Kuan Yin

April 15, 2021
A retelling of Buddhist saint Kuan Yin's life through the lens of sisterhood. Princess Ling wakes one morning surprised to see her older sister, Princess Miao Shan, slipping away into the dense forest. Where Miao Shan typically meditates, her "calming presence fill[ing] the room with the sweet scent of a lotus flower," this morning is filled with the bustle of princely suitors hoping to marry Ling's sister. Wishing not to marry and instead to dedicate her life "to eas[ing] the pain of others [rather] than rul[ing] over them," Miao Shan incites the king's ire. Ling tries to help her sister in her journey to "fully realize the power of love" and compassion. Ultimately, paths must diverge. The support, though, stays. While Miao Shan's deeds and piety dominate the story, the focus of this modern primer is less the goddess's spiritual journey toward enlightenment and more her journey out of the worldy. 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. The combination of linework and color creates visual and narrative layers. Detailed illustrations lift this family-focused introduction to the bodhisattva of compassion. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)

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June 18, 2021

K-Gr 2-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

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Starred review from April 15, 2021
Preschool-Grade 3 *Starred Review* Told through the eyes of her sister, Ling, this sumptuously illustrated story presents the Chinese legend of Kuan Yin, a widely revered Buddhist saint, or bodhisattva, known as Avalokiteshvara. When Kuan Yin's father, the king, demands that she marry, the princess escapes into the dense forest and meditates under a willow tree. Her calm meditation directs her to a spiritual path, and Ling watches as her sister disappears into the mist, riding a tiger. After nine years, Kuan Yin returns to heal her ill father, who then builds a beautiful temple for her on Fragrant Mountain and dedicates himself to spreading happiness in the kingdom far and wide. She is immortalized as the goddess who hears the cries of the world, and many pray to her for love or compassion if they are suffering. Ling hopes that children will learn their secret: "that love is the greatest power in the world." Lavish color spreads, done digitally, accompany the extensive text and teem with natural touches: glorious landscapes, writhing dragons, and elegant depictions of the beautiful palace and elaborate clothing. 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 be new to them.

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