The Coconut Monk

US Books > Children's Books > Ages 4-8 > General

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 uses the image of a cat and a mouse and their smiling friend the Coconut Monk as metaphors for overcoming seemingly unconquerable divides of nature, nation, and belief. Teaching equanimity, compassion, and perseverance, the book includes full-color oil paintings by Vietnamese-American painter Vo-Dinh Mai that further enhance the author’s message.