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New Book Series from Skylight Paths Publishing (www.skylightpaths.com)
Review by Pat Hoertdoerfer
Children, Family and Intergenerational Programs Director, UUA
Boston, MA
Thich Nhat Hanh: Buddhism in Action
By Maura Shaw, illustrations by Stephen Marchesi
Peace is every step. The shining red sun is my heart … It turns
the endless path to joy.
This book introduces young readers (ages seven and up) to the world of
Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most profound spiritual leaders of the twentieth
century. Readers will learn about him and his life – from his work
to end the war in Vietnam to his founding of the Plum Village community
in France, and his teachings about peace and “mindfulness”
in the world. "Thay," which means “honored teacher”
is what all the children who visit him with their families, call him.
He believes that each person – big or small – has the chance
to make the world a better place. He teaches “mindfulness”
which means paying attention to what is around you, in the present moment,
without worrying about the past or the future. Thay and many Buddhists
practice meditation, the spiritual discipline of quieting your mind to
become peaceful and calm, which is sometimes done by sitting still and
sometimes by mindful walking.
This spiritual biography includes activities, poems and social justice
activities for people of all ages. Have you ever had a “time out”
when you were asked to sit quietly and reflect on your actions? Do you
think it is possible to solve problems without fighting? You may have
something in common with Thich Nhat Hanh. This book will show you how
to be braver and more caring in your own life.
Gandhi: India’s Great Soul
By Maura Shaw, illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
All of India is my family.
This book offers young readers a window into the world of Mahatma Gandhi,
one of the most inspiring world leaders of the twentieth century. Readers
will learn about Gandhi’s life – from his time as a student
in London, to his work for equality in South Africa, and his methods of
peaceful resistance to injustice in India. The children in India called
him “bapuji” which means “father,” and
the people of India gave him the title Mahatma which means “Great
Soul.” Gandhi taught the people of India – and the people
of the world – how to resist violence without being violent. He
named this way of peaceful change satyagraha, which comes from
the ancient Hindi words meaning “truth and love” and is often
called “Soul-Force.” Gandhi’s peaceful resistance in
India was a powerful force for change, as exemplified in the Salt March
of 1930, which encouraged all Indians to dream of freedom. During Gandhi’s
lifetime his efforts led to equality for Indians of all castes and people
from different religions, especially Hindu and Muslim.
This engaging biography includes activities, teachings, and social justice
actions for people of all ages. Do you ever see people making fun of other
people? Do you think it’s possible to solve problems without fighting?
You may have something in common with Gandhi. This book will show you
how to achieve your goals through persistence and persuasion rather than
through violence and fighting. |
