Both children and adults will find something to enjoy in this enchanting tale.
Maya van der Meer’s new children’s book, Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion (Shambhala Publications), tells the origin story of this beloved Buddhist figure. We are transported to a kingdom in ancient China where two sisters—Ling and her big sister Miao Shan—live under the strict rule of their father the king. As various adventures ensue, Ling bears witness to her sister’s eventual transformation into the bodhisattva Kuan Yin, “the one who hears the cries of the world.” Ultimately, both sisters learn to embrace their power and follow their own paths. Wen Hsu’s intricate and vibrant illustrations draw the reader into the magical world of Kuan Yin. My young daughter read it and said, “Every page is my new favorite picture.” Both children and adults will find something to enjoy in this enchanting tale.
– Tracy Franz