Hana and the Yarn of Kind Words

Ages 3–5

When Hana discovers that words feel like yarn — some scratchy, some soft — she learns to choose the soft, snuggly kind, one cozy compliment at a time.

Children learn to notice how their words feel to others and to choose kind, soft words over scratchy, hurtful ones.

Hana loved the yarn cart in the village square — soft balls, scratchy balls, every color in a row. "Words are like yarn," said Nubby the sheep. "Some are soft. Some are scratchy. Want to feel the difference?"

Nubby held up the scratchy gray ball, rough as an old garden brush. "Mean words feel prickly, like this," Nubby said softly. Hana touched it and made a face. "Ouch — that's not nice at all!"

Then Nubby held up the soft pink ball, fluffy and warm. "Kind words feel snuggly, like this," Nubby said. Hana hugged it close. "Soft words, soft words, wrap them 'round! I want to give this one away!"

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