1. A Magical Moment ...................1

2. Tyler’s Room..............................9

3. 1705..........................................14

4. The Kind Water Bearer...........18

5. Arjan’s Home............................24

6. Arjan and Tyler.........................28

7. The Embrace.............................34

8. Historical Background .............36

 

 

The Royal Falcon Book Review by MEETA KAUR

 

The Royal Falcon was selected as one of 8 books to be showcased and celebrated at the Parliament of The World's Religions held in Melbourne, Australia earlier this month. Jessi Kaur was a featured author at the Parliament as well.

 

THE REVIEW

 

As a child, I remember searching for books that looked and felt like me, a Sikh girl growing up in America.  The closest I came was Ramona Quimby, a dark haired American girl, Nancy Drew, a light-dark haired detective, and Veronica, another dark haired American teenager in the Archie comics.

 

Today, I have the pleasure of reliving my childhood reveries for children's books through my daughter's literary explorations.

 

On average, we pick up 8 picture books every two weeks from our public library. And we feel that in the next five years, we will have the pleasure of picking up children's books that are written by and for Sikhs.  We are eager and excited to pick up The Lion's Mane by Navjot Kaur and Jessi Kaur's most recently published book, The Royal Falcon - a must-have for any child's bookshelf.

 

The Royal Falcon crosses geographical, ethnic, and fantastical boundaries, creating a world that is magical, hopeful, and full of love. Jessi Kaur places Guru Gobind Singh's falcon in North America as a life guide to young Arjan, a Sikh boy growing up in America.

 

At the beginning of the book, Khushi, Arjan's name for the falcon, asks Arjan and the readers to suspend disbelief, let go of reality as we know it, by believing in "mind over matter" to join Khushi for a true adventure. Time travel, Sikh historical sites, the ability to fly, Sikh heroes, compassion, and a deeper understanding of people and circumstances are just some of the touch-downs in their escapade.

 

The visits back in time are memorable and shrewdly used to teach important historical Sikh myths. Jessi also diversifies the character line-up by creating Miss Fernandez, a Hispanic American teacher, and Tyler, an American boy, as strong secondary characters.

The illustrations by Pammy Kapoor are warm and  inviting, distinct, and representative of our family lives here in the diaspora.

 

The book opens with an illustration of Arjan Singh dressed in a t-shirt and shorts hanging out in his bedroom with an IPod dangling from his bed.  Another illustration depicts Arjan flying over his local city in tandem with Khushi. The final illustration of Arjan in a warm embrace with Guru Gobind Singh Ji will melt away any bad feelings from the day.

 

To compliment the illustrations, Jessi uses straightforward language that is colorful and moves the plot along at an enjoyable pace. The dialogue is strong and inquisitive. The descriptions are rich. Here is one of Guru Gobind Singh ji:

"He was dressed in an orange robe interwoven with shades of gold. His immaculately tied turban was adorned with a plume set with precious stones. There was a luminous radiance about him."

 

Aside from the obvious life lessons Jessi focuses on, The Royal Falcon also teaches children some more subtle life lessons that are worth knowing.  Arjan and Khushi's relationship shows children it is okay to disagree with friends and guard and protect one's own value system by saying no. The relationship also depicts the importance of setting limits and boundaries with others when we do disagree about an issue.

 

Jessi Kaur also handles socio-economic class differences between characters responsibly. While Arjan clearly comes from a secure upper middle class background, Tyler, his classmate, does not. One of the illustrations clearly depicts Tyler's family as struggling yet Jessi gives Tyler a conscience and the character to do the right thing at the end.

 

As a parent, I appreciate turning socio-economic stereotypes on their heads by depicting all people, regardless of background, capable of making good choices and choosing to do the "right thing" when the circumstance calls for it.

 

The crowning jewel in this book is the ocean of love that is shown between Arjan and Guru Gobind Singh. I'll refrain from telling you how this occurs as to keep it a surprise. There is no distance or separation. It is pure and full and eternal. It is such a wonderful feeling to walk away with; it punctuates the ending with warmth.

 

It is the perfect way for a child to drift off into a peaceful slumber and for a parent to feel good about a story-time session well done.

 

 

About.com, December 17, 2009

By Sukhmandir Khalsa, About.com Guide

 

The Bottom Line

From the modern day school room setting to the ancient court of the Guru, your imagination will soar when you fly with Guru Gobind Singh's falcon Khushi, in Jessi Kaur's The Royal Falcon. Be prepared to confront the directives of your own inner avenues as you journey with Khushi to navigate the Sikh boy, Ajran's, subconscious while he struggles to do the right thing in the wrong situation. Experience the triumph when his choices inspire others and ultimately earn him the reward of recognition where it counts most. Read this book and you may find yourself with a lump of longing in your throat at the story's conclusion.

 

Pros

Invites and promotes discussion of Sikh values.

Applies historical lessons to modern day living.

Reinforces positive Sikh identity and instills values essential to Sikhism.

Colorful and lively illustrations animate glossy pages.

A two page historical glossary is included.

 

Cons

Visually distinctive Sikh identity is predominantly male oriented.

Page width may pose a challenge for some readers.

 

 

Guide Review - The Royal Falcon by Jessi Kaur Illustrated by Pammy Kapoor

 

I found The Royal Falcon by Jessi Kaur to be a fantasy made real by every day events. Arjan, young Sikh boy, has a magical adventure with an imaginary falcon which helps him sort out troubled feelings of anger and resentment. When something Arjan values is stolen, he becomes upset. Guru Gobind Singh's falcon flies out of the painting the boy is looking at and offers to help him recover his property. Arjan names the falcon Khushi and together they embark on a series of adventures flying over the school yard, through the city where Arjan lives, and back through time to Guru Gobind Singh's court.

 

His interaction with the imaginary falcon encourages Arjan to grapple with tough questions of ethics, apply what he learns to his situation, and arrive at a positive resolution to his dilemma. The choices Arjan make bond him with his Guru. It brings him closer to the values he has been raised with in a tangible manner, all the while taking the reader along on a journey of self discovery.

 

Read this book and you may find yourself asking a few questions, taking a closer look at your own life, observing how you interact with others, reviewing your personal environment, and hoping to achieve the comfort Arjan finds when he opts for kindness rather than revenge.

 

Author, Jessi Kaur, the mother of one, is a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, and the co-founder of International Institute of Gurmat Studies headquartered in Tustin, California. She has been a speaker at Gurmat youth camps and multi-faith conventions around the world. Formerly a lecturer in English Literature at Delhi University of New Delhi, India, Jessi Kaur has consulted for the Department Human Resources in high tech Silicon Valley and is the Vice Chairperson for the Fine Arts Commission of Cupertino Ca. Jessi's experience with the younger set becomes obvious in this delightful imaginary tale. Her talent's depth is revealed in the introspection it provokes.

 

Illustrator Pammy Kapoor, the mother of two, and a resident of San Jose California, is a student of advanced art. She captures the imagination with her drawings using a medium which at first glance appears to be color crayon, pencil or pastel, but much the way the tale blends the real and imaginary, seems to combine her technique with computer graphics. The very nature of the illustrations brings them to life making them believable and appealing, perhaps even inspirational to aspiring young artists, and awakens a sense of adventure in the eye of all.

 

Editor Harsharan Kaur of Ellicot City, Maryland, the mother of two, with a B.A and in Literature and an M.A in communication, uses her experience to foster cross cultural understanding and promote peaceful resolution to battle discrimination and bullying in schools.

 

Together these three women make a strong inspirational statement for what can be achieved by motivated mothers bringing together elements of high adventure and thought provoking ethics in their joint presentation, The Royal Falcon.

 

The Royal Falcon Lesson Plan and Workbook By Bindi Gill and Francis Nance

 

Introduction

The story is based on a historical episode in Indian history. The book is a good classroom read especially when fostering relationships between students to build knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of diverse cultures. It also provides an opportunity to educate and instill good values in students. The protagonist is a Sikh boy who is part of a tradition about which very little is known. It is a wonderful story about compassion in action. It also addresses the issue of class difference and students coming from different socio-economic strata. Furthermore, it is a rich study in complex emotions, and challenging dilemmas that young children face and relate to in their different environments.

 

 Lesson Plan for Grades 3 And 4

Classroom activities can give students opportunities to reflect on certain scenarios in the book.

For example journal prompts and writing in interactive journals:

 

1. Which part of the book can you relate to if something similar happened to you or someone you know?

2. Write about the different ways kindness and compassion was shown in the book.

3. If you could talk to the main character, what three questions would you ask and why?

4. If you could bring something to share for the class, what would it be? Why would you choose this item?

5. Illustrate a picture from the story that shows good values.

6. In your group prepare a skit for the class that shows an incident that is similar to what the characters experienced in the book but occurs in your school.

7. Create a giant postcard on which you summarize the story in letter form. Describe three main events and write a conclusion stating what you have learned from the story.

8. On the back of the postcard draw a picture of your favorite setting in the book. Try to capture sensory details that appealed to you the most.

Writing a formal letter will promote awareness and also establish a purpose and message of the book.

Please see a sample of the book report and the postcard.

 

Work Book Questions -  English Language Arts class – Grades 3 and 4 and Social Studies Class room – Grades 3, and 4

For the English Language Arts Class, the questions have been designed to address critical analysis and literary response to the theme, plot, setting, and characters. Encourage students to write descriptions that use sensory details to present impressions of people, places, or experiences.

 

In the Social Studies Class room the teacher may use the questions to instill good citizenship, and encourage students to value the importance of compassion and sharing. Both these values are strongly emphasized in the book and questions and activities are designed to help young students process these messages at a personal level.

 

Workbook

Chapter One – The Magical Moment

Arjan is sad and angry because one of his precious pencils was stolen.

Have you ever had something special taken away from you? How did you feel? What did you do about it?

If you haven’t had anything stolen, how would you feel if something special was taken away from you?

To distract himself, Arjan starts talking to the falcon in the photograph and the falcon “comes alive.” Do you think the falcon really came alive or was it his imagination? Describe a time when you have let your imagination run free. What did you imagine?

Khushi the falcon offered to grant Arjan a wish. If you could wish for anything, what would it be?

The falcon wrapped his talons around Arjan’s waist and they flew away. If you could fly anywhere, where would you go? Why?

 

Chapter Two – Tyler’s Room

When Arjan visits Tyler’s room, he is shocked.  This is not what he expected to see and certainly not what his own room looks like. The paint is peeling off the walls, the carpet is threadbare, and there are no fancy things in the room. Have you ever seen anyone that appears poor to you? How did that make you feel?

Similarly, have you ever met someone that you thought had so much more than you? How did that make you feel?

 

Chapter Three – 1705

Arjan and Khushi fly back to a scene in 1705, where a fierce battle is taking place. A wicked king has taken away the rights of the people to worship according to their culture and tradition. Does your family have a special tradition? Describe it. How would you feel if someone took away your freedom to practice your tradition?

 

Chapter Four – The Water Bearer

Bhai Kanhaiya was seen providing water to the wounded of the enemy.  An angry man dragged him to Guru Gobind Singh’s court to have him punished.  Instead of being angry at Bhai, Kanhaiya, Guruji gave him an ointment to apply on the wounds of the enemy. Guruji said to him, “compassion has guided you to do the right thing.”

What do you think Guruji meant by that?

Describe an event when your anger has been changed by compassion.  Contrast it with a time when you did not feel compassion. Which feeling makes you feel better -anger or compassion, and why?

 

Chapter Five – Arjan’s Home

When Arjan describes his visit to Guruji’s court, his little sister wants to go also. Do you have a little brother or sister who wants to do everything you do? Does that annoy or please you? How do you handle the situation?

Describe a time when you were not able to sleep because you had something on your mind. What was the situation that kept you awake? How did you solve your problem?

 

Chapter Six – Arjun and Tyler

Do you like to share? Why is it important to share? What are some of the things you have taken to school to share with the class?

Describe a time when you have not wanted to share something. How do you feel at that time if someone makes you share?

Describe another situation when you have been open to sharing. Tell about the two different situations and how you felt about them.

Why do you think Arjan gives the pencil and the eraser to Tyler? Does Tyler deserve it?

Would you be able to forgive someone who had stolen something from you?

Who do you think was happier – Arjan or Tyler after Arjan gave Tyler the pencil?

 

Chapter Seven – The Embrace

Why did Khushi take Arjan back to Guru Ji’s court?

Why does Guru ji embrace him?

Do you like being hugged? Give reasons for your answer.

 

Open ended questions:

If you were to write a sequel to The Royal Falcon, predict what will happen next.

What were some important values that you learned from the story?

If you were in The Royal Falcon play which character would you like to be? Why?

 

 

BOOK REPORT SAMPLES (click to view):            1                            2                          3                            4

 

 

The best way to bring about awareness about Sikh identity is to gift

The Royal Falcon to as many teachers, libraries and friends as you can!

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Item:  The Royal Falcon

 

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