’re just moving in. As you start to unpack boxes, work on one room at a time.     2     Arrange each room neatly, making it feel lived-in before you move on to the next one. For instance, you might set up your bedroom first, then the living room, then the kitchen and finally the bathroom.

    3     Many apartments are short on space, so you may find that you have to be very cautious when you’re planning your furniture layout. Think about how you want to use each space, then arrange the furniture to maximize the functionality of that area. For instance, if you love to have people over, you might arrange the seating in your living room so all the chairs face each other. If you spend a lot of time watching your favourite shows, your layout might be a sofa and an easy chair in front of the TV.

Light scented (香薰的) candles to make your apartment smell more like home.     4     Lighting a candle in your apartment can change the feel almost instantly, especially if you choose a candle that smells like baked goods, warm vanilla, sandalwood, or leather. Or, if there was a certain candle you loved at your last place, you could light that, instead.

Hang art and photos that reflect your style throughout your place. Art is the perfect way to express your personal style, so search thrift stores, secondhand shops, and online stores for deals on art pieces that make you feel good. You can also display pictures of your family and friends.     5    

10 . Enjoy these four stories of wonderful friendships between people and creatures.

Albi the Glowing Cow Boy

By Georgia Bwng. Illustrated by Angela Cogo

On a quiet farm in frosty moonlight, a calf (小牛) called Albi is born. A boy called Rufus lives nearby. Soon. Albi and Rufus set off on an incredible journey-but why are the two so deeply connected and how can they each find what they are searching for?

The Boy Who Saved a Bear

By Nizrana Farook

Nuwan works at a library delivering books, but when he unexpectedly crosses the path of a dangerous group of thieves, he must go on the run. Hiding deep in a cave he realizes he’s not alone-he’s sharing his shelter with a scared bear. Nuwan comforted the bear, so this unlikely pair become friends and are soon working together to stop the bad guys and solve a mystery.

Pax

By Sara Pennypacker, Illustrated by Jon Kassen

Peter has a special bond with Pax-a half-tamed fox cub (幼崽). When a war breaks out suddenly, Peter has to move to live with his grandfather, leaving Pax behind. Can the friends find their way back to each other? This story is accompanied by lots of beautiful illustrations.

Wilder

By Penny Chrimes

When a half-wild girl appears from the marshes (沼泽), the people of a nearby village treat her with doubt. She has a mysterious connection to animals, especially the falcon who circles above her. When the river starts to dry up and a dark sickness begins to spread, the girl sets out to save the villagers.