It’s bedtime, but Ale is still busy drawing. Suddenly a riddle appears in front of her. What’s in the riddle? Can Ale find the answer?

"The History of the Peloponnesian War" by Thucydides is a historical account likely written in the 5th century BC. The text chronicles the conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Athenian Empire, emphasizing the significant impact of this war on Greek society. Thucydides sets the stage for understanding various political and military motivations that led to what he predicts will be a monumental conflict. At the start of the book, Thucydides outlines the historical context of Greece leading up to the Peloponnesian War, tracing the evolution of Greek society from early migrations to the rise of formidable city-states. The narrative introduces the causes of the impending war, detailing the tensions between Athens and its rivals, especially Corinth and Sparta, culminating in Athenian expansion and the breach of treaties. It examines key incidents such as the disputes over Epidamnus and Potidaea, and the growing alarm among the Peloponnesians regarding Athenian power. Thucydides stresses that the war will not only involve military might but also a complex interplay of alliances, grievances, and the inexorable nature of human ambition.

Open the book. Spot the kite. See what happens to it. Enjoy the crisp lines and the Warli art.

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving is a classic short story from the early 19th century, specifically during the Romantic era. This tale is a blend of folklore and ghost story that takes place in the mythical village of Sleepy Hollow, where supernatural occurrences and local legends intertwine within a vividly described rural setting. The narrative centers on themes of love, rivalry, and the collision of rational thought with superstition. The story primarily follows Ichabod Crane, a lanky schoolteacher who arrives in Sleepy Hollow to woo the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, daughter of a wealthy farmer. However, he is met with competition from the burly Brom Bones, who is equally determined to win her affections. As Ichabod navigates his way through local superstitions and his own fear of the supernatural, he ultimately encounters the infamous Headless Horseman during a fateful ride home. The story culminates in a climactic chase that leads to Ichabod's mysterious disappearance. Through entertaining characters and a blend of humor and horror, Irving crafts a story that remains a beloved part of American literature, exploring themes of ambition, jealousy, and the power of legend.

"The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci — Complete" by Leonardo da Vinci is a comprehensive collection of writings and sketches that delve into various aspects of art and science, first compiled in the late 19th century. The notebooks reveal Leonardo's insights and observations on topics such as painting techniques, perspective, anatomy, and natural phenomena, reflecting the innovative spirit of the Renaissance era. The content spans approximately thirty years of Leonardo's intellectual labor, showcasing his analytical approach to understanding the world. The opening of the work provides an introduction and context for Leonardo's writings, emphasizing the challenges in deciphering his unique handwriting and the chaotic arrangement of his notes. It outlines the author's intent to publish his manuscripts, which cover a wide range of subjects, from theoretical knowledge required for painting to the principles of perspective. Additionally, the preface highlights the confusion present in the manuscripts and the importance of organizing them logically to aid readers. This initial portion sets the stage for an exploration of Leonardo's brilliant mind, inviting readers to engage with the fascinating intersection of art and science he so passionately pursued.

It is very well known that, some years ago, Counsellor Horner, a Swiss, made a voyage round the world in the Russian vessel Le Podesda, commanded by Capt. Krusenstern. They discovered many islands, and, amongst others, one very large and fertile, till then unknown to navigators, to the S.W. of Java, near the coast of New Guinea. They landed here, and to the great surprise of Mr. Horner, he was received by a family who spoke to him in German. They were a father and mother, and four robust and hardy sons. Their history was very interesting. The father was a Swiss clergyman, who, in the Revolution of 1798, had lost all his fortune, and had determined to emigrate, in order to seek elsewhere the means of supporting his family. He went first to England, with his wife and children, consisting of four sons, between the ages of twelve and five. He there undertook the office of missionary to Otaheite; not that he intended to remain on that uncivilized island, but he wished to proceed from thence to Port Jackson as a free colonist. He invested his little capital in seeds of every description, and some cattle, to take out with him. They had a prosperous voyage till they were near the coast of New Guinea, when they were overtaken by a frightful storm. At this period he commenced his journal, which he afterwards committed to the care of Mr. Horner, to be forwarded to his friends in Switzerland. Some time before, a boat from an English vessel, the Adventurer, had visited them, and the father had sent the first part of his journal by Lieut. Bell to the captain, who remained in the vessel. A violent tempest arose, which continued some days, and drove the Adventurer from the coast. The family concluded the ship was lost; but this was not the case, as will be seen in the conclusion.

"The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1" by Marco Polo and da Pisa Rusticiano is a historical account likely written in the late 13th to early 14th century. The work chronicles the remarkable journey of Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, and explorer, detailing his travels across Asia and his experiences in the court of Kublai Khan. The opening of the book establishes its historical significance and its context as part of a larger work edited and annotated by Henry Yule. It includes dedications, prefaces, and initial remarks about the journeys Polo undertook alongside his family. The narrative hints at Polo's deep appreciation for the diverse cultures and riches he encountered, setting the stage for a tale of adventure, discovery, and detailed observation of the East. The author mixes poetic quotes with personal reflections, engaging the reader's sense of wonder about the vast world beyond Europe that Polo explores.

"The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 2" by Marco Polo and da Pisa Rusticiano is a historical account likely written in the 14th century. This volume continues the detailed narrative of Marco Polo's journeys throughout Asia, focusing specifically on his travels to the western and southwestern regions of Cathay and beyond. The narrative promises an intriguing exploration of various cities, cultures, and geographical features that Polo encountered during his illustrious journey. At the start of this volume, the narrative outlines the beginning of Polo's journey from Cambaluc, where he describes the River Pulisanghin, an impressive waterway he encountered. He delivers a vivid depiction of a remarkable stone bridge spanning this river, adorned with impressive marble sculptures. Following this description, Polo introduces the city of Juju, highlighting its economy based on silk and textiles, and the flourishing agricultural areas surrounding it. The text suggests a blend of rich cultural insights, geographical observations, and the practicalities of travel during that era, setting the stage for Polo's further adventures in lands filled with unique customs and trading practices.

"The Book of Wonders: Gives Plain and Simple Answers to the Thousands of..." edited by Rudolph J. Bodmer is an illustrated educational compendium written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a wide-ranging reference, offering clear, concise explanations for a vast array of "everyday questions" about science, technology, language, and human inventions. Its evident aim is to stimulate curiosity and provide practical knowledge on how both nature and human ingenuity have shaped the modern world. The book's accessible style and abundance of illustrations make it suitable for curious readers of all ages, especially children and young adults eager to understand the wonders that surround them. The opening of "The Book of Wonders" begins by detailing the book's origins—rooted in a father's efforts to answer his son's questions—and frames the work as a response to the innate curiosity found in children. The first section delves into foundational topics such as the history of writing instruments (from the stylus to the steel pen), how writing and speech developed, and the evolution of language and personal names. Subsequent segments explain practical inquiries like why a pencil writes, how a camera captures images, what causes stars to twinkle, and the origins of tools and weapons. Early chapters also offer engaging narratives about technological progress, from primitive stone-throwing to modern firearms, and provide clear scientific explanations for everyday phenomena—ensuring readers are both informed and inspired to wonder about the world.

“May mga tula naman na naghihikayat sa atin na balik-balikan ang mga linya upang bigyan ng iba’t ibang kahulugan at pag-unawa ang mga talinghaga. Isinasama tayo ni China sa kanyang mga “pagtatransisyon” — transisyon sa wika, transisyon sa paglalakbay, transisyon ng sarili, transisyong kinakailangang para sa pagbabago sa lipunan. Dagdag pa rito, hinihimok tayo na pag-isipan din ang sarili nating mga transisyon at ang nararapat na pagkilos upang makilahok sa mga pakikibaka sa lipunan.”