Tiger and the Wise Man
Traditional Tales With A Twist Series
What’s inside...
When a tiger plays a trick on a wise man, how will he escape being eaten, especially when it seems that all the animals are against him? Will the jackal help him, or is it simply another trick? This traditional Indian tale, retold with a twist by Andrew Fusek Peters, provides an opportunity for talking about man's impact on the natural world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Wise Man
Tiger
Discussion points
What do you think made the tiger trust the wise man in the story?
How did the wise man show kindness to the tiger?
Why is it important to be kind to animals, according to the story?
What would you do if you met a tiger like the one in the book?
How did the characters’ actions in the story make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by asking your child how they felt about the story and its characters. This opens up a warm conversation about their perceptions.
Encourage your child to relate the plot to personal experiences, asking if they have ever been in a situation where they needed to trust someone new.
Discuss the moral of the story and its application to real-life scenarios, which can help deepen your child’s understanding of the themes.
Use expressive reading techniques when discussing the book to make theoretical concepts more engaging and relatable.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, which helps develop creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Humility
Explanation: In 'Tiger and the Wise Man', the Tiger learns to be humble when he realizes that his strength and fierceness are not enough to solve all problems. The Wise Man teaches him that wisdom and humility can achieve more than brute force.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that being modest and listening to others' advice can help solve conflicts and achieve goals more effectively in school or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Value of Wisdom over Physical Strength
Explanation: The story illustrates that the Wise Man, despite being physically weaker than the Tiger, manages to outsmart him using his intelligence. It shows that brain power can often surpass brawn.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to focus on developing their minds through reading and problem-solving, rather than just physical abilities, to navigate challenges.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Pride
Explanation: The Tiger initially lets his pride get the better of him, leading him to challenge the Wise Man and ultimately face embarrassment. This shows how pride can lead to downfall.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not letting pride interfere with their judgments and to remain open to learning from others, which is vital in their interactions at school and home.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: After realizing his approach was wrong, the Tiger learns to reflect on his mistakes and grow from them rather than repeat them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that making a mistake is an opportunity for learning and self-improvement, not something to be ashamed of.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others' Abilities
Explanation: The Tiger learns to respect the Wise Man's mental capabilities, recognizing that everyone has different strengths.
Real-World Application: It instills in children the understanding that respecting others' talents and abilities fosters a collaborative and supportive environment in classrooms or play areas.