Shortie’s parents are very busy. Every time Shortie asks if they can go outside to play together, her mother always replies, ” Wait until I’ve finished my work…” Just then Shortie’s mother stops her work and go outside with Shortie. Shortie and her mom spend very nice afternoon.
Primary (ages 6-9)
Material appropriate for primary age groups
The Pea Blossom
In a garden near Beijing, five peas in a shell grow and wait to discover what fate has in store for them.
The Boy on the Beach
Reluctant to let the surf crash over him, Joe runs down the beach and has an adventure with an old boat. All of sudden with the dunes rising like big waves around him; he realizes he is lost and all alone. With the help of a lifeguard who comes to his rescue, all ends well.
The Color of Home
Hassan is newly arrived in America and he misses his home in Somalia. Hassan has learned just a few words of English, and his first day at school is very different from back home and lonely. Hassan discovers a way to communicate through art. Hassan tells his story. His teacher invites an interpreter to the classroom so that he can share the story of his past.
Can You Hear the Sea?
Sarah loves the magic shell her grandpa gave her. All Sarah can hear are everyday noises. It’s only when Sarah closes her eyes and really listens that the magic inside is unlocked.
Happy Birthday Jamela!
Jamela and her family go to shoe store for her birthday gift. Jamela loves what the store clerk shows, but Jamela’s mama picks the practical & comfortable shoes for her. Although Jamela gets disappointed, she decorates her new shoes with beads and sparkly bits. When Jamela shows her special shoes, her mother doesn’t show support for Jamela. Lily, Jamela’s neighbor, liked Jamela’s decorated shoes and they make decorated shoes together. Lily names them Jamela’s shoes. In the market, their shoes sold like hotcakes. Jamela got her share from Lily. On Jamela’s birthday, Jamela gets very special gift from her mother as a consequence of the ‘Jamela’s shoes’.
Home Now
A child dealing with loss while trying to find her place in a new home. An author’s note provides context for the plight of the many children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Africa.
The Fox And The Mouse
A short tale of a conversation between a fox and a mouse, as the mouse explains why the burrow he has been digging will keep him safe from the fox.
What’s Cooking, Jamela?
Jamela is responsible for fattening up the chicken intended for Christmas dinner, but instead she gives it a name and makes it her friend.
The Green Frogs
A folktale about two green frogs who always disobey their mother, explaining why green frogs cry out whenever it rains.