Toki and the spotlight

This storybook was created, written, illustrated, and published as part of a project with first year students in Publishing Studies at the University of Pretoria in 2024.

Toki was scared. Miss Lesedi had chosen him to be the presenter at his school's Talent Show.

Miss Lesedi said to Toki, "This is an important role. You will be on stage all night, in the spotlight!"

Toki was a shadow. Everyone knows that light burns shadows. He had to find a way out of the talent show!

Toki did not want the other children to think he was a scaredy cat. They would make fun of him.

Toki went to old Shopkeeper to ask for help. Everyone knows that old people know everything.

"Hello Toki, how are you today?" Shopkeeper asked.

Toki replied, "I am okay sir, but I need your help."

"How can I help you?" asked Shopkeeper.

Toki replied, "I do not want to be a shadow anymore. How can I change?"

"Would you like to tell me why you do not want to be a shadow anymore?" asked Shopkeeper.

Toki stayed silent. He was too scared to admit that he was afraid of light.

"Toki, there is nothing wrong with being a shadow," said Shopkeeper.

He added, "But if you really want to change, then go to the mother of shadows, Mamlambo."

"Can Mamlambo really help me?" asked Toki.

Shopkeeper nodded and said, "You will find her house under the bridge that crosses the Orange River." Toki thanked Shopkeeper and set off.

Mamlambo gave tea and cookies to Toki when he arrived. "How can I help you, little one?" she asked.

"Please change me. I do not want to be a shadow anymore!" begged Toki. Mamlambo asked gently, "Why do you feel that way?"

"I do not want to burn in the spotlight. Everybody knows that light burns shadows," whispered Toki.

Mamlambo smiled, "That is not true, light does not burn shadows. Light makes shadows. Without light, there would be no shadow."

On the night of the Talent Show, Toki walked on to the stage.

He stood in the spotlight. He was no longer afraid.

The light shone on Toki and everybody could see he was amazing!