The Room of Many Colours: A Treasury of Stories for Children
on Goodreads (358)
What’s inside...
The Room of Many Colours: A Treasury of Stories for Children' is a collection of short stories by Ruskin Bond, one of India's most beloved children's authors. This anthology brings together a diverse array of tales that reflect Bond's signature charm, wit, and simplicity. The stories are set in the picturesque hills of India and cover a range of themes such as friendship, adventure, and the wonders of nature. Each story is like a different colour, representing various hues of life and human emotion, and they are meant to be enjoyed by children of all ages. The book serves as a celebration of innocence and the joys of childhood, as well as the importance of imagination and the beauty of the world around us.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
325 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when reading about the different stories in this collection?
Which character did you find most interesting and why?
How do the colors in 'The Room of Many Colours' make you feel?
What have you learned from the challenges faced by the characters?
If you could add a story to this treasury, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate personal experiences or similar stories from your own life to make connections that resonate with your child.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite story or character visually, through drawing or acting, to deepen their understanding and engagement.
Ask your child to think about what they would do differently if they were in the same situation as one of the characters, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Create a comfortable reading environment that allows open conversation, showing your child that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Discuss the morals or lessons learned from the stories, and connect them to real-life scenarios to reinforce these teachings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through various stories in the book, characters often face dilemmas and situations requiring understanding and kindness. These scenarios encourage readers to step into others' shoes.
Real-World Application: Children can use these lessons to nurture relationships, showing empathy and understanding in interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: Ruskin Bond uses rich, descriptive language and fantastical tales that spark the imagination and encourage creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This creativity can be applied in problem-solving tasks at school, in artistic endeavors, and in everyday play.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Many stories feature protagonists who encounter challenges but triumph through persistence. These narratives illustrate the rewards of staying the course despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of resilience in achieving goals whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting of many stories often emphasizes the beauty and importance of the natural world. This fosters a sense of responsibility and admiration for the environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to participate in environmental preservation activities such as recycling, conservation, and clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Courage in face of fear
Explanation: Stories in the collection showcase characters facing fears and emerging stronger, teaching readers about bravery and inner strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face school anxieties or personal fears with a bold and confident approach.