The School of the Magic Drum 2: Boto

Deep in the rainforest, where the sun struggles to penetrate the dense canopy, there is a hidden school known only to a few local people. The School of the Magic Drum is led by the wise Pajé Iru, a shaman and guardian of ancient traditions. Every day, he teaches children about the rainforest, its secrets, and the creatures that protect it. And when necessary, he calls for help with his magical drum Tupã.

This morning, the school day began as usual. The children arrived full of energy and were running around the school yard and chasing each other. Then they saw their wise shaman, Pajé Iru, and they calmed down and gathered around him.

When their wise teacher spoke, his voice was quiet and gentle, but no one dared to interrupt him. Today they were going to talk about the river, and all the children were very interested. Every one of them had already spent time down at the river, swimming, building dams there or catching little fish in their hands.

“Water is the heart of the rainforest,” Pajé Iru explained to them, as he led them down to the river. “It provides a key route through the forest for many animals, and at the same time, it is the source of all life,” he told them. “But what happens if someone treats it with disrespect?”

Pedro frowned. “Last week I saw someone throwing rubbish into the water. We all know that this is not allowed!”

Pajé Iru sighed. “There will always be someone who doesn’t know that or doesn’t think it is important. And when that happens, the river must defend itself!”

The teacher picked up his magic drum, Tupã, and started tapping it slowly. At first, the rhythm resembled gentle ripples spreading…