Why do animals play? Are they practising survival skills… or simply having fun? This issue dives head-first into the science and silliness of animal play, taking young readers from icy penguin playgrounds to the deep ocean, snowy Arctic and bustling forests. Expect surprising discoveries, laugh-out-loud wildlife moments and plenty of hands-on activities for curious nature-lovers.

Inside, children will find lively stories, investigations, creature encounters and a special festive craft. They’ll meet animals that slide, splash and joke their way through life – and explore how play helps them grow braver, faster and smarter.

Inside this issue:

• Charlie Meets a Humpback Whale – a playful giant that blows bubble nets, tosses seaweed and makes waves
• Polar Bear: Playtime on Thin Ice – how young bears practise the skills they’ll need for life in the Arctic
• Do Animals Have Fun?– The Eco Kids debate whether creatures feel joy the way we do
• Animals that LOL!– Amy explores laughing chimps, ticklish rats, cheeky parrots and more
• Weird Animal Games – Simon investigates jellyfish-tossing dolphins, surfing crocodiles, trampoline-loving foxes and even playful insects
• The Great Play-Off – test your instincts and guess which animal wins each wild challenge
• Wildlife News – the funniest Comedy Wildlife Awards finalists and the latest wild discoveries
• Two Stunning Posters – Bengal tiger cubs play fighting and Adelie penguins leaping from an iceberg
• Make Your Own Pine Cone Penguin – a festive, eco-friendly craf
• Monthly Competition– design an eco-friendly Christmas decoration
• Puzzles, games and the Eco Kids Quiz Planet