ZAMASAMA PRESENTS
A Guide for Teachers and Parents
Written and Illustrated
by
Nina Sabnani
For Ages 5–8
This version is designed for younger children to appreciate the joy of friendship through shared experiences, regardless of what race, religion, country, and culture the friends come from.
Children will recognize the value of friendship, understand how shared moments create strong bonds, and learn that friendships can continue even across distances.
For Ages 8-10
This version introduces historical and political context in a sensitive way, exploring the Partition and its human impact through the lens of enduring friendship.
Children will learn about how historical events like the Partition of India affected real people, especially children. They’ll reflect on how strong friendships can survive even political and geographical divisions.
For Ages 5–8
1. Warm-Up:
– Who is your best friend?
– What games or fun things do you do together?
2. Story Read-Aloud:
– Pause to ask:
• What do Mukand and Riaz do together?
• Why do you think they like being friends?
3. Discussion:
– What makes a good friend?
– How do you feel when you are with your best friend?
– Can we still care for our friends even when we’re far away?
4. Creative Activity:
– Draw a picture of you and your best friend.
– Under it, write or describe what makes your friend special.
5. Reflection Circle:
– Ask: What would feel if you or your friend had had to move away?
For Ages 8-10
1. Warm-Up Discussion:
– Have you ever had to say goodbye to a close friend?
– What keeps friendships strong over time and distance?
2. Story Read-Aloud:
– Pause to ask:
• What do the boys share?
• Why were they separated?
• How did Partition affect them?
3. Group Discussion:
– Why do countries fight or divide?
– How can children be affected by big decisions made by adults?
– Do you think Mukand and Riaz stayed friends in their hearts?
Discuss how the art style in the book reflects shared traditions.
• Look at embroidery, patterns, or fabric at home/school.
• How can stories be told through art and color?
• Discuss how the art style in the book reflects shared traditions.
• Look at embroidery, patterns, or fabric at home/school.
• How can stories be told through art and color?
4. Activity: Letters Across Borders:
Ask students to imagine they are Mukand or Riaz, writing a letter years later.
• What would you say to your friend?
• What memories would you revisit?
• What would you ask them?
• Do you have friends in other countries? How can you stay connected to them?
Optional: Illustrate the letters and display as a “Friendship Has No Borders” wall.
5. Reflection:
Go around the circle and ask each student: ‘What does this story teach us about friendship?’
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG Explanation:
- SDG 4: Promotes inclusive education and historical awareness. This story teaches children about the Partition of India, fostering understanding of real-world conflicts.
- SDG 10: Reflects how social upheaval affects marginalized communities. It encourages empathy toward those forced to migrate.
- SDG 16 Emphasizes peace and inclusion. This story models nonviolence, cross-border bonds, and children’s rights to safety and friendship.
For Friendship
The Grand Patch-Up
The Sweetest Mango
Enemy Pie
On Displacement and Conflict
Hammam’s Worlds
Two Homes in Omar’s Heart
The Unexpected Friend
Noon Chai and a Story
The Artist
Students will understand the impact of historical events like wars, civil unrest and the break- up of countries on children and friendships. They will reflect on the universality of childhood, resilience, and the right to safety and belonging. The story promotes empathy, awareness of shared cultural roots, and encourages discussion on conflict and peace.
Zamasama is a nonprofit platform that brings together stories from around the world to help children discover that beneath our differences—of culture, language, or belief—we share the same hopes, joys, and dreams.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens, and the responsibility of building a more peaceful, tolerant, and empathetic world lies with them.
That’s why it’s vital to instill these values early—through stories that help them rise above the biases they inherit, and see diversity as a strength that unites us all.