The Show and Tell Surprise
by Namu Marupudi
Morning sunlight filled Vivek’s room as he carefully packed his school bag.
Read for Me opens the full-screen reader with narration; titles with read-along timing also highlight the words as they are read.
About this story
Morning sunlight fills Vivek's room as he packs his school bag and gently lifts out his small wooden flute. Today is show and tell, and his stomach is full of butterflies: 'Can I really do this?' The flute is something special — his grandfather's — and he is only just learning to play. At recess he confesses his fear to his best friend, and gets the words he'll need later: 'Bravery isn't about being perfect. Just try your best!' When Ms. Lila calls his name, Vivek's feet feel heavy, but he walks to the front, says, 'This is my grandfather's flute. I'm learning to play,' closes his eyes, and takes a deep breath. The first notes float through the classroom like a gentle bird's song — until he makes a small mistake. He pauses. His cheeks turn red. And then he remembers his friend's words, takes another breath, and plays on. A warm story about trying new things while your hands tremble.
- Flute — a slim wooden instrument you play by blowing across it
- Butterflies — the fluttery feeling in your stomach before something big
- Encourage — to give someone brave, kind words
- Melody — a tune; a line of music
- Mistake — something that goes wrong — and not the end of the story
- Bravery — trying your best even when you feel afraid
- Applause — clapping to show you enjoyed something
- Proud — the warm feeling when you did something hard
Similar themes
View all
Share a review
Tell other families what your child thought of this story. Reviews appear here once we’ve read them.
Write a review
Reviews come from families with an account. Sign in to share what your child thought.