Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in Romanian and English
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. This is a beautiful retelling of the old tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in Kurdish and English languages - in parallel! Perfect for young bilingual readers or anyone who would like to read the tale in Kurdish and English at the same time. This stunningly illustrated book is available in other dual-language editions, such as English (side by side) with Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Turkish, German, Greek, Italian and French!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Ali Baba felt when he discovered the treasure?
How do you think the story would change if Ali Baba made different choices?
Why is it important to keep secrets sometimes?
What would you do if you were in Ali Baba’s place?
How do the actions of the characters teach us about honesty and greed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use different voices for characters when reading to make the story more vivid and engaging.
Discuss the moral implications of the characters' actions to encourage critical thinking.
Relate the story to personal experiences or similar stories known to the child to enhance understanding.
Ask the child to predict what might happen next at crucial points to keep them invested in the storyline.
Encourage the child to describe their favorite parts or characters, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy.
Explanation: Ali Baba refrains from being greedy and dishonest despite discovering the secret of the treasure. This helps him stay out of trouble unlike his brother who meets a dire end due to his greed.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being honest and the consequences of dishonest behavior. This helps them cultivate integrity in their daily interactions and decision-making.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and quick thinking can solve problems.
Explanation: Morgiana, a clever servant, saves Ali Baba's life multiple times through her quick thinking and resourceful actions, such as pouring boiling oil on the thieves.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to think on their feet and use their resources wisely to navigate challenges in school and play.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and helping others.
Explanation: Ali Baba shows compassion by freeing Morgiana and rewarding her for her loyalty and bravery, which further leads to his safety and prosperity.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of kindness and how acts of generosity and caring can lead to positive outcomes in a community setting.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed.
Explanation: Ali Baba's brother, driven by greed, loses his life because of his inability to be content and his dishonest methods to acquire wealth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the pitfalls of being overly greedy, teaching them to be satisfied with what they have and to pursue their goals ethically.
Example Lesson: The strength of familial bonds.
Explanation: Despite the danger, Ali Baba's family comes together to outsmart the forty thieves, displaying unity and familial strength.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of family support and cooperation in overcoming obstacles, instilling values of loyalty and unity in children.