Share the story Read aloud Before reading the book, encourage children to look at the cover and to talk about the characters and what they think is happening. As she is walking to see Akeyo, she is so busy thinking which fruit Akeyo will like best, she doesn’t even realise some animals are stealing her fruit!

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Tell the story Using the pictures, children can turn the pages and retell the story in their own words. A beautiful big book edition of a bestselling modern classic – perfect for sharing in the classroom – this is the story of Handa, who's part of the Luo tribe in south-west Kenya. Make a zigzag book Using card or paper, children can make a zigzag book and draw the story with each scene of the story on a different page. You can discuss with your children how people live in Kenya and more about the people’s culture and traditions.

Then they can add their own writing to tell the story, using the repeated phrases, or in their own words. You can help bring the magic of Handa’s Surprise into your KYFS or KS1 classroom with Twink’s range of colourful and engaging support materials. Their confidence and enjoyment will build as you revisit the book together and children become more familiar with the story and story language. Handa decides to take seven pieces of delicious fruit to her friend, Akeyo, who lives in the neighbouring village.

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From Ceip La Maquina Things to make and do Act it out Children can use animal toys and real or pretend fruit to act out the story. As the animals sneak out of the bush to steal Handa’s fruits, you could ask your children to shout out what animal it is as a fun activity whilst reading. For your younger children, you could use these themed worksheets to help your children with their pencil control. Draw a fruit Children can choose one of the fruits Handa carries to her friend and draw it in as much detail as possible, choosing colours carefully and noticing patterns and textures. Age 3-7 This clever, simple story, set in Kenya, tells of Handa’s journey from her home to her friend’s village with a present of fruit that she has picked specially.Richly-illustrated, brimming with luscious fruit and cheeky wild animals, this mouth-watering story is for the youngest of readers. Up the Tree Other related books you and your child might enjoy: We’re Going on a Lion Hunt by David Axtell Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema For an A-Z of Fruit see Eating the Alphabet By Lois Ehlert (see Our Top Ten Alphabet Books) Find out more about Kenyan animals here.

Handa as she walks to her neighbouring village with a Follow Handa as she walks to her neighbouring village with a

The Handa’s Surprise book also has lots of opportunities to start a discussion about different cultures and countries.Your children can reinforce their understanding of the story by putting together these story sequencing cards. You could make a delightful display wall in the classroom and use this bright display banner as the heading. Find out more Read more books by Eileen Browne, titles include: Handa’s Hen Wait and See No Problem Tick Tock Handa’s Surprising Day Wait for Me!