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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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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