Book details
The Old Woman and the Eagle: English-Dari Edition (Teaching Stories)
Description
(Bilingual English-Dari edition) In this amusing story, an old woman encounters an eagle for the first time. Perplexed by its unfamiliar appearance, she decides to change it to suit her own ideas of what a bird should look like. Her efforts mirror a common pattern of human thought: altering the unfamiliar to make it acceptable. This tale is specially presented for children by Afghan author Idries Shah, who, for more than 30 years, collected stories from the Sufi tradition and adapted them to contemporary Western culture. Told since ancient times throughout Central Asia and the Middle East, such tales are used to help foster greater mental flexibility and insight in people of all ages. The Old Woman and the Eagle is wonderfully illustrated by Natasha Delmar, who was taught to paint by her father, the celebrated classic Chinese painter Ng Yi-Ching.
Age
3-10
Text complexity
proficient
Length
38 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: Reading 'The Old Woman and the Eagle' provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into Eastern philosophies and cultures, as Idries Shah was a prominent thinker in Sufism, which is deeply rooted in the traditions and wisdom of the East.
- Bilingual Education: The English-Dari edition of this book offers a valuable resource for those interested in language learning or teaching. It can be used to improve English or Dari language skills through comparative reading and bilingual education techniques.
- Moral Lessons: Idries Shah's teaching stories are known for their ability to convey profound moral and ethical lessons in a simple and accessible manner. This story, like others, can be a tool for parents and educators to discuss values and perspectives with children.
- Psychological Depth: Shah's stories often contain layers of meaning and are designed to challenge the reader's perception and encourage deeper thinking. 'The Old Woman and the Eagle' is no exception, offering a narrative that can be revisited multiple times to uncover new insights and reflections.