Hanuman: The Heroic Monkey God (Minibook)
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
Hanuman, a monkey hero, tries to save Princess Sita from the ten-headed demon king, Ravana. This retelling of one of India's most sacred texts, the Ramayana, recounts how the great monkey army helped save Princess Sita from a demon king. Accelerated Reader Quiz available.
Age
7-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hanuman
Sita
Rama
Sugriva
Lakshmana
Ravana
Discussion points
What qualities make Hanuman a hero? Can you think of any situations where you could show similar courage or kindness?
Hanuman does many brave things in the story. Which act of bravery was your favorite and why?
How do Hanuman’s friends react to his adventures? How do you think teamwork helps Hanuman in his quests?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Hanuman's loyalty and dedication?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and animated tones when discussing Hanuman’s adventures to make the storytelling lively and engaging.
Link discussions to your child's personal experiences, such as times when they had to be brave or help their friends, to deepen the connection with the characters.
Encourage your child to think about how the story’s morals relate to their own life, asking questions that tie into their experiences.
After reading, consider watching a child-friendly adaptation of the Hanuman tale to reinforce the tale’s messages and imagery.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Determination
Explanation: Hanuman’s adventures in the book showcase his bravery and resolve, particularly in his quest to help his friend Lord Rama. His actions exemplify how to face challenges without fear.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being brave when facing new or challenging situations, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up for what is right, or dealing with academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Loyalty and Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights Hanuman's unwavering loyalty to his friend Lord Rama. His commitment is shown through his actions and the risks he takes to assist his friend.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being a reliable and trustworthy friend, emphasizing the significance of supporting friends in their times of need.
Example Lesson: Humility and Service
Explanation: Despite his powers, Hanuman remains humble and serves others selflessly throughout the tale, using his abilities to help those in need rather than seeking personal glory.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of humility and helping others. It encourages them to use their own talents and capabilities for the benefit of others, rather than just personal gain.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Hanuman encounters numerous obstacles but his perseverance never wavers. He remains committed to his goal, illustrating the power of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson shows children that persistent efforts and resilience can help overcome difficulties, encouraging them to keep trying despite setbacks in any aspect of life, whether academic, social, or personal.
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority and Elders
Explanation: Through his journey, Hanuman demonstrates respect for authority figures and elders, taking their advice seriously and showing reverence in his interactions.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of respecting their elders and those in authority, such as teachers, parents, and community leaders, reinforcing positive social behavior.