Sai's Magic Silk
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Sai's Magic Silk is a captivating tale that follows the journey of a young protagonist, Sai, who discovers an enchanted silk that leads them on an adventure filled with magic, mystery, and self-discovery. Along the way, Sai learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of family. The story is beautifully brought to life by author Shyala Smith and illustrator Jani Balakumar. Sai loves to play with his amma’s saris, and under each six yards of magic silk, he is transported to a new world. He’s traveled from the depths of the ocean to the forests of Sinharaja--even to the moon and back. But can he find someone to share his adventures with?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did Sai learn about sharing and kindness in the story?
How do you think Sai felt when he discovered the magic in the silk?
Why is it important to help others, like Sai helped the villagers?
Can you think of a time when you shared something special, just like Sai?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think 'magic' could mean in the context of everyday life.
While reading, pause during key moments of Sai's discoveries and decisions to ask your child how they would react in similar situations.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character, discussing why they made that choice.
Connect the story's themes to real-life situations your child might face, reinforcing the lessons of kindness and sharing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Sai's Magic Silk,' Sai helps a struggling silk worm, demonstrating kindness and understanding towards another creature's difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing compassion and assistance to peers or animals in need, fostering a nurturing and empathetic environment in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights Sai’s dedication to learning the art of silk-making despite numerous challenges, illustrating the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in their own tasks or learning challenges, whether in schoolwork, sports, or hobbies.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Sai uses her imagination to create beautiful silk patterns, which showcases the value of creativity and innovation.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore their own creative talents, be it in arts, problem solving, or in play, enhancing their cognitive and expressive abilities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Sai takes on the responsibility of caring for the silk worm and the environment needed to produce the silk, teaching about the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of being responsible for their tasks and belongings, as well as caring for living things and the environment.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book introduces children to the traditional art of silk-making, providing insights into cultural heritage and practices.
Real-World Application: This helps children gain an appreciation for different cultures and traditions, promoting inclusivity and broadened worldviews in their everyday experiences.