The Clever Boy and the Terrible, Dangerous Animal

A young boy encounters a village gripped by fear of an unknown creature, which they mistakenly believe to be dangerous. Utilizing his knowledge, he demonstrates to the villagers that their fears are unfounded, helping them to overcome their anxieties. Rooted in a rich oral tradition from the Middle East and Central Asia, this tale not only entertains but also teaches children about human behavior and fear recognition. This story is part of Idries Shah's collection of Sufi literature, illustrated by Rose Mary Santiago in her second collaboration for young readers.