The Little Boy Who Shared His Yam

Here's a children's book inspired by Yoruba morals, suitable for ages 4-8. The Little Boy Who Shared His Yam A Story from the Land of the Yoruba By a Friend A long, long time ago, in a village filled with bright sunshine and the happy sound of talking birds, lived a young boy named Àṣàkẹ́. Àṣàkẹ́ loved two things more than anything else: his grandmother's stories and a big, round, yellow yam. This yam was special. It was the biggest and most perfect yam in the whole village. Àṣàkẹ́ had been tending it in the garden for months, watering it and singing to it until it grew as big as his head. He had promised his grandmother, Ìyá Àgbà, that they would cook it together for a special meal. One day, as Àṣàkẹ́ was carrying his precious yam home, he met his friend, Olú. Olú's shoulders were slumped, and his eyes were sad. "Kí ni Olú?" (What is it, Olú?) Àṣàkẹ́ asked. "My family's harvest was not good this year," Olú said, his voice quiet. "We don't have enough food for a proper dinner tonight." Àṣàkẹ́ looked at his big, beautiful yam. He thought about the delicious meal he and Ìyá Àgbà would have. But he also looked at Olú's sad face. A voice in his head, a little whisper, said, "Keep the yam, Àṣàkẹ́! It's yours. It's too big to share." But another, louder voice, the one that sounded like his grandmother's warm smile, said, "Remember our proverb, my boy: 'Àjùmọ̀ṣe ni àgbàrà.' It means 'Cooperation is strength.' When we share, we become stronger together." Àṣàkẹ́ took a deep breath. He held the yam out to Olú. "Here, Olú," he said with a smile. "My grandmother and I can cook this together, and you and your family can join us. There is plenty for everyone." Olú's eyes grew wide, and a big grin spread across his face. "Àṣàkẹ́, thank you!" That evening, the smell of freshly cooked yam filled the air. Àṣàkẹ́ and his grandmother, Olú and his family, and even some neighbors who smelled the delicious aroma all sat together. They ate and laughed and told stories. The yam that was meant for just two people fed so many! As Àṣàkẹ́ sat with his grandmother, his tummy full and his heart happy, she whispered in his ear, "See, my dear Àṣàkẹ́? When we practice Ìwàpẹ̀lẹ́—or gentle character—and we share what we have, our own happiness grows bigger. The yam was good, but the sharing was even better." And from that day on, Àṣàkẹ́ always remembered the lesson of the yam. He learned that the biggest joy isn't in what you have for yourself, but in how you can share it with others. The End