Kafeero
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The charming story of a little monkey taken away from his natural environment; There really was a monkey called Kafeero. He was a childhood pet adored by the entire family. It was my father, a real animal lover who introduced the little monkey to our home. There he joined a number of other animals. However, in his efforts to fit in, he indulged in behaviour that was unacceptable to some of the other adults. And one Sunday morning the family awoke to find that he was no more. Kafeero left a void in the hearts of many people, and I wrote this story to keep his memory alive. I dedicate this book to my family and to all children who have ever lost a pet.
Age
12-18
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important qualities in a hero like Kafeero?
How did Kafeero's actions make his village a better place?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Kafeero did?
What would you have done differently if you were in Kafeero's situation?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and pauses while reading to make the story more captivating and to emphasize key moments in the plot.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book to provide a broader understanding of the setting and characters.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the story, fostering deeper connections with the protagonist's journey and choices.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to engage their creativity and critical thinking.
Post-reading, suggest drawing a favorite scene or character from the book as a fun activity to reinforce recall and interpretation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Kafeero', the main character, Kafeero, learns to understand and empathize with the different animals he encounters in his journey through the forest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect the feelings and perspectives of others, whether it's family members, friends, or classmates.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Kafeero faces various challenges and obstacles but shows bravery and resilience in overcoming them.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their own challenges with courage and to not be discouraged by setbacks, promoting a resilient mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Kafeero often collaborates with the animals he meets to solve problems, highlighting the benefits of working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn that by cooperating with others and valuing each person’s contribution, they can achieve more and resolve conflicts more effectively.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book vividly portrays the beauty and fragility of the forest that Kafeero explores, teaching children to respect and care for the environment.
Real-World Application: This translates to children adopting environmentally friendly habits such as recycling, conserving water, and protecting wildlife.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Kafeero’s adventure is driven by his curiosity about the world around him, leading to many learning opportunities throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills a love for learning in children, encouraging them to ask questions and seek knowledge about their world, enhancing their educational growth.