The Wise Canteloupe

Children's books written by Kim McGlynn's IB English HL: World Literature students and illustrated by Jo Adachi's Painting & Drawing students.

Children's Literature Collaboration Project

“EVETTE!” Jessie wailed, and Evette quickly retracted her hand. “Pears are disgusting. Why do you want to eat that?”

“So,” the Cantaloupe said to Jessie, “which fruit will you eat?”

The Cantaloupe jumped in with a more stern tone this time:

“Remember, each of these fruits are important, even ones you don't like. If Evette is excited about the pear, why yuck her yum?”&nbsp;

There were so many new ideas bouncing around Jessie’s head—he had no clue what to do! He turned suddenly to the Cantaloupe and asked “Can I eat them all?!” 

“If you're that hungry… why not?!” the Cantaloupe chuckled.&nbsp;

Jessie turned to his sister and sighed. “I’m sorry Evette, it wasn’t fair of me to yuck your yum. I really want you to enjoy your snack.” Evette smiled at Jessie, grabbed her pear, and sat down to enjoy it with glee.

“Well of course I’ll leave the pears for Evette, and I know my uncle Myron loves plums, so I’ll leave those, too!” said Jessie.

“Because, it’s so lumpy and strange! It probably tastes gross” Jessie said to the Cantaloupe.&nbsp;

Then, from within the bowl, a voice cried “Why would you do that?” and a Cantaloupe emerged.&nbsp;

“But this banana!” gasped Jessie “look at that giant brown spot! No way is that edible.”&nbsp;

“While you have to be careful of rotting fruits, that there is just a booboo, and it does not mean you can’t take a big ol’ bite!”&nbsp;

“But Jessie, fruits come in all shapes and sizes. Just because an apple has a few bumps doesn’t mean it’s not delicious!”

Jessie looked down to the scratch on his own knee and empathized with the banana.&nbsp;“Yeah I guess we all get booboos” Jessie said pensively

… but again turned back to the bowl with horror! 

“What about this fruit, though?” asked Jessie, “I’ve never seen it before and it’s very spiky, I don’t know if I want to try it.”&nbsp;

Just then, Jessie’s younger sister, Evette, came skipping down the hall. She stretched up to the counter on her tippy-toes. 

“That’s a dragon fruit,” replied the Cantaloupe, “and don’t worry, it’s not actually a scary fruit. It’s quite soft and sweet. Don’t be afraid!"

Her eyes widened, and her mouth watered.&nbsp;

"Even though it may look very unusual and different from any fruit you’ve ever seen before, you might be surprised by how much you like it.”&nbsp;

She began reaching towards the bowl exclaiming “Oooooooooo that pear looks soooooooooooo good!”

It was lunchtime, and Jessie was feeling very hungry. To go with his lunch of mac and cheese and hotdogs, Jessie needed the perfect fruit to complete his meal.

Jessie caught sight of an apple, one of his favorites. But when he pulled it out of the bowl, he saw lumps and bumps.

As he peered into the overflowing fruit bowl, he felt utterly perplexed.

It looked very different from Jessie’s idea of a perfect apple.

what do you say when you're walking around with a clementine and spot a hardware store? "Hey! Lowes!"

There were too many to choose from!&nbsp;

“EWW!” Jessie shouted, as he threw the apple back into the bowl. 

The Cantaloupe gave Jessie a wink as he joined his sister at the table. The two talked about all different fruits and imagined new kinds.

They were having so much fun, and Jessie even shared some of his beloved mac and cheese and hot dogs with Evette!

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