The Library Words

PAGE 1

Maya and Ben loved the school library. Today they wanted to help tidy the reading corner, but there was a new basket of mixed books and toys. The librarian smiled and pointed to the shelf, then to the basket.

Maya blinked. "I don't know," she said with a little laugh. Ben nodded. "I understand," he said, though he was not quite sure either. The librarian showed them a picture card and made a neat stacking gesture.

PAGE 2

A small teddy slid off the top of the basket and landed in Ben's hands. Maya giggled. "Excuse me," she said to a child passing by with a trolley, and the child moved aside with a smile.

Ben wanted to ask a question, but he mixed up the words. "I don't understand," he said. The librarian kindly repeated the idea, and this time Ben pointed to the books, the toys, and the shelf.

PAGE 3

"Please may we have the green book basket?" Maya asked. The librarian gave it to her. "Thank you!" said Maya and Ben together, and the librarian smiled back. "You're welcome," she said.

Then Ben spotted a pile of pencils on a chair. He touched his nose and frowned. "Sorry," he said to the child who needed the chair. The child smiled and said it was fine.

PAGE 4

At last, the reading corner looked lovely. Books stood in one tidy line, toys sat in another, and the soft cushions waited for story time. Maya and Ben clapped quietly.

The librarian asked, "Do you understand now?" Maya grinned. "Yes, I understand!" Ben laughed. "And if we forget, we can say, 'I don't know' or 'I don't understand'!"

PAGE 5

They all sat down with a storybook. When a page needed turning, Maya said, "Please." When Ben received the book, he said, "Thank you." The librarian replied, "You're welcome."

Soon the library was full of happy voices and gentle manners. Maya whispered, "Excuse me," as she reached for a cushion, and Ben whispered, "Sorry," when he bumped the basket by mistake. Then they both smiled, because using kind words made everything easier—and much more fun.