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The Legend of Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching
THIS IS THE LEGEND OF LAO TZU, who may or may not have been born; who may or may not have founded Taoism, one of the greatest religions in the world; and who may or may not have written one of the greatest books of wisdom in the world: the Tao Te Ching, or the "Way of Heaven."
This thoughtful and thought-provoking book opens with a biography of Lao Tzu, the mysterious philosopher who is said to have been born at the age of eighty-one with snow-white hair, the ability to walk and talk, and unparalleled wisdom. Many credit him with creating the Tao Te Ching, which was written for the good of all humankind. Twenty of the eighty-one passages of the Tao Te Ching are included here, paired with stunning illustrations by the award-winning artist Demi. On topics ranging from silence to moderation, from governing to the balance of earth and heaven, these passages carry a powerful message and are sure to give each and every reader something new to consider.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2007
About the author
Demi
184 books179 followersDemi (September 2, 1942) born Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt, is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. During her career she has published over 300 titles.
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 24, 2016
How can one say that one as "read" the Tao Te Ching? I read the legend, I examined the pretty pictures, I looked over the sample verses. But this is a book to own, not just check out from the library. Or, better yet, treat yourself to a complete edition. For example, mine is the illustrated 0-394-71833-X and I do recommend it. The picture-book chooses verses too difficult/ abstract for children and therefore is of value only for the child-friendly art. Nonetheless I did enjoy it. Ah, paradox....
June 6, 2017
If you want to know a little bit about a topic or get a quick over-view, try a children's book. I wanted to learn something about Lao Tzu and the foundations of Taoism. This was a nicely illustrated children's book which provided me with just enough information and a few of Lao Tzu's writings. I probably would never read it to a child, but it was perfect for what I wanted.
January 10, 2022
My son and I read this over several days, with a long break in the middle.
It is difficult to write a book about someone who may or may not have existed, who may or may not have done all that he is credited with. Such is this book which covers the legend of Lao Tzu and twenty of the eighty-one passages of the Tao Te Ching.
My son and I stopped to talk about the balance found in these passages, how opposites create existence for each other, and what wisdom means.
I appreciated the illustrations done in a way that reflects the culture, as well as the charts at the back illustrating Taoist symbols and their meanings.
My son, who was healing from COVID19 when we read this, made a connection with this passage and COVID19:
"To know when you don't know is wise.
To think you know when you don't know is not.
Only when you see sickness as sickness can you become well.
The Wise One's way of curing sickness is to make people see what is what, and thus be completely cured."
He asked me why people didn't see this sickness for what it is. (I'm guessing he means the people who deny COVID19 is as bad as it is.) He said this passage is about respecting what you don't know, about knowing that you don't know everything and being okay with it. I found that insightful. Carrying it further, maybe as a society, we'd move closer to a cure if we could respect the disease and treat it as such, and admit that we don't know everything about it yet. I'm glad he made that connection to the text.
It is difficult to write a book about someone who may or may not have existed, who may or may not have done all that he is credited with. Such is this book which covers the legend of Lao Tzu and twenty of the eighty-one passages of the Tao Te Ching.
My son and I stopped to talk about the balance found in these passages, how opposites create existence for each other, and what wisdom means.
I appreciated the illustrations done in a way that reflects the culture, as well as the charts at the back illustrating Taoist symbols and their meanings.
My son, who was healing from COVID19 when we read this, made a connection with this passage and COVID19:
"To know when you don't know is wise.
To think you know when you don't know is not.
Only when you see sickness as sickness can you become well.
The Wise One's way of curing sickness is to make people see what is what, and thus be completely cured."
He asked me why people didn't see this sickness for what it is. (I'm guessing he means the people who deny COVID19 is as bad as it is.) He said this passage is about respecting what you don't know, about knowing that you don't know everything and being okay with it. I found that insightful. Carrying it further, maybe as a society, we'd move closer to a cure if we could respect the disease and treat it as such, and admit that we don't know everything about it yet. I'm glad he made that connection to the text.
February 1, 2025
While browsing the kids section, I came across this gem. Not sure any small child can read and understand but for adults this is a wonderful read.
And oh my god, the illustrations are so so beautiful. I was just going over them again and again while I read, sitting in a library corner somewhere on this earth...
And oh my god, the illustrations are so so beautiful. I was just going over them again and again while I read, sitting in a library corner somewhere on this earth...
February 24, 2018
A brilliant picture-book biography of the Old Wise One with an introduction to Taoist philosophy, selections from his masterwork, the Tao Te Ching; and lovely illustrations, including diagrams of Taoist symbols and their meanings. Simply elegant!
May 4, 2017
Started off well then fell flat toward the end. I lost all interest.
July 5, 2017
I agreed with a few of the 20 Taoist verses, and disagreed with most.
October 22, 2019
This is a brief sketch of the legend of Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching. It is well written and clear. It is an excellent introduction to the philosophy and legend.
March 25, 2011
Wonderful children's book about Taoism. I was ignorant of the religion until a student of mine told me he was Tao and I didn't understand. This book is a wonderful introduction to the religion and really interesting to boot. I found myself very interested and should have read it before. Demi does a great job of presenting religion and culture in her picture books.
January 24, 2015
A little heavy for a picture book, the lessons would be better imparted on an older (8+) audience. I love the simplicity and starkness, both in the writing and in the illustrations. The pictures are minimal but rich and beautiful.
August 19, 2007
Mitten Award Contender 2007
Gorgeous illustrations throughout.
Gorgeous illustrations throughout.
September 3, 2007
This is a beautifully illustrated book about the life and legend of Lao Tzu, with 20 thought-provoking quotes from the text of the Tao Te Ching.
April 4, 2009
I loved the whimsical artwork in this, though I thought the text was a little hard for a children's book.
September 25, 2010
Marvelously illustrated.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews