The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water: English-Dari Edition (Teaching Stories)
Teaching Stories Series
What’s inside...
(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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-10
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the lion was scared when he saw his reflection in the water?
How did the lion's friends help him understand his reflection?
What did the lion learn about himself by the end of the story?
How do you feel when you see your reflection? Is it similar to how the lion felt?
Can you think of a time when you were confused or scared like the lion, and someone helped you understand?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the story, which helps them recall the details more vividly. Use the key questions to guide the conversation towards a deeper understanding of the themes, such as fear, friendship, and self-discovery. Encourage them to relate their personal experiences to the lion’s journey, fostering empathy and self-awareness. Emphasize the roles of the various characters and ask your child how each character’s actions influenced the lion’s feelings and decisions. Lastly, praise your child’s responses to affirm their thinking and boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding self-perception
Explanation: The Lion in the story initially frightens himself when he sees his own reflection, mistaking it for a menacing enemy. As the plot progresses, he learns about his mistaken perception.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to question their first impressions and consider perspectives beyond their immediate assumptions. This can help them navigate social interactions and self-reflection more effectively.
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: Despite his initial fear, the Lion confronts what he believes to be a threat. His journey towards understanding and courage is a core aspect of the narrative.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to face their fears and to understand that bravery isn’t about not feeling afraid, but about facing and overcoming fears.
Example Lesson: Value of guidance and mentorship
Explanation: The Lion’s friends play a crucial role in helping him see the truth about his reflection, guiding him towards self-awareness and peace.
Real-World Application: It highlights for children how seeking help from trusted individuals, like parents or teachers, can resolve confusing situations and lead to personal growth.
Example Lesson: Recognition of one's identity
Explanation: Once the Lion understands that the reflection is his own, he begins to recognize and accept his true self.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace their unique qualities and self-identity, fostering self-confidence and acceptance.