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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

How Kids Celebrate Holidays Around the World

2021

by Pavla Hanáčková, Helena Haraštová and Michaela Bergmannová

"This series takes young readers to different parts of the world, showing a wide range of cultures and traditions. See how varied the world is! Are you curious how people make merry in other countries? Good company, great food and drink, and most importantly, lots of fun—we all like celebrating holidays! But have you ever wondered how people spend holidays across the world? Together we’ll join in with many celebrations, all of them different. What’s Halloween like in Ireland, and Timkat in Ethiopia? What are the customs observed at Hanukkah? You’ll make new friends who’ll tell you all about their culture. Ready to explore? It’s party time all over the world!" -- publisher

Informational Race/Culture Concepts

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

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

The Girl Who Became Emperor

2020

by Jillian Lin and Shi Meng

"DID YOU KNOW that in the long history of China, there has only been one emperor who was female? Wu Zetian started out as one of the many wives of the emperor and worked her way up until she sat on the throne herself. Although she could be cruel, Wu was a strong leader who did a lot of good for China. While she ruled, its population nearly doubled. In The Girl Who Became Emperor, find out all about Wu’s fascinating life. Discover how she managed to become the emperor’s wife number one, take his place, and rule China for more than 50 years." -- publisher

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

Chinese new year wishes

2019

by Jillian Lin and Shi Meng

"It is Hong's favorite time of the year. His whole family celebrates. It is the Chinese New Year. In this beautifully illustrated book, children aged 2 to 6 will follow Hong as he and his family prepare for and celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival. They will also enjoy reading the story behind the most important celebration in Chinese culture. More interesting facts and questions for discussion are included at the back of the book. Written in English and Chinese, Chinese New Year Wishes is perfect as an early reader or to read aloud." -- back cover

Beautiful Life Folklore 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

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