cover
Outdoor park, midday sunlight filters through a spreading tree. Zozo stands between two frowning boys beside a soccer ball, her hand raised calmly as she suggests taking turns.
Zozo sat under the big tree at the park, watching two boys argue over a soccer ball. Her heart felt heavy seeing them upset. She took a deep breath and walked over. "Hi! I'm Zozo. You both look sad," she said gently. The boys frowned. "We both want the ball!" said one. Zozo smiled. "What if you take turns? Five minutes each?" The boys looked at each other and nodded. Soon they were laughing and playing together. Zozo felt warm and happy inside. Helping others felt wonderful!
Rain drums on the bedroom window during a grey afternoon. Under warm lamplight, Zozo colors a bright rainbow at her low desk while Mama sits beside her, smiling softly with a reassuring hand on Zozo's shoulder.
Dark clouds covered the sky. Zozo couldn't go outside to play. She felt frustrated and kicked her toy box. "Why am I so angry?" she wondered. Mama sat beside her. "It's okay to feel upset, Zozo," Mama said softly. "Everyone has different feelings. What helps you feel better?" Zozo thought hard. "Maybe I could draw or read a story?" Mama hugged her. Soon Zozo was coloring a rainbow, and her angry feelings floated away like clouds. She learned feelings come and go, and that's perfectly normal.
In the playground, golden sunset light paints the empty swings. Zozo stands before Amara on a swing, offering her hand with a wide grin, while colorful slides and climbing frames glow in the background.
At the playground, Zozo noticed a quiet girl sitting alone on the swings. She looked lonely. Zozo remembered how she felt on her first day at the park. She walked over with a brave smile. "Hi! I'm Zozo. Want to play together?" The girl's eyes lit up. "I'm Amara. I just moved here and don't know anyone." Zozo took her hand. "Now you know me! Let's play chase!" They ran and laughed until sunset. Zozo felt proud. Being kind and brave helped her make a wonderful new friend.
At the grassy park in bright afternoon light, Kojo lowers his eyes, mid-apology, while Zozo stands calmly between him and Amara. Amara gently holds her glasses, a tear on her cheek, sunlight filtering through nearby branches.
A bigger boy named Kojo teased Amara about her glasses. "Four-eyes!" he laughed. Amara's eyes filled with tears. Zozo's tummy felt tight, but she stood tall. "Kojo, how would you feel if someone said mean things to you?" Zozo asked calmly. Kojo looked down. "I... I guess sad," he mumbled. "Exactly," Zozo said. "Amara's glasses help her see. They're special, just like she is." Kojo shuffled his feet. "Sorry, Amara," he said quietly. Zozo smiled. Using kind words and helping others stand up to bullying felt right and strong.