Under the Great Plum Tree
What’s inside...
An unlikely friendship between Miss Bandari and Mr Magarmach forms when the pair meet under the great plum tree, deep in the heart of India. Mr Magarmach is old and his hunting days are over but Miss Bandari loves hearing his stories as they munch plums together. One day their friendship is tested, but with courage, trust, and forgiveness they discover that living happily together tastes just as sweet as Miss Bandari’s golden plums. The story of the monkey and the crocodile is a fable from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal fables dated to 300 BCE. It's a tale from around the world, with versions found in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, China, Japan, and the Caribbean.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Miss Bandari and Mr. Magarmach help each other in the story?
What does the great plum tree symbolize in the book?
Why do you think Miss Bandari trusted Mr. Magarmach initially?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in Miss Bandari's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to predict what the story might be about based on the title and cover illustration.
Encourage your child to share their thoughts on the characters' decisions and relate them to personal experiences where possible.
Discuss the importance of trust and friendship highlighted in the book, prompting your child to think about their relationships.
After reading, ask your child how they think the story could continue, encouraging creative thinking.
Explain any cultural elements or unfamiliar terms in the story to enhance understanding and appreciation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: In 'Under the Great Plum Tree', an unlikely friendship forms between Miss Bandari, a monkey, and Mr. Magarmach, a crocodile, showcasing trust and camaraderie. Despite their differences, they find common ground and build a bond.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of forming friendships and trusting others, which is essential for building strong relationships in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: When Mr. Magarmach is led astray by his relatives towards negative intentions toward Miss Bandari, the story highlights the power of forgiveness when Miss Bandari chooses to forgive Mr. Magarmach for his mistakes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the strength it takes to forgive those who may have wronged them and the importance of second chances in fostering positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing challenges
Explanation: Miss Bandari shows bravery when she faces the threat posed by Mr. Magarmach’s relatives, embodying courage in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stand up for themselves and navigate challenges they encounter, promoting resilience and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: The consequences of succumbing to peer pressure
Explanation: Mr. Magarmach initially listens to his relatives' poor advice, which nearly costs him his friendship with Miss Bandari. This part of the story emphasizes the importance of making autonomous, moral decisions.
Real-World Application: It highlights for children the importance of thinking independently and making choices that align with their values, despite what others around them might think or do.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Miss Bandari and Mr. Magarmach interact, they learn to understand and empathize with each other's worlds, which strengthens their friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and strive to understand perspectives different from their own, contributing to emotional intelligence and social awareness.