Page 1
Nori had made a kite with the family, decorating it with yellow and purple shapes. With an adult, Nori visited a safe open meadow away from roads, trees and power lines. Nori held the string, expecting a sky dance. But the air was very still.
Page 2
The kite lifted a little, then settled on the grass. Nori tried again with the same result. ‘Does it not like me?’ Dad explained that a kite needs suitable wind. ‘Today's air does not tell us how well you tried.’ Nori rested the kite nearby.
Page 3
Mum took a blanket from the bag. ‘We can wait a little, or come back another time.’ Nori chose to wait, but wanted something to do. Looking up, Nori saw a turtle-shaped cloud. Dad saw a little boat in the very same cloud.
Page 4
They took turns naming cloud shapes. One cloud looked like a rabbit to one person and a cushion to another. Nobody's answer was wrong. They listened to the grass and watched distant birds. Nori noticed that a good family game was already happening.
Page 5
After a while the blanket's corner moved. The adults checked that the breeze was suitable. Nori asked for help launching the kite. This time the bright shapes floated above the grass. With an adult's support, Nori held the string. Their waiting became a little dance.
Page 6
On the way home Nori said, ‘Our kite waited, but we did not spend all our time doing nothing.’ The cloud game had become a favorite part of the day. Without wind they could have returned another time. What gentle waiting game would you suggest?
Talk together
What gentle game could make waiting more enjoyable for you?