Bomani the Meerkat

A

& other stories

�nspirational stories �or young children Choosing this book, which is the first in the Brave Bomani Series, is the beginning of an adventure for you and the child or children in your life.

The antics of Bomani and his friends will provide hours of entertainment, your children. As you read Bomani the Meerkat and other stories you will be reminded of the classic stories of your youth.

Ewald van Rensburg is a pastor and well known children’s author.

He has won prizes for four of his children’s books.

Ewald lives in Somerset West, Western Cape.

I S B N 978-1-92046-001-3

9

suitable for 4-7 year old children

781920 460013

oo

the adventures of

Bomani the Meerkat & other stories �nspirational stories �or young children

Ewald van Rensburg

as well as afford you wonderful opportunities to teach lasting life lessons to

Bomani the Meerkat & other stories

Bomani the Meerkat

Bomani B

k

the adventures of

the adventures of

ave br

�wa�� van �ens�ur�

the adventures of

Bomani the Meerkat & other stories �nspirational stories �or young children

�wa�� van �ens�ur� illustrated by tanja joubert

©Text: Ewald van Rensburg 2011 © Illustrations: Tanja Joubert 2011 Design & Layout: Trinity Loubser Fry Translation: Helen Brain Editor: Dawn Doyle Proof Reader: Noeline Neumann

CMP Kids CMP Kids is an imprint of Christian Media Publishers, PO Box 4502, Durbanville, 7551 www.christianmediapublishing.com Reg No 2010/008573/07 All rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means – electronically or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed and bound in China First edition, first printing 2011 ISBN 9781920460013

Contents Bomani the Meerkat Helps King Lion

4

Bomani the Meerkat & Ethan Eagle Become Friends

8

The Rusty Bolt

12

Bomani the Meerkat’s Bundle of Sticks

15

Bushbuck & Elephant Get Scared

18

Big Mouth Freddie

22

Bomani the Meerkat Gives Some Good Advice

26

You Are Very Special

29

Message to Parents and Caregivers

32

Bomani the Meerkat Helps King Lion

�od uses everyone, no matter how young or small, to do good in the world.

� B

omani wasn‘t just any old meerkat. He was special. Everyone admired him because he was the bravest meerkat in the whole world, and he wasn’t afraid of anything. He was so famous that almost everyone in the animal kingdom had heard of him. His name, Bomani, means “strong soldier”. Nearly everyone called him Mani for short!

Whenever a dangerous snake appeared – a puff adder, a cobra, a mamba - any kind of snake – they sent for Bomani, and he knew just what to do.

He used the same trick every time. First, he danced around the snake until the snake was dizzy. Then, when the snake tried to bite him, it would miss. Quick as a flash, Bomani would kick it until the poor creature saw stars. By then the snake had usually had enough, and would slither away.

4

Usually this was more than enough to chase away the fiercest snake, but every now and then a snake would turn up that hadn’t heard about Bomani. Then Bomani would finish it off so quickly that the meerkat family would enjoy Bomani’s delicious sushi for supper. That is why Bomani wears a pendant with snake’s teeth around his neck!

One day, King Lion was having a snooze after lunch when a strange noise woke him. It was Bomani, busy practising his snakecatcher moves. He was making a terrible noise. King Lion was very cross. He grabbed Bomani. “Meerkat, I’m going to teach you NEVER to disturb a snoozing lion. But before I eat you, tell me your name.”

Bomani wasn’t scared. He said calmly, “King Lion, I am Bomani the Meerkat.

Your Majesty will be making a big mistake if you eat me. You never know; one day you might need me.”

King Lion roared with laughter. “Me? Need you? I’d like the see that happen!

Fine. I’ll let you go, but only because I want to see how a piddling little meerkat helps a mighty lion like me.“ Not long afterwards, a group of hunters captured King Lion and tied him up with thick ropes. They hoped to sell him to a zoo for a lot of money. King Lion roared and struggled, but he couldn’t get free.

The moment Bomani heard King Lion roar he left everything and ran to help him.

5

King Lion could not believe his eyes when he saw Bomani the Meerkat standing in front of him. Quickly, Bomani took a sharp stone and cut King Lion’s ropes.

He was free.

“I am very thankful to you,” said King Lion. “You were able to help me. I should never have doubted you.”

As they ran home, Bomani explained, “God, the Creator of all, made us to help one another.”

From that day onwards, King Lion and Bomani the Meerkat were the best of friends. � prayer � Thank you Jesus for showing me that no matter how small I am, You can still use me. Amen.

The Bible teaches us, “God chose the weak things of

the world to shame the strong.” 1 corinthians 1:27

picture activity for page 7 Can you find the dung beetle in the picture?

What is Bomani wearing around his neck?

How do you think King Lion feels?

6

7

Bomani the Meerkat & Ethan Eagle become Friends

� veryone is important to God – Granny, Grandpa, uncles, aunts, Daddy, Mummy and all children, big or small, wherever they are.

� I

f you saw Bomani Meerkat and Ethan Eagle today, you’d never believe that at one time they were bitter enemies. These days, Ethan carries Bomani to wherever his help is needed. You could say that Ethan is Bomani Meerkat’s private pilot. But it wasn’t always like this.

There was a time when Ethan thought that Bomani needed to learn a lesson or two. He didn’t know that Bomani was the bravest meerkat in the world.

Bomani was the meerkat family’s bodyguard. When baby meerkats were born, he guarded them to make sure no predator caught them. Ethan Eagle watched this from a distance and waited. He knew Bomani would be called away, and then he would get his chance...

8

One day Bomani went off to fight a puff adder, and Dozey Meerkat took over guarding the babies. Dozey had just closed his eyes for a little nap when Ethan Eagle swooped down like lightning, snatched up a meerkat pup and flew away.

Dozey woke up with a terrible fright screeching, “Bomani the Meerkat, help!”

Luckily for Dozey, Bomani was on the ball. He’d seen the eagle fly away with the squealing meerkat pup in his talons. Bomani knew he didn’t have the time for a long fight with the puff adder, so he kicked him so hard he flew high into the sky.

Bomani ran like lightning to Ethan Eagle’s nest, carrying a box of matches. “If you don’t give me that meerkat pup,” he said, “I’ll set fire to your nest and burn all your chicks.”

9

10

Ethan Eagle knew trouble when he saw it. He took one look at Bomani and handed over the meerkat pup.

“You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” Bomani scolded. “You know God, our Creator, loves children. Every time a baby is born, it’s as though God is telling us all over again how wonderful life is. That’s why we should care for them like our most precious treasures.”

This was the beginning of a great friendship between Ethan Eagle and Bomani the Meerkat. � prayer � Jesus, bless all children who are struggling – the hungry, the sick and especially the orphans. Give them everything they need. Amen.

The Bible teaches us how much Jesus loves children. He said to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me. Don't keep them away.

God's kingdom belongs to people like them.” mark 10:14

picture activity for page 10 Name all the colours in the picture.

Can you spot the butterfly in the picture?

How many stones can you count?

11

The Rusty Bolt a true story

A lways be good to each other.

� O

ne day a grubby-faced little boy went into a bicycle shop. The owner of the shop could see by his shabby clothes that he came from a poor family. At first the staff were worried that he might try to steal something, but then they realised that he was just looking at all the bicycles.

After that he often visited the shop. He liked to stand and watch the men assembling or repairing the bikes.

One day, when the shop had no other customers, the little boy placed a rusty old bolt on the counter. “Excuse me, Sir,” he said to the owner. “Can you fit a new bicycle on this bolt?”

The owner of the shop burst out laughing. Only a child would think you could put a bike on a bolt, instead of a bolt on a bike!

12

13

Even though the owner hadn’t meant to be unkind, the little boy was hurt. Tears rolled down his face, and he ran out of the shop. The owner went after him, but he was too slow. The little boy was gone.

�

A few weeks later the little boy returned. Unfortunately, this time the shop was full of customers waiting to buy things. Slowly the little boy crept through the shop. He was so embarrassed.

Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. It was the shop owner. “Son, you left your bolt here.” At that, one of the workmen brought out a bright red, brand new bike and handed it to the boy.

You’ve never seen such happiness! The little boy held the bike tightly and said over and over again, “Is it really mine? Really, truly mine? Thank you so much.”

The shop owner smiled. If you looked carefully, you could see that one of the bolts on the red bike was rusty. � prayer � Dear Jesus, help me always to be kind and generous. Amen.

The Bible teaches us, “Anyone who gives

freely will be blessed.” proverbs 22:9

picture activity for page 13 How many balloons do you see, and who does not have a balloon?

Why is the boy on the bike happy?

What makes you happy?

14

Bomani the Meerkat’s Bundle of Sticks Jesus smiles when brothers and sisters are good to each other

W

hen Bomani finally got home after his travels with Ethan Eagle, he saw something very ugly. He could hardly believe his eyes. A group of young meerkats were fighting and bickering with each other.

Immediately, Bomani gathered a pile of sticks and tied them into a bundle.

When the little meerkats saw their hero, Bomani, walking past, they stopped fighting at once.

“You know,” Bomani said to them, “It’s not very nice to see a family fighting.

He handed the bundle of sticks to one of the meerkats and said, “See if you can break this.”

The little chap tried as hard as he could, but he couldn’t break it. The other meerkats all tried too, but no one could break the bundle of sticks.

15

16

Then Bomani untied the bundle and gave each meerkat a stick. “Try to break it now,” he said. Crack, crack, crack went the sticks. They were so easy to break!

“This is my lesson for the day,” said Bomani. “We meerkats are strong when we stand together; but if we fight with each other, it’s easy to break us.”

The little meerkats got the message. “Bomani, we’re sorry we were fighting,” they chorused. They all wanted to be just like Bomani the Meerkat when they grew up.

� prayer � Jesus, please help everyone in my family to care about each other. Amen.

The Bible says, “How good and pleasant it is when

God’s people live together in peace!” psalm 133:1

picture activity for page 16 How many meerkats are with Bomani in the picture?

Which two meerkats have only two sticks?

Why did Bomani give the sticks to the meerkats?

17

Bushbuck & Elephant get scared

Often we get scared of people or things that aren't really very frightening at all!

� L

ong, long ago, Bushbuck built himself a lovely house near the banks of the river. One day he went for a walk. When he got back, the front door, which he had left open, was shut.

He was worried. ”Who is in my house?” he called.

A deep voice answered from inside. “I am. I gobble up bushbuck.”

Bushbuck got such a fright that he ran away as fast as he could.

On the road he met Elephant.

“Why do you look so scared?” asked Elephant.

“There’s a fierce monster in my house waiting to eat me up!” gasped Bushbuck.

18

“What nonsense! I must see this for myself,” laughed Elephant. So Bushbuck and Elephant went back to Bushbuck’s house.

A little way from the house, Elephant bellowed, “Who is in Bushbuck’s house?”

A deep voice answered. “I gobble up bushbucks, and I gobble up elephants.

Watch out little elephant! I feel like a tasty piece of elephant steak for lunch.”

Elephant ran away so fast that he almost caused an earthquake. He was sure there was a terrifying monster in Bushbuck’s house.

A little way down the road, Elephant found King Lion relaxing peacefully in the warm midday sun.

“There’s a..a..an aw..awful monster in Bu..Bushbuck’s house,” stammered Elephant.

King Lion was never afraid of anything. He jumped up and said, “I’ll go and investigate!” He rushed off to Bushbuck’s house, while Elephant and Bushbuck followed warily.

When he came to Bushbuck’s house, Lion roared, “Who is inside Bushbuck’s house?”

“It’s me, the lion eater. Watch out, or I’ll gobble you up too, bellowed the voice.”

“What? Who do you think you are, threatening to eat the King of the Jungle?” roared Lion. “Come out and eat me. I’m not scared of you.”

19

Suddenly, they heard peals of laughter coming from inside the house. King Lion pushed open the door. In the middle of the hall sat a big fat toad. His tummy was wobbling, he was laughing so hard.

�

“So, YOU are the fierce monster who decided to scare my friends?” scolded King Lion.

It didn’t take long for all the animals to hear that Bushbuck and Elephant had been frightened by a toad. From that day on Elephant agreed that even though he was the biggest animal in the land, Lion was without a doubt the king of the animals. � prayer � Jesus, when I'm afraid, I know that You are with me. Amen.

The Bible says, “God, you are the one who saves us. We will

trust in you. Then we won't be afraid. Lord, you give us strength. We sing about you. Lord you have saved us.” isaiah 12:2

picture activity for page 21 Can you find Mr Worm in the picture?

Name the animals in the picture.

What are the things that make you scared?

20

21

Big Mouth Freddie

�

�ometimes it’s best to keep quiet, instead of boasting about how clever you are. Boasting can land you in a lot of trouble.

D

ebbie Duck, Daphne Duck and Freddy Frog lived together in a farm dam. They were best friends, and they loved playing together. They had such fun. “Quack-quack-croak, Quack-quack-croak,” they laughed as they splashed in the water.

Freddy Frog had a very big mouth. He loved to boast. If someone did something smart, he’d say he could do it better. He loved to tell everyone how good he was and how clever his ideas were.

Debbie Duck and Daphne Duck put up with his boasting, because he was such good fun the rest of the time.

22

That summer the rain didn’t fall, and the dam began to dry up bit by bit. The three friends realised they’d have to find themselves a new dam to live in.

This wasn’t a problem for the ducks, because they could just fly to a new dam.

But what about their friend, Freddy?

Debbie and Daphne thought and thought, and came up with a good plan. They would each take one end of a stick in their beaks and hold it between them as they flew. Then Freddy could grab hold of the stick with his mouth, and be carried along with them.

“Freddy, remember to keep your mouth shut,” they said. “If you open it, you will fall.”

“I’m not that stupid,” said Freddy.

Daphne and Debbie just looked at each other. They knew Freddy would struggle to stay quiet for so long.

23

24

So Freddy Frog became the first passenger on Duck Airlines. Their plan worked superbly. It worked so well that a farmer who saw them flying past exclaimed, “Who thought up that brilliant idea?”

Freddy couldn’t miss an opportunity to boast. “Me, of course,” he crowed, and he began to fall!

Luckily, Debbie and Daphne had given him a parachute, because they knew their friend Freddy through and through! � prayer � Jesus, help me not to boast about myself. Amen.

The Bible says, “When pride comes, shame follows.

But wisdom comes to those who are not proud.” proverbs 11:2

picture activity for page 24 How many dots can you count in Freddy Frog’s parachute?

Where is the windmill in the picture?

Why is Freddie Frog falling?

25

Bomani the Meerkat gives some Good Advice R emember, all good things come from God, and we should always say thank you to Him.

� B

omani the Meerkat was so famous that creatures from all over the animal kingdom came to him for advice. “Anyone who is friends with the king of the animals, King Lion, and with the king of the birds, Ethan Eagle, must be someone special,” the animals said.

One day, a group of ground squirrels came to see Bomani the Meerkat. They had a big problem. A cat – a big ugly troublemaker called Catto – was catching the ground squirrel family, one by one.

“I once heard that people hang bells around their cat’s necks to warn the little creatures when the cat is nearby,” Bomani said. “Why don’t you do that?” The ground squirrels clapped their tiny paws. What a brilliant plan! But then they began to wonder, “Which one of us is going to hang the bell around Catto’s neck?”

26

27

�

“Please Bomani,” they said, “Won’t you be kind and hang the bell on the cat for us?” He agreed and tiptoed off to where he knew Catto liked to sleep.

While Catto was snoring peacefully, Bomani carefully hung a bell around his neck.

Just as he finished, Catto woke up. He was furious. He began to chase Bomani, but Bomani turned around and gave Catto one of his famous kicks – right on the nose. Catto learned the hard way not to mess with Bomani!

The ground squirrels were very impressed. “Are you always so brave and resourceful?” they asked.

Bomani the Meerkat gave the answer he always gave. “God, our Creator, made me like this,” he said. � prayer � Jesus, I praise You because You are so good to me. Amen.

The Bible says,“The one who brags should

brag about what the Lord has done.”

1 corinthians 1:31

picture activity for page 27 How many ground squirrels are there in the picture?

Name all the colours you see in the picture.

What is Bomani doing in the picture?

28

You are Very Special based on a true story

R emember, you are special, because God made you wonderfully. There is no one just like you anywhere.

T

ommy was a very popular child, because he was always in a good mood. Even when somebody teased him, he’d just smile.

There was one boy at Tommy’s school called Ben, who was a real bully.

He started saying to people, “Tommy is the ugliest person I’ve ever seen. No matter what happens to any of us one day, Tommy will still be the ugliest of all.”

Then he’d laugh heartily and bully poor Tommy.

Even though Tommy had a very big birthmark covering one side of his face, he was always smiling. Everyone liked to be with him, because he was so friendly and helpful.

Many years passed, and it was time for the thirtieth school reunion. What a wonderful moment when Ben, the old school bully asked for quiet, and took the microphone!

29

“I just want to say something to Tommy today. Of all the people I have ever met, you are the one who is most like Jesus. I am sorry that I bullied and teased you so much. Tell us your secret. How did you learn to accept the birthmark on your face? Please tell us, because you are something special.”

Tommy took the microphone. “It was my mom and dad,” he said. “You see, they always said to me, ‘Son, this birthmark was made by an angel’s kisses, to show us how special you are. Whenever you’re in a crowd you stand out, and we can see how special you are because you have this precious mark. You’re one of a kind.’

My mom and dad said this so many times that I started to feel sorry for people who didn’t have birthmarks. I knew I was special, and I wanted to share it with other people.”

�

Tommy finished speaking, and his old classmates burst into claps and cheers.

What did Tommy do? He just smiled that special, one of a kind smile. � prayer � Thank you, Jesus, for making me one of a kind. Amen.

The Bible teaches us to say, “How you made me is

amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that.” psalm 139:14

picture activity for page 31 Can you spot Bomani the Meerkat in the picture?

How does everyone in the picture feel?

What did everyone learn from Tommy?

30

31

Dear Parent and Caregiver You’re holding a book which will help you to accompany children as they walk along the path of faith.

Stories are a wonderful way to teach children about God, and Jesus Himself was a wonderful storyteller.

I think that when the little children came to Him (Mark 10:13-16), He must have told them stories and that’s one of the reasons they loved being with Him. He was the original storyteller.

Through stories children learn how to explore the exciting territory of their imaginations.

A story is almost like an adventure playground. Children enter it to play, swing, slide, climb, take risks and to practice being brave – to do whatever they, at that stage, feel ready to master.

What children take away from stories is directly related to their developmental stage, and we must allow God to meet them wherever they are. I hope that this book helps create those exciting moments where you and your child share your faith together. These moments are so breathtaking; it’s like approaching holy ground.

Just as Moses did, we should take our shoes off before we enter! (Exodus 3) The Adventures of Bomani the Meerkat and other stories is written as a sit-on-my-lap book,

or an I’ll-lie-next-to-you-in-bed book, or a come-I’ll-sit-on the-floor-with-you kind of book.

Each story is preceded by a reflection and followed by a Bible verse, a short prayer and an activity.

Enjoy this wonderful journey with your child, following the life changing instructions laid out in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

�wa�� van �ens�ur�

A

& other stories

�nspirational stories �or young children Choosing this book, which is the first in the Brave Bomani Series, is the beginning of an adventure for you and the child or children in your life.

The antics of Bomani and his friends will provide hours of entertainment, your children. As you read Bomani the Meerkat and other stories you will be reminded of the classic stories of your youth.

Ewald van Rensburg is a pastor and well known children’s author.

He has won prizes for four of his children’s books.

Ewald lives in Somerset West, Western Cape.

I S B N 978-1-92046-001-3

9

suitable for 4-7 year old children

781920 460013

oo

the adventures of

Bomani the Meerkat & other stories �nspirational stories �or young children

Ewald van Rensburg

as well as afford you wonderful opportunities to teach lasting life lessons to

Bomani the Meerkat & other stories

Bomani the Meerkat

Bomani B

k

the adventures of

the adventures of

ave br

�wa�� van �ens�ur�