The Magic Horse

Rating:
Summary: The Power of a "Mere Plaything"
Review: The notion that certain folk tales, "mere playthings" might have more noble capacities is beautifully exemplified in this ancient tale.This story appeared in a collection of tales, "A Caravan of Dreams" some 30 years ago and I am now delighted to see it turned into a richly illustrated, children's book. The story has multiple meanings, and can evoke deep examination, such as children's grappling with the tensions between technology and more simple realities, academics and practical views. A school librarian I visited in Seattle, WA, places this book in a section called "For Readers of All Ages" because she realizes that there is a genre of picture books that has many layers and can appeal to all. Teachers realize the great need to help children learn how to develop thinking skills and this story allows children a situation that they can reference when trying to explain certain issues they might not otherwise be able to verbalize. It gives them a story which acts as vehicle on which to hang their experiences. This is a function of certain folk tales that surpasses the usual moral endings we are more used to expecting. We are all storytellers, and use story to explain our sitations and make the complex simple. There is a genre of tales, "The Magic Horse" being part of this genre, that allows the reader an opportunity to experience insights into his/her own psyche that are often hidden by more dominant patterns. The fact that this is done in an entertaining fashion, often confuses the reader into thinking that this is just a "mere plaything." But stories can have many levels of capacity, just as orange juice is refreshing, tasty, and provides Vitamin C. Idries Shah spent years collecting and making available these amazing tales, intuitively understanding this was something needed in our evolving culture. They are like nothing else I have ever read. And this one has always been one of my very favorites. One can learn so much about oneself and others by reflecting on this story and using it as a mirror to see one's hidden prejudices. And, the tale itself echoes the notion that things that appear to be "mere playthings," like magic horses, are really much more powerful than we realize. There are children's books with messages, morals, and meaning. "The Magic Horse" is an instrument that both entertains and helps the reader "learn how to learn." But to give the story away would be like trying to "Send a kiss by messenger." It's a story that I will keep on reading to kids.

Rating:
Summary: A truly magical book for young and old alike.
Review: The notion that certain folk tales, "mere playthings" might have more noble capacities is beautifully exemplified in this ancient tale.This story appeared in a collection of tales, "A Caravan of Dreams" some 30 years ago and I am now delighted to see it turned into a richly illustrated, children's book. The story has multiple meanings, and can evoke deep examination, such as children's grappling with the tensions between technology and more simple realities, academics and practical views. A school librarian I visited in Seattle, WA, places this book in a section called "For Readers of All Ages" because she realizes that there is a genre of picture books that has many layers and can appeal to all. Teachers realize the great need to help children learn how to develop thinking skills and this story allows children a situation that they can reference when trying to explain certain issues they might not otherwise be able to verbalize. It gives them a story which acts as vehicle on which to hang their experiences. This is a function of certain folk tales that surpasses the usual moral endings we are more used to expecting. We are all storytellers, and use story to explain our sitations and make the complex simple. There is a genre of tales, "The Magic Horse" being part of this genre, that allows the reader an opportunity to experience insights into his/her own psyche that are often hidden by more dominant patterns. The fact that this is done in an entertaining fashion, often confuses the reader into thinking that this is just a "mere plaything." But stories can have many levels of capacity, just as orange juice is refreshing, tasty, and provides Vitamin C. Idries Shah spent years collecting and making available these amazing tales, intuitively understanding this was something needed in our evolving culture. They are like nothing else I have ever read. And this one has always been one of my very favorites. One can learn so much about oneself and others by reflecting on this story and using it as a mirror to see one's hidden prejudices. And, the tale itself echoes the notion that things that appear to be "mere playthings," like magic horses, are really much more powerful than we realize. There are children's books with messages, morals, and meaning. "The Magic Horse" is an instrument that both entertains and helps the reader "learn how to learn." But to give the story away would be like trying to "Send a kiss by messenger." It's a story that I will keep on reading to kids.

Rating:
Summary: A Teacher's Review of "The Magic Horse" by Idres Shah
Review: There are so many mysterious twists and turns to the telling of this amazing and complex story. I read this book to all my classes (third graders). The kids hang on every word in spellbound silence. How important in this technological, materialistic culture for our kids to be exposed to the very notion of a "heart's desire," to the idea of life as a richly complex journey with multiple dimensions and possibilities beyond our wildest dreams - possibilities that we must stretch ourselves to discover and realize. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages.

Rating:
Summary: A truly magical book for young and old alike.
Review: This book is a real treat, both visually (the illustrations are gorgeous) and narratively (the rich plot is sure to keep adults as well as children enthralled). My 10-year-old daughter loves it, and each time I read it with her I notice something in it that I hadn't noticed before - which is rare indeed for a children's book. The story, which has been told for more than a thousand years in Central Asia and the Middle East, doesn't batter the reader with clumsy morals, but instead seems to offer something subtler and, I suspect, of far greater value. It revolves around a boy who finds and achieves his heart's desire with the help of a magical wooden horse that carries him on its back as it flies through the air to wondrous places. Readers of this marvelous book are sure to soar right along with them.