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Books come from Book Dash, African Storybook / Storybooks Canada and Pratham Books. Source and language details vary by edition. Age, theme and reading prompts are editorial suggestions. Little Leaf is independent of these organizations.

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Mama, What’s For Lunch?

Join Thabo and his sister Tumi for magical lunches with Mama!

Suggested age: 0–3岁 · Reading level L1 · 14 illustrated pages

Mama, What’s For Lunch? — 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.

Join Thabo and his sister Tumi for magical lunches with Mama!

Read all 14 story pages
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 1, English text included
Mama, What’s For Lunch?
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 2, English text included
"Hurry, Thabo. Mama is making lunch," calls Tumi.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 3, English text included
"Where are you going, Thabo?"
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 4, English text included
His friends don’t understand why he chooses lunch over their game, but Thabo has a secret. Mama’s lunches are special.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 5, English text included
On Monday, Mama shapes their food like little bugs that wriggle and crawl, making Tumi shriek in fright. "EEEE!" But they are yummy fruit and vegetables, and not very scary at all.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 6, English text included
On Tuesday, she makes a lion that roars so loudly the house shakes. “ROAR!" But it's just delicious pasta and cheese.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 7, English text included
On Wednesday, Mama creates a chicken that wakes up the whole street. "Cluck cluck pakaa!" But it’s just a plate of juicy fruit.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 8, English text included
On Thursday, she builds a noisy truck. Thabo and Tumi cover their ears. "VROOOM! But it's a sweet strawberry jam sandwich.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 9, English text included
On Friday, Mama makes a beautiful garden filled with flowers, birds and ladybugs. "Tweet tweet!" But it’s healthy pap, beans and a crunchy salad.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 10, English text included
"Mama, what's for lunch?" asks Tumi. "Yes, Mama,”" says Thabo. "What are you making today?"
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 11, English text included
Thabo and Tumi can't wait another second. Their tummies are grumbling. Finally, Mama is ready. "What is it Mama?" asks Thabo, licking his lips.
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 12, English text included
It’s Thabo, Tumi and Mama! "Mmm, our favourite, your famous stew and rice." "Thank you, Mama!"
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 13, English text included
What will Mama make on Sunday?
Mama, What’s For Lunch? — original illustrated page 14, English text included

Creators and open license

Written by
Sally Partridge
Illustrated by
Heather Jenkins
Created by
Mbali Mauda (Designer); Sally Partridge (Writer); Heather Jenkins (Illustrator); Melissa Fagan (Editor)

Source: Book Dash
Original: Mama, What’s For Lunch? 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.