Good Stories for Good Children (8 Volumes)

Although Mehdi Azar Yazdi left behind many books, perhaps his most famous and enduring work is the eight-volume series Good Stories for Good Children, cherished by generations of Iranian children and teenagers. Here is a brief overview of the eight volumes:
1. Stories from Kalileh and Demneh – The first volume contains 25 stories from the classic Kalileh and Demneh, originally written in India around 2,000 years ago. This volume is suitable for upper elementary and middle school readers.
2. Stories from Marzban Nameh – This volume includes 21 carefully selected and rewritten tales from the Marzban Nameh, such as “The Goat’s Song,” “The Foot Soldier and the Rider,” “The Jackal on the Bear,” “The Fire-Eating Bird,” “The Fox and the Rooster,” and “The Learned Donkey.”
3. Stories from Sindbad Nameh and Qabus Nameh – Volume three features 13 stories from Sindbad Nameh and 2 from Qabus Nameh. These classical texts are often difficult for children, so the author has adapted them in simple, accessible language.
4. Stories from Masnavi – Intended for fourth and fifth graders as well as middle school students, this volume contains 24 standalone stories inspired by the sweet and instructive tales of Rumi’s Masnavi. The stories are written so simply and delightfully that they can be read again and again.
5. Stories from the Quran – The fifth volume contains 18 stories from the Quran, focusing primarily on the lives and teachings of the prophets.
6. Stories from Sheikh Attar – This volume presents 21 selected stories from Sheikh Attar’s works, retold in a way that is understandable and engaging for children.
7. Stories from Golestan and Malestan – Volume seven includes stories from Saadi’s Golestan and other similar works written after Golestan, capturing the beauty and moral lessons of classical Persian literature.
8. Stories of the Fourteen Infallibles – The eighth and final volume collects stories about the lives of the Fourteen Infallibles (peace be upon them), compiled from various sources and presented in an accessible way for young readers.