Rafiki’s Style

Summary

The story follows a character named Rafiki, who encounters a group called the Cool Cat Crew. They question Rafiki about his appearance, pointing out his lack of trendy styles like zebra hair, fake tattoos, and bling. This encounter causes Rafiki to reflect on his self-image, prompting conversations with family members who assert that these external adornments are unnecessary for self-worth. By the end of the narrative, Rafiki embraces his individuality, confidently asserting that his style is uniquely his own. The story conveys a message about self-acceptance and the value of being true to oneself, encouraging children to appreciate their uniqueness rather than seeking validation through conforming to others’ standards.

Read Online

On Sunday, Jimmy Zogba scored the winning goal.

On Monday, the Cool Cat Crew strutted by.

“Hey, Rafiki, where’s your zebra hair? Your hair’s so plain, like you don’t care.”

“Hey, Rafiki, where’s your fake tattoo? Your skin’s so boring. You are too.”

“Hey, Rafiki, where’s your bling? Your teeth are wonky, that’s the thing.”

That day, Rafiki walked home slowly.

“Auntie, can I have zebra hair?”

“I can’t cut you zebra hair. Actually, I wouldn’t dare.”

“My skin’s so boring, Sisi. Can you make a fake tattoo?”

“You don’t need one to look like you.”

“Mkhulu, I wish I had some bling.”

“Bling, my child, don’t mean a thing.”

The next weekend, Santi Ramires scored the winning goal.

On Monday, the Cool Cat Crew strutted by.

“Hey, Rafiki! Looking fine!”

Rafiki shrugged. “I look like me; this style is mine.”


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/rafikis-style and was created by: Wesley Thompson (Designer), Louis Greenberg (Writer), Audrey Anderson (Illustrator)

Book Dash logo