Aru Shah and the End of Time
#1 of 5 in Pandava Series
on Goodreads (27,323)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth to fit in at school. While spending her autumn break at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, her classmates challenge her to prove that a cursed lamp is real. Aru lights the lamp, accidentally freeing an ancient demon who freezes time for her loved ones. To save them, Aru must find the reincarnations of the legendary Pandava brothers and journey through the Kingdom of Death, all while wearing Spider-Man pajamas. This fantasy adventure, introduced by best-selling author Rick Riordan, weaves elements of Indian mythology with a modern twist.
Character compass
Aru Shah
Yamini "Mini" Kapur
Boo (Subala)
The Sleeper
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in Aru Shah and why?
How do the various myths and legends in the book compare to other stories you know?
What did you learn about friendship and bravery from Aru's adventures?
How would you handle a situation where you needed to correct a mistake you made, like Aru did with the lamp?
What was your favorite part of the magical world introduced in the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the challenges faced by Aru to their own experiences, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
Discuss the importance of various cultural myths and how they impact our understanding of the world, promoting cultural awareness.
Use examples from the book to talk about courage and the importance of facing fears, helping children relate to the protagonist.
Highlight moments in the book where teamwork was crucial, and discuss the importance of collaboration and trust in friendships.
Ask your child to imagine and describe what their own magical world would be like, encouraging creativity and imaginative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Aru demonstrates bravery by taking on the responsibility to save the world, despite the overwhelming challenges she faces.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with determination and resilience, whether it's trying out for a new sport or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Aru works closely with her friends to overcome obstacles, illustrating how collaboration and support are crucial in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their friendships, learn to cooperate with others, and seek help when needed.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: The story is rich in elements from Hindu mythology, which introduces children to diverse cultures and traditions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to show interest in and respect for different cultures, promoting inclusivity and broadening their worldviews.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Aru’s journey begins when she lights a cursed lamp, leading to dire consequences. Her quest to rectify her mistake teaches about accountability.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being aware of the consequences of their actions and taking responsibility to correct their mistakes.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Aru continues to confront challenges and learn from her mistakes, displaying a growth mindset.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and resilience in overcoming obstacles and constantly striving for improvement.