The Boy Without a Name: English-Dari Edition (Teaching Stories)
Teaching Stories Series
What’s inside...
(Bilingual English-Dari edition) On the day a boy is born, his parents are visited by a wise man who tells them, 'This is a very, very important boy, and I'm going to give him something marvelous one day, but I will have to give him his name first. So please don't give him a name yet.' So they named the boy Benaam, which means 'nameless.' The story tells how he seeks and eventually finds his own true name, and how he also gives away an old dream that he doesn't want - and gets a wonderful new dream. This is one of an illustrated series of Sufi teaching stories from the Middle East and Central Asia that were collected and adapted for children by Idries Shah, and that have captivated hearts and minds for more than a thousand years. The stories are designed to help children learn to examine their assumptions and to think for themselves. Among the many insights The Boy Without a Name can provoke is the idea that it takes patience and resolve to achieve one's goals in life. Mona Caron's beautiful watercolor illustrations embellish this unusual and captivating story, presenting the wonder of this hidden world to both children and adults.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Nameless Boy
Mysterious Visitor
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he didn't have a name? Can you imagine how you would feel in his place?
Why do you think names are important? What does your name mean to you?
How did the boy’s journey change him by the end of the story? What did he learn?
What would you have done if you met someone without a name? How would you help them?
Why is it important to have patience and listen to others' advice like the boy did in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personally by reflecting on the significance of their own name and feelings. Pose hypothetical scenarios inspired by the story to foster empathy and problem-solving skills. Highlight the lessons learned by the boy and discuss similar experiences in your child’s life, enhancing deeper connection to the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Patience
Explanation: The main character must patiently wait for the right moment to discover his name, illustrating the importance of patience even when answers are not immediately apparent.
Real-World Application: Children learn to wait calmly for their turn or for expected outcomes, which helps them manage anxiety and develop self-control.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Discovery
Explanation: The journey the boy takes to discover his name symbolizes a deeper quest for finding one’s identity and place in the world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own passions, strengths, and beliefs as integral parts of growing up and shaping their identity.
Example Lesson: Respect for Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book seamlessly integrates elements from Dari culture, teaching respect for and curiosity about different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and preventing prejudice.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, the protagonist does not give up on his quest, showing that perseverance leads to eventual success.
Real-World Application: Children understand that overcoming difficulties is a part of achieving goals and that persistence is key in any endeavor.