The Girl and the Alpaca

On a bright Saturday morning, Lily visits Farmer May's farm and meets Pepper, a shy alpaca with cream-white fleece and a red braided collar that holds a tiny silver bell. Pepper stands alone in a small fenced yard, and Farmer May explains that alpacas are herd animals who feel safe and happy together; a lonely alpaca grows sad and worried even with plenty of grass and sunshine. Lily decides that Pepper is waiting for somebody and that they should help her.

With a small notebook and a stubby pencil, Lily draws a plan for a wide green field with room to walk, shade from a big oak tree, fresh water, and a soft dry place to sleep. Farmer May calls other farmers, and soon a truck brings a tall tan alpaca, a grey one, a brown one, and a small black cria. Lily feeds Pepper hay and reassures her while they wait, and when the new arrivals hum softly, Pepper hums back. The story follows the patient work of preparing a home and the quiet moment when the gate opens and the herd gathers around Pepper. This gentle tale by Çınar BİBER can be read on Masalcı Baba.