Pip and his hedgehog friends dig a warm burrow under Mossy Hill, and Barley the baker visits with warm bread for their first night inside.
Pip the hedgehog and five of his friends spent all afternoon digging under Mossy Hill. Slowly, a wide, round burrow took shape deep under the old oak roots.
One by one, the hedgehogs carried in armfuls of dry leaves and soft dried grass. They patted the floor flat and piled the leaves into a thick, cozy bed.
Just as they finished, Barley the baker climbed down with a basket. "I brought something warm," he said, holding out soft bread crumbs from his morning baking.
The hedgehogs thanked him and shared the crumbs happily, sitting in a circle on their new leaf bed. Outside, the maple leaves glowed gold and red in the last light.
That night, the hedgehogs curled up together in their snug burrow, safe and warm. Winter was coming closer every day, but nobody in the burrow felt cold.
This story is fiction.
In Australia, a small animal called the eastern barred bandicoot is running free in the wild again. This rabbit-sized marsupial almost disappeared from mainland Australia by 1991, but scientists now call it a true success story.
A group called the Odonata Foundation worked for many years with other scientists. They carefully bred bandicoots from the mainland together with bandicoots from Tasmania, an island with its own separate group of the same species. Mixing the two groups gave the animals healthier genes.
This year, about 100 of these healthier bandicoots were set free on Phillip Island, near Melbourne. Experts say the animals are strong and full of energy. Because of careful work like this, the species moved from "extinct in the wild" to "endangered," a safer level.
Source: Euronews
Most of Japan will have a mix of sun and clouds, while Sapporo may see cold rain or even a little snow.
Sapporo needs a warm coat and maybe an umbrella, because the air is turning cold. Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka will feel fine with a light jacket.
Forecast by: Japan Meteorological Agency, forecast issued October 31, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
In Japan, November 1 is Dog Day. Six pet-related groups chose this date in 1987. In Japanese, a dog's bark sounds like "wan," so 11/1 can be read as "wan, wan, wan." The day reminds people to learn more about dogs and treat them with kindness.
On this day in 1868, workers began building the Kannonzaki Lighthouse near Yokosuka, Japan's first Western-style lighthouse. The Japan Coast Guard made November 1 Lighthouse Memorial Day in 1949. The lighthouse still stands today, now in its third version, and still helps guide ships safely at night.
Around the world, November 1 is World Vegan Day. In 1994, the Vegan Society in the United Kingdom chose this date for its 50th birthday. The word "vegan" describes someone who does not eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. The day celebrates kind choices for animals and the earth.
Source: Wikipedia
Horoscopes are just for fun. Signs are listed by today's luck.
Overall This is your best day this week! Your plans go smoothly.
Money A lucky, happy surprise with money comes your way today.
Love Someone notices your kindness today, and it makes you both happy.
Lucky color Bright Coral
Lucky item a small lantern
Overall A lucky day is near. Good things may happen without warning.
Money Money luck is strong today. You might find a nice surprise.
Love Someone close wants to spend more time with you today.
Lucky color Golden Amber
Lucky item a shiny coin
Overall An exciting day with small surprises. Stay open to new ideas.
Money A small lucky find with money may brighten your afternoon.
Love Your cheerful energy draws old friends closer to you today.
Lucky color Sunny Yellow
Lucky item a bright ribbon
Overall A good day for family time close to home.
Money Share something small today, and good luck follows you.
Love Old friends and family bring warm smiles your way.
Lucky color Deep Plum
Lucky item a wool scarf
Overall A steady day for new plans. Trust your first idea and move forward calmly.
Money Save what you can today. A small plan now helps later.
Love A calm word to someone close brings a warm, easy smile.
Lucky color Warm Terracotta
Lucky item a wooden comb
Overall A fun and interesting day. A new idea could brighten things.
Money A clever idea today could help you save a little later.
Love An old friend may send you some good, warm news.
Lucky color Sky Blue
Lucky item a star sticker
Overall A balanced day. Work and rest fit together nicely today.
Money Spend only on things you truly need, and stay steady.
Love An honest, calm talk brings you closer to someone dear.
Lucky color Soft Ivory
Lucky item a small notebook
Overall A plain, ordinary day. Your usual tasks go just fine.
Money Nothing big happens with money. Quiet saving suits you best.
Love Quiet time with someone you trust feels just right today.
Lucky color Deep Brown
Lucky item a warm hat
Overall Today moves a little slowly. Rest when you can and do not rush.
Money Hold on to your money today. Wait before any big purchase.
Love Give people some quiet space, and things will feel easier later.
Lucky color Moss Green
Lucky item a soft cushion
Overall A quiet, dreamy day. Keep your feet on the ground too.
Money Watch your small costs today, and your luck stays steady.
Love A gentle smile means more to someone than you know.
Lucky color Sea Green
Lucky item a smooth shell
Overall A quiet day. Rest well and save your energy for tomorrow.
Money Keep your wallet closed today and check again tomorrow.
Love Family time brings comfort, even if plans change suddenly.
Lucky color Pale Gray
Lucky item a warm mug
Overall Today feels slow. Rest now, and try again tomorrow.
Money Keep spending small today; a better day comes soon.
Love Give extra patience to others, and the evening feels easier.
Lucky color Dusty Rose
Lucky item a paper fan
We use who, which, and that to join two short sentences and describe a person or a thing right after it.
who
Answer: who
Sunday morning in Nara was quiet and a little cool, with thin mist still resting over the garden. Lyn stepped outside in her slippers to check on the small chrysanthemum by the persimmon tree.
"Four leaves now," she called back toward the kitchen. "It's growing faster than I thought."
Linda came out a moment later with two cups of warm tea, handing one to Lyn. "We should write back to John today," she said. "He needs to know when to come."
They sat together at the kitchen table after breakfast, John's letter open between them. Star lay under the table with her chin resting on Lyn's foot, and Pinkysan watched quietly from the windowsill.
"Let's ask for the exact day, and which train he's taking," Lyn said, picking up her pen. "Then we can plan everything properly."
Linda nodded. "And the time too, so we have the kettle ready the moment he walks in."
Lyn wrote slowly, choosing each word with care. She asked John to tell them the date, the day of the week, and which train he planned to take from Kyoto.
She added a small joke near the end. "You can't keep that Kyoto gift a secret from Pinkysan forever," she wrote, smiling as the pen moved.
Linda read over her shoulder and laughed softly. "Good. Now he'll have to tell us something."
Outside, a gentle wind moved through the persimmon tree, and a few orange leaves drifted down onto the grass by the door.
By the time they finished, the letter filled a whole page. Lyn read it out loud once more before folding it neatly in half.
"Tomorrow morning, on my way to work," she said, sliding it into an envelope. "I'll post it first thing."
Star gave a soft, happy bark, as if she already understood, and Pinkysan curled up beside the envelope on the table, keeping watch over it for the night.
(To be continued)