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Zenande’s helping hands

During heavy rains, a little kindness can go a long way. Join Zenande as she comes together with her community.

Suggested age: 4–6岁 · Reading level L2 · 13 illustrated pages

Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 1, English text included

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This book can be read page by page, heard with synthetic Voice 7 narration, downloaded and printed. Enable JavaScript for the interactive reader, or open the story pages below.

During heavy rains, a little kindness can go a long way. Join Zenande as she comes together with her community.

Read all 13 story pages
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 1, English text included
Zenande’s helping hands
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 2, English text included
Zenande lives with her mama and brother in Kwamashu. She loves playing outside with her toys.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 3, English text included
One morning, Mama tells Zenande that she won't be able to play outside. Zenande is sad.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 4, English text included
She looks outside and sees fallen trees, a lot of water on the roads, houses washed away and cars standing still.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 5, English text included
Her house is flooded, some windows are broken, and her favourite mango tree is gone.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 6, English text included
"Mama, what happened?"
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 7, English text included
"We had heavy rains last night, so much wind and a lot of thunder," Mama explains.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 8, English text included
"Wow!" Zenande is confused. "Does this mean we are never ever getting out of the house?"
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 9, English text included
"Oh no, mntanami," laughs Mama. "It is safe to go outside now. Let's go and help Gogo Zondi!"
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 10, English text included
Mama and Zenande go across the road to see Gogo Zondi. Her face cheers up.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 11, English text included
The neighbours are already mopping the floors and drying clothes and blankets outside for Gogo Zondi.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 12, English text included
"I bought you some sweets, Gogo," Zenande says. "You are such a special young girl." Gogo Zondi is smiling.
Zenande’s helping hands — original illustrated page 13, English text included
"I feel so much better with all of you helping me," says Gogo Zondi. "Helping you has helped me feel better, Gogo!" Zenande smiles.

Creators and open license

Written by
Wendy Shelembe
Illustrated by
Sibusiso Khumalo
Created by
Wendy Shelembe (Writer); Sibusiso Khumalo (Illustrator); Sarah Heron (Editor); Samantha Garvie (Designer)

Source: Book Dash
Original: Zenande’s helping hands from Book Dash
License: CC BY 4.0

Original illustrated spreads and embedded English story text preserved; website layout and printable PDF assembled by Little Leaf. Age, level, theme and recommendation are editorial suggestions. Web and printable layout adapted by Little Leaf. Age and reading-level suggestions are editorial. Original stories and artwork belong to their credited creators. Website narration uses the selected synthetic Voice 7.