Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion
by Maya Van Der Meer (Author) Wen Hsu (Illustrator)
Two sisters discover the power of love and the true meaning of compassion in this princess-adventure story based on an ancient Chinese tale.
Miao Shan isn't your typical princess. She likes to spend her time quietly meditating with the creatures of the forest or having adventures with dragons and tigers. Miao Shan's heart is so full of love that her dream is to spread happiness throughout the land and help people endlessly. But her father has other plans for her--he intends to have her married and remain in the palace. With the help of her little sister Ling, Miao Shan escapes and begins her journey to discover the true meaning of compassion.
During their adventure, Ling and Miao Shan are eventually separated. Ling must overcome doubts, fears, and loneliness in order to realize what her sister had told her all along--that love is the greatest power in the world. After the sisters' reunion, Miao Shan realizes her true calling as Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion.
A princess-adventure story like none other, this ancient Chinese tale of the world's most beloved Buddhist hero is a story of sisterhood, strength, and following your own path.
Locate at a Library Near You WorldCat is the world's largest library catalog, helping you find library materials online.
Find books about:
Kirkus
ALA/Booklist
School Library Journal
Miao Shin is a princess who prefers to spend her days meditating. Her soothing presence is a calming force for her younger sister Princess Ling. Ling is also worried for her sister who will not marry one of the suitors their father has selected, which will inspire his wrath. Miao Shin calmly requests to be sent to a nunnery where her father ensures she will be given the most difficult tasks. Despite her hardships, she tells Ling that they must care not just for themselves but for all beings. Their father is enraged at Miao Shin's accomplishments, bringing happiness to all, so Miao Shin disappears. When she returns after many years, Ling realizes her sister has fully realized the power of love and compassion. Miao Shin has transformed into Kuan Yin who is called for by all when compassion is needed. This retelling of the beloved Bodhisattva, enlightened being, takes the elements of the original story and includes themes of sisterhood and strength. Hsu's illustrations are vivid and detailed. The line work and bold patterns pull readers deeper into the story. The deep, rich tones of the palace in the beginning shift to softer, brighter pastels as Miao Shin transforms into Kuan Yin. An author's note at the end includes other names for Kuan Yin and informs how she is generally depicted throughout the Buddhist world. VERDICT A beautiful illustrated retelling for younger readers of the Buddhist Bodhisattva Kuan Yin.—Kristyn Dorfman, The Nightingale-Bamford Sch., New York City
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"With intricate illustrations reminiscent of Chinese paper cuts, the origin story of a beloved Buddhist saint is reimagined for a new audience."—Foreword Reviews
"A gorgeously illustrated and inspired retelling of the Kuan Yin story from the perspective of her younger sister. This book will not only intrigue minds but also help awaken hearts, in children and in those adults fortunate enough to get to read to them."—Spirituality & Practice
"Kuan Yin is a book to treasure."—The Children's Book Review
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
JUV033250 - Juvenile Fiction | Religious | Buddhist
Avalokiteasvara
Miaoshan
Buddhist goddesses
