Can You Help Me

In Can You Help Me?, young readers follow Farmer Dan as he sets off for market with his cart full of cabbages. Along his bumpy journey, a wheel comes off his cart, spilling cabbages everywhere. Seeking help, Farmer Dan turns to passers-by-a busy man and a hurried girl-who can't spare the time. Then, an elderly woman with a walking stick approaches and offers her assistance. Although Farmer Dan initially doubts her ability to help, she cleverly uses her stick as a lever, allowing him to fix the cart. This heartwarming tale highlights the value of kindness, not judging by appearances, and the power of problem-solving through collaboration. The rich illustrations enhance the text and support young readers in interpreting the story. With its focus on resilience, gratitude, and the importance of accepting help, this fictional text invites readers to reflect on their own attitudes toward teamwork and kindness.

Educational Benefits:

• Encourages social-emotional learning, particularly empathy and gratitude
• Supports phonemic awareness of the long /e/ sound (e.g. œwheel, œneed)
• Reinforces problem-solving and sequencing of events
• Promotes comprehension strategies like predicting and making connections

Classroom Ideas:

• Act out the story using simple props to explore character perspectives
• Discuss other situations where students have helped or been helped
• Write a thank-you note from Farmer Dan to the old woman
• Explore the use of tools (like the walking stick) in solving everyday problems

Safety & Information:

• Ages: 5-7
• Measurements: 150 x 200 mm
• Paperback, fiction
• Suitable for guided reading and small group work