Book details
The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water: English-Dari Edition (Teaching Stories)
Description
(Bilingual English-Dari 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
intermediate
Length
38 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Enrichment: Reading 'The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water' provides insight into Eastern storytelling traditions and Sufi wisdom, offering a unique perspective that enriches the reader's cultural understanding.
- Bilingual Learning: The English-Dari edition of the book serves as an excellent resource for those interested in learning Dari (Persian dialect) or for Dari speakers to improve their English, as it allows for direct comparison between the two languages.
- Moral Lessons: Idries Shah's teaching stories are known for their ability to convey important life lessons and moral values in a simple and engaging way, making this book a valuable read for both children and adults.
- Psychological Insights: The story explores themes of self-perception and fear, encouraging readers to reflect on how they see themselves and how their perceptions can be influenced by their environment and emotions.