“We must move forward like Africans. We must make the best of a terrible situation, like Africans. We must solve our problem, like Africans.” Justinian states proudly.
Dingo Pingo agrees. “However, we know where pineapples grow. We know where to seek a pineapple. But where do we seek a blanket?” Dingo Pingo is confused.
“We shall allow our mind to work on this problem. Right now we must run to school. You have been causing me to lose my good reputation for keeping time, Dingo! These days, Mrs Nnakku expects me to arrive late. Let’s go!”
“Let’s go!” Dingo Pingo is sorry to have this bad influence on his companion.
“Let’s go go go!”cries Isabella. Her appearance is different without her blanket. But she is still as cheerful as ever.
The boys run down the road to school. Little Isabella, without blanket, trots behind. She cannot keep up with them. Anansi keeps up with them. Anansi escorts them to the classroom building. Once they are safely inside, Anansi is satisfied. Anansi then turns and heads home. Anansi waits for them at home.
The boys allow their minds to work on this problem at school. While they participate in the mathematics lessons, their minds work. While they read Nigerian literature, their minds work. While they perform scientific experiments, their minds work. While they observe the behaviour of the maize seedlings, their minds work.
Finally, time for the social studies discussion arrives. This session full of questions and wondering is the boys’ favourite time of the school day.
“Mrs Nnakku, Mrs Nnakku, I have an odd question for you,” begins Justinian.
“I shall turn your question to your fellow students. Your colleagues will all consider your question,” the teacher answers.
“Good, I need their advice also,” Justinian appreciates his age-mates.
“If we were interested in blankets, how would we go about learning about them?”
“Blankets? What type of blanket?”
“All types. Any type. Whichever type,” Justinian does not know how to answer that question. “Do you need a blanket?”
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