My favourite author is Roald Dahl. He was born on September 13, 1916 in Wales. He was a short story writer, poet, and screen writer. His parents were Norwegian. Roald Dahl was named after a national hero in Norway.

Dahl was very tall. In his adult life he was a good sportsman. He was interested in photography too. After finishing school, he joined the Shell Petroleum Company.

Dahl was married to an American actress and had five children. He served in the Royal
Air Force during World War II. Roald Dahl wrote many children's books. They are famous the world over. His first book was the 'Gremlins.' Some of his other well known books are, 'The Twits,' 'Matilda,' 'The BFG,' 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'George's Marvellous Medicine.'

Roald Dahl died in November 1990 at the age of 74. The anniversary of his birthday is widely celebrated as the 'Roald Dahl Day.'

My crazy dog

By Naveksha Gunasekara (10 years), Bishop's College

I have a crazy little dog. His name is 'Due.' His colour is black and brown mixed with a little white. His breed is a Doberman cross Labrador. He is a male dog. My cousin is the owner of his father and mother. I got him when he was six weeks old. Now he is five months. He drinks milk and loves to eat chicken necks with rice.

He is a good friend to me. He always licks me. He barks at everyone other than my
family members. He loves me and I love him too. When he gets sick I am so sad. He likes to play with me. He is my best friend.

My funniest uncle

By Shaariqah Ismath (8 years), Minaret High School

Of all my five uncles, Sharaz uncle is my favourite. Sharaz uncle is the funniest uncle ever. He is a good joker. He is very fat. He makes us laugh more than the others. He takes us out too.
He often comes to our house. He has two daughters.

They are Shama-il and Shamra. Shama-il is six years old and Shamra is three years old. My uncle brings them to our house to play. He is very kind. No one is scared of him. Do you know why? Because he is such a darling uncle.

One Sri Lanka in harmony

By Saduni Wanniarachchi (9 years), Lyceum International School, Panadura

Sri Lanka, a country of peace,
had war for thirty years,
And thousands of people going on the road, were with many fears.
Leader of the LTTE was a man of war,
He killed thousands of people
and wanted to kill more.
But our president was a smart man,
"Never give up," he said,
And soon at last one day
the terrorists lay dead.
So for the soldiers sacrifice,
we should pay them a big price
So from now on, let's all pray that
there will be peace everyday.
But don't forget the
soldiers and the President
And lets all bless them with a long life!

My country

By Fazla Azmi (Grade 3), Mukarramah International School

My country is Sri Lanka. It is an island. It is situated in the Indian Ocean. It is called the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It is a multi-national country.

There are four ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. They are Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers.
Our president is the Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Our national flower is the blue water lily. Our national game is volleyball. Our national tree is Iron wood. Our national bird is the Jungle Fowl. I love my country very much and I am proud to be a Sri Lankan.

My educational trip to Colombo

By Aqeel Rizvi (Grade 4), Trinity College, Kandy

It was the 28th of May 2009. I got up at 5 o'clock in the morning, ate my corn flakes and drank tea. I washed and dressed for school because it was our school trip.

Reaching school we had a meeting in our main hall. We got into the bus. We started eating and singing songs. Reaching Colombo Planetarium we learned about planets and stars. I bought books in the planetarium library.

Thereafter we had lunch. Next we went to the Colombo Museum. We saw a lot of old things. I was surprised when I saw the king's throne. Finally we reached the Dehiwela Zoo. We saw a few animals. We also saw the sea lion and the elephant show. We sang songs in the bus.

Suddenly I fell asleep. My friend took photos of me. I got up to see our bus had overtaken the other buses. Reaching school, my father came to pick me. We said good– night to the head master and teacher. That was an enjoyable trip to Colombo.

My first boat journey

By Dileepa Tissera (Grade 6), Ecole Internationale, Kandy

Going in a boat is very exciting and enjoyable. But it is a bit dangerous also. From my smaller ages, I was willing to go in a boat. But my parents didn't allow me because I was too small.

When I was twelve years old I got permission to go for a boat ride with my brother and sister. That day I was happy and also had small fear of going to the water.

At about ten o'clock we left our home. When we reached the place where the boats were parked my hands were shivering.

They called us for the boat ride, then my brother and sister jumped up with joy and got into the boat. I was still standing outside, with my hands still shivering.

Then the boatman pushed me into the boat and the boat ride began. At the middle of the ride the boatman gave me the chance of controlling the boat. Really, the boat journey was marvellous.

Florence Nightingale

By Indika Dissanayake (Grade 9), Bandarawela M.M.V.

The most famous nurse in history was Florence Nightingale. She was born in Florence, Italy, on May 12, 1820. Her father's name was William Edward Nightingale (1714 – 1875) and her mother's name was Frances Nightingale.

Her desire was to become a nurse. She was called 'The Lady with the Lamp'. She established a school of nursing. Her reputation as a nurse spread throughout the world. The Lady with the Lamp died peacefully on August 13, 1910.

My best friend

By Wafa Thasleem (Grade 2), Hill Country International School, Madawala

My best friend's name is Safiya. She is eight years old. She lives in Polgolla. She has one brother and one sister. Safiya's mother's name is Shamila. She is a housewife. Her father's name is Shahim. He is a businessman.

Safiya is beautiful. She likes ice-cream. I like my best friend Safiya. She likes me too. I am helpful to her. She is helpful to me too.

Vatti Amma

By Subodhi Weerasekara (Grade 3), Mahasen Central College, Bakamoona

Vatti Amma wakes up early in the morning and then wears her clothes. She puts vegetables to the basket. She is so kind. She is beautiful. She goes from house to house to sell vegetables.

We all like Vatti Amma. There were lots of Vatti Ammas. But now there are only a few Vatti Ammas. We all love Vatti Amma.