The Clever Boy and the Terrible, Dangerous Animal

When a boy visits another village, he is surprised to find the townspeople terrified of something that — just because they have not seen it before — they mistake for a terrible, dangerous animal. With his own knowledge and by demonstration, the boy helps them overcome their fears.

This story is part of an oral tradition from the Middle East and Central Asia that is more than a thousand years old. In an entertaining way, it introduces children to an interesting aspect of human behavior and so enables them to recognize it in their daily life.

One of many tales from the body of Sufi literature collected by Idries Shah, the tale is presented here as part of his series of books for young readers. For more than a thousand years this story has entertained young people and helped to foster in them the ability to examine their assumptions and to think for themselves.

This is the second book of the series illustrated by Rose Mary Santiago, following the award-winning best-seller, The Farmer’s Wife.