✦A beloved tale from Rama storytelling traditions
The Squirrel and Lord Rama
A tiny helper brings sand to a mighty task and finds that sincere effort is seen.
A story to read together
The Squirrel and Lord Rama
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
Rama’s helpers are building a bridge across the sea towards Lanka. Strong vanaras carry great loads of rocks and trees. Nearby, a small squirrel wants to help too.
A little sand
The squirrel cannot carry a mountain. Instead, it rolls in the sand, runs towards the bridge, and shakes the grains from its body. Then it goes back to gather more.
A different-sized effort
Some of the vanaras laugh. Beside their enormous loads, the squirrel’s grains look very small. But the little helper keeps bringing what it can. Its work is different in size, yet wholehearted.
Rama notices
Rama sees the squirrel’s effort. He honours the little creature for doing its best, just as the stronger helpers are doing theirs. A small body does not make sincere service unworthy of notice.
A gentle touch
Rama strokes the squirrel’s back. In this traditional telling, the long stripes on its back remember that loving touch. The episode ends with kindness towards a helper whose gift is small. Readers can consider how different people bring different abilities to a shared task.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
How does the squirrel contribute?
What does Rama notice that the laughing helpers miss?
What small contribution could you make to a shared task?
Make something: Draw a team doing one useful job. Give each member a different contribution: carrying, noticing, organising, encouraging, or tidying. Include a role for someone small.
