The Clever Boy and the Terrible, Dangerous Animal: English-Arabic Edition (Teaching Stories)
Teaching Stories Series
What’s inside...
(Bilingual English-Arabic edition) When a boy visits another village, he is amazed to find the people terrified of something that - just because they have not seen it before - they mistake for a terrible, dangerous animal. Using his own knowledge and by demonstration, the boy helps the villagers overcome their fears. This story is part of an oral tradition from the Middle East and Central Asia that is more than a thousand years old. In an entertaining way, it introduces children to an interesting aspect of human behavior and so enables them to recognize it in their daily lives. One of many tales from the body of Sufi literature collected by Idries Shah, this one is presented here as part of his series of books for young readers. This is the series' second book to be illustrated by Rose Mary Santiago, following the award-winning bestseller The Farmer's Wife.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did the clever boy do when he first heard about the terrible, dangerous animal?
How do you think the villagers felt when they found out the truth about the animal?
Why is it important to understand something fully before we react to it?
What would you have done if you were in the clever boy’s shoes?
How did the clever boy's actions make a difference in his village?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by discussing the boy's approach to the situation. Ask them to connect the story to real-life incidents where misunderstandings might occur. Highlight the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before forming opinions or taking action. Use the bilingual nature of the book to explore words in English and Arabic, discussing their meanings and contexts. Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to boost their confidence and involvement in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Don't judge based on appearances
Explanation: In the story, villagers are terrified of something they think is a dangerous animal, but it turns out to be something harmless. This teaches children not to fear or judge based on limited information or appearances.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach new experiences and individuals with an open mind, fostering a non-judgmental attitude in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of critical thinking
Explanation: The story highlights how the clever boy uses reasoning to uncover the truth about the 'dangerous animal'. This emphasizes the value of critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question what they hear and see, and not to accept things at face value, promoting analytical thinking in their educational journey and daily life.
Example Lesson: Value of courage and curiosity
Explanation: The boy’s courage to investigate the 'terrible, dangerous animal' leads to the discovery of its true harmless nature. His curiosity leads to enlightenment and relief for the village.
Real-World Application: Instills the virtues of bravery and inquisitiveness in children, encouraging them to explore, ask questions, and seek out answers in various situations.
Example Lesson: Benefits of bilingual exposure
Explanation: Presented in both English and Arabic, the book provides an opportunity for language learning and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Exposure to multiple languages can enhance cognitive development, improve future learning abilities, and promote inclusivity and understanding of different cultures.