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A Fish And A Gift
A Fish And A Gift
Average Rating: 0.0
Country: South Africa
Ages: 5–8
Author: Liesl Jobson
Publisher: Book Dash
Illustrator: Jesses Breytenbach, Andy Thesen

About The Story

People around the world earn their livelihood in many different ways—some work in offices, some on farms, some teach or treat, and others create. But no matter the job, families everywhere share love, care, and togetherness. In this story, we meet Yusuf, whose father is a fisherman—just like his father and grandfather before him. His job requires going out to sea, sometimes for days at a stretch. But Yusuf's father always returns with a special gift from the sea—be it a beautiful shell, a bobbing bottle, or a story from the ocean waves. This tender tale reminds us of the bond between a parent and child, and how love is shown through small, meaningful gestures.

Themes

Family & Friends
Culture & Tradition
Social & Emotional Learning

Sub Themes

Little Things Mean a Lot
Livelihood & Occupations

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Understand livelihoods linked to natural resources like the ocean.
  • Appreciate parental love and sacrifice
  • Learn about fishing as a profession and its risks.
  • Reflect on how families show love differently

Activities

  • Draw a gift you would bring from the sea
  • Role Play different community jobs.
  • Story Extension: Write about a special handmade or found gift.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • Do you know anyone whose job takes them away from home?
  • What kinds of jobs exist in your community?

During reading

  • What work does Yusuf’s father do?
  • How does Yusuf feel when his father is away?

After reading

  • Why does his father bring sea gifts?
  • What challenges do fishermen face?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 1 — No Poverty

Shows livelihood realities and dependence on natural resources.

SDG 8 — Decent Work & Economic Growth

Highlights fishing as meaningful work requiring skill and resilience.

SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities

Builds empathy for families whose work demands long hours and sacrifice.

SDG 14 — Life Below Water

Connects human livelihood to marine ecosystems and ocean care.

Curriculum Alignment

  • Horizontal A lignment: - Tale of the Water Hyacinth – Using natural local materials to make products
  • Vertical Alignment: Ages 5–8: - A Fish and a Gift (this story)
  • Ages 8–10: - The Strong Woman is My Mother – Social Worker
  • Thank You, Mr. Falker – Teacher
  • Ages 10–12: - Grace Banu Finds Her Voice – Engineer & Lawyer
  • A Tiny Seed – Tree planting as livelihood
  • Trombone Shorty – Musician

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