The Blind Men and the Elephant

Though I have heard the folk tale of the Blind Men and the Elephant many times, I've never read it, so I was curious to explore Karen Backstein's retelling. To me this simple tale is timeless, and in the form I read is accessible as a read-aloud. I would love for learner's to be encouraged that knowledge is acquired piece by piece, and synthesized over time.

This book is designed for 1st and 2nd graders. It is about six blind men who use their senses to figure out what things are like since they can not see them. They go to see what the elephant is like, but all think it is different and argue about who is right. They each touched a different part since the elephant was so big. The prince then told them you had to put all the parts together to make the elephant and they were all right.

A simple book but worthwhile story adapted for children. Keep in the library.

A straight-forward telling of this tale, attributed to the Buddha. Simple, colorful pictures.

A retelling of the fable from India about six blind men who each get a limited understanding of what an elephant is by feeling only one part of it.

A wonderful life lesson fable that originated in India.

Goodwill