CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Idries Shah wrote a series of delightful Teaching Stories for his own children. These are now being produced by ISF as limited edition hardcover books, each richly illustrated by international artists whose work appeals to children from all cultures. Fun and entertaining, yet infused with Aesopian wisdom, this collection provides nutrition for young minds.
Idries Shah wrote a series of delightful Teaching Stories for his own children. These are now being produced by ISF as limited edition hardcover books, each richly illustrated by international artists whose work appeals to children from all cultures. Fun and entertaining, yet infused with Aesopian wisdom, this collection provides nutrition for young minds.

TEACHING STORIES

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our next three children’s books, The Tale of the Sands, The Horrible Dib Dib, and After a Swim – all made possible thanks to generous donations. But these aren’t your garden-variety picture books. Funny, playful and hugely entertaining, they enshrine – in their characters, plots and imagery – patterns and relationships which increase our understanding, flexibility, and breadth of vision.


‘Idries Shah’s stories are…recommended to parents and children because they allow children to think on their own, learn problem-solving skills, predict the outcome of an action, and support the development of social and emotional attributes like empathy,’ says Ezra Hewing, Head of Education at the mental health charity, Suffolk Mind. The Magazine of the National Education Association (USA) adds that Idries Shah’s children’s books are drawn ‘from a rich tradition of storytelling from Central Asia and the Middle East. Stories told and retold to children, by campfire and candlelight, for more than a thousand years. Through repeated readings, these stories provoke fresh insight and more flexible thought in children.’

 

 

Safia ShahSAFIA SHAH, CHILDREN’S BOOKS PROJECT DIRECTOR

 

Safia is a writer, entrepreneur and former TV producer. She published her first book, Afghan Caravan, when she was in her early twenties and has since established herself as an accomplished short story writer. Her latest collection Twice Sifted focuses on stress-induced anxiety and the many ways in which it is manifested in the characters' lives. Safia has also met with considerable success in business. She and her husband, Ian, founded A. Gold in Spitalfields, a delicatessen selling traditional British products; they have since gone on to found an award-winning design workshop and cafe in Somerset where children use recycled materials to make wonderful creations of their own.

 

 

 

All of ISF’s children’s books can be viewed online. Should you wish to purchase copies, please visit our shop. All profits from sales go to provide free copies of our books to children in Afghanistan, who are desperate for books of their own. And remember, stories provide context and meaning to everything we do. They’re fundamental to the psychological development of children, helping them to share their understanding of the world and make meaningful connections with one another.

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More about this project

SAIRA SHAH READS HER FATHER’S STORIES TO PARIS SCHOOL CHILDREN AT UNESCO CULTURAL EVENT

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SAIRA SHAH READS HER FATHER’S STORIES TO PARIS SCHOOL CHILDREN AT UNESCO CULTURAL EVENT

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After a Swim