The Kashmiri Storyteller
on Goodreads (141)
What’s inside...
As darkness falls outside and the chill sets in, Javed Khan pulls at his hookah and begins his tales at his Kashmiri shop in Landour bazaar. He mesmerizes Kamal and his friends with stories of princes, kings, magical creatures, and cunning traders from Kashmir and beyond. Gather around the fire with Kamal, Shashi, Anil, Madhu, and Vijay as they listen to Javed Khan's captivating tales such as the monkey bride, the man swallowed by a mosquito, and the bent-up double beggar who angered a ghost. This brilliantly illustrated collection by Ruskin Bond brings to life unforgettable folktales from the misty hills of Kashmir that will enchant readers of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
300 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when reading about the various adventures in the book?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think the stories within the book reflect the culture and traditions of Kashmir?
Can you think of a time when a story has taught you a lesson, like in 'The Kashmiri Storyteller'?
What would you do if you were in the place of the main character in one of the tales?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the stories to personal family tales or cultural anecdotes to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events and characters, validating their feelings to foster a safe space for discussion.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, and then discuss their artwork to gain insights into their perspective.
Use the book’s themes as a springboard to explore more about Kashmiri culture, perhaps looking at maps, pictures, or cooking a traditional dish together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: The book centers around a Kashmiri storyteller who captivates his audience with enthralling tales, highlighting how storytelling is a timeless, engaging art form.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to create and share their own stories, enhancing their imagination and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: Set in Kashmir, the stories are infused with local culture, traditions, and landscapes, providing children with a glimpse into a world different from their own.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore and respect different cultures around them, promoting empathy and global awareness.
Example Lesson: The value of wisdom
Explanation: The stories impart morals and wisdom, teaching children the consequences of actions and the importance of virtues like honesty, kindness, and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply these virtues in real life, guiding them in making moral decisions and forging healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the stories often face challenges or dilemmas, which they overcome through clever thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties and to think critically about solutions to their own problems.