Little Shoots

Summary


Little Shoots is a short children's story about Layo, a young child who wonders when they will grow up. Frustrated by vague answers from Baba and Mama, Layo turns to Grandma, who leads them to the farm to plant corn, melon, and bamboo seeds. As the seasons pass and each plant grows at its own pace, Layo begins to understand that growth — like nature — cannot be rushed. Quiet and warm, the story builds toward a moment of recognition between grandchild and grandparent.


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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