Treasury of Stories for Children
#3 of 6 in Ruskin Bond Series
on Goodreads (84)
What’s inside...
The 'Treasury of Stories for Children' by Ruskin Bond is a delightful collection of short stories and tales that cater to the imagination and curiosity of young readers. This anthology brings together a variety of narratives ranging from adventure and mystery to nature and humor. Bond's signature style of simple, evocative prose and his love for the hills and wildlife of India shine through in these stories. The book is designed to entertain as well as impart moral lessons and encourage a love for reading. Each story is crafted with care, aiming to transport children to a world of wonder and enchantment, making it a cherished collection for bedtime reading and classroom storytelling alike.
Discussion points
What was your favorite story in the book, and why did it stand out to you?
How did the characters in the stories show kindness or courage?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you do together?
Which story would you like to hear again, and is there something new you might notice next time?
How do you think the characters could have solved their problems differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own favorite story from the book, explaining why it resonates with you. This can help create a deeper personal connection between you and your child.
Ask your child to draw a scene from one of the stories to help them express their understanding and perspective visually.
Create a comfortable and cozy reading environment that minimizes distractions, making the reading experience enjoyable and focused.
After reading a story, encourage your child to predict what might happen if the story continued, supporting creative thinking and imagination.
Relate the stories to real-life situations or family experiences to help your child connect the themes of the stories to the world around them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Ruskin Bond’s stories often depict characters who face struggles but show resilience. For example, the story 'The Blue Umbrella' demonstrates compassion through the character Binya, who decides to give away her beloved umbrella to a shopkeeper to make amends for his past mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and share the feelings of their peers and offer kindness, even when it's difficult.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: In 'The Cherry Tree', a young boy learns the importance of honesty after confessing to accidentally damaging a neighbor's property. This leads to positive changes and growth in his character.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to practice honesty in their daily interactions and understand that truthfulness builds trust and respect in relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Stories like 'Tiger in the House' showcase characters, like the young protagonist, who display courage when facing dangerous or unfamiliar situations, teaching children the importance of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's in speaking out against bullying or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Through vivid descriptions of the natural world and characters who actively engage with it, such as in 'The Island of Trees', Bond instills a sense of wonder and respect for nature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore the outdoors, observe the environment thoughtfully, and participate in activities like planting trees or recycling, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of Simple Pleasures
Explanation: Ruskin Bond’s stories often emphasize finding joy in life’s simple moments, illustrated through characters who take pleasure in basic daily activities and the beauty around them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and find happiness in simple things like a sunny day or a quiet moment reading, which can contribute to overall contentment and stress reduction.