Book details
The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water: English-Arabic Edition (Teaching Stories)
Description
(Bilingual English-Arabic edition) When a good-natured lion, king of all the animals, sees his reflection in a pool of water for the first time, he gasps at the fierce creature staring back at him and is too frightened to drink - until, finally, he overcomes his fear. Children learn through the lion how to deal positively with the fears and inhibitions that so often arise from situations they may not yet understand. Originally told by the 13th-century Sufi poet Jalaluddin Rumi, The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water is one of a series of teaching stories that were collected by Idries Shah and that have been used in the East for hundreds of years as educational instruments to help children understand life. Ingrid Rodriguez's beautiful illustrations bring this children's version to life with warmth, humor and a distinctive richness of detail.
Age
3-10
Text complexity
proficient
Length
38 pages
Why to read
- Bilingual Learning: The English-Arabic edition of 'The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water' provides an excellent opportunity for readers to improve their language skills in both English and Arabic, making it a valuable resource for language learners and bilingual families.
- Cultural Insight: Authored by Idries Shah, a prominent thinker in the Sufi tradition, this book offers readers a chance to gain insight into Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures and philosophies, enriching their understanding of the world.
- Moral Lessons: Like many of Idries Shah's teaching stories, this book imparts important moral lessons and wisdom in a simple and engaging way, making it suitable for readers of all ages, especially children, to learn about virtues such as self-awareness and humility.
- Psychological Depth: The story of 'The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water' can be interpreted on many levels, including as a psychological exploration of the self. It encourages self-reflection and personal growth, making it a thought-provoking read for both young readers and adults.