A collection of Buddhist moral tales from India, Burma, Tibet, China, and Japan, The Wisdom of the Crows and Other Buddhist Tales is as enchanting as it is exotic. Vivid illustrations from tales such as "The Foolish Boy" and "Useless Work" depict the characters in traditional dress, and the page margins of every story are decorated with distinctive, intricate designs. Some of these parables are as short as half a page, such as the Zen story of the four young monks who take a temporary vow of silence only to inadvertently violate it one after the other, with the last one declaring triumphantly, "I am the only one who hasn't talked." Others are several pages long and full of magic and adventure, like "Goodheart and the Goddess of the Forest." In this story, a boy with an excessive penchant for generosity is sent away by his father. On his travels his meddle is tested by a giant, a witch, and a conniving uncle, and his forthright sincerity carries him through each episode until he is able to live happily ever after with his bride, the goddess of the forest, as stars in the sky. All of these stories are lightheartedly retold for children and a delight to read. --Brian Bruya


From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up?A collection of folktales from several Asian cultures?Burmese, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Tibetan?that illustrate values associated with Buddhist tradition, mainly Zen. A foreword discusses the founding of Buddhism and describes the life of the Buddha and the growth of the religion in Asia and more recently in the West. The stories explore the human predicament and often examine the power of the mind as a force for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. "Angulimala the Brigand" is a well-known canonical story of the Buddha, who also appears in "The Stone Ape." The title story expresses the sentiment that true wisdom sees beyond superficial events. Familiar folkloric motifs appear throughout?various types of tests and deceptions, reversals of fortune, sibling rivalries, predictions of the future, and solutions to puzzles. These motifs set in nonwestern locations and accompanied by enchanting full-color illustrations make this a unique and attractive offering. On occasion, especially in the foreword, the authors assume that their audience will have a rather sophisticated grasp of Buddhist culture and philosophy. The intended messages of some of these parablelike selections will be over the heads of many young people unfamiliar with the faith. Although this title may not have a wide audience, the briefer stories can be used successfully as read-alouds.?Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NYCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
A pleasingly produced, trenchant collection; Chdzin and Kohn have selected tales of varying lengths, from ``Useless Work,'' a short, humorous Zen tale that puts a high nutritional bite into the well-worn suggestions to ``get over it,'' to the longer ``Goodheart and the Goddess of the Forest,'' a tale from Myanmar. The authors' informative foreword describes the nations to which Buddhism has already spread and its current status as the fastest-growing religion in Europe and the US. Although the tales have various origins, they are united in that each reflects a truth in the Buddha's teachings that can be grasped by children as well as adults, and is offered lightly rather than dogmatically. These are stories to amuse readers for an hour or sustain them for a lifetime; they're presented here with deceptively entertaining adroitness of text and immense visual appeal, due to newcomer Cameron. A extremely worthy book. (Folklore. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Card catalog description
A collection of thirteen retold Buddhist tales from all over Asia, illustrating various aspects of Buddhist thought.

ANNOTATION

A collection of thirteen retold Buddhist tales from all over Asia, illustrating various aspects of Buddhist thought.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ranging from short Zen parables to longer folktales with dragons, goddesses, and talking animals, these tales explore Buddhist themes of compassion, humor, enlightenment, and life after death. This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for anyone interested in Buddhist ideas--and anyone who enjoys a good story. Full color. 80 pp. Ages 7 and up. Pub: 2/98.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Uma Krishnaswami

A foreword on Buddhism and Buddhist tales introduces this lively collection of stories. The tales are from Japan, Tibet, Myanmar, India, and China, all with a common thread of beliefs and values. They reflect, says the introduction, the conviction that the truth, in essence, is simple enough to be grasped by all, including children. Often infused with the belly-laugh kind of humor characteristic of Buddhist tales, this is a lovely collection of stories that deserves a place on the storyteller's bookshelf. Cameron's illustrations sparkle, and her intricate borders draw upon fiber art and painting traditions.

School Library Journal

Gr 7 UpA collection of folktales from several Asian culturesBurmese, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Tibetanthat illustrate values associated with Buddhist tradition, mainly Zen. A foreword discusses the founding of Buddhism and describes the life of the Buddha and the growth of the religion in Asia and more recently in the West. The stories explore the human predicament and often examine the power of the mind as a force for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. "Angulimala the Brigand" is a well-known canonical story of the Buddha, who also appears in "The Stone Ape." The title story expresses the sentiment that true wisdom sees beyond superficial events. Familiar folkloric motifs appear throughoutvarious types of tests and deceptions, reversals of fortune, sibling rivalries, predictions of the future, and solutions to puzzles. These motifs set in nonwestern locations and accompanied by enchanting full-color illustrations make this a unique and attractive offering. On occasion, especially in the foreword, the authors assume that their audience will have a rather sophisticated grasp of Buddhist culture and philosophy. The intended messages of some of these parablelike selections will be over the heads of many young people unfamiliar with the faith. Although this title may not have a wide audience, the briefer stories can be used successfully as read-alouds.Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Tricycle Magazine

Enchanting stories from India, Tibet, China, and Japan depict a world of talking animals, wise sages, and dangerous monsters.

Kirkus Reviews

A pleasingly produced, trenchant collection; Ch"dzin and Kohn have selected tales of varying lengths, from "Useless Work," a short, humorous Zen tale that puts a high nutritional bite into the well-worn suggestions to "get over it," to the longer "Goodheart and the Goddess of the Forest," a tale from Myanmar. The authors' informative foreword describes the nations to which Buddhism has already spread and its current status as the fastest-growing religion in Europe and the US. Although the tales have various origins, they are united in that each reflects a truth in the Buddha's teachings that can be grasped by children as well as adults, and is offered lightly rather than dogmatically. These are stories to amuse readers for an hour or sustain them for a lifetime; they're presented here with deceptively entertaining adroitness of text and immense visual appeal, due to newcomer Cameron. A extremely worthy book. (Folklore. 7-10)