Under the Bodhi Tree: A Story of the Buddha

by Deborah Hopkinson, Kailey Whitman (Contributor)

Who was the Buddha?Once upon a time in ancient India, a prince was born. His name was Siddhartha, and one day he would inherit a powerful kingdom. His father tried to protect him from the suffering and hardship beyond the palace walls, but just like children everywhere, the prince longed to see the world.Under the Bodhi Tree is the story of a boy and his journey for understanding that eventually led him to the path of peace. Told in lyrical language, this excellent introduction to the story of the Buddha is beautifully illustrated and perfect for children who are curious about the real people who made history.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, India, Childrens, Nonfiction, Religion, History

Paperback

Published September 1, 2018

About the author

I write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)

NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.

I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.

Reviews

[Mary Foxe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the story of the Buddha. My favorite part being.

"The wise men said it was a sign.
the baby would be special.

And he was.
Just like babies
then and now,
and everywhere.

And just like you."

*points at book* You, you get the purpose of stories for children is ultimately about telling them they are loved and special no matter what the topic is.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize that Deborah Hopkinson knew as much about Buddhism as she did, but it shows through in the text of this book. She manages to present a figure from 600 B.C.E. well based on the limited material available about him. This is the sort of story that a reader without knowledge of Buddhism might read as a sort of soft introduction to the basic elements of understanding who the Buddha was. I liked it a lot and will be certain to add it to my collection.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Softly colored illustrations pair with the telling of Siddhartha becoming the Buddha. The pace is gentle, leisurely and takes the Buddha through life with the repetition of the phrase "just like (babies/children/seekers) then and now, and everywhere." Beautiful book to introduce children to Buddha and the beginnings of Buddhism. The author's note shares a little more. No sources are shared.

[Melissa Denson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peaceful introduction to Buddhism

A story of the birth and life of Buddha beautifully written and illustrated. Under the Bodhi Tree gives an introduction to Buddhism that is peaceful and understanding and make a connection for all through peace and mindfulness. No matter what your religious affiliation, this book provides a message we all need to hear.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely, simple, peaceful beginning-of-a-biography is a wonderful introduction to the Buddha. It sets the stage for further inquiry and information, and it sets that stage with a certain mindfulness that perfectly accentuates the entire subject! I'm a fan, and I want to learn more.

[briz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, clear, and prettily drawn telling of the basically official Siddhartha story. This would be a nice way to introduce a very little one to the story of Buddhism. Loved the illustration of the (famous) morning star.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can FEEL the pictures in this book. And I don't mean like a touch and feel book... Rather the illustrations are so vivid that you can feel the breeze in the trees and the sunlight filtering through the leaves. ❤❤❤

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and inspiring prose. Illustrations are beautiful.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are amazing and add so much to the context of the biography, pulls from many sources to build a flowing story of the Buddha's life journey.

[Kierstyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography

The illustrations are beautiful and it has a peaceful tone to read. I would definitely read this to my students to introduce them to buddhism.

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav · Rating 3 out of 5]

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To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~

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“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows.” Nisargadatta Maharaj

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Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~

Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct

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" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”

Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous

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Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind

A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through

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[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an elegant introduction to the life of the boy who became the Buddha! Told in a child-friendly way, this story chronicles Siddhartha’s journey from birth to Buddhahood—the same journey that each of us is called to experience in our own lives, as the lyrical text skillfully reminds us. Engaging illustrations invite us to sit with Siddhartha under the Bodhi Tree and awaken to the path of peace. End pages include more background information about Siddhartha Gautama, the Bodhi Tree, and the Buddha’s teachings. A selected bibliography would have been a welcome addition for further study, particularly the list of sources used to write this story.

[Deborah]

This picture book tells the story of the Buddha, Prince Siddhartha. As a boy, he was protected by his father when he was young but yearned to go out into the world. When he was older, he left to explore and came into contact with pain and suffering. He looked for peace by sitting under a tree and meditating. The tree later came to be known as the Bodhi tree. The illustrations in the book are thoughtful and calming and the book is a good introduction to the ideas of the Buddha for young children. (Ages 4-8)

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love picture books that focus on introducing readers to religion and religious figures, this book was a little odd for me. It tells the biography of Buddha starting with his childhood but the afterword at the end of the book admits there is very little information about Buddha's childhood years and indicates that much of what was told about his growing up years was just speculation?! I loved hearing about the beginning of Buddhism but didn't love the fabricated parts presented as fact.

[Miriam]

Siddhartha gautama born a prince grew up to be known as the buddha. Not knowñ ehrn he lived but believed he lived in lumbini, india in ancient times but called nepal now. Its believed that buddha was married and had a son, rahula. Buddha's teachings are called the dharma and focus on mindfulness, nonviolence, and compassion. The Sangha is the community, which includes people the world over. Many buddhist traditions include mindful breathing and meditation, which anyone can learn to do.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopkinson's lovely flowing text sets an appropriately restful tone for this story of the young Buddha. Kathy Whitman's illustrations are as peaceful with a beautiful muted palette and with touches of color.

This is a delightful introduction to the story of Buddha and Buddhism.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving and Touching Story of Prince Siddhartha.

Well written for children and adults. The book is actually calm and peaceful. A great bedtime 🌙book. The illustrations illustrations honor the text and are quite moving. Highly recommend this picture book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This illustrations are pretty and maybe this isn’t a bad way to introduce Buddha, but the story is really limited to bare facts without a sense of Buddhism beyond Buddha.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the story of the Buddha for children--I loved the delicate style of the illustrations.

[Dax · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite beautiful but something in the storytelling sort of fell flat. This is not a story that lacks emotion or umphh but I found myself more moved by the art then the writing style.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of how a prince became the Buddha and embraced a different life. elementary and up

[melon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of the Buddha's story that relates it to the life of the kid who's reading it/having it read to them. My son was actively involved in responding to the text and the great art.

[Kaitlyn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture Book

The illustrations are beautiful and help step the tone of the story.