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60 EASTERN HORIZON | DHARMA BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Dharma Books for Children

their loved ones, friends, and even to those who are
not necessarily the friendly type. All through the book,
the author also encourages some basic interactivity by
asking the children to reflect on some basic thoughts
such as “How were you kind today?”. Likewise, because
we all live in an inter-connected world, the children are
taught to think of the forests, the mountains the oceans,
Sumi Loundon Kim, Goodnight Love. A Bedtime the sun, moon, and stars, and the entire world – by
radiating the same positive thoughts to them so that
Meditation Story. Illustrated by Laura Watkins. Bala
they too are healthy, happy and peaceful. What makes
Kids: USA. 2023. pp 32. Hardcover. US$17.95 www.
the book even more interesting for young children is the
shambhala.com
inclusion of adorable sloth characters.
This is a well-illustrated and colorful picture book
Sumi Loundon Kim is the Buddhist chaplain at Yale
that prepares children from ages 2-5 with soothing
University and founder of the Mindful Families of
meditation exercises for bedtime. The exercises are
Durham. She is the editor of the anthologies Blue Jean
gentle and pleasing and create a peaceful environment
Buddha and The Buddha’s Apprentices and author
for children to have a sound sleep.
of Sitting Together: A Family Centered Curriculum

on Mindfulness, Meditation, and Buddhist Teachings.
Some of the simple exercises the author recommends
Sumi graduated from a Master of Divinity degree from
include taking two deep belly breaths and visualizing a
Harvard University and lives in Connecticut, USA.
warm light radiating out from their hearts. The children
are then taught to repeat verses such as “May I be
Laura Watkins is an illustrator living in London. Since
healthy”, “May I be safe and protected”, and “May I be
graduating from the University for the Creative Arts,
happy and peaceful”. Such wonderful positive phrases
Laura has created lines of greeting cards, illustrated
provide young children with a head start in practicing
numerous children’s books, including T is for Tiger: A
metta or loving kindness in life. This continues with
Toddler’s First Book of Animals, and currently runs a
the children been taught to radiate the same positive
boutique dog print shop called Watkins Prints. EH
thoughts of loving kindness to others – their families,

This colourful book comprises eleven engaging Zen-
inspired stories and fifty activities to help kids (ages
4–8) learn about patience, kindness, honesty, sharing
and forgiveness.

The eleven engaging stories are drawn from different
cultures, each concluding with short reflections,
questions, and fun, thought-provoking activities that
Laura Burges, Zen for Kids. 50+ Mindful Activities
teach children how to integrate the theme of the story
and Stories to Shine Loving Kindness in the World.
into their lives. They include stories about Siddhartha
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai. Bala Kids: USA. 2023. pp 92.
the boy, how everything is inter-connected (the Cry
Hardcover. US$18.95 www.shambhala.com
of the Camphor Tree), how everything changes (the