Becoming Buddha

In a vast kingdom beneath the Himalayan foothills, a child of wisdom was born. Prince Siddhartha was raised in luxury and educated to become the next ruler. But one day the young prince looked beyond his royal palace. He witnessed sickness, misery, and death and vowed to overcome these afflictions. Siddhartha gave up wealth and family life and put on the simple robes of a wanderer. His spiritual journey was long and twisting, but it ended under a sacred Bodhi tree. In meditation, Siddhartha realised a release from mental suffering. He learned the truth of universal wisdom. He became a Buddha, an enlightened one. And for the rest of his life, he taught others the way to inner peace.

With a foreword and meditation guide by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, this simply told, beautifully illustrated story has universal appeal.



Book Reviews

"This is an extraordinary picture book about an extraordinary story - the life of the Buddha. Young readers, who may know little about the Buddha's story, are in for a treat. This picture book is bound to stimulate discussion amongst children and, hopefully, inspire exploration into the relevance of this timeless story. Even the book's unusual design - a horizontal format - reflects the ancient Buddhist manuscripts. And the stunning illustrations, a combination of gouache and collage of decorative blue, red and orange rice paper are a visual feast. This is a rare find. How many inspirational children's books can boast a foreword and meditation guide by the Dalai Lama? It's certainly a picture book for a diverse audience: children, adults, teachers and surely collectors. Highly recommended for ages five plus to adult."

Athina Clarke, Readings, Port Melbourne.

About the illustrator

Sally Rippin was born in Darwin but grew up mainly in South-East Asia. As an adult she spent three years in China studying traditional Chinese painting before moving to France with her family for three years. Now Sally lives in Melbourne where she writes and illustrates full time, as well as running workshops for children and adults. Sally’s award-winning books include Fang Fang’s Chinese New Year, which won the Crichton Award; What a Mess, Fang Fang! and Millie, which were CBCA Notable Books; Gezani and the Tricky Baboon, which was shortlisted for BILBY and IBBY awards; and, for Lothian, When It Is Time, Chenxi and the Foreigner (a CBCA Notable Book) and Leopard Skin.