I interview a creature artist and an extinct-and-extant fauna artist from Armenia. We cover practical topics such as how he turned a passion into a profession, drawing techniques, the difference between Artificial Intelligence-generated and human-drawn art, and the possibility of dinosaur fossils in Armenia. He shares several drawings, including a three-headed reptile-dragon he recently finished on commission.
The Light Princess
Losing her gravity, a princess floats in the air to the distress of her parents. She finds it great fun, laughing constantly, though she must be protected from floating away. Eventually, she discovers a lake, where she can swim freely and safely. One day, a prince finds her. Caring for her deeply, he does something kind that changes her life forever.
The Light Princess is a short, hilarious, witty, and, toward the end, serious book. The author tells a story about love and redemption that is both delightful and moving.
Phantastes
Except for the Bible, Homer’s Odyssey, and a few others, Phantastes is the best book I’ve ever read. It’s a fairy-tale romance, full of myth, poetry, and allegory. The story is thrilling, unsettling, and thought-provoking. The main character finds himself in a fairy world full of beauty, strange encounters, danger, and both evil and good characters. What he learns is not what he or the reader expects.
C.S. Lewis read this story during his late teenage years, and it had a strong effect on his imagination. He regarded George MacDonald, the author, as his “master” in the art of story. Lewis’s introduction will help the reader understand what mythopoetry is and its value.
Lewis wrote: “…It arouses in us sensations we have never had before, never anticipated having, as though we had broken out of our normal mode of consciousness and ‘possessed joys not promised to our birth.’ …”
There are lessons in this story that a young person should consider carefully, including: what it means to really love someone, the sacredness of honest work, and the priceless value of wisdom and virtue. Some of the scenes, but really the entire sequence of events, are impossible to forget. I recommend this book to students in their late teens and to parents.
MacDonald, a Scot, published the book in 1858, just before the American Civil War.
Chuck Holton Introduces Leadership Institute
War Correspondent and former Army Ranger Chuck Holton shares his vision and plans for a leadership institute in West Virginia for young men ages 13-17. The institute will help young students develop skills in the manly arts, gain job skills, build character and leadership, and live out their faith.
Field Leadership Course enrollment page: Frontier Forge.
Chuck Holton’s YouTube news channel.
US House Speaker Speaks at Parliament
The US House Speaker is a Constitutionally mandated office, second in line to the American President. Mike Johnson became the first Speaker to address the British Parliament. He spoke about the theological and civic principles that formed Western Civilization.
The Wind in the Willows
Mr. Rat, Mr. Mole, Mr. Badger, and Mr. Toad enjoy country life, boating on a river, friendship, home, and good conversation. However, Mr. Toad’s self-conceit and visions of grandeur interrupt the peace and tranquility. Failing to manage his estate and wasting resources on obsessions, his friends try to make him settle down. But they are thwarted by Toad’s indomitable spirit and desire for high adventure. Trials, tribulations, a divine encounter, a narrow escape, and a final tussle await.
Lastly, the stop-motion animated films are quite good. Amazon hosts the film version of the book.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Daring adventures, sword-fighting encounters, dangerous villains, virtuous heroes, and stirring romance – all memorably packaged in the twists and turns of each page composing The Scarlet Pimpernel. With its thrilling plot, succinct chapters, and substantive character arcs, this short novel could spark a love of reading in any high schooler and deepen the passion for books in those seeking their next engaging story.
White House America 250
In partnership with Hillsdale College and PragerU, the White House has been publishing videos that tell the story of America and videos of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Story of America playlist:
The Signers playlist:
I particularly enjoyed “The Shot Heard Round the World”: The Battles of Lexington and Concord.
I also enjoyed The Signer videos on John Witherspoon, Martha Washington, John Hancock, and Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Let me know what you think at info@fillthestage.com!
2026 Announcement
I’m making some changes.
- MovingShip.com will be titled FillTheStage.com.
- FillTheStage.com will become FillTheStageMiddleSchool.com.
- FillTheStageHighSchool.com will remain the same.
FillTheStage communicates what I’m currently offering: Opportunities and experiences that help students grow in character, courage, and competence.
This year, I plan to continue publishing short articles on opportunities (generally once a week), offer book clubs (currently for middle school students), and post videos. The videos will show opportunities, including internships for high school students, and how to pursue them.
Happy New Year!
Daniel A. Dignan
P.S. – I enjoy hearing from parents! Please feel free to drop a line via info@fillthestage.com.
National Civics Bee
If you have a son or daughter who is particularly interested in American civics, government, and history, consider this National Civics Bee competition. Sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students have until February 3rd to submit an essay on a local opportunity or problem and how to address it. Winners are selected for regional, state, and national competitions, as well as cash prizes.
This guide explains the essay requirements and judging criteria. The essay is short, but it does require some thought because the judges are looking for real opportunities and solutions. Here is the application portal for submitting essays.
Students selected for higher competition undergo a civics test and further questioning about their essays.
Lastly, you can find more information and important dates for the competition in the Educator’s Guide.
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