Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Retold by Enebor Attard (Folk Tales (Paperback))
The Folk Tale Classics Series
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
One of the best known stories from '1001 Arabian Nights', this tale begins with the discovery of a cave full of treasures beyond belief. But, as Ali is about to find out, keeping hold of this bounty is far from easy. Illustrated by Richard Holland, the book captures the essence of this classic tale through brilliant use of collage, making it an appealing read for children aged 5-9. A long time ago in Arabia, on the night of the full moon, Ali Baba noticed something very strange as he gathered firewood. A rumbling sound, like thunder, came not from the sky but from beneath the earth. The classic tale of Ali Baba is told in this book in two languages - Turkish & English - in parallel. Accompanied by excellent color illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Ali Baba said 'Open Sesame'? What do you think it symbolizes?
How did the actions of the characters show their personalities? Who was brave, clever, or greedy?
If you were in Ali Baba's shoes, would you have done anything differently after finding the treasure?
What lessons do you think this story teaches about honesty and greed?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult choice, like Ali Baba? What did you choose, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think Ali Baba felt at different points in the story.
To spark imagination, discuss with your child what they would do if they found an enchanted place like the cave.
Use the contrast between characters to talk about consequences of actions, highlighting the importance of making good choices.
Help them connect the themes of the story to their own life, discussing personal experiences related to the moral lessons from the book.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what they would change about the story and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Ali Baba’s honest nature ultimately leads to his victory over the greedy and deceitful thieves.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being honest and the positive outcomes it can bring in their own relationships and trust-building with others.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up against wrongdoing
Explanation: Despite the dangers, Ali Baba stands against the thieves who stole from others, showcasing bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave and stand up against injustices they perceive, fostering a sense of morality and justice.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and quick thinking
Explanation: Ali Baba's clever escape plans and the resourceful actions of his servant, Morgiana, are crucial to overcoming the thieves.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of thinking on their feet and using their resources wisely to solve problems in everyday scenarios.
Example Lesson: The impact of greed
Explanation: The story vividly illustrates the destructive consequences of the thieves’ greed, contrasting with Ali Baba’s contentment with modest gains.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the negative effects of greed and the importance of being satisfied with what one has.
Example Lesson: The virtue of kindness
Explanation: Ali Baba's kindness towards Morgiana and others plays a key role in fostering loyalty and positive outcomes in the story.
Real-World Application: Through this narrative, children can see how kindness can lead to reciprocated acts of loyalty and goodwill, enhancing their social interactions and relationships.