“Maya van der Meer has created a world in a book. And it is a world I’ve been waiting for…”
– Elizabeth Lesser, best-selling author, co-founder of Omega Institute
Order From These Booksellers:
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.
MAYA VAN DER MEER is an author, educator, environmentalist and long-time Buddhist practitioner. She is the founder of the online education platform Bodhi Kids and assists Buddhist communities in establishing or enhancing their children’s programming. Maya has run children’s programs at meditation retreats and was an instructor at the Middle Way School in Woodstock, New York, where she currently lives with her partner and their children.
WEN HSU is a Taiwanese-Costa Rican illustrator. She has a wide range of styles working with papercuts, ink, watercolor, textiles and digital art. She has illustrated stories for children in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, India, Japan, Korea, and China. Wen has had a personal connection with Kuan Yin since she was a child, stemming from the bedtime stories her father told about the bodhisattva and trips to the Kuan Yin temples in Taiwan she took with her grandmother.
Ommie Award Children’s Book Nominee
The Ommie Awards aim to recognize and honor the best luminary minds, influencers, and change-makers.
Moonbeams Children’s Book Awards “Best Illustrator”
The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and are dedicated to supporting childhood literacy and life-long reading.
Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2021
In choosing books for the annual list, reviewers consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes. […]
Spirituality & Practice “Best Books of 2021” Award Winner
A beautifully illustrated and inspired retelling of the Kuan Yin story from the perspective of her younger sister. Van der Meer draws from the many Chinese legends about the daughter of a cruel king who finds she cannot abide by his ways. The book begins with the tender scene of young Princess Ling waking to […]
Not Your Average Princess Book List
You Won’t Find Your Average Princess in These Kids’ Books by Devon A. Corneal for Brightly I have nothing against princesses. I like beautiful dresses and fancy crowns and dainty feet and being rescued by a charming man. The traditional damsel in distress is a quintessential part of children’s literature, and I have no problem […]
Nurturing Antiracist Kids “Best Picture Books of 2021”
Kuan Yin was included on Rebekah Gienapp’s list of Best Picture Books of 2021, with a focus on diverse, inclusive, and social justice-themed children’s books.
Spirituality & Practice Review
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.
The Children’s Book Review
Maya van der Meer’s Kuan Yin is a book to treasure
Lion’s Roar Review
Both children and adults will find something to enjoy in this enchanting tale.
Maisie Chan’s Favorite Chinese Mythology Books
Kuan Yin is listed as #1 of author Maisie Chan’s favorite books featuring Chinese mythology for Book Trust
School Library Journal Review
A beautifully illustrated retelling for younger readers of the Buddhist Bodhisattva Kuan Yin
San Fransisco Book Review
Told through a unique voice, gorgeous illustrations, and a message that teaches about sisterhood, compassion, and love.
Forward Review
With intricate illustrations reminiscent of Chinese paper cuts, the origin story of a beloved Buddhist saint is reimagined for a new audience.
Booklist Starred Review
Children will be fascinated by this gorgeously crafted picture book, which has the familiar elements of a fairy tale but may expose some readers to a narrative and culture that might not be familiar to them.
Kirkus Review
Van der Meer uses the familiarity of princess tales and the bonds of family to connect readers to this story of Kuan Yin. Hsu’s illustrations are expressive. Spreads are full of movement—fabrics flow, trees bend, a golden dragon swoops, and fragrances wisp through the air. Deep jewel tones transition into pastels as Miao Shan transforms into Kuan Yin.
Praise for Kuan Yin
"Maya van der Meer has created a world in a book. And it is a world I’ve been waiting for—where the hero is a young woman who uses a different kind of power than the kind every other superhero brandishes. She’s strong and courageous, and she does what she needs to do. But there’s no treachery, no violence, no battles. Instead there is steadfastness, compassion, and love. The book reads like an adventure story, all wrapped up in the beautiful illustrations of Wen Hsu."
"This intimately narrated, beautifully illustrated book shares the Chinese legend of Princess Miao Shan, who forsakes marriage and wealth in order to fulfill her vow of compassion as the bodhisattva Kuan Yin. Through Princess Miao Shan’s refusal to marry against her father’s wishes and her ultimate wish to save all sentient beings, readers are introduced to the virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness. I only wish that I had this book when my children were young so they could have been introduced to Princess Miao Shan earlier in their lives!"
"A beautifully rendered, gorgeously illustrated tale of the power of love, the strength of our human bonds, and the heart of compassion that leads us to true freedom. KUAN YIN offers us a message we all long to hear."
“This collaboration between Maya van der Meer and Wen Hsu is a lovely rendering of the Miao Shan legend and Kuan Yin. It effectively conveys core themes of compassion, affirmation of sentient life, and selfless giving for all ages, in particular the young and curious!”
“Turning the old-school princess story inside out, here we meet a brave woman who chooses love for all creatures over romantic obsession. With illustrations as glorious as the story itself, this is exactly the book we all need right now—regardless of age, gender, or religion.”
“Maya van der Meer and Wen Hsu’s Kuan Yin is a valuable contribution to the world of children’s literature. The message of this beautifully illustrated book will resonate with all who aspire to build a world filled with loving-kindness. While it is written with young readers in mind, it can be enjoyed by thoughtful individuals of all ages!”
“A stunning story, beautifully illustrated, with a timeless message for both children and adults!”
"The representation of strong spiritual mentors is crucial for young girls and they will find a champion for love, compassion, sisterhood, and breaking gender-based stereotypes in Maio Shan. She bravely rides tigers, she boldly follows her own path, and she gently shows the true power of love. The story of this Bodhisattva is beautifully written and the color pallet of the illustrations move the story from the worldly to the ethereal. This picturebook truly encapsulates words and images coming together to bring a vivid story to the eyes of young readers."
“With graceful storytelling, Maya van der Meer conveys both the courageous loyalty of sibling princesses and the seriousness of Miao Shan’s renunciation of royal life to fulfill her compassionate aspirations to benefit all living beings. The illustrations by Wen Hsu are gorgeous; the book’s enchantment lingers long after.”
“I was truly moved by this beautiful story of Kuan Yin. It is exquisitely illustrated and superbly written, for children and adults alike. The message of the power of love is an important reminder for us all. One is taken on an enchanting journey, a journey that softens the heart.”
“Kuan Yin is a powerful story about the heart’s ability to encompass everything. Beautifully illustrated and told, it simply and directly awakens that love deep inside of us all. This is an important book for our time.”
“Kuan Yin is a wise and precious book. Children will be inspired by Princess Miao Shan’s courage and comforted to know the story of how she is always with us.”
“This powerful story explores the themes of obedience to an unjust society and the courage to step outside the norm in order to cultivate the greater kindness that exists in all of us. The characters give voice to our deepest need for connection and the human struggle of self-discovery.”
“Although the legend of Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion, is a classic Buddhist story, Maya van der Meer’s telling highlights the universal human virtues at its core that show us how ordinary people can live extraordinary lives. The transformative power of love, the altruistic wish to serve others, and the courage to trust one’s own wisdom, even if outer circumstances discourage it, are vital and empowering messages that can inspire children to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Wen Hsu’s exquisite illustrations bring the text to life in a magical dance between words and images. This book is a treasure of wisdom and beauty.”
