Saturday Mornings with Dad

by Grace Chen

A new way to spend Saturdays.

Grade 1: Early readers10 pages

A child whose parents are divorced learns to appreciate their special time with Dad, even when it's different from before

Characters

Amara

Dad

+1 more

Folk Line Art

Story Arc

Amara woke up. Her small room felt new. It was Saturday morning. She missed the old Saturdays.

Dad stirred his pot on the stove. “Breakfast is ready, Amara!” he called. It was not pancakes. Amara quietly walked to the table.

“This is a new special breakfast,” Dad said. Amara picked at her food. “How about a treat?” Dad asked. “At the diner?”

Amara thought about it. The diner was new, too. But Dad looked eager. “Okay,” Amara said softly. They walked hand-in-hand.

The diner was bright and busy. Happy chatter filled the air. Dad found them a cozy booth. Amara looked all around.

“What should we get?” Dad asked Amara. He smiled a big smile. Amara looked at the menu. She saw yummy pictures.

A big plate of waffles arrived. They had whipped cream! Dad slid the plate to Amara. She took a tiny bite.

“Look, Dad!” Amara whispered. She pointed to a dog outside. Dad chuckled, then laughed out loud.

Dad’s laugh made Amara feel warm. He was happy. She was happy too. This Saturday felt special.

They walked home holding hands. Amara squeezed Dad’s hand tight. New Saturdays were good. Love stayed the same.

Make one of your own next.

stirred: To move a spoon around and around in something, like soup, to mix it.; Dad stirred his pot on the stove.
quietly: Doing something without making much noise. It means to be very still and soft.; Amara quietly walked to the table.
eager: Really wanting to do something. It means you are excited and can't wait.; But Dad looked eager.
chatter: Talking in a friendly, fast way. It's like lots of people talking at once.; Happy chatter filled the air.
cozy: Warm, comfortable, and safe. Like a soft blanket or a comfy chair.; Dad found them a cozy booth.
menu: A list of food that you can order at a restaurant.; Amara looked at the menu.
whipped cream: Cream that has been beaten until it is light and fluffy, often served as a topping.; They had whipped cream!
chuckled: To laugh in a quiet way, almost like a small laugh.; Dad chuckled, then laughed out loud.
whispered: To speak very softly, so that others can barely hear you.; “Look, Dad!” Amara whispered.