Summary
Kaya is a young girl who hears her mother singing a song that she calls her heart song. She says that your heart song can make anything possible. Kaya wants to sing her heart song, but doesn’t know how. Kaya goes off to play and stumbles across a run-down carousel. Kaya begins trying to remove the vines from the carousel and working hard to clean it up. Without noticing that she is quieting her mind, she begins to hear the beat of her own heart song and the carousel begins to start moving.
Theme(s):
Mindfulness, Strength, Self Discovery
Personal Response
I thought this story was an excellent read. I enjoyed how this story is geared to younger children with the bright illustrations, but it conveys a more mature message about being mindful. I also liked how this story can help children identify and recognize their emotions. I would include this story in my own classroom library because not only does it highlight Malaysian culture, but it helps children learn how to be mindful and present, and with that they can do anything they set their mind to.
Teaching Ideas
This story can be used for a social emotional lesson for kids, helping them become more mindful of themselves and the people around them. They can learn how to show respect and patience as everyone is on their own journey, but also learn to be mindful of their own personal journey. This story can also be used to learn about Malaysian culture and how peace and harmony are big values in their culture. This story can be used to help children of Malaysian background identify with Kaya in this story.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 03, Grade 04, Grade 05
