This story connects to the Purim coloring booklet by incorporating characters and events from the Book of Esther. It illustrates the theme of courage and friendship while engaging students with the key figures featured in the coloring activity.

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Persia, there lived a brave queen named Esther. Esther loved her people and wanted to keep them safe. One day, her cousin Mordechai came to her with a worried face. "Haman, the king's advisor, has a terrible plan to harm our people! We need your help, Esther!

Esther felt scared but knew she had to do something. She remembered how strong Mordechai was, standing up for what was right.

I will talk to King Ahasuerus, but it is dangerous!" she said. Mordechai nodded, encouraging her.

Gathering her courage, Esther went to the king. He was surprised to see her without being invited. "What do you want, my queen?" asked King Ahasuerus.

Esther took a deep breath and said, "Please save my people from Haman's plan!" The king listened carefully and decided to help her.

With Esther's bravery and Mordechai's support, they worked together to stop Haman. Everyone in the kingdom celebrated, and Esther learned that true friendship means helping each other, even when it’s hard.

From that day on, the people remembered Esther as a hero. They celebrated with joy during Purim, grateful for her courage and love.

• INTRODUCE: courageous: showing bravery in facing a difficult situation
• REINFORCE: celebrate: to honor something in a joyful way
• REINFORCE: support: to help someone during a difficult time

1. Who is the brave queen in the story?
   literal
   Look for the name of the queen.
2. What does Mordechai ask Esther to do?
   literal
   Think about what problem he brings to her.
3. What does courageous mean in this story?
   vocabulary-in-context
   Consider how Esther acts in the story.
4. What does Esther decide to do after talking with Mordechai?
   sequencing
   Think about the order of events after Mordechai visits her.
5. Why did Esther want to help her people?
   inference
   Consider her feelings and what she believes about friendship.

1. Q1: The brave queen is Esther.
2. Q2: Mordechai asks Esther to help save their people from Haman.
3. Q3: Courageous means showing bravery in a difficult situation.
4. Q4: Esther decides to talk to King Ahasuerus.
5. Q5: Esther wanted to help her people because she loved them and wanted to keep them safe.

Encourage students to express how they would feel in Esther's situation; Discuss the importance of friendship and support as seen between Esther and Mordechai; After reading, have students color a page from the coloring booklet related to Esther; Ask students to share what they would do if they faced a challenge like Esther.

The story was inspired by the characters and themes from the Book of Esther featured in the 'Purim - Coloring Booklet'. It emphasizes friendship and courage, fitting the selected inputs for grade and subject.