The Phoenix of Persia
One Story, Many Voices Series
What’s inside...
In a bustling marketplace in Iran, a traditional storyteller regales her audience with the tale of Prince Zal and the Simorgh. High up on the Mountain of Gems lives the Simorgh, a wise phoenix whose flapping wings disperse the seeds of life across the world. When King Sam commands that his long-awaited newborn son Zal be abandoned because of his white hair, the Simorgh adopts the baby and raises him alongside her own chicks. She teaches him everything she knows. But when the king comes to regret his actions, Prince Zal will learn that the most important lesson of all is forgiveness. Retold for a modern audience, the story of The Phoenix of Persia is one of the ancient epic stories of Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) by the 10th century poet Ferdowsi, reminiscent of the classic fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. In this ancient Persian tale, a king awaits the birth of his son but when the child is born with white hair and skin, he is banished to the forest. The young babe is brought up by the phoenix Simorgh until his father realizes the love he has lost and seeks his return. A QR code is included to download Iranian music to accompany the text.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Phoenix symbolizes in the story?
How do you feel the prince's choices affected the outcome of the story?
What would you have done if you were in the prince's position?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in today’s world?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision like the prince?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine different scenarios by asking what they would do in the prince’s shoes.
Discuss the cultural aspects of the story to enhance understanding of its setting and origins.
Connect the themes of the book to personal experiences that your child may have had, making the conversation more relatable.
Praise your child for their thoughts and responses, reassuring them that their opinions are valued.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to spark discussion about the story’s themes and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness
Explanation: In 'The Phoenix of Persia', the prince forgives his father, the king, for his past mistakes, demonstrating the power and importance of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to forgive their friends or family members when they make mistakes, fostering healthier relationships and emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges and shows bravery in difficult situations, a lesson that is woven throughout the tale.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave in facing their own challenges, be it at school or in social settings, thereby building their confidence.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: The story highlights the consequences of the king's dishonest actions and the redemption that follows when he chooses honesty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of being truthful and the positive outcomes that can result from honest behavior in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing different cultures
Explanation: Set in ancient Persia, the book exposes young readers to a different cultural setting, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing respect and curiosity about different cultures they encounter in school or their community.
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Despite facing betrayal and danger, the central characters persevere through tough times, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and continuing to pursue their goals and interests.