Ali Baba and the Stolen Treasure
#3 in Orchard Myths, Greek Myths Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Brothers Ali Baba and Kassim have opposite personalities and fortunes, with Ali Baba being kind and poor, and Kassim being rich and mean. When Ali Baba discovers a cave where forty thieves hide their treasure, he takes only a modest amount for himself. However, Kassim's greed attracts the attention of the thieves, putting them both in danger. Additionally, the book includes three other exciting stories of adventure and bravery, featuring characters like Robin Hood, William Tell, and Aladdin, all illustrated with energetic drawings by Tony Ross.
Character compass
Ali Baba
Discussion points
What do you think made Ali Baba brave enough to enter the cave?
How would you feel if you found a cave full of treasure like Ali Baba?
What lessons can we learn from the way Ali Baba handled the situation with the thieves?
Why do you think the thieves hid the treasure in the cave?
If you were in Ali Baba's shoes, would you have shared the secret of the treasure cave with someone else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react to specific events.
Use expressive reading techniques, altering your voice for different characters to make the story come alive.
Discuss the moral implications of the story, such as honesty and courage, to deepen the child's understanding of these concepts.
Relate the story's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them apply the lessons learned.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book to engage their creative thinking and reinforce story recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: The story demonstrates that Ali Baba's honesty and integrity help him overcome challenges and eventually lead to his prosperity, contrasting with the thieves' dishonesty and greed.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being honest and truthful in their daily interactions, leading to trust and respect from peers and adults alike.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and quick thinking
Explanation: Ali Baba's clever use of the jars to hide and his strategic thinking to save himself and his brother's wife from the thieves showcases the importance of being resourceful and thinking on your feet.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills in problem-solving tasks at school or in overcoming obstacles they might face in everyday activities.
Example Lesson: The impact of greed
Explanation: The story vividly portrays the negative consequences of the thieves’ greed, leading to their ultimate downfall.
Real-World Application: This lesson serves as a caution for children to understand the importance of contentment and the dangers of excessive desire for material possessions.
Example Lesson: Value of sharing
Explanation: Ali Baba shares his wealth and knowledge about the treasure with his family, leading to community prosperity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing with others, which strengthens community bonds and enhances personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Ali Baba's acts of bravery, even when faced with danger, highlight the importance of courage in confronting challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stand up for themselves and others, and to face fearful situations with bravery in their own lives.