Puffin Classic: Tales from the Kathasaritsagara (Puffin Classics)
Puffin modern classics Series
on Goodreads (173)
What’s inside...
Tales from the Kathasaritsagara is a classic collection of Indian legends, fairy tales, and folk tales as retold by Somadeva. Originally written in Sanskrit in the 11th century, this version presents a selection of stories from the original text, which is also known as the 'Ocean of the Streams of Stories'. The Kathasaritsagara is a treasure trove of tales about magical creatures, gods, demons, princes, and princesses, all interwoven with the adventures and moral lessons that are reflective of the rich cultural heritage of India. These stories have been passed down through generations and continue to enchant readers with their blend of folklore, fantasy, humor, and wisdom. The Puffin Classics edition brings these timeless stories to a younger audience, preserving the mythological and cultural significance of the original work while ensuring accessibility and engagement for modern readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
278 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What lesson do you think the main characters learned in these stories?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How do you think you would have handled the scenarios faced by the characters?
Can you think of a time when you experienced something similar to what happened in any of the stories?
What did you learn about the culture and traditions mentioned in the tales?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the stories, ensuring they know there are no right or wrong answers. Listen actively to your child’s responses and ask follow-up questions that prompt deeper thinking and connections. Discuss the moral and cultural aspects of the stories to enhance cultural understanding and ethical development. Relate the scenarios in the stories to your child’s personal experiences to personalize the conversation and make the themes more relatable. Praise your child for their insights and curiosity as they explore different perspectives within the tales.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of wisdom over strength
Explanation: The tales often illustrate how characters use their wit and intelligence to overcome obstacles that they cannot solve with physical strength alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of using their intellect to solve problems, highlighting that brainpower can often be more effective than brute force.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and generosity
Explanation: Characters who display kindness and generosity often find themselves rewarded by others or by a twist of fate, teaching that good deeds bring positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act with kindness and generosity in their daily interactions, fostering a more empathetic and supportive community.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: Stories in the collection show how deceit and trickery can lead to negative outcomes, emphasizing honesty as the best policy.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that honesty fosters trust and better relationships, and that deceit can lead to complications or undesirable results.
Example Lesson: The strength of determination
Explanation: Several tales depict characters achieving their goals through persistence and determination, despite facing significant challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving their goals, whether in school, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures and stories
Explanation: The Kathasaritsagara is a rich tapestry of myths and legends from ancient India, giving children exposure to diverse narratives and cultures.
Real-World Application: Encourages cultural awareness and respect for different traditions and histories, which is essential in today’s globalized world.