Babu's Song

Written by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen · Illustrated by Aaron Boyd

A boy sells the music box his grandfather made him, then regrets it.

4.2 Goodreads · 65 ratings

32 pages· 1,149 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud· AD600L· AR 3.4 · 0.5 AR pts

$11.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Bernardi lives in Tanzania with his grandfather Babu, who makes toys for Bernardi to sell at the market. They earn just enough to get by, not enough for school. When Babu gives him a music box that plays the song Babu sang before he lost his voice, Bernardi is tempted to sell it, and learns what the gift really means.

From the publisher

The story of a young Tanzanian boy who learns a lesson about family love after selling the special music box his grandfather made for him.Bernardi loves to play soccer and would love to go to school too, but he and his grandfather, Babu, cannot afford to pay for schooling. Babu makes toys and Bernardi sells them at the market. Together they make enough money to get by. One night Babu gives Bernardi a special gift -- a handmade music box that plays a song Babu used to sing when he still had his voice. That night and many nights after, Bernardi falls asleep listening to Babu's song. At the market the next Saturday, a tourist offers Bernardi so much money for the music box, he cannot resist. Now he can buy the new soccer ball he has always wanted! When Bernardi returns home his difficult dilemma is resolved in a surprising turn of events that strengthens the love he and Babu share. Set in contemporary Tanzania, this warm and tender intergenerational story is sure to touch readers of all ages.

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