The Adventures of Bomani the Meerkat - Learn about Feelings with Bomani and his friends by Christian Media Publishing

This book belongs to:

The Adventures of

with Bomani and his friends

Written by Ewald van Rensburg

Illustrations by Tanja Joubert

Let’s learn more about feelings in everyday life

The meerkats in this story book experience lots of feelings –just like us! Have a look at the feelings-wheel. You can use the feeling faces to help you name emotions/feelings.

Bomani and the Thieving Fork-tailed Drongo

The sun was slowly rising over the Kalahari, and the meerkat family was just waking up. Bomani, was already up and busy. He had been gathering bugs and insects for Thandi, “the loving one,” so she could prepare breakfast for the baby meerkats.

Suddenly, the danger call sounded!

Thandi and Bomani spun around to see what was wrong. Bomani called out to Dozey the Meerkat, who was supposed to be on guard. “What’s wrong, Dozey? Why are you warning us?”

Dozey yelled back, “It wasn’t me! I thought it was you!” Bomani shook his head, confused.

Just then, while Bomani was still trying to figure things out, Thandi screamed, “He’s stealing all our food!”

Bomani quickly turned around and saw the pesky Fork-tailed Drongo flying off with the baby meerkats’ breakfast. Thandi shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe anyone could be so mean! Why can’t he find his own food?”

Bomani was furious at the Fork-tailed Drongo. He kicked up clouds of red dust as he paced angrily. When he calmed down, Bomani became the brave meerkat everyone loved once more. He gathered the whole meerkat family to talk to them.

Did you know?

Meerkats work well together as a team to look for food and watch out for danger. They use warning sounds to tell each other when danger is near. They have very good eyesight and can spot something like an eagle from far away. They eat insects and small reptiles, and they are immune to scorpion venom!

Taking a deep breath, Bomani said, “I was so angry at that mean, thieving bird. But we should always calm down first when we’re angry, or we might do something silly. Now that I’m calm, listen carefully.”

The meerkats leaned in, eager to hear their hero.

“We have to be extra careful now,” Bomani began. “The Fork-tailed Drongo has been watching us and is a real rascal! He mimics our danger signal so perfectly that even Dozey and I get fooled. Then, when we’re distracted, he sneaks in and steals our food! But don’t worry, I’ll think of a way to teach him a lesson!”

The Fork-tailed Drongo sat in a nearby tree but didn’t bother them for the rest of the day. Bomani kept a watchful eye while making a plan to teach the drongo a good lesson. That evening, he shared his idea with his good friend Thandi.

She laughed and said, “Bomani, there’s no other meerkat as clever or brave as you!”

Did you know?

Fork-tailed Drongos are excellent mimickers that can even copy the warning sounds made by other birds and small carnivores, like meerkats. The animal gets a fright and they drop their food. The Fork-tailed Drongo swoops in and steals the food.

The next morning, Bomani was whistling cheerfully. Thandi felt proud of her friend. They followed the same routine as the day before – the children played, Dozey kept watch, and Thandi made breakfast.

Suddenly, they heard the danger signal! Everyone froze, looking around, but Bomani kept his eyes on the food. When the Forktailed Drongo swooped down to steal it, Bomani quickly slung a rope around his foot and pulled it tight! The startled Drongo fell to the ground and was immediately surrounded by meerkats!

He looked up at Bomani with fear in his eyes.

Brave Bomani looked at the Drongo and kindly said, “You don’t have to steal this food because it is yours. We gathered it especially for you. Our food is over there!” Bomani pointed with his foot.

If the Fork-tailed Drongo could blush, he would have turned bright red. And that’s how Bomani taught everyone that the best way to overcome evil is with good.

Did you know?

Scorpions are a significant part of the meerkat diet, especialy in the dry season. Meerkats have a natural resistance to scorpion venom, which is crucial for their survival. They can be stung by a scorpion, but their bodies can handle the venom, allowing them to continue their meal.

Help Bomani and his friends learn about different feelings

Each time, look at the special Feeling Faces and choose one or more feelings. REMEMBER: sometimes we can feel more than one emotion at the same time!

Bomani taught the little meerkats to run to safety right away when the meerkat on watch gives the alarm call. How do the meerkats feel when they hear that sound?

What did Thandi feel when Fork-tailed Drongo stole all their food?

Bomani decided not to be unkind to Fork-tailed Drongo. How do you think the story would have ended if Bomani had chosen to act with anger instead?

Have you ever felt sad, disappointed, angry, or embarrassed?

What happened that made you feel that way?

What did you choose to do when you felt like that?

Bomani, Makhaya Badger and the Puffadder

Bomani the Meerkat had many friends in the Kalahari: Thandi the Meerkat, Ethan Eagle, King Lion, and, of course, Makhaya the Fearless Badger. Makhaya’s name meant “to bring people together,” but he often drove them apart! Everyone knew he feared nothing, so they kept out of his way.

Did you know?

The sand in the plains of the Kalahari is very deep – as deep as a six-storey building! The sand is red because it has tiny layers of iron dust in it.

But Brave Bomani and Makhaya the Fearless were great pals. They shared many exciting adventures. Snakes trembled when they heard Bomani and Makhaya approaching. Bomani’s famous kicks made snakes see stars, while Makhaya didn’t waste time. He charged straight at them, sometimes grabbing their food, and if he was hungry, munching on the snakes too!

One sunny day, while Bomani and Makhaya were strolling across the Kalahari’s red sands, they spotted a puff-adder. The puff-adder didn’t know about Bomani and Makhaya’s reputation and seemed eager to fight.

Bomani began his prancing, aiming to deliver a swift kick, but Makhaya sighed, “Oh, Bomani! I don’t have time for your kicking today!”

Rushing forward, Makhaya tackled the puff-adder and it struck at him. But this didn’t stop Makhaya.

He defeated the snake and shouted, “Bomani, come enjoy some snake sushi...”

But suddenly, Makhaya fell to the ground and didn’t move. Bomani feared the snake’s poison had harmed his friend.

Shaking Makhaya, Bomani cried, “Makhaya, wake up! Can you hear me?” But Makhaya lay still on the red sand.

Tears streamed down Bomani’s face. One of his dearest friends seemed to be gone.

Bomani knew he had to arrange a funeral for Makhaya. He spread the sad news across the Kalahari and asked Thandi the Meerkat to prepare food for the gathering creatures. Soon, every animal gathered, all feeling terribly sad that brave Makhaya had died.

Bomani started, “Friends of the Kalahari, we are here to say goodbye to Makhaya...”

Just then, Makhaya stirred, opened his eyes, and said, “Bomani, why’s everyone here? Wow, Thandi’s snacks look amazing!”

Clapping and cheers erupted from all the animals. Bomani grinned widely and said, “We thought the snake’s poison had killed you, and we were about to bury you!”

Makhaya laughed heartily.

“A snake kill me? I’ve got a bit of a headache, but I’m fine ... and very hungry!”

Did you know?

A honey badger is immune to snake venom and can survive being bitten by a snake like a puff adder. The honey badger might pass out and lie still for a while, looking almost dead–just like Makhaya in our story. But once its body has fought back, the honey badger is fine again.

There’s an Afrikaans saying: “As tough as a honey badger.”

Now do you understand why?

Did you know?

The Kalahari sand dunes are very long – each is about as long as 16 football fields –and several metres wide.

Later that evening, under the twinkling stars and bright moon, Bomani said to Thandi, “I’m so happy Makhaya isn’t gone. It would’ve broken my heart. Now, we can have more adventures together.”

Thandi replied, “Yes, we all would’ve missed him, because he shows us how wonderful it is to be alive!”

Help Bomani and his friends learn about different feelings

Each time, look at the special Feeling Faces and choose one or more feelings.

REMEMBER: sometimes we can feel more than one emotion at the same time!

Bomani and Makhaya are good friends. How did Bomani feel when Makhaya just lay completely still on the red sand?

Suddenly, Makhaya starts to move and opens his eyes. How do you think Bomani felt when he saw that his friend was still alive?

Makhaya is one of Bomani’s best friends. Do you also have a best friend?

How do you feel when you and your best friend play together?

How would you feel if your best friend went away?

Bomani and the Two Jealous Meerkats

One day, something terrible happened in the Kalahari, and Bomani the Meerkat had to think really hard about how to solve the problem. Let’s start from the beginning.

Dozey Meerkat and Mpu Meerkat were great friends until they started arguing about who could run the fastest and who could catch the most insects. When one did better at something, it made the other one jealous!

Dozey and Mpu began calling each other names and even throwing things. Soon, some of the other meerkats began taking sides. Some supported Dozey, and others backed Mpu. It wasn’t long before the meerkats were no longer one big, happy family – everyone was becoming mean to each other. That’s when Brave Bomani decided to take action.

Bomani called all the meerkats to a meeting. He said, “A very bad thing has been happening among us. You are fighting all the time, and it can’t go on like this. Hasn’t sticking together and loving one another always made us a strong meerkat family?”

The meerkats hung their heads in shame. Bomani repeated, “I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Yes,” they all agreed.

Then Bomani said sternly, “If we don’t stand together in love, we won’t be strong anymore. Then we will be open to all kinds of dangers, and that will be the end of us. It is love that makes us strong and unites us.”

Did you know?

The Kalahari is the second-biggest desert in Africa, the sixth-biggest desert in the world. It is situated in Southern Africa within the borders of Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. The word “Kalahari” comes from the word Kgalagadi. It means “the great thirst”.

He continued, “Meerkats’ love for one another is warm like the Kalahari sun during the day and clear like the full moon’s light at night.

Our love for one another has no boundary and stretches wider than the Kalahari horizon. It’s deeper than the deepest burrow we can dig and higher than the highest Kalahari dune we can climb.

Did you know?

The sand in the plains of the Kalahari is very deep – as deep as a six-storey building! The sand is red because it has tiny layers of iron dust in it.

Meerkats’ love for one another is as beautiful as the flowers in the veld. Without love, we are nothing. That is why we are as grateful as the veld after a shower of rain because we were created with so much love for each other.”

When Bomani stopped speaking, the meerkat family made peace with one another.

Did you know?

Meerkats live together in big families. They can tell each other’s sounds and signals apart – like talking in their own special way! They live in cosy homes underground, with lots of tunnels. These homes keep them safe and warm.

Did you know?

Different trees and grasses grow in the big, dry Kalahari Desert. Some of these trees are called acacia, camel thorn, and the shepherd tree – also known as the witgat.

The witgat is a special tree that stays green all year and can grow as tall as a house! Its branches spread out like an umbrella. Under the tree, the sand can feel much cooler. On a very hot day, the sand might be 40˚C out in the sun, but only 21˚C in the shade of the tree!

Many animals and their babies rest under the tree to stay safe from the hot Kalahari sun. The witgat tree is like the desert’s own air conditioner!

As the sun, with its beautiful shades of red, began setting, everything in meerkat country became peaceful once again. Bomani whispered to Thandi, his little meerkat friend, “There’s nothing like being a meerkat, is there? Our Creator is so good to us. Let us also be good to one another...”

“Yes, by loving one another,” Thandi added with a smile.

Help Bomani and his friends learn about different feelings

Each time, look at the special Feeling Faces and choose one or more feelings.

REMEMBER: sometimes we can feel more than one emotion at the same time!

Bomani was unhappy when he saw Dozey and Mpu arguing and fighting. What were Dozey and Mpu feeling that made them start fighting?

Bomani wanted to stop the argument. How did he want the meerkats to feel about each other?

How did Bomani feel when he saw that the arguing had stopped?

The meerkats were fighting because they were jealous of each other. Has anyone ever been jealous of you? How did that make you feel?

Have you ever felt jealous of someone else? What happened?

The Feather of Friendship

One sunny day in the Kalahari, all the animals were in a tizzy! Why? Because their beloved King Lion was feeling really, really sick. He lay inside his cozy thorn tree palace, and nobody knew how to make him feel better. Oh dear! What could they do?

Did you know?

The Kalahari is a mix of desert and grassland. It is a semi-dry desert. Sometimes it gets more than 250mm of rain! But it can also go without any rain for 6 to 8 months. Summer is very, very hot, and winter is freezing cold.

All the animals turned to their bravest buddy, Bomani the Meerkat. He was super famous for being a strong and clever little guy. Did you know Bomani’s name means “strong soldier”? But even Bomani was stumped on how to help King Lion.

Bomani was sitting under a big shady tree, scratching his head in worry, when his best friend Thandi the Meerkat came hopping over. Thandi’s name means “the loving one,” and she was the sweetest friend anyone could have.

Thandi gave Bomani a gentle pat on the shoulder.

“I’ve got an idea to help King Lion!” she chirped excitedly.

Bomani’s big eyes widened. “Really? What is it?” he asked.

“Remember when old Meerkat told us about the magic feather of the Black Eagle?” Thandi said. “They say it has amazing powers!”

Bomani’s face lit up like the sun! “Thank you, Thandi!” he grinned and hugged her tight.

But, oh no! There was a teeny-tiny problem. “Where do we find a Black Eagle feather?” wondered Thandi.

Bomani winked. “Don’t worry! I always have a plan, especially for friends!”

Off Bomani scampered to his friend, Ethan Eagle. Ethan was the coolest – he was like Bomani’s own flying aeroplane! They had a quick chat, and then zoom!

Bomani was flying high in the sky on Ethan’s back, off on a great adventure!

After a whirly-twirly journey, they arrived at the secret home of the Black Eagles. Ethan swooped down softly. Bomani tiptoed closer and, oh wow, found a shimmering feather lying on the ground! Super speedy, he snatched it up and sneaked back to Ethan. They needed to hurry before those eagles woke up feeling hungry!

Finally, they returned to the Kalahari. The news spread like wildfire among the animals – could the feather really cure King Lion? Soon, Bomani and Thandi trotted up to the thorn tree palace.

Bomani gently rubbed the magic feather on King Lion’s paw. Guess what happened next?

King Lion began to wriggle and giggle. “Stop! It tickles!” he roared with laughter.

And just like magic, King Lion felt much, much better. He laughed and laughed, his eyes twinkling with joy.

As Bomani and Thandi walked home, Bomani said, “This feather showed us that laughing is the best cure ever!”

Thandi nodded happily. “You’re the best friend anyone could have, Bomani. You showed us the real magic of friendship!”

Did you know?

Lions are different from other big cats because they live together in a group called a pride. There are usually about 11 lions in a pride. People say that Kalahari lions are bigger than lions found elsewhere. The males have majestic manes that stay in excellent condition because there are not many thick bushes that would make them get scruffy. Kalahari lions are strong and can walk very far (up to 12 kilometres in one night) when they are looking for prey.

Help Bomani and his friends learn about different feelings

Each time, look at the special Feeling Faces and choose one or more feelings. REMEMBER: sometimes we can feel more than one emotion at the same time!

King Lion did not want to talk to anyone. Bomani tried to make him feel better, but nothing that he tried worked. How did this make Bomani feel?

Bomani began to tickle King Lion’s paw. How did everyone in the Kalahari feel when they heard King Lion roaring with laughter?

Have you ever felt so sad that you did not want to talk to anyone? What made you feel like that?

What would you like other people to do when you are feeling sad?

Have you ever noticed someone who was feeling sad? Were you able to help them feel any better? What clever plan did you think of?

Did you know?

All three of Africa’s big cats are found in the Kalahari. They are the cheetah, the lion, and the leopard.

When Friends Fight

One sunny day in the Kalahari, Bomani the brave meerkat was chilling under a big, shady tree. Suddenly, he saw two meerkats having a big, loud argument. Uh-oh! They began pushing and shoving each other, and things were starting to look really mean!

Luckily, along came Mpu Meerkat! He bravely jumped between the squabbling meerkats and said, “Stop fighting! Meerkats don’t hurt each other!”

But those naughty meerkats didn’t listen. They made Mpu tumble upside down until he landed with a great big HICCUP!

When Mpu’s head stopped spinning, he was surprised to see his hero, Bomani, right there.

Mpu picked himself up slowly and whispered to Bomani, “I just wanted to help them be friends again, but they were so mean to me!”

Bomani took a shiny green blade of grass out of his mouth and said, “I understand how you feel. Let me share a story that might help.”

Did you know?

Dung Beetles: When people or animals use up plants too quickly the earth struggles to recover. Dung beetles solve this problem. Thanks to dung beetles, 95% of the nutrients from plants are returned to the soil. Dung beetles have specially insulated feet that allow them to walk on incredibly hot landscapes, such as the Kalahari Desert. Be kind to Dung beetles, they are helping to keep our planet clean.

As soon as the word “story” floated through the air, every meerkat perked up! “Bomani is telling a story!” they chirped with excitement. “Hurry, let’s gather around!”

They dashed to Bomani’s shady spot, ready to listen. “Wait for us, Bomani!” called Thandi. “We want to hear it too!”

When everyone had found a comfy place, Bomani began his tale:

“Once upon a time, there was an old wild dog who saw two younger dogs fighting fiercely. They were growling and biting with all their might. The old dog shook his head and thought, ‘This fighting is really silly. I’ll stop them right now!’

So he bravely stepped between them and pushed one dog aside. But, oh no! The other dog turned and snapped right at him! And then the other joined in too. The poor old dog ran away with his tail tucked between his legs, having learned an important lesson: Sometimes, it’s best to let fighting friends calm down before stepping in.”

“And that’s the end of the story,” Bomani said with a gentle smile. “Do you see now, Mpu, why things happened the way they did?”

Mpu nodded thoughtfully.

Bomani continued, “Mpu, you were right to try to help. It’s good to be a peacemaker! But next time, wait for a better moment.”

Did you know?

Wild dogs are known for their patchy coats, large ears, and long legs. No two wild dogs have the same markings. They are highly social animals. They live in packs led by an alpha pair. They also hunt in packs, relying on communication and team work. They are often seen in the wide, open spaces of reserves like the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where they can roam and hunt.

Just then, the two meerkats who had been fighting earlier came over. They looked really sorry and said “Sorry, Mpu!”

Bomani clapped his hands, and soon everyone joined in, clapping and cheering. They all knew that Bomani wasn’t just brave – he was super wise too! Plus, who could forget? He told the most marvellous stories.

Help Bomani and his friends learn about different feelings

Each time, look at the special Feeling Faces and choose one or more feelings. REMEMBER: sometimes we can feel more than one emotion at the same time!

While Bomani was resting under a tree, he saw two meerkats start to wrestle. How do you think the two meerkats felt about each other?

Mpu also saw the two meerkats fighting. He quickly stepped in and told them not to fight. But then, both meerkats turned on him and pushed him away. How do you think Mpu felt when they treated him like that?

How did Mpu’s actions make the other two meerkats feel?

Bomani told Mpu and the other meerkats a clever story about the Wild Dogs. Mpu realised that next time, he should wait before getting involved when other meerkats are fighting. He should first give them a chance to solve the problem themselves. Has something like that ever happened to you?

Bomani Teaches the Meerkats How to Share

On a sizzling sunny day in the Kalahari, Bomani and his meerkat family were busy digging for food. All the little meerkats gathered excitedly around Bomani, their brave hero. They absolutely adored him! Bomani loved these times because he could teach the young meerkats valuable lessons. “Remember, meerkats always help each other and share everything we find,” he reminded them with a big smile.

“Listen up, friends,” Bomani continued, “if the meerkat standing guard ever gives the alarm, drop everything and run home as fast as you can!”

“Why?” asked the curious little meerkats, their eyes wide with wonder.

Just as Bomani finished speaking, a loud scream pierced the air. “Bomani, Bomani, please help!”

Quick as a flash, Bomani jumped up. Who needed him?

Close by, he saw an angry cobra threatening his meerkat pals!

Did you know?

Cape Cobras are are highly venomous snakes found in Southern Africa, including the Kalahari.

When a Cape cobra approaches a meerkat burrow, the meerkats will often form a mob, attacking the snake to drive it away. Meerkats use their speed, sharp teeth, and coordinated attacks to harass the cobra, making it difficult for the snake to strike effectively. Meerkats also have some resistance to snake venom.

Bomani dashed over. That sneaky cobra had no idea what was about to happen! Bomani spun round and round, dancing in circles around the snake. Soon, the cobra didn’t know which way to look.

“You picked the wrong meerkat to mess with today!” shouted Bomani courageously.

The snake hissed angrily, “I’m not afraid of you!”

With one swift kick, Bomani sent the snake flying! The cobra saw stars swirling around its head.

“Bomani! Bomani! Bomani!” cheered the meerkats, clapping their paws with glee.

Bomani showed the snake his special necklace made of snake teeth. “See this?” he smiled. “It means a snake like you didn’t win last time either.”

The cobra gulped and quickly slithered away, promising never to come back!

The young meerkats gathered around their hero, eager to learn how to be brave just like him.

Thandi, the caring meerkat, spoke softly, “Let Bomani rest. He’s tired after that big snake fight.”

“Thank you, Thandi,” Bomani chuckled, “but I have an even better idea. How about a delicious treat? Who wants some sweet honey?”

Every little paw shot up with excitement!

The meerkats scampered to a nearby bee hive hanging from a tree. Bomani reminded them how to work together: “We’ll climb on each other’s shoulders. I’ll reach the honey and share it with everyone!”

Climbing up, Bomani carefully pulled out a honeycomb and passed it down to his friends below. But suddenly, he heard a commotion.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Dozey isn’t sharing! He’s eating it all by himself!” they exclaimed.

Bomani shook his head. “What do meerkats always do, Dozey?”

“We share!” chorused all the meerkats together.

With that, everyone enjoyed their honey happily. Bomani kept the last piece for himself after making sure everyone else had enough.

Did you know?

Which is stronger?

A pride of lions or a swarm of bees? Here is an interesting story that can help you decide!

A group of Kalahari lionesses were attacked by a swarm of bees while they were dozing at the Craig Lockhart waterhole in South Africa’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The lionesses had to leave the water and retreat to the dunes!

Bees are crucial for pollinating plants in the Kalahari.

Walking home, content and sticky with honey, Thandi smiled and said, “Bomani, you’re one of a kind. It’s no wonder everyone knows you in the Kalahari.”

Bomani just laughed and offered Thandi his last bite of honeycomb. That day, all the meerkats learned that being generous and sharing with each other makes everything sweeter!

Help Bomani and his friends learn about different feelings

Each time, look at the special Feeling Faces and choose one or more feelings. REMEMBER: sometimes we can feel more than one emotion at the same time!

Bomani teaches the meerkats how to work together so that everyone can enjoy the yummy honey. But Dozey doesn’t do what Bomani asked. Instead of passing the piece of honey, he keeps it all for himself and eats it alone. How did that make the other meerkats feel?

Bomani taught the meerkats to be kind and to share what they have with others. Has someone ever treated you like that? How did it make you feel?

Have you ever had to share something that belongs to you with others? Did it make you feel happy or upset?

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