Yellow: Friendship Counts
Ready Set Go Books Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Follow young friends Adey and Lomi as they play a counting game in the streets of Harar, Ethiopia. The book features bilingual text in Somali and English, aiding early readers with an engaging story and vibrant watercolors that capture the beauty of the ancient world heritage site. The narrative explores the culture of Ethiopia, including local markets and traditional foods, while promoting happiness and the love of color. This book is part of the Ready, Set, Go! Series by Open Hearts Big Dreams, a nonprofit focused on increasing literacy in Ethiopian indigenous languages. Open Hearts Big Dreams works to increase literacy rates by providing colorful, culturally relevant books to children, using profits to create and distribute more books. The Ready Set Go Books project emphasizes Ethiopian sayings that often rhyme in Amharic, helping to express truths and beliefs in unique ways. OHBD has published over 100 dual language titles since 2017 and continues to expand its library to inspire and enable youth in Ethiopia through literacy and education projects.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important for the characters to work together in the story?
How do the characters show they care about each other?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters?
How do you think the story would change if the characters didn't help each other?
What did you learn about friendship from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about times they've helped or been helped by friends.
Highlight the feelings of the characters and ask your child how they thought the characters felt in different situations.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene and explain why they chose it.
Suggest that your child think of a creative way to solve a problem, similar to how the characters in the book solved theirs, and discuss the possible outcomes.
Use expressions and voice modulation to mimic the characters' emotions while reading to make the story more engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The book emphasizes how valuable friendships are through the characters’ interactions and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture their relationships with peers, understanding that friendships enrich their lives.
Example Lesson: Counting and basic math skills
Explanation: As the title suggests, the book incorporates lessons on counting and simple mathematics as part of the story’s narrative.
Real-World Application: Children apply these fundamental math skills in school settings and daily activities, enhancing their academic and problem-solving abilities.
Example Lesson: Sharing and cooperation
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate sharing and working together to solve problems, showcasing the benefits of cooperative behavior.
Real-World Application: Kids grasp the importance of sharing and cooperation in group activities at school or during play, promoting harmonious interactions and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Handling disagreements
Explanation: The story provides scenarios where characters face conflicts and learn to resolve them amicably.
Real-World Application: Children learn effective communication and conflict resolution skills that are essential in everyday interactions with others.