School for Princes: Stories from the Panchatantra
What’s inside...
A king seeks help to teach his reckless sons to become sensible young men. A wise man promises to reform them in six weeks by sharing cautionary tales featuring animals like a proud hare, an owl, or a crow. These fables, part of the Panchatantra collection familiar across Asia, were originally narrated and later documented in Sanskrit over 2,000 years ago. Author Jamila Gavin revitalizes these stories for contemporary readers by weaving the tales of the wise man and the princes around the classic fables, creating a fresh and impactful rendition of this ancient Indian work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the princes learned at the end of their journey? How does it relate to your own experiences at school or with friends?
If you could choose one moral from the stories, which one would it be and why?
How do you think the animals in the stories helped the princes understand important lessons?
Which character did you find most interesting and what would you have done in their situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, ensure you've a comfortable reading space that’s conducive for a thoughtful conversation.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the characters and the moral lessons without any interruptions; validate their feelings and viewpoints to make them feel heard.
Relate the tales from the book to real-life scenarios or family values to make the conversation more relevant and impactful for your child.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of wisdom over strength
Explanation: In the story, cleverness and wit help characters solve problems more effectively than brute force.
Real-World Application: Children learn that intelligence and creativity can be more effective in problem-solving than mere physical abilities.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters achieve more when they work together, emphasizing the strengths of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of cooperation and collaboration in achieving common goals, whether in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: Characters who deceive others often face negative outcomes, illustrating the pitfalls of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of honesty and the negative repercussions that dishonest actions can have in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness and empathy
Explanation: Stories depict how acts of kindness can lead to positive results, reinforcing compassionate behavior.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice kindness and empathy towards others in everyday interactions, contributing to a supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters often learn and grow from their errors, underscoring the concept of personal development through mistakes.
Real-World Application: Helps children see mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth, fostering a mindset that values personal improvement and resilience.