Magazine sneak peek

In this issue of National Geographic Kids, find out how a newly discovered giant colony of Adélie penguins helps scientists understand why they rule the roost. Then learn how these seabirds are built to survive in chilly Antarctica. Next, check out 10 wild inventions. These supersmart vehicles, robots, and gadgets could change your life! And see how tireless volunteers saved thousands of sea turtles from a winter storm off the coast of Texas. Plus, find out 30 cool facts about your amazing anatomy. Finally, get free animal collector's cards and an adorable pull-out poster of a baby sloth hanging from its mom. Be sure to visit the giveaways page from November 9-December 3 for a chance to win two amazing science activity kits.

Other stories in this month's issue:

• Amazing Animals: Meet a rare white panda spotted in the wild, chimps that record a video chat, and seals in the Antarctic that help scientists collect data.
• Weird But True: Check out fun facts you can share with your friends.
• Guinness World Records: Read about a tricky cat, a beard covered in holiday ornaments, and a huge tea pot.
• Bet You Didn't Know: Learn seven festive facts about gift-giving.

Get these stories and more in this issue, on sale November 16.
Parents: Subscribe to the magazine.

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Action and Adventure

Quiz

Adélie penguins breed and raise their young on the continent of Antarctica. In September and October—springtime in that part of the world—thousands of Adélies gather on the rocky Antarctic shoreline. The huge gatherings are called colonies. Adélie penguins build nests by scooping out areas in the ground. The female usually lays two eggs in the nest. Adélie penguin eggs hatch in December. In the Antarctic winter, the Adélie penguins live at sea. Both parents care for the eggs. While one stays behind keeping the eggs warm and safe from predators, the other parent heads out to sea to eat. They feast mainly on krill, tiny shrimplike animals, but also eat fish and squid. Parents take turns caring for their youngsters after they hatch until the chicks are about three weeks old. At that point, both parents may leave to forage for food while the chicks gather in the safety of a large group of other young penguins. These groups of young Adélies are called crèches. By March, when Adélie chicks are about nine weeks old, their downy baby feathers have been replaced by waterproof adult feathers. They plunge into the sea, and start hunting for food on their own. Like other penguin species, Adélies are excellent swimmers. They're powerful and graceful in the water, with torpedo-shaped bodies that pierce through the water. Their modified wings help propel them through water instead of air. These birds are swimmers, not fliers. Check out the book Penguins vs. Puffins for more about these amazing birds! Watch a YouTube playlist all about penguins.

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