Fireman Taufik

Two weeks before Character Day I had already begun mulling over what to do. Realising that 'The big rescue book" is Taufik's ever lasting favourite book we decided to pore over the pages and select the character he would like to be dressed up as on this day.

Character Day is the final day of the Book Week. In the spirit of celebrating reading, children are encouraged to dress as their favourite character book, they must also bring along the book to school on that very day.

Taufik, quite decisively chose to dress up as a Fireman. Next was the task of putting the costume together - and that proved to be a rather challenging project. But with a lot of help from friends like Katherine and her expert seamstress Mom, we sewed up the basic black suit that would be needed. It turned out beautifully.

Next, I hand stitched the yellow bands that characterized the typical fire fighter attire - it had to be exactly the same as the one in the book - you know how kids are. Then came the buttons. Which was followed with a good wash to soften the crispy cotton fabric. Then I stuck on the silver tape to represent the reflectors bands that are identical to the original costume.

That morning Taufik dressed up excitedly, he took his yellow matching torchlight, red fireman's hard hat and his bright blue boots, and happily put them on. Quite a motley of colours, but he was very satisfied and looked absolutely charming.

Here you can see him in action.

Deservedly, I felt, Taufik won the fancy costume competition and brought home with him his personal choice of a prize, the Scholastic "Freight Train Book". Three Hoorahs for my beautiful son.