Aladdin and Other Tales from the Arabian Nights (Puffin Classics)
Puffin modern classics Series
What’s inside...
Some of the best-loved stories in the world, originating in Persia, India and Arabia, retold especially for children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Aladdin
The Genie Of The Lamp
The Sultan
Princess Badroulbadour
The African Magician
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most about Aladdin, and why?
How do the choices made by the characters in these tales impact their adventures?
What lessons can we learn about honesty and bravery from these stories?
How does the setting of the Arabian Nights influence the mood of the stories?
If you could have a magic lamp like Aladdin, what would you wish for and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and consider what choices they would make in similar situations.
Discuss the historical and cultural background of the Arabian Nights to enhance understanding of the story’s setting and characters.
Highlight the moral lessons in each tale and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life, and perhaps assign roles to read different characters' dialogues.
After reading, encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the book, helping them visualize and connect more deeply with the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Aladdin and Other Tales from the Arabian Nights', characters who are honest often find themselves rewarded, while those who deceive or lie face consequences. This is particularly evident in the tale of Aladdin, where honesty leads to wealth and happiness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value truthfulness in their interactions at school and at home. Being honest builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of resourcefulness
Explanation: Many tales in this collection depict characters who use their wit and intelligence to solve problems, often in challenging situations. Aladdin, for example, cleverly uses the genie to improve his fortunes.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think creatively and use their resources wisely to navigate school projects or resolve conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Several stories in the book illustrate the negative outcomes of being greedy. Characters that are driven by greed often end up worse than they started, which is a recurring theme that teaches the harms of excessive desire.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being content with what they have and the value of generosity over selfishness.
Example Lesson: The strength of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often face daunting challenges, but through perseverance, they usually achieve their goals. This theme is consistent throughout the tales, showcasing the benefits of determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to pursue their goals despite difficulties, which is crucial in academic endeavors and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The tales, set in various parts of the ancient Middle East, include a cast of characters from different cultures and backgrounds, promoting a message of respect and coexistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate cultural diversity and promotes empathy and respect for people from different backgrounds in their own communities.