Forty Fortunes: A Tale of Iran
What’s inside...
A well-intentioned fortune-telling peasant named Ahmed unwittingly tricks a band of local thieves into returning the king's stolen treasure. Ahmed, initially content with his simple life, is pushed by his wife Jamell to become a fortuneteller. His accurate predictions land him in hot water when he is tasked by the king to identify the thieves of the royal treasure. Caught between the threat of prison by the king and the wrath of the forty thieves, Ahmed must navigate his perilous situation. This folktale from the Islamic world blends humor, action, and intrigue, complemented by vibrant illustrations and engaging language.
Discussion points
What do you think was the most important lesson the cobbler learned during his adventures?
How do you think the cobbler felt when he found the treasure chest? What would you do if you were in his shoes?
Why do you think the king wanted to test the cobbler with the empty chest?
How did the cobbler’s wife influence his decisions? What does this tell us about listening to the advice of others?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult choice? How did it turn out?
Tip: Role play these questions
Inspire curiosity and deeper thinking by asking open-ended questions that connect the story to your child’s experiences. Encourage them to imagine themselves in the cobbler's position, prompting empathy and ethical thinking. Highlight the cultural aspects of the tale to broaden their understanding of global traditions and values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty and integrity
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's ethical dilemma and his choice to be honest even when facing great personal risk.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being truthful and making morally upright decisions regardless of the circumstances.
Example Lesson: Courage to face unintended consequences
Explanation: The protagonist's actions lead to unintended events that he courageously resolves, demonstrating that actions come with consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to bravely face the results of their decisions and work towards rectifying any issues that arise.
Example Lesson: Value of humility
Explanation: Despite the protagonist's sudden change in fortune, his humility remains intact, teaching that true character is not altered by external changes.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of humility and maintaining their core values, no matter their external successes or failures.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the trials the protagonist faces, his resilience shines, showing that perseverance is key in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist in the face of challenges, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming adversity.
Example Lesson: Impact of generosity
Explanation: The protagonist’s generosity ultimately leads to positive outcomes, reinforcing the benefits of kindness and sharing.
Real-World Application: This highlights to children the importance and impact of being generous and helping others in their community.