The Coconut Monk

Thich Nhat Hanh
Color illustrations by Vo-Dinh Mai

"This short story conveys to children the timeless value of compassion, courage, and peacemaking in a simple yet powerful manner."Multicultural Review

In a war-torn world filled with images of violence, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh offers young readers reassurance and a reminder that peace can be found through empathy. Based on a talk given directly to children, this timely book tells the story of a cat and a mouse and their smiling friend the Coconut Monk who overcome the differences of nature, nation, and belief to live as friends. Teaching equanimity, compassion, and perseverance, the book includes full-color oil paintings by Vietnamese-American painter Vo-Dinh Mai.

ISBN: 9781888375978, Paperback, 40 pages.

Praise for Thich Nhat Hanh and Vo-Dinh Mai's previous collaboration, The Hermit and the Well:

2004 Skipping Stones Honor Award Winner

2003 ForeWord Children's Picture Book of the Year Award Finalist

"The illustrations, like the story itself, have a spare, quietly magical quality, giving readers plenty of space in which to discover their own quiet center." Shambhala Sun

"The artwork of Vo-Dinh Mai is a perfect complement to Thich Nhat Hanh's marvelous tale showcasing the importance of slowing down and appreciating the beauty that is always around us..."Children's Bookwatch

Excerpt:

The Coconut Monk lived in a time when Vietnam was at war. All the fighting made him very sad. One day, he went out walking. While he walked, he collected bits of metal, pieces of bombs, and bullets that littered the land. He melted all the pieces together and turned them into a beautiful bell. He told the pieces of metal, "You have been playing the game of war. Now you can help create peace." Every night, before going to sleep, he would strike the bell. Its music echoed out into the night sky.

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