Issue link: https://owlkids.uberflip.com/i/1542643
SMALL MEETS TALL D GGY BFFS TEXT: MARIA BIRMINGHAM PHOTOS: DAMAC (SOCCER FIELD); IPPEI TSUJIO (BREAD GIFT WRAP); METAL GOAT STUDIO (QUIZ WHIZ); GUINESS WORLD RECORDS (DOGS); YUKAI ENGINEERING (CAT ROBOT); DAVID M. BIRD (ACORN CREATURE ART); ADOBE STOCK (ALL OTHERS) COOL CAT M eet the Becorns. These woodland creatures are the work of artist and photographer David Bird. He crafts the characters from acorns, sticks, and other natural objects. Then Bird places these small acorn people in the wild. He waits patiently at a distance for wildlife like squirrels and birds to visit his characters, who often hold seeds or fruit to attract animals. When the time is right, Bird snaps photos of the real-world critters alongside his artwork. Sometimes it can take weeks to get just the right shot. So what inspired Bird's creations? He was originally a Lego designer who built characters out of bricks. But he switched from bricks to sticks … and the rest is history! BRINGING THE CHILL ART GOES WILD WOODLAND WONDERS I t's a friendship for the record books. Last spring, the world's smallest dog, a chihuahua named Pearl, met up with the world's tallest dog, a Great Dane named Reginald, or Reggie, for a doggy playdate. The pair sniffed each other when they first met at Reggie's home in Idaho. And just like that, they became fast friends. Pearl and Reggie played in the backyard alongside their owners. And even though they live on opposite sides of the United States, their owners expect the dogs to stay friends forever. Or should we say fur-ever? N o more burning your tongue on a spoonful of soup or a sip of hot chocolate. And it's all thanks to a cat‑shaped robot! This tiny gadget was unveiled by a Japanese robotics company earlier this year. It attaches to a mug, cup, or bowl and then blows air onto it. In about three minutes, any hot food or drink becomes cool enough to consume. The kitty gets its blowing power from a fan inside. And it has two cool‑down modes: it can blow full force or use a gentle puff. Thanks for the help, robo‑cat! owlkids.com 7