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Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public. *Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL a recommendation.* Click here for more on book evaluation.


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35 matching books

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Ashoka the Fierce

2021

by Carolyn Kanjuro and Sonali Zohra

"How an unruly and angry young prince transformed into a beacon of benevolence and peace. As the son of an emperor, Ashoka was destined for a life of greatness. But as a boy, Ashoka felt like he was living in the shadow of his brother, growing to become arrogant, impatient, and above all, angry. Wanting nothing more than to be king, Ashoka learned to be cunning, and when he finally managed to ascend to the throne, he was eager for war. After a brutal battle for the kingdom of Kalinga, Ashoka went to survey his new lands. On his ride through the battlefield, Ashoka was haunted by the great destruction that he had caused. This moment marked a change of heart for Ashoka. Upon returning home, his closest friend and wife, Asandamitra, encouraged him to study the wisdom of the Buddha, the dharma, and to learn meditation as a way forward from his destructive past. When Ashoka finally met the wise Buddhist monk Upagupta, it transformed the way he saw the role of a king. He became compassionate toward animals, people, and the environment that encompassed his kingdom as the first emperor of India. Ashoka's life is a real, foundational story in Indian history, and the pillars erected during his reign over two thousand years ago have become the emblem of the national flag. Ashoka's journey is a story of profound transformation, demonstrating the power of reflection, compassion, and wisdom. This is a modern telling of how Ashoka the Fierce became known as Ashoka the Great."-- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography

Under the Bodhi Tree

2018

by Deborah Hopkinson and Kailey Whitman

"Who was the Buddha? Once upon a time in ancient India, a prince was born. His name was Siddhartha, and one day he would inherit a powerful kingdom. His father tried to protect him from the suffering and hardship beyond the palace walls, but just like children everywhere, the prince longed to see the world. Under the Bodhi Tree is the story of a boy and his journey for understanding that eventually led him to the path of peace. Told in lyrical language, this excellent introduction to the story of the Buddha is beautifully illustrated and perfect for children who are curious about the real people who made history." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography

Sit with Me

2020

by Carolyn Kanjuro and Nan Lawson

"You can squat like a frog or lounge like a cat—but if you want to sit like a buddha, there are seven key steps for taking your seat. Sit with Me invites kids of all ages to learn meditation through playful rhymes and adorable illustrations. Justa Bug describes the seven-point meditation posture—from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet—in an easy and accessible way. With a spine straight like coins stacked on a plate and shoulders back like a vulture in flight, kids will learn the basics of sitting through encouraging verse. With a little practice, Sit with Me will help everyone in the family learn how to meditate easy and free." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Incidental Informational

Pocket Bios: Buddha

2019

by Al Berenger

"A colorfully illustrated, pocket-size picture book biography of the Buddha Gautama Buddha lived and taught in ancient India between the sixth and fourth centuries B.C.E. It is said that he was a prince before he renounced his former life in order to search for the cycle of rebirth and an end to suffering. He founded the religion of Buddhism, which has hundreds of millions of followers to this day and is the world's fourth-largest religion. Pocket Bios are full of personality, introducing readers to fascinating figures from history with simple storytelling and cheerful illustrations. Titles include men and women from history, exploration, the sciences, the arts, the ancient world, and more." -- publisher

Biography

Buddha

2018

by Demi

"A nonfiction picture book with full-color illustrations about the life of the Buddha, from award-winning author and illustrator Demi Many centuries ago, in a kingdom in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, a miraculous child was born to the king and queen. The young prince, Siddhartha, was raised in the greatest luxury, sheltered from all pain and ugliness. But one day Siddhartha left the palace and saw, for the first time, human suffering and death. He knew then that he must relinquish everything—his family, his wealth, his position—to discover the Truth of life and death. After a journey of enlightenment, he became the Buddha, and today millions of people around the world live by his teachings. Demi's exquisite illustrations, inspired by the paintings and sculptures of several Asian cultures, are layered with meaning; each brush stroke has a special significance. Demi, herself a Buddhist, brings her devotion to the teachings of the Buddha and her vast knowledge of his life to this comprehensive picture-book biography of an extraordinary spiritual leader." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography

The Life of the Buddha

2020

by Heather Sanche and Tara di Gesu

"“In the full bloom of spring, in a beautiful garden, in a place called Lumbini, a prince was born.” So begins the extraordinary story of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who would become the enlightened Buddha, the Awakened One. This classic tale follows Prince Siddhartha’s journey of truth-seeking and discovery, including his life-altering encounters with human suffering and his realization of the Four Noble Truths. Today, millions of people all over the world follow the Buddha’s teachings on meditation, selflessness, and compassion. Rendered here in exquisite original watercolor illustrations, this inspiring story is brought to life for young readers curious about one of history’s most monumental and influential figures." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography

Buddha Stories

2018

by Demi

"A collection of fables and teachings from the Buddha, compiled and illustrated with gold ink by award-winning picture book author Demi—now in paperback for the first time Throughout the ages, moral tales have been passed down from one generation to the next. Centuries ago in China, hundreds of parables were told by the Buddha to his devoted followers. His messages became widespread through fables adapted by famous storytellers like Aesop and La Fontaine. In this collection, the author has chosen ten of the most engaging classic tales from the Buddha's works. Compiled and illustrated by Demi, this wonderful collection of stories is sure to draw young readers into the ancient teachings of the Buddha, teachings that are as relevant today as they were over two thousand years ago." -- publisher

Folklore

The Dalai Lama

2018

by Demi

"By award-winning picture book author Demi, this is a fully illustrated nonfiction picture book that tells the story of the search for the fourteenth Dalai Lama and includes a foreword written by the Dalai Lama himself. Now in paperback for the first time. When the thirteenth Dalai Lama died in 1933, the highest holy men in Tibet searched throughout the land for his successor. They were spiritually guided to the humble dwelling of a loving family high in the Himalayas. When the search party greeted the youngest son, the child told them, "Now I am going home!" At last the fourteenth Dalai Lama had been found, and at the age of two, the young boy was taken to the capital city, Lhasa, where he began his training to become the spiritual leader of Tibet. The work of the Dalai Lama and the fate of Tibet are topics of ever-growing international focus. In simple language and glorious art, Demi pays tribute to the fourteenth Dalai Lama's remarkable life. She captures the beauty of Tibetan culture, as well as the charm, talent, and vision of one of the world's best-known spiritual figures." -- publisher

Biography

Krit Dreams of Dragon Fruit

2020

by Natalie Becher, Emily France and Samantha Woo

"A beautifully illustrated, Zen-inspired picture book for children ages 4-8 about moving to a new home, making friends, and finding beauty wherever you are. Krit and his dog, Mu, love their beautiful home in Thailand—full of golden temples, colorful mountainsides, and endless adventures. Everything seems perfect until Krit’s mother announces they will be moving to the frigid city of Chicago. At first, Krit tries to adjust to this unfamiliar place, but he can’t do any of the things he used to love. Missing Thailand, Krit asks his mother to tell him a story about home. But instead of a story, she gives Krit a koan—a Zen riddle—to puzzle through. Krit wonders what the story about a blade of grass and Buddha’s smile have to do with home, but in solving the puzzle, Krit meets a new friend and learns that home is wherever he makes it." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Cross Group

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