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DHARMA BOOKS FOR CHILDREN | EASTERN HORIZON 61

Dharma Books for Children

Broken Teacup), and qualities such as Kindness, Center and at other practice places in Northern
Generosity, Patience, Effort, Friendship and Wisdom. California. She is the abiding teacher at Lenox House
Meditation Group in Oakland. Laura taught children for
There are also 53 activities, including writing haiku, 35 years and now mentors other teachers.
sitting zazen, observing, making, and appreciating food,
growing plants, spreading kindness and performing Melissa Iwai has illustrated over 30 books. From the
secret good deeds, and learning and writing about time she was a little kid, she wanted to write and
family history. illustrate children’s books. She used to staple paper
together and make tiny books for her dolls. She lives
Laura Burges (Ryuko Eitai) is a lay entrusted Buddhist with her husband and teenage son in a teeny, tiny
teacher in the Soto Zen tradition. She lectures, offers apartment in Brooklyn, NY. EH
classes, and leads retreats at the San Francisco Zen

Each story conveys important morals that are short,
sweet, and to the point, giving children a handful of
useful lessons to apply to their lives, like “Always try to
do the right thing, even when no one else is watching.”

These tales are brought to life with stunning and
dreamlike illustrations by Sonali Zohra (illustrator
of Ashoka the Fierce), exploring in vivid detail how one’s
Laura Burges, Buddhist Stories for Kids. Jataka Tales actions affect others; the importance of kindness; the
of Kindness, Friendship and Forgiveness. Illustrated by strength of friendship; the value of thoughtful decisions;
Sonali Zohra. Bala Kids: USA. 2022. pp 76. Hardcover. and the importance of letting go and learning to forgive.
US$18.95 www.shambhala.com With a beautiful paper-over-board package to tie it
all together, this book will serve as a timeless and
A wise and colorful collection of ten Buddhist fables, treasured offering for both children and adults.
this modern telling of ancient Indian stories, centering
Sonali is an illustrator based in BC, Canada. Her work is
around animals and nature, teaches vibrant and
inspired by her love of nature, mythology, philosophy,
timeless life lessons. (Ages 4-8)
and spirituality—combined with her education in
Long ago, the Buddha told his followers Jataka Tales, or fine art, photography and design. Her illustrations
“birth stories,” about the many lifetimes he lived before evolve and grow as she does; she enjoys this process
profoundly. EH
he was born as Prince Siddhartha. In this beautiful
retelling of ten such stories, the Buddha is introduced
as the Queen of the Dogs, a loyal Parrot, a mischievous
Monkey, a wise Lion, a brave Forest Owlet, and more.