The Tickle Leaf

For parents & caregivers

Inside this story

On a summer evening, Kofi loves it when Mum pushes the rope swing high enough for his bare toes to brush one big leaf on the pear tree, the 'tickle leaf'. When Mum goes to bring in the washing, Kofi decides to make the swing go himself. Telling the swing to 'Go' does nothing, and his fast kicking only makes it wobble and twist until he is facing the fence. He accepts one tiny starting push, on his own terms of 'hands off', but his kicking makes the swing lower instead of higher, and he feels discouraged. Mum tells him he can rest. While he leans back watching the sky, Kofi notices the swing move forward when his legs float out and back when he tucks them under. He tests this on purpose, calls it 'out and in', and learns from the little hiccup-bumps when his timing is wrong. He gets nearly to the leaf before his legs feel tired. Mum offers to push him there or to stop for the night, and says either is fine. Kofi chooses one more gentle try, keeping her push as a backup, and this time his toes brush the leaf. Later swings miss, and he doesn't mind. He lets the swing slow down beside Mum until his toes draw a line in the grass. Perseverance appears as Kofi freely continuing toward something he cares about, letting what happens change his approach, and resting and accepting help without losing ownership. Success is modest, stopping is offered as a fine choice, and there is no lecture, prize or moral summary.