Akbar and Birbal: The Khichri : Read It Yourself - Level 3 Confident Reader

Emperor Akbar and his chief minister Birbal make a bet that a man cannot stay in freezing water all night long. When Akbar thinks the man has cheated, how can Birbal show Akbar that he might be wrong?

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Based on the popular Akbar and Birbal tales from India, Emperor Akbar and his chief minister Birbal make a bet that a man cannot stay in freezing water all night long. When Akbar thinks the man has cheated, how can Birbal show Akbar that he might be wrong?

Confident Reader Level 3 is a series of books designed for more confident readers aged 6+ who can read simple stories with some help. Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants to ensure that it is appropriate for the age group and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading.

The series has five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading, with a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest. The books are designed to help children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.

One day, Emperor Akbar and his chief minister Birbal make a bet that a man cannot stay in freezing water all night long. Akbar is confident that the man will fail, as he has heard stories of people who have tried and failed. Birbal, however, is not so sure. He knows that there are many things that we can do to survive in difficult situations, and he decides to put his knowledge to the test.

Birbal calls for a man to be brought to him. The man is dressed in a thin layer of clothing and is standing in a small pool of freezing water. Birbal tells the man that he must stay in the water all night long, and if he does not, he will be punished.

The man agrees to the bet, and Birbal proceeds to give him a series of instructions. He tells him to keep his body warm by moving his arms and legs, to breathe slowly and deeply, and to focus on his breathing. He also gives him a small piece of wood to keep him warm.

The man starts to shiver and shake, but Birbal encourages him to keep going. He tells him that the cold water will numb his body and that he will eventually feel numb to the pain. He also tells him that he must stay focused on his breathing and not let his mind wander.

As the night goes on, the man starts to feel the effects of the cold water. He begins to lose feeling in his hands and feet, and his breathing becomes labored. He starts to hallucinate, seeing images of his family and friends in the water with him.

Despite the man's struggles, Birbal remains calm and encouraging. He continues to give him instructions and to check on his progress. He even offers him a small piece of food to help him keep his strength up.

Finally, at dawn, the man emerges from the water. He is exhausted and weak, but he is alive. Birbal congratulates him on his victory and tells him that he has proven that he is not a cheater.

Akbar is amazed by Birbal's wisdom and skill. He realizes that he has been wrong about the man and that there are many things that we can do that we may not think are possible. He thanks Birbal for his help and promises to never make another bet that he is not sure about.

From this story, we learn that we should never underestimate the power of knowledge and skill. Birbal's knowledge of the human body and his ability to stay calm in a difficult situation allowed him to help the man survive in freezing water all night long. We should also never be quick to judge others, as we may be wrong about their abilities. Finally, we should always be open to learning and growing, as there is always more to learn and discover.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 220 x 147 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241563793