V1. Kai the Happy Carver
Little Listeners (Ages 3-6)
Before You Read 🧐
- Look at the picture! What do you think a “woodcarver” does?
- The carver’s name is Kai. Does he look happy or sad? How can you tell?
- What do you think this story will be about?
Once upon a time, in a cozy workshop that smelled of sawdust and sunshine, there lived a woodcarver named Kai. Kai was always smiling because he loved his job.
One day, the great Emperor came to visit! “Kai,” he said with a big smile, “please carve me a little dragon.” He handed Kai a smooth, plain block of wood.
Kai held the wood in his hands. He closed his eyes, hugged the wood gently, and tapped his chest. He was listening.
[Pause and Wonder… During Your Reading] 🤔 What do you think Kai will make from the wood?
Then, Kai picked up his special knife and began to carve.
Swish! Swoosh! Whittle-whoosh!
[Pause and Wonder… During Your Reading] 🤔 Listen to the sounds: Swish! Swoosh! Are those happy sounds or grumpy sounds? Does it sound like Kai is having an easy time or a hard time?
Kai’s knife didn’t push or get stuck. It danced around the wood, light and happy! Shavings that looked like curly ribbons flew everywhere.
In just a moment, it was done! A perfect little wooden dragon stood on the table, looking brave and friendly. Kai’s knife was still shiny and sharp. It never made a single grumpy thunk sound.
The Emperor’s eyes opened wide. “Wow! Kai, how do you carve so perfectly? You make it look like a dance!”
[Pause and Wonder… During Your Reading] 🤔 How does the Emperor feel when he sees the finished dragon?
Kai smiled his sunny smile. “Oh, I don’t just look with my eyes,” he said, tapping his heart again. “I listen with my heart. The wood tells me the easy path to take, so my knife just glides along!”
The lesson is that when you listen and go with the flow, even tricky things can become easy and fun!
After You Read 🤗
- What was Kai’s secret to carving so well? (He listened with his heart!)
- Think of something you like to do, like building with blocks or coloring. Does it feel better when you are relaxed and having fun?
- What does it mean to “go with the flow”?
