Little Shoots

Summary

The story follows a young child named Layo, who is curious about when they will grow. Their family members, including Baba, Mama, and Grandma, provide different answers about the timing of growth. Grandma then takes Layo to the farm where they plant seeds, including corn, melon, and bamboo, to help illustrate the concept of growth. The corn and melon grow quickly, while the bamboo takes longer, teaching Layo that everything grows at its own pace. This illustration serves as a metaphor for Layo's own growth, conveying the message that patience is important, as everyone and everything develops in its own time. The story gently reassures children that growth is a natural process that cannot be rushed.

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“When will I grow?” asks Layo.

“I don’t know,” replies Baba.
“Soon,” says Mama.

“When you are ready,” says Grandma.

Grandma takes Layo to the farm.
“Let us plant some seeds.”

In one field they plant corn, and in another, melon.

“What are these?” asks Layo.
“Bamboo seeds,” replies Grandma.

“The corn and melon have grown well,” says Grandma.

“What about the bamboo?” asks Layo.

“They will grow when they are ready.”

“Everything grows in its own time,” says Grandma.

“They have grown well,” says Grandma.

“You have grown well.”

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/little-shoots and was created by: Wiehan de Jager (Illustrator), Sope Martins (Writer), Alison Ziki (Editor), Thokozani Mkhize (Designer) Book Dash logo