The Arabian Nights by Kate Douglas Wiggin (Illustrated)
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This work features ten stories from the 'Tales of a Thousand and One Nights' including the well-known ones of 'Aladdin and the Lamp', 'Ali Baba and the forty thieves', and 'Sinbad the Sailor'.
Age
7-18
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the different stories in 'The Arabian Nights'? Which one was your favorite and why?
How do the characters in the stories solve their problems? What can we learn from their solutions?
The settings in 'The Arabian Nights' are very different from our world. What places seemed the most interesting to you?
If you could meet one character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do the stories in the book show the importance of wisdom and cleverness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts and favorite parts of the book to encourage your child to express their own insights.
Ask your child to draw a scene from their favorite story in the book, then discuss why they chose that particular scene.
Relate the stories to real-life situations by asking how they would use the characters’ strategies to handle similar challenges.
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons in the stories, asking how those lessons might apply to their own life.
To deepen the connection, watch a film adaptation of 'The Arabian Nights' together, then discuss the differences and similarities to the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: In 'The Arabian Nights,' characters often use storytelling as a means to solve problems, convey morals, or influence others. The tales themselves are wrapped in a larger narrative about Scheherazade, who tells stories to the king to delay her execution.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use storytelling as a creative method to express themselves, communicate ideas, and resolve conflicts in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of cleverness and resourcefulness
Explanation: Many stories within the book feature characters who overcome adversity through wit and ingenuity, such as Aladdin or Ali Baba, who face challenges far beyond their initial capabilities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively when faced with challenges and to understand that sometimes unconventional solutions can be the most effective.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Several tales, like that of the fisherman and the genie, explore the pitfalls of greed and the destruction it can cause to one’s life if not controlled.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of moderation and the risks associated with being overly greedy, helping them develop a healthy attitude towards material possessions.
Example Lesson: The importance of making wise choices
Explanation: Throughout the stories, characters face various decisions that lead to either their downfall or success. These narratives highlight the significance of decision-making.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the consequences of their actions and to think carefully when making decisions, fostering responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity and other cultures
Explanation: The Arabian Nights is rich in cultural heritage and introduces readers to a spectrum of different customs, traditions, and perspectives from the Islamic Golden Age.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect cultural diversity, which is crucial in today’s global society, helping them to become more empathetic and inclusive individuals.