The three hygiene rules
Noelle Medgyesy / Su Yuen Tung / Jutta Venäläinen
Noelle Medgyesy

It's early in the morning. Gogo gently wakes up the children.
"Wake up, Amara! A new day is waiting!"

1

Amara gets up, stretches, and goes to the bathroom.
She brushes her teeth, washes her hands, and combs her hair.
"All fresh and ready!" she smiles.

2

Thabo jumps out of bed and runs straight outside to play with his friends, skipping his morning routine.

3

Later, Gogo prepares a big braai in the garden with neighbors, cousins, and lots of tasty food. Everyone is excited!

4

Thabo joins the braai, eats happily, and then wants to play soccer with his friends.

5

But when he gets close, his friends cover their noses.
"Eww! Thabo, you smell bad!" they say.
Thabo stops in his tracks, feeling shocked and embarrassed.

6

Thabo feels sad and a little embarrassed.
But his sister Amara comes over and gives him a hug.
"Don't worry," she says kindly. "Let me show you how to stay clean."
Amara teaches Thabo three simple tips for staying fresh:

7

"1. Wash your hands – often and well! Especially before eating and after playing."

8

"2. Brush your teeth – every morning and night. That keeps your mouth fresh and your smile bright!"

9

"3. Cover your coughs and sneezes – use a tissue or your elbow, so you don't spread germs."

10

The next morning, Thabo does everything right. He brushes his teeth, washes his hands, and puts on clean clothes. Then he heads outside again.
This time, his friends smile and shout,
"Hey Thabo! Come play with us!"
And Thabo thinks to himself:
"Being clean feels great!"

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You are free to download, copy, translate or adapt this story and use the illustrations as long as you attribute in the following way:
The three hygiene rules
Author - Noelle Medgyesy / Su Yuen Tung / Jutta Venäläinen
Illustration - Noelle Medgyesy
Language - English
Level - Longer paragraphs