Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion

A trailer of Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion by Maya van der Meer, illustrated by Wen Hsu. Available everywhere books are sold. Autographed copies available here: mayavandermeer...
Two sisters discover the power of love and the true meaning of compassion in this princess-adventure story based on an ancient Chinese tale.
Miao Shan isn’t your typical princess. She likes to spend her time quietly meditating with the creatures of the forest or having adventures with dragons and tigers. Miao Shan’s heart is so full of love that her dream is to spread happiness throughout the land and help people endlessly. But her father has other plans for her-he intends to have her married and remain in the palace. With the help of her little sister Ling, Miao Shan escapes and begins her journey to discover the true meaning of compassion.
During their adventure, Ling and Miao Shan are eventually separated. Ling must overcome doubts, fears, and loneliness in order to realize what her sister had told her all along-that love is the greatest power in the world. After the sisters’ reunion, Miao Shan realizes her true calling as Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion. A princess-adventure story like none other, this ancient Chinese tale of the world’s most beloved Buddhist hero is a story of sisterhood, strength, and following your own path.
Reviews:
“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 not be familiar to them.”-Booklist (starred review)
“Detailed illustrations lift this family-focused introduction to the bodhisattva of compassion.”-Kirkus Reviews
“With intricate illustrations reminiscent of Chinese paper cuts, the origin story of a beloved Buddhist saint is reimagined for a new audience.”-Foreword Reviews
“Maya van der Meer has created a world in a book. And it is a world I’ve been waiting for-where the hero is a young woman who uses a different kind of power than the kind every other superhero brandishes. She’s strong and courageous, and she does what she needs to do. But there’s no treachery, no violence, no battles. Instead there is steadfastness, compassion, and love. The book reads like an adventure story, all wrapped up in the beautiful illustrations of Wen Hsu.”-Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of Omega Institute and author of Broken Open

“This collaboration between Maya van der Meer and Wen Hsu is a lovely rendering of the Miao Shan legend and Kuan Yin. It effectively conveys core themes of compassion, affirmation of sentient life, and selfless giving for all ages, in particular the young and curious!”-Mark Unno, associate professor of Buddhism, University of Oregon
“A beautifully rendered, gorgeously illustrated tale of the power of love, the strength of our human bonds, and the heart of compassion that leads us to true freedom. Kuan Yin offers us a message we all long to hear.”-Paula Saunders, author of The Distance Home
“A stunning story, beautifully illustrated, with a timeless message for both children and adults!”-Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, author of The Logic of Faith
“Turning the old-school princess story inside out, here we meet a brave woman who chooses love for all creatures over romantic obsession. With illustrations as glorious as the story itself, this is exactly the book we all need right now-regardless of age, gender, or religion.”-Bethany Saltman, author of Strange Situation: A Mother’s Journey into the Science of Attachment
“Maya van der Meer and Wen Hsu’s Kuan Yin is a valuable contribution to the world of children’s literature. The message of this beautifully illustrated book will resonate with all who aspire to build a world filled with loving-kindness. While it is written with young readers in mind, it can be enjoyed by thoughtful individuals of all ages!”-Mary Ruth Coleman, PhD, senior scientist, emerita at the FPG Child Development Institute at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and research associate professor in the School of Education