Glowing mushrooms help the animals walk home safely in the evening.
On Monday evening, small mushrooms along the main path of Enchanted Forest began to glow. They looked like hundreds of tiny golden lanterns. The days are getting shorter, and many animals were worried about walking home in the dark.
Owl had an idea. "Mushrooms shine softly when the sun goes down," he said. "Let's put them along the path." The animals worked together. Birds hung a long string of mushroom lights between the trees, and rabbits planted more mushrooms by the side of the road.
Clover the rabbit and Nutmeg the squirrel were the first to try the path. They were walking home from the leaf library with their books. "It is so bright and warm," said Clover. "Now I am not afraid of the dark," said Nutmeg.
At the end of the path, the animals put up a small wooden sign. It says, "A Safe Path Home." Owl says the lights will shine every evening until the first snow.
This story is fiction.
In Scotland, a Labrador named Uisge is helping to protect the sea. Uisge is a conservation detection dog. The dog's nose can find an invasive sea animal called a sea squirt.
This sea squirt comes from the seas near Japan, but it grows too fast in other places. It spreads quickly and covers oysters, mussels, and other sea life. It can also hurt local fishing.
Uisge's handler is Dr. Texa Sim, a marine biologist. She started a group called Conservation Detection Dogs Scotland. Dr. Sim trains her dogs in her garage with special scent bricks. When a dog finds the right smell, it gets a reward.
Dr. Sim says that dogs can find small targets better than people can. Uisge is also learning to find another invasive animal, the slipper limpet.
Monday will be cloudy in most places. Rain is expected in Sapporo and Osaka, and Fukuoka will become sunny later.
This forecast was made on October 4 and may change.
Take an umbrella in Sapporo and Osaka. It will be warm in Fukuoka, so wear light clothes.
Forecast by: Japan Meteorological Agency, forecast issued October 4, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
World Teachers' Day is held every year on October 5. It remembers a promise made in 1966 by UNESCO and the ILO about the rights and work of teachers. It has been celebrated since 1994, and more than 100 countries join in. It is a good day to say thank you to your teachers.
Source: Best Calendar: World Teachers' Day, UNESCO IITE: World Teachers' Day
On October 5, 1894, Japan's first full railway timetable was published. A businessman named Takuma Tezuka made it after a suggestion from Yukichi Fukuzawa. People now call Tezuka the "father of timetables." Today, October 5 is Timetable Day in Japan.
Source: Netlab: October 5
On October 5, 1969, the anime Sazae-san started on Fuji TV. It is based on a manga by Machiko Hasegawa. The show about a cheerful family became a favorite in Japan, and people still watch it today.
Source: Netlab: October 5
Horoscopes are just for fun. Signs are listed by today's luck.
Overall A bright idea comes to you, so try it today.
Money A small gift from a family member may come.
Love You and a friend share the same joke.
Lucky color Brown
Lucky item A sunny hat
Overall Your hard work is noticed by someone.
Money It is a good day to buy something you really need.
Love Say hello first, and a new friend may appear.
Lucky color Orange
Lucky item A bookmark
Overall Good news comes from a friend.
Money Keep your coins safe in your bag.
Love A friendly talk makes you feel close to someone.
Lucky color Sea green
Lucky item A blue pen
Overall A calm morning helps you enjoy the whole day.
Money You find a good way to save some money.
Love Your kind words make a friend happy.
Lucky color Silver
Lucky item A music player
Overall Things go well if you start early.
Money Saving a little each day will help you.
Love Listen well, and you will understand a friend.
Lucky color Pink
Lucky item A small mirror
Overall A small surprise makes you smile.
Money Do not spend all your allowance at once.
Love A small thank-you brings a big smile.
Lucky color Red
Lucky item A soft towel
Overall It is a normal day, so enjoy the little things.
Money Think twice before you buy a snack.
Love A message arrives from someone you like.
Lucky color Yellow
Lucky item A red ribbon
Overall You may feel a bit tired, so rest at lunch.
Money Look for a lower price before you buy.
Love You enjoy a quiet time with your family.
Lucky color White
Lucky item A clean handkerchief
Overall Slow down, and you will avoid a small mistake.
Money Be careful not to lose a small coin.
Love Be patient if someone is late.
Lucky color Purple
Lucky item A sticky note
Overall A plan may change, but it will turn out fine.
Money Write down what you spend today.
Love Good friends are near you, so you are not alone.
Lucky color Green
Lucky item A warm scarf
Overall Check your bag before you leave home.
Money Keep your money in a safe place.
Love Do not worry if a friend is busy.
Lucky color Gold
Lucky item A water bottle
Overall Take your time, and be kind to yourself.
Money Wait one day before you buy something big.
Love Say sorry quickly, and everything will be fine.
Lucky color Light blue
Lucky item A lucky coin
Small words like a, an, and the can be hard. Here is a simple way to choose.
an. (Umbrella begins with a vowel sound, so we use an.)
Answer: an. (Umbrella begins with a vowel sound, so we use an.)
On Sunday morning, the sun was warm, and the garden smelled sweet. Lyn and Linda were drinking tea on the veranda when the gate opened. It was John.
"Good morning!" he said. "I am going to Kyoto this afternoon, so I wanted to say goodbye." He held up a small envelope. "I printed a picture at the hotel. It is for Pinkysan."
Star ran to John and sat on his foot. She wagged her curly tail. "Thank you for the great pictures yesterday," John laughed. "Star was the best model."
John looked around the garden. "Your home is so peaceful," he said. "The persimmon tree, the stone lantern, and the flowers all look like a picture." "Thank you," said Linda. "We love it, too."
Pinkysan was sitting under the table. She watched John with her green eyes. Lyn took the picture out of the envelope and put it on the floor. It showed Star in the cosmos flowers.
Slowly, Pinkysan came out. She looked at the picture for a long time. Then she looked at John. "Meow," she said, very quietly.
"I think she is saying thank you," said Linda with a smile.
John knelt down and held out one finger. Pinkysan touched it with her nose. Then she sat next to his shoe and closed her eyes. "I have a new friend," John whispered.
Before he left, Linda gave him a small bag with a piece of persimmon cake. "This is for the train," she said. John bowed. "I will come back to see the red leaves," he said.
After John left, Lyn looked at Linda. "Next weekend, shall we dig sweet potatoes?" Linda's eyes shone. "What a great idea! Star loves digging!" Star barked once.
(To be continued)