Ong Keat Hsin, 8
In a land filled with enchantment, there existed a magical hot air balloon named Sparkle. With its vibrant colours and shimmering fabric, Sparkle soared high above the clouds, carrying dreams and giggles wherever it went. But what made Sparkle truly extraordinary was its secret – a wondrous basket filled with wishes.
Every day, children from far and wide would gather around Sparkle, their eyes twinkling with hope. They would whisper their deepest dreams into the balloon’s soft, velvety fabric, believing in the magic it held. Sparkle would listen intently, capturing every wish within its mystical basket.
As Sparkle took flight, it would gently release the wishes into the wind, watching them transform into colourful sparks that danced through the sky. One by one, the dreams of the children would come true, leaving behind trails of joy and amazement. Word of Sparkle’s incredible powers spread far and wide, and children from distant lands flocked to experience its enchantment. For as long as children whispered their heartfelt wishes into its fabric, Sparkle would remind everyone that dreams really can come true.
If you could wish for something special, what would you wish for? Could it be a bicycle, books or a new computer. Recently, Starchild asked readers to send their wishes to Sparkle on the topic, Sparkle: The Magic Balloon. Here’s what they had to say.
Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 8
“Dear Sparkle, I am having trouble with my multiplication table, I wish I could memorise all 12 tables as soon as possible. I also wish my family and grandparents good health everyday,” writes Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, eight.
Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 5
Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, five, says: “My special hot air balloons come with rocket thrusters that make them fly very fast. My wish is to be able to create a good fun app for children who are five years and above to play and learn.”
Chuah Seng Koon, 7
Seven-year-old Chuah Seng Koon has a few interesting wishes for Sparkle. “I want to have either a puppy or a kitten. That could also be hard as I am living in a condominium whereby pets are prohibited. The impossible wish from Sparkle would be no homework or school so that I needn’t have to face ferocious teachers. I want holidays every day. I dislike spending my whole weekend doing homework after homework. All in all, I hope Sparkle would grant my wishes to enable not only me but all the children to have our childhood life. Also to have scientists invent high tech education for us whereby there are no fierce teachers.”
“Sparkle, the best hot air balloon in the world. I wish I could go to one of the F1 circuits,” says Ong Keat Hsin, eight.
Find the hidden words!
ITEM: Stamps are small pieces of adhesive paper issued by a post office. You stick stamps on letters or packages when you send them in the mail. They help the post office know that you’ve paid for the delivery. Stamps have pictures on them that show different things like animals, famous people, or important events. Some stamps are very colourful and beautiful! Did you know that people collect stamps as a hobby? It’s called philately. Stamp collectors search for rare or interesting stamps from all over the world. Stamps are like tiny pieces of art that travel across the globe!
This week, Starchild wants readers to state three fun facts about stamps. And we’d like you to design a stamp too!
Email your contributions to lifestyle@thestar.com.my by July 28. Please put “STARCHILD: Stamps” in the subject line of your email.
Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address.
