Little Zeynep was thinking about her friend Selin’s birthday party as she walked home from school. She was excited to celebrate Selin’s birthday but also thinking about what gift to get her.
When she got home, she discussed ideas with her mother. “Maybe you can gift her a book, your friend loves reading,” her mother suggested. Zeynep liked this idea and was eager to go to the bookstore.
However, when they got to the bookstore, Zeynep and her mother picked out different books. Zeynep liked a thicker book, but her mother suggested a book more suitable for her age. “That book might be a bit challenging, but it’s your decision,” her mother said.
Zeynep asked for some time to think and then said, “I want to get this book.” Her mother warned her again, “I don’t want you to be upset if it’s too difficult to read.” But Zeynep said, “It’s okay, I love reading and challenging books are more exciting for me.”
The next day, at Selin’s birthday party, Zeynep gifted her the book. Selin liked the gift and as she unwrapped it, Zeynep felt confident in her choice.
At the party, Zeynep and her friends ate, played games, and danced. But one of the most enjoyable moments was when Zeynep solved a challenging riddle with the help of her friends’ suggestions. This experience made Zeynep more interested in exploring more challenging reading materials and gaining more confidence.
For Zeynep, the final decision that made her happier was the one that her mother warned her about.