About This Book
This beautifully illustrated chapter book brings to life Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī's famous poem, "The Blind Men and the Elephant." Mina Javaherbin's retelling is both charming and witty, while Eugene Yelchin's illustrations are refreshingly brilliant. The story follows Persian villagers as they encounter a mysterious elephant from India in a dark barn, each touching a different part and forming wildly different conclusions. It's an excellent tool for discussing perception, the importance of listening to others' perspectives, and how combining different viewpoints leads to a fuller understanding. Ideal for children aged 4-11, it offers a gentle yet profound lesson.
Mina Javaherbin's charming and witty retelling combined with Eugene Yelchin's refreshingly brilliant illustrations bring this enlightened classic, inspired by Rumi's poem, vividly to life.
Discussion Prompts
1
If you were one of the villagers, what part of the elephant do you think you would have touched first? What would you have thought it was?
2
Why was it hard for the villagers to agree on what the animal was?
3
What do you think the villagers should have done to figure out what the animal really was?
4
Can you think of a time when you and a friend saw something differently? How did you figure it out?
5
What does this story teach us about listening to other people's ideas?
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