Who Took My Shoe?

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Who Took My Shoe?
Illustrated by Nicki Blackbeard
Written by Elana Bregin
Designed by Kathryn Elliott
Edited by Mariam Mahomed
with the help of the Book Dash participants in Durban on 29 October 2022.
ISBN: 978-1-928497-92-9
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Nicki Blackbeard
Elana Bregin
Kathryn Elliott

“Come, Jabulani,” Ma says.
“Why aren’t you ready? You’ll be late for school.”
“I can’t find my shoe,” says Jabulani.

“Did you look under your bed?” says Ma.
“It’s not under my bed,” Jabulani says.

“Did you look in the wardrobe?” Ma asks.
“Yes, it’s not in the wardrobe.”

“I know where your  shoe is,” giggles  Jabulani’s sister Lungi.  “Where?” Jabulani asks.

“I’m not telling you!” says Lungi

“Somebody’s taken it,” Jabulani says.

“Why would someone take one shoe when they’ve got two feet?” says Lungi.

“I don’t know. Maybe they’ve hidden it to make me cross.”

“Did you take my shoe?” he asks Lungi.

“No,” says Lungi,
“your shoes are too big for me.”

“Did you take my shoe?” Jabulani asks Fruit Juice the Dog.

She smiles her big dog smile at him and wags her tail.

“Maybe a bird picked it up and flew away with your shoe,” laughs Lungi.

“Maybe a monkey took it and left it up in a tree,” says Jabulani.

“Don’t worry, we’ll find your shoe,” says Ma.
“Everyone look for Jabulani’s shoe.”
But the shoe is nowhere to be found.

“It’s all right,” says Ma.
“You can wear your takkies to school today.”

Lungi comes rushing into the kitchen with a big smile on her face.
“I know where your shoe is,” she shouts. “Come and see.”