Abi tells us a little about the history of the origami paper crane, from its significance in Japanese culture to her own personal contact with this powerful modern symbol of hope and goodwill.

Abi has found a special dictionary that she hopes will help her friend learn lots of new vocabulary. Picture dictionaries are not ordered alphabetically, but instead organized by theme.

Abi opens her picture dictionary and introduces us to some useful vocabulary pertaining to houses. In particular, she focuses on the outside areas surrounding the house and various tools.

Abi reads extracts from a version of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous Christmas poem, popularly known by its first line “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” about a father who witnesses the visit of Santa Claus on one magical Christmas Eve.

This lucky girl has her birthday next week and is planning a trip with friends. She plans a train trip through France and Belgium, and books the perfect hotel in Amsterdam. She has lots of ideas for things to see and do in the city, and some new food she wants to try.

It’s time to prepare for her weekend in Amsterdam. Our friend packs her clothes, toiletry bag, things to read, and a few other essentials. Will she need an umbrella?