Once upon a Time

by Niki Daly

When Sarie's teacher says, "Children, take out your reading books," a sick feeling grips Sarie. The words trip up her tongue and she stutters and stammers, making the children in the back row giggle. But there are two people who her schoolfriend Emile, and Ou Missus, the old lady living over the veld. One Sunday, Sarie comes across an old copy of Cinderella and begs Ou Missus to read it to her, Ou Missus says, "No - we will read it together." Sarie's confidence grows, until the day comes when the school principal says to Sarie, "You read beautifully!"

Genres: Picture Books, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Africa, Cultural, Fiction, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Nicholas "Niki" Daly, South African illustrator and children's book author.

http://www.childlit.org.za/ndaly.html

Reviews

[Nhi Nguyễn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute and uplifting book about a young girl in South Africa learning how to read out loud fluently by reading the fairy tale "Cinderella" with an old friend. Any young children who are dealing with or have been facing challenges in reading out loud and are picked on because of that can relate to this story. Beautiful illustrations. The only thing I was not sure of was the ending in which the young girl DRIVES the old friend's car toward the horizon. Is it for real (a child who drives, seriously?) or is it just a metaphor for her now being free from her fear and problem of reading out loud?

[Little Miss and the Legomeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the friendship between Sarie and Auntie Anna. I love her reaction when Sarie tells her about being teased...

"People can be cruel," said Auntie Anna. "But don't give up, Sarie."

It's compassionate and honest.

I loved that she continued to struggle through most of the story, her practice gradually helping her improve.

This book with its lovely illustrations and endearing characters, it felt very real to me, very genuine.

I really enjoyed this one, and so did Little Miss, who says... "I love this one. Because she's a princess."

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful tale about a young child who finds it very difficult to read aloud in class. With the help of a very imaginative neighbor (and a lot of practice), Sarie learns to become more fluent and comfortable in front of her class.

The narrative is heartwarming and really shows how a person can really impact the life of a child. The illustrations are colorful and realistic and depict life in the South African Karoo. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Bregje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in Afrikaans. This was a cute little story about a girl that is afraid to read aloud but learns to love it.

[Alivia Wilken · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader of this story, Niki Daly did an excellent job of capturing the difficulties Sarie encountered while reading aloud in class. Sarie's classmates made fun of her for stuttering, but she never let that define her and she never gave up. Sarie and her grandmother read "Cinderella" weekly, which improved Sarie's ability to read aloud in class. It made her feel more successful and increased her interest in and ability to read.

As a teacher, I would utilize this in my classroom to encourage my children to keep trying even when things become difficult and to remember that there is always someone there to help you along the way. This book can also help students become more comfortable reading in front of their classmates. I could teach a lesson that compares this book with another one that has the same concept. I could also explain to my students why we constantly practice things over and over. Lastly, I could do an activity in which the kids discuss the challenges they face. This could help them realize that their classmates also go through challenging times and that they are not alone.

[Macey Kimbrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book Once Upon a Time by Niki Daly. I think this books sends a good, sweet message to the reader. I think that the book teaches a valuable lesson about being kind to others. The main character, Sarie, struggles reading aloud in class and some of her classmates are mean to her because of her stuttering. Her friend, Emile, is the only student in the class who does not laugh at Sarie. Sarie's neighbor, Auntie Anna, encourages her to keep trying to read and to get over her fears of being made fun of. I like reading this book because it encourages the reader to not give up on doing things they may struggle with regardless of what people say.

As a future educator, I think this book would be a great one to read in class. I think many students may relate to Sarie if they struggle reading aloud. I think students can also learn from Emile to be a friend to those who may not have any friends. One area this book could be used in the classroom is Reading. The students can read this book and identify the main characters, plot, and theme of the book. One activity the students could complete is conceived their own "once upon a time" stories.

[Briley Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader of the book, I think Niki Daly does a great job showing the struggles of Sarie's path to learning to read in the book "Once Upon a Time". The author incorporates diversity into the book, by showing how Sarie's grandmother is willing to help her learn to read. Throughout the book Sarie and her grandmother sit weekly and read "Cinderella" together. This is encouraging because Sarie finally learns how to read, and overcomes her fear of reading in front of the class.
As a teacher, I would use this book for my class, because it encourages kids that may be struggling with reading to not give up, and that everyone can learn, if they put in an effort to learn. Sarie will stand as an encouragement to the students in the class, because despite her struggles, she works hard and learns how to do it for herself.

[Cathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the South African area of Karoo, Once Upon a Time is a story of a girl who is teased about her inability to read aloud in class. One day on a journey of imagination with her aunt, she discovers a book of Cinderella. Sarie soon discovers the magic that one beloved story, a little confidence, and a great deal of support from others can work.

The illustrations and words combine beautifully to convey the feelings of sadness and delight that young Sarie experiences. The watercolor pictures swirl about the main character, deepening both setting and tone. The text is engaging and inspiring, and this is definitely a book that children can appreciate as they read to see if Sarie, too, will live happily every after.

[Laura Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very cute book. The illustrations were cute and helpful o understand the story that was told. This book does a good job of showing that students have different abilities. This shows that practicing your skills over again can help increase your confidence in your abilities. If I would read this book in my classroom, I would use this to help talk about how each of us are at different ability levels. Teaching students that as long as they are trying to work and get better then they are on the right track. This is also a great book to talk about why we practice things over and over again. Using this book to show that we can practice reading to help better our skills!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific South African setting and an endearing story of a young girl who struggles to read in class and a king neighbor who helps her.

[Kelebogile]

Once Upon A time

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to give this five stars. The specific setting of the Little Karoo, South Africa, is a vibrant character in its own right. Every character is authentic, even the non-speaking poultry and old car. It's a very original take on a popular theme.

But I'm a bit concerned that all Sarie needs to be able to learn to read is extra motivation and practice at home... how did she fall behind in the first place? Is it realistic, is it helpful to other struggling children? Or do those who struggle need more specific support?

I don't know. I never taught developing readers; I never met anyone like Sarie. If you say that her challenge and triumph are depicted realistically, and inspirationally, I will bump this to five stars.

In any case I still do recommend the book, and the author. Why hasn't anyone told me about Daly before?!

[Mattie Weck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are really wonderful because they are so colorful and accurately depict the setting. Once upon a time is set in the South African Karoo which makes it interesting and informative for students in regards to learning about what other countries are like. In this story, I really liked the character of Auntie Anna, because she is always so positive and kind that she makes for a great role model. My favorite part of the book is when Auntie Anna says “People can be cruel... But don’t give up Sarie”. It is such a simple line but it really sets the stage for the overall lesson of the book. I think that this would be a great book for either a read aloud or as an independent read for a student who is particularly struggling with reading aloud in class as it addresses this issue. I really love the idea of this book, because I think there are many students who struggle with anxiety when it comes to reading out loud and it often hinders their desire to read. This book does a great job of encouraging students to practice whatever it is that they struggle with in order to improve. It specifically promotes that becoming a better reader results from practicing, which students at any reading level can apply. This book incorporates the story of “Cinderella” and there are many similarities found between the characters of both stories. This book would be a great tool to use in a language arts activity focusing on comparing and contrasting. After reading this story aloud, students could then individually compare and contrast the characters from Once upon a time and “Cinderella”, and then share their lists or Venn diagrams.

[Raegan Clem]

The book Once Upon a Time By Nikki Daly explains that Sarle was not afraid of ANYTHING other than school. When the teacher would even speak of reading aloud in class she would get very nervous and scared because this was her worst fear. As someone that does not like to speak up in class, I related to Sarle. As she read the children around her made fun of the stuttering that she had when it was her turn to read. Sarle did not let this define her. She went home and practiced reading with her grandmother and with a lot of practice Serle started to feel like a pro at reading. Practicing reading at home made her confident in her skills which made it easier for her to read in class. Sarle began to love to read, and was not afraid of school by the end of this book.


As a teacher this would be a fabulous book to read when things aren't going your students way. I feel like as teachers we see our students go through hardships and rough patches throughout the school year, and this book is perfect to read to them whenever they are feeling like they cannot conquer something. This would allow my students to have an open discussion with their classmates about different kinds of hardships people may encounter. My students would then explain how Sarle overcame her hardship in the book. Lastly, my students would use another student's example of a hardship and explain a way that someone could overcome that hardship. This is also a great book to teach students that practice makes perfect, and makes you confident in something.

[Bethany Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

One that that I really liked about this book from the beginning was all of the descriptive words that were used, the words provided the reader with a mental visual as well as great illustrations on the pages.
Sarie is the main character in this book. She does not like to read aloud in class because she was not a strong reader, because of this, her peers made fun of her in and out of class. Her aunt always encouraged Sarie and told her to never give up. They read together, and her aunt gave her a very special book. Every sunday her and her aunt would read this book, and every week Sarie became a better reader because she had been practicing. This is a great book to encourage children to practice at something they are not very good at so that they can improve.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarie is afraid to read aloud in class until she finds an old copy of Cinderella. By practicing with an elderly friend, she gains confidence. Niki Daly's beautiful illustrations portray life in the Karoo Desert of South Africa. The scenes of Cinderella show Sarie dressed up in her elderly friend's old dress. The ugly stepsisters look an awful lot like the two girls who tease her at school, and the handsome prince resembles the little boy who is nice to her. Lovely both to encourage reading practice and to show one of South Africa's many cultures. Available in African languages.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in South Africa, but is really a pretty universal story. Sarie is nervous about reading in class because she's not a strong reader. Then, along comes her Auntie Anna (fairy godmother?) and the discovery of an old copy of Cinderella. I liked the parallels between Sarie's story and that of Cinderella. This is a great book to encourage practicing in order to improve reading skills.

[Debra Landay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A culturally authentic book that takes place in South Africa, and the message is universal. A young girl has difficulty reading aloud in class. She spends Sundays with her aunt and they bond. She learns to read by practice and changes from a person who doesn't like reading to one who does. There are many messages in this book, including, how one individual can make a difference, practice can affect outcome and boost self esteem, and the importance of imagination.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a precious little book about a girl who has a fear of speaking aloud in class, and the classmate and grandmother who believe in her. The grandmother is a wonderful role model, someone who gives her adventures and lets her be herself without any pressures. It is clear that her constant presence is a strong part of what gives her the strength to be brave at the end. Her reward is not popularity but friendship from people who appreciate her as she is.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great companion to the book Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. The writing is very good and the illustrations are very well done. The main character has problems with reading aloud, but she slowly manages to overcome that by reading with Auntie Anna, an elderly neighbor. It's very nicely done.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to read to eliminate "Bullying"and to discuss it in general. Bullying is always a awful matter and I could relate to this book a lot. I use to hate being bullied but I'm also glad it happened to me, because it taught me how not to ever let anyone get the best of me and bring me down. That's why I try to ALWAYS stay in a positive mood.

[Lisa Lathrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in South Africa but it doesn't specifically say that in the text. Sarie is a little African girl who is not confident in reading aloud in class. Practicing with her Aunt helps her and soon she is reading in class and is complimented on how well she reads! A perfect story of encouragement and practice makes perfect! You can do anything you set your mind to.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little Cinderella is a struggling reader. Students will delight in comparing the people in Sarie's life with those in the book she learns to read...Cinderella. The story takes place in South Africa and is good for both early and late elementary grades.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a little girl who feels shame and embarrassment over her inability to read. She is helped by an elderly neighbor who introduces her to the magic of stories. A sweet story and beautiful pictures of semi-arid Africa.

[Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story line, at first I did not really like the book but I still appreciated the author's intent of helping children with anxiety about reading to realize that they can conquer their fears by making any book their own. And the old adage that practice makes perfect is definitely true.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarie, a beautiful young girl who lives in Africa, is a struggling reader. With the help and friendship of her Aunt, Sarie develops her imagination and skills, until she happily masters reading and can appreciate the joy of a good story.

[Megan Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a South African girl who has trouble reading aloud during class. Sarie gains her confidence while practicing reading aloud Cinderella to her friendly elderly neighbor, Auntie Anna. Sarie is able to escape her fear of reading aloud in class and makes a new friend at the end.

[Lea Kielsholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

En simpel men meget sød historie om en sydafrikansk pige, der lærer at læse. Velegnet til børn, der enten har svært ved at læse eller bare har svært ved at læse højt i klassen.
Den har de sædvanlige fine illustrationer fra Niki Daly.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about a girl who is having difficulty learning to read and the special friend who helps her.