Amahle wants to help!

Summary

The story revolves around a young girl named Amahle who eagerly wants to participate in daily tasks with her family, but she consistently meets refusals with the reasoning that she is too young. Despite her enthusiasm, her family members—Mama, Baba, Mkhulu, and Gogo—deny her requests to assist with various household activities, such as squeezing toothpaste, driving a vehicle, feeding chickens, boiling water, and watering plants. After a series of denials, Amahle finally finds an activity she is allowed to do: reading to her teddy bear. This moment illustrates that while certain adult responsibilities are beyond Amahle's reach, there are still meaningful activities she can enjoy and excel in, reaffirming her sense of ability and contribution. The narrative emphasizes themes of growing up, boundaries, and finding appropriate ways for children to help and learn in their environments.

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Every time Amahle wants to help, all she hears is “NO”.

Mama picks up Amahle’s toothbrush.

“Mama, can I squeeze the toothpaste?”

But Mama say..

“No, Amahle, you are too young.”

Baba is looking for his keys.

“Baba, can I drive your bakkie?”

But Baba says…

“No, Amahle, you are too young.”

Mkhulu’s chickens are clucking outside.

“Mkhulu, can I feed the chickens?”

But Mkhulu says…

“No, Amahle, you are too young.”

Amahle sees Mama in the kitchen.

“Mama, can I boil water for tea?”

But Mama says…

“No, Amahle, you are too young.”

Amahle runs over to Gogo’s vegetable garden.

“Gogo, can I water the plants?”

But Gogo says…

“No, Amahle, you are too young.”

Amahle grabs a book from the table.

“Mama, can I read to Teddy?”

And Mama says…

“Yes you can, Amahle.”


Credits

Originally published by Book Dash under a Creative Commons Licensed BY 4.0. This book can be read for free on https://bookdash.org/books/amahle-wants-to-help! and was created by: Katie Huston (Editor), Kelly Brown (Illustrator), Refilwe Nsibande (Writer), Monique Cleghorn (Designer)

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