The Star Storyteller

Kenji loved the night sky. From his window in Kyoto, he saw a million twinkling lights.

He knew all the constellations. "Look, Grandpa!" he'd whisper, pointing to Orion, the Hunter.

But Kenji had a secret worry. Next week, he had to present his star project at school.

His tummy did flip-flops just thinking about standing in front of everyone. He called it "stage fright."

Grandpa Hiroshi, a retired storyteller, saw Kenji's frown. "What troubles you, little star-gazer?" he asked gently.

Kenji explained his fear. "My voice gets tiny, and my knees wobble, Grandpa!"

Grandpa smiled. "Stars tell stories, Kenji. And you, my boy, are a wonderful storyteller."

"We will weave your constellations into a grand tale," Grandpa suggested. "A tale of courage!"

For days, they practiced. Grandpa taught Kenji how to use his hands, his voice, and his imagination.

Kenji drew pictures, picked special words, and rehearsed until his story felt just right.

Finally, presentation day arrived. Kenji stood at the front of the classroom, his heart thumping like a drum.

He looked at his classmates, then remembered Grandpa's words: "Tell *your* story, Kenji."

"Good morning," he began, his voice a little shaky. "Today, I will tell you a story of the stars."