Bernardi would love to go to school, but he and his grandfather, Babu, don’t have enough money to pay the fees. Bernardi would also love a soccer ball, but the one he has seen in the store costs more than the fees for school. One day Babu makes Bernardi a music box that plays the same tune the elderly man used to sing before he lost his voice to an illness. Bernardi loves hearing the song again, but in the marketplace where he sells the toys Babu makes, a persistent tourist pressures Bernardi into selling the box. He now has enough money to buy the soccer ball. He also has a broken heart, wishing he’d kept his grandfather’s gift. Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen’s story is about a contemporary Tanzanian child, but the regret Bernardi feels is something with which all children can identify. All children should be lucky enough to have a loving parental figure like Babu, who eases his grandson’s misery and makes his dreams come true. First-time illustrator Aaron Boyd beautifully captures depths of feeling in his paintings, from Bernardi’s tears of sadness to Babu’s loving smile. (Ages 5–8)

The story of a young Tanzanian boy who learns a lesson about family love after selling the special music box his grandfather made for him.

Bernardi loves to play soccer and would love to go to school too, but he and his grandfather, Babu, cannot afford to pay for schooling. Babu makes toys and Bernardi sells them at the market. Together they make enough money to get by.

One night Babu gives Bernardi a special gift -- a handmade music box that plays a song Babu used to sing when he still had his voice. That night and many nights after, Bernardi falls asleep listening to Babu's song.

At the market the next Saturday, a tourist offers Bernardi so much money for the music box, he cannot resist. Now he can buy the new soccer ball he has always wanted! When Bernardi returns home his difficult dilemma is resolved in a surprising turn of events that strengthens the love he and Babu share.

Set in contemporary Tanzania, this warm and tender intergenerational story is sure to touch readers of all ages.