How I got lost at the market
Timothy Kabare
Catherine Groenewald

My village has goats.

It is far from big cities.

1

Mother said, "Zainab, we have a present for your sixth birthday."

2

Mother, aunt and I waited for the bus.

3

I sat on mother’s lap.

I slept the whole way.

4

We reached the market.

I saw a beautiful blue helicopter.

5

One stall had fruits.

I asked mother, “Which ones are these?”

6

Mother said, “These are apples.”

I begged, “Please, buy me one.”

7

I forgot my mother’s hand.

I thought only of my apple.

8

When I finished eating, I was alone.

I started to cry.

9

A woman took me where there were other children.

10

I thought children were sold at the market.

I cried more.

11

A man asked, "Where is Zainab?"

I hid away from him.

12

My mother's familiar voice called, "Zainab!"

I was very happy.

13

My aunt pulled out a beautiful helicopter.

"It's yours!" she said.

14
You are free to download, copy, translate or adapt this story and use the illustrations as long as you attribute in the following way:
How I got lost at the market
Author - Timothy Kabare, Ursula Nafula
Adaptation - Blessing Afuwai
Illustration - Catherine Groenewald
Language - English
Level - First words