Savitri (English and Turkish Edition)
on Goodreads (69)
What’s inside...
Based upon an ancient Hindu story, Aaron Shepard retells the story of Yama, the god of death, who claims Savitri's husband. Through her wisdom and wit, she follows Yama and her husband to the depths of beyond and tricks Yama into releasing her husband. The profoundly moving story of Savitri, one of the best-loved of India, appears in the Hindu national epic, The Mahabharata. Shepherd's dramatic retelling is exquisitely illuminated by Rosenberry's artwork, which painstakingly brings back to life a legendary world in full color.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Savitri felt when she was trying to save her husband? How would you feel in a similar situation?
Why do you think it was important for Savitri to challenge the destiny set for her husband? What does this tell us about her character?
How did the different characters in the story react to the challenges they faced? Which character's actions did you admire the most and why?
What do you think is the main message of the story? How can we apply this message in our own lives?
If you had the chance to ask Savitri one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the story's themes to personal experiences or similar situations to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance their creative thinking and understanding of the story.
Focus on the emotions of the characters and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations, promoting empathy and emotional awareness.
After reading the book, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, encouraging comprehension and retention.
Use prompts like 'What do you think happens next?' or 'Why do you think the character did that?' to keep the discussion dynamic and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Explanation: Savitri's relentless quest to save her husband from the clutches of death demonstrates the importance of perseverance and not giving up even in the face of daunting challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of determination and effort in achieving their goals, whether it’s in their studies, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The power of love and devotion.
Explanation: The story showcases how Savitri’s deep love and unwavering commitment to her husband empowers her to confront and negotiate with the God of Death.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and value deep emotional bonds and caring for others, influencing how they interact with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Intelligence and wit as tools for problem-solving.
Explanation: Savitri uses her intelligence and wit to outsmart the God of Death, illustrating that brains can be just as powerful as brawn when solving problems.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their intellect and creativity in resolving conflicts and overcoming obstacles in their lives.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity and ethics.
Explanation: Savitri's story is also a lesson in sticking to one's moral and ethical principles, even when faced with difficult choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the importance of maintaining integrity and making ethical decisions throughout their lives.