JN Junior: Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins and Mitzvah Day

Genius Jake says: Did you know that there are 30 reasons to celebrate this month?! One for every day! There is (in no particular order) Candy Day, Fireworks Night, Hug a Bear Day, Play Monopoly Day, and the United States’ Thanksgiving. But my favourite of all is World Kindness Day! Taking place on 13 November, World Kindness Day promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. And, on Sunday 20th November, it’s Mitzvah Day where people all around the world come together to give their time to make a difference to the community, such as litter picking, visiting care homes and writing letters to hospital workers. I have decided that to celebrate World Kindness Day and take part in Mitzvah Day this year, I am going to tidy my room, make a kindness card to give to someone at my school, donate some of my books to children who are less fortunate than me and make some eco-friendly dog toys for rescue centres. There are so many ways to show kindness and even the smallest and simplest of acts can make someone feel incredibly special.

What could you do on World Kindness Day or Mitzvah Day to show someone you care?

I would like to help those in need and find ways to show people how much I care. For example, I could leave little notes in children’s bags at school with kind words on them, and if I see anybody feeling sad or lonely, I would make an effort to go and play with them. I would also like to make some cakes for a nearby homeless shelter and some lovely cards to deliver to residents in a local care home. Olivia Dalah, Age 6, North London

Just for Laughs with Ivor Baddiel

What did the stag say to the fawn when she asked what a mitzvah was?

That’s a good deed, good deer, my dear.

Good News For … Paddington Bears

Over a thousand Paddington Bears that were left in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after she passed away will be sent to children’s charity Barnardos, says Buckingham Palace. The soft toys, which were left at royal residences across the UK, have been professionally cleaned and will be donated to the charity that the Queen was a patron of for over 30 years before passing the role to Camilla, Queen Consort.

What’s on This Month

Mary Poppins flies out of London: Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning musical Mary Poppins ending in January so just a couple more months to book your seats. The magical story of the world’s favourite nanny is brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, songs and effects. Prince Edward Theatre until 8 January 2023. marypoppinsonstage.co.uk

Winter at Hogwarts: You are invited to experience a Harry Potter winter wonderland as Hogwarts in the Snow returns this month. The world-famous film sets will be transformed and fans can expect to see the Great Hall in a new light for this festive season. 12 November – 15 January 2023. wbstudiotour.co.uk

Christmas at Kew: Kew Gardens’ magical light trail begins this month where families and friends can enjoy after-dark festivities in a magical setting. There will be sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and larger-than-life illuminations. 16 November – 8 January 2023. kew.org

Beatrix Potter at the V&A: In Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the V&A Museum you can explore the life-story of the beloved children’s author, tracing her journey from her early life in Kensington and learning about her love of nature. Until 8 January 2023. vm.ac.uk

Mitzvah Day: There are so many different ways you can help this Mitzvah Day on 20 November, giving time to make a difference to the communities around us. For a full list of what is happening and where, visit mitzvahday.org.uk