The Brave Boy (Muslim Children's Library)
Muslim Children'S Library Series
What’s inside...
These stories are taken from the childhood and youth of the Caliph Ali, one of the Prophet Muhammad's Companions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the boy in the story is considered brave?
What would you have done if you were in the boy's situation?
How did the boy's actions make others feel?
What does bravery mean to you?
Can you think of a time when you were brave like the boy in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt brave, encouraging your child to do the same.
Ask your child how they feel about the boy’s decisions and actions in the story and whether they agree with them.
Highlight the emotions depicted in the book and discuss with your child how bravery can sometimes lead to positive changes.
Encourage your child to think of other characters from different stories who they think are brave and compare them to the boy in this story.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The story follows a young boy who confronts his fears of darkness and solitude by exploring a mysterious cave. Through his journey, he learns to overcome these anxieties with bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or sleeping alone in the dark. It teaches them the importance of facing challenges head-on.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: In the narrative, the protagonist finds himself in a situation where he must be truthful about a mistake he made. His choice to be honest, despite the potential consequences, highlights the value of integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in real-world scenarios such as admitting when they’ve done something wrong, or being honest during interactions with friends and family, fostering a sense of trust and respect.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The boy in the story encounters various characters who are different from him. Through these interactions, he learns to understand and empathize with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding by showing empathy towards classmates and friends who may come from different cultures or have different experiences, promoting inclusivity and compassion in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout his adventure, the protagonist faces several obstacles, but his persistence in overcoming them underscores the lesson that perseverance leads to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in their studies, hobbies, or sports, despite difficulties, teaching them that dedication and hard work can lead to achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: As the young boy explores the natural world around him, he learns to appreciate and care for the environment, emphasizing the importance of respecting and preserving nature.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities that help the environment such as recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-up days, fostering an early responsibility towards Earth’s resources.