Love from Anna Hibiscus

In this gentle chapter book, Anna Hibiscus visits her grandparents' village, where she quickly makes new friends and teaches them. Her compassion shines when she encounters Sunny Belafonte, a poor boy living alone. After Sunny steals a banana, Anna discovers his difficult circumstances and ensures he receives medical care when he falls ill. The story culminates in a beautiful act of kindness as Grandfather invites Sunny to live with their family, exploring themes of empathy, belonging, and the expansive nature of love. Ideal for ages 4-11, it offers a tender look at helping others and forming new family bonds.

In the penultimate book in the series, Anna proves what a good friend she can be. Anna Hibiscus is on holiday with Grandmother and Grandfather in the village where they were born. She befriends the local children there and teaches them their ABCs and 123s. When Anna goes to market one day and a boy steals a banana from her, she runs after him. It turns out that the boy is poor and lives alone. Anna and Sunny Belafonte become friends, and when Sunny is taken ill, it is Anna who makes sure he gets the medical help he needs. Happily, Grandfather invites Sunny Belafonte to live with them and be part of their family.