The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water

Genres

What is The Lion Who Saw Himself in the Water about?

A good-natured lion, proud ruler of the animals, becomes desperately thirsty on a hot day. At last he finds a clear pool, but when he looks into the water, he sees a fierce lion staring back at him. Frightened by his own reflection, he growls, roars and backs away. How can he drink without facing the terrifying creature? This gentle teaching tale explores fear, self-understanding and courage, inviting young readers to discover that things are not always what they seem.

About the author

Idries Shah was a writer and storyteller who shared clever, funny tales from many cultures. He is best known for collecting stories about Nasrudin, a wise but wonderfully muddle-headed character, and for books such as The Sufis and World Tales. His work encourages readers to think carefully, enjoy humour and see everyday life in new ways.