Toko’s Adventure
Written & Illustrated by
Mel Ginsberg
Toko’s Adventure
Written and Illustrated by Mel Ginsberg
Have you heard of the tokoloshe, the one full of fright? With sharp little claws and eyes glowing bright?
They sneak through the shadows, or so people say, and hide under beds till the end of the day! In the dark of the night, when the lights go low, a tokoloshe stirs with a wiggle and whoa!
With teeth made for chomping and claws full of dread… Most folks would scream if he popped up from under their bed!
But not all are so scary – not all bring a scare. Some tokoloshes are gentle and rare.
Not wicked or wild, or mean through and through. There’s one very different… and that much is true.
He’s different, for sure, with a mind that tries to gather the world through curious eyes.
His name is Toko – not fearsome or wild, a tokoloshe, yes, but a sweet, gentle child.
He’s small but so brave, with a heart full of light, who dreams of the stars as he sleeps through the night.
Toko remembers one morning, so new, when the sky blushed with pink and the grass held the dew.
Outside their small hut, in the soft, glowing light, they stood side-by-side, a comforting sight. Gogo smiled down at him, so warm and so wise, with love shining clear in her soft, wrinkled eyes.
She looked at him gently, and spoke soft and low, “Be kind, little one, let your true magic show.”
“Even the smallest can shine like the sun, a heart full of love is a powerful one.”
Then she touched his small cheek and tousled his hair, and the wind seemed to hum with a song in the air.
Gogo was sick, with a cough and a sneeze. She shivered and groaned and could barely breathe.
Toko felt worried, his smile turned small. He wanted to help but felt no help at all.
He brought her some water, in her favourite cup, then stayed by her side, just quietly stuck.
But worry still buzzed, like a fly near his head. He tiptoed outside to think things ahead.
He sat on a log, as the stars twinkled bright, when a glowing green stone caught his eye in the night!
The green stone he held, so warm and so deep, when a voice from its magic began now to speak:
“To help your dear Gogo, the answer is here, find those who are like you, with nothing to fear.”
He grabbed his small bag, for the journey so clear. His eyes filled with wonder, as adventure drew near!
The green glow grew brighter, with sparkles so fine, the stone felt alive, with a power divine!
Then whoosh! All around him, a shimmering haze, Toko was gone, in a magical maze!
The world spun around him, a blur of bright light, like stars rushing past in the dark of the night.
The air made a buzz, a strange, funny sound, as Toko was lifted, and spun round and round.
He landed in leaves with a tumble and flop.
Right near some vines and a tall treetop!
Out stepped a creature with bright, fiery hair. His feet faced backwards, but he didn’t care!
“I’m Curupira! I guard every tree. Why are you here? Are you looking for me?”
“My Gogo is sick,” said Toko with fear, “I’m hoping for help, is there magic here?”
“Of course!” said his friend, “Come follow me quick! Some special green herbs, will do just the trick!”
The green stone then sparkled, a bright, gentle beam, and carried them swiftly to the next place unseen.
He stepped through warm air with a flicker and glow, where smells of sweet spice floated soft down below.
A tiger appeared with stripes bold and bright, “I’m Rakshasa,” he said, “I guard fire and light.”
“My Gogo is sick,” said Toko with care, “Please help her get better with magic to share.”
“Take this warm tea, spiced just right, it will help your Gogo sleep well tonight.”
The stone hummed and glowed with a gentle flare, then whisked them away on the cool evening air.
Through mountain mist and soft whispering trees, came the scent of pine on a gentle breeze.
There stood Basajaun, strong, kind, and small, Guarding the forest and protecting it all.
“My Gogo is sick,” said Toko with care, “Is there magic to help her somewhere?”
“Take this charm made of stone and thread, a gift to bring hope and to heal her,” he said.
The green stone then sparkled, a soft glowing light, and carried them swiftly into the night.
Under the moon, where the soft breezes sway, Jumbee was dancing, with maracas at play.
Her laughter like music, so lively and sweet, she shimmered and swirled to a magical beat.
“My Gogo is sick,” said Toko with care, “Can your joyful sounds help heal her somewhere?”
“With my maracas,” she smiled, “and songs from the heart, I’ll fill her with music to brighten and start.”
The green stone then glowed, with a sparkle and cheer, and whisked them away to the next friend near.
By the cool river, where the water runs clear, Kappa swam swiftly, his smile full of cheer.
He wore a small dish on his head, filled with rain. A magical pool that could ease any pain.
“My Gogo is sick,” said Toko with care, “Can your special water help her somewhere?”
Kappa dipped his hands in the sparkling stream, then offered the water, like a bright, healing dream.
“This water will soothe her, and chase pain away, so Gogo feels better and smiles through the day.”
The green stone then shimmered, warm as the sun, and lifted them onward, another journey begun.
In the woods so deep, where wild flowers grew, a shy Jersey Devil peeked into view.
“My Gogo needs comfort,” said Toko with care, “Can your flowers bring love, like a hug through the air?”
She nodded and offered a bouquet with soft grace, to fill Gogo’s heart, and brighten her place.
The green stone then sparkled, a twinkling so clear, And whisked Toko home, to his Gogo so near!
Toko rushed home beneath the bright sun, his caring journey was finally done.
He gave Gogo the water, tea, charm and toy, with flowers and herbs to bring her joy.
He sang her a song, happy and sweet, like Jumbee’s maracas with a lively beat.
Gogo smiled bright, feeling better each day, “Thanks, Toko,” she said, “You made me okay!”
Then Toko remembered his friends, brave and kind, and called them to see Gogo, with hope in his mind.
The green stone shimmered and sparkled so bright, as one by one, they appeared in the light. Together they gathered, all ready to care, bringing love, healing, and magic to share.
Toko smiled warmly, his heart full of cheer, then grabbed his phone, holding it close and near.
He snapped a grand picture, so happy and sweet, a memory treasured, forever to keep.
Colour In Baby Toko
Word Search
Help Toko Get To Gogo Through The Maze
Colour In All Toko’s Friends
Glossary
1. Toko (Tokoloshe)
A small creature from South African stories. Usually known for causing trouble, this Tokoloshe is different—he’s brave, kind, and wants to help his Gogo!
2. Tokoloshe (Tok-o-losh-e)
A magical creature from South African folklore. They’re usually invisible and mischievous, but Toko is proof that not all Tokoloshes are scary.
3. Gogo (Go-go)
Grandmother (in Zulu and other South African languages). Gogo is wise, gentle, and the reason Toko begins his journey.
4. Magic Stone
A shiny stone that lets you travel anywhere in the world. Toko holds it tight and—POOF!—off he goes to the next adventure.
5. Curupira (Cu-ru-pi-ra)
A jungle guardian with bright red hair and backwards feet! He protects the rainforest animals and tricks people who try to hurt the forest. (Brazil)
6. Rakshasa (Rak-sha-sa)
A magical being from Indian tales, with shape-shifting powers. They can be tricky or kind. (India)
7. Basajaun (Ba-sa-ja-un)
A big, hairy forest creature from the mountains of Spain. He's gentle and wise, like a nature-loving giant cousin of Bigfoot. But this one is smaller than his kind.
8. Boggart (Bog-gart)
A grumpy, invisible creature that loves hiding things in houses. But maybe all a Boggart really needs… is a friend and a warm cup of tea. Toko’s friend likes to fix toys, not hide them. (England)
Jumbee (Jum-bee)
A spooky spirit from Caribbean stories. Some Jumbees play tricks, but the one Toko meets just wants to dance and sing!
Kappa (Kap-pa)
A water creature with a bowl-shaped head that holds magical water. Kappas love cucumbers and riddles. Toko wins one over with kindness. (Japan)
Jersey Devil (Jer-sey De-vil)
A flying creature with wings and hooves, from New Jersey legends. People say it’s scary, but Toko discovers this "devil" is shy and misunderstood. (USA)
Empathy
Understanding how someone else feels. Toko uses empathy to connect with new friends all over the world.
Friendship
A special bond between people (or creatures!) who care for each other. Even the oddest monsters can become friends when you’re kind and brave. Different
Not the same as you—and that’s amazing! Toko learns that everyone has something special to share. Adventure
A fun and exciting journey. Toko’s adventure is filled with magic, new friends, and helping others. Brave
Doing something even when it feels a little scary. Toko is brave when he meets new creatures, travels to faraway places, and tries to help his Gogo—no matter what.
Have you heard of tokoloshes—mischievous goblins, from the dark? With glowing eyes and sharp little claws, they’re often a troublemaking scene! They sneak through shadows and stir up a fright... But not Toko - he’s kind, with a heart full of light.
When his beloved Gogo falls ill, Toko sets off on a magical quest. Guided by a glowing green stone, this gentle-hearted goblin travels the world to meet mythical beings, each offering a special gift to help Gogo heal.
Toko’s Adventure is a rhyming tale filled with wonder, warmth, and a touch of global magic. Perfect for ages 5–8, it’s a joyful reminder that being different can be a superpower and kindness the greatest magic of all.