Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion

by Maya van der Meer, Wen Hsu (Illustrator)

Two sisters discover the power of love and the true meaning of compassion in this princess-adventure story based on an ancient Chinese tale.

Miao Shan isn’t your typical princess. She likes to spend her time quietly meditating with the creatures of the forest or having adventures with dragons and tigers. Miao Shan’s heart is so full of love that her dream is to spread happiness throughout the land and help people endlessly. But her father has other plans for her—he intends to have her married and remain in the palace. With the help of her little sister Ling, Miao Shan escapes and begins her journey to discover the true meaning of compassion.

During their adventure, Ling and Miao Shan are eventually separated. Ling must overcome doubts, fears, and loneliness in order to realize what her sister had told her all along—that love is the greatest power in the world. After the sisters’ reunion, Miao Shan realizes her true calling as Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion. A princess-adventure story like none other, this ancient Chinese tale of the world’s most beloved Buddhist hero is a story of sisterhood, strength, and following your own path.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Buddhism, Asian Literature, Fantasy, China, Fairy Tales

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

MAYA VAN DER MEER is an author, educator, environmentalist and long-time Buddhist practitioner. She is the founder of the online education platform Bodhi Kids and assists Buddhist communities in establishing or enhancing their children's programming for over a decade. Maya has run children's programs at meditation retreats and was an instructor at the Middle Way School in Woodstock, New York, where she currently lives with her life partner and their children.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews]

Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion by Maya van Der Meer is one truly mesmerizing and miraculous story.

I really enjoy this picture book. It brings forth a Buddhist Goddess that I had never heard of before. The story itself is fantastical and intriguing, and I am very fortunate that I had the opportunity to pick it up. I hope more readers find books like this because it will open your eyes up to other stories of religion and myths. The illustrations alone are also incredibly beautiful and am just see.

This story could easily be enjoyed by readers aged 6 and up.

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGlaley, Bala Kids and Shambhala Publications Inc. for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[oohlalabooks]

This is an enchanting fairytale about Kuan Yin, whose name means "one who hears the cries of the world," a Buddhist saint. Princess Miao-Shan is not your typical princess. She likes to spend her time quietly meditating with the creatures of the forest or having adventures with dragons and tigers. Her father would rather she marry and be a responsible princess. With the help of her sister Ling, Miao-Shan escapes and begins her journey to discover the true meaning of compassion ultimately becoming Kuan Yin! There’s so much adventure, trust, and passion shown throughout the story, it’s perfect for a Disney adaptation! The illustrations by Wen Hsu are beautiful. Thank you to the author, Bala Kids, and NetGalley for an ebook arc. This is my honest review.

[Sunni | vanreads]

This is a very cute story of two sisters and their love for each other, based off of the Chinese Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. Kuan Yin is the Chinese rendition of the Avalokiteśvara in Buddhism, as the bodhisattva is often depicted as different genders depending on the country and folktale.

I thought this was cute story on love and compassion, and the illustrations were quite lovely.

I do wish there was an author introduction in the back, because I always wonder what makes a white author want to write a story of characters and folklore from a different country than their own. Did they do their research? Did they depict the characters accurately? Could an own voices author have written the same?

Anyways, this is not against the book, but it does make me curious. Otherwise, the story was enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read the eARC for review.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS]

WOW! The illustrations of this beautiful picture book took my breath away! In this picture book we learn about the Goddess of Compassion in Buddhist mythology. This beautiful picture book tells us the story of Princess Miao-Shan who will later become Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion. See what events unfolded for her spiritual transformation.

Reviewed by: Miss Nessa, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library

[Ad Astra]

Amazing illustration. Had not heard Guan Yin's story like this before. I will be buying a personal copy after returning to the library. After reading this to my 4 year old I caught her sitting in the living room meditating.

[Astharit]

Es un cuento para niños que disfruté mucho, las ilustraciones son preciosas y los mensajes que deja son muy bonitos. Habla de voluntad y de seguir tu propio camino, pero el mensaje principal de esta historia es que el amor es la fuerza más grande del universo. Lo ame ❤️

[Melissa Flanagin]

Absolutely stunning!!!! Beautiful art work!!! Lovely story!!!

[Theresa]

Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion (Hardcover)
by Maya van der Meer
Masterfully done, this books artwork influenced by Chinese art works of history is amazing. The story of Kuan yin, is the remarkable story of belief and perseverance. Two sisters find that their love connects them and brings more truth than just blindly following the traditions of their culture. The spiritual nature of Kuan Yin is inspiring because she gives up everything for love, not of a single person but of everyone.

[Amanda]

**I received an e-copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.**

I truly loved this book. The artwork is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. The story is from the perspective of Kuantans Yin's sister which I think was the right choice because she is more relatable. This book teaches children about compassion and how to love one another even when it is difficult at times.

[Pam]

I received an electronic ARC from Bala Kids through Edelweiss+.
An origin story about how Kuan Yin became a Buddhist saint. Princess Miao-Shan sought peace and love for everyone above all else. The tale is told from her younger sister, Ling' perspective. Readers see how lovely both sisters are and how they seek to make the world gentler and more peaceful for all. Beautiful soft colored illustrations capture the mood of the text.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Lisa Yee Swope]

"May the seeds we plant with our hearts grow." Glorious illustrations accompany a classic Chinese Buddhist mythological tale. I love that it's told from the perspective of mei mei, little sister.

[Salvatore]

Beautiful story and gorgeous illustrations, this book is fantastic for all ages. I love it

[Laura Porras]

Beautiful!

[Rainbow Reads]

Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion by Maya van der Meer is a stunning retelling of an ancient Chinese Buddhist tale with a delightfully modern message.

Kuan Yin follows the story of Princess Miao Shan and her younger sister Princess Ling. Much to their father’s chagrin, Miao Shan has chosen a spiritual path for her life, rejecting the duties of her royal title. Her heart is filled with love and compassion, and she wants to share it with the world. Though Miao Shan and Ling are separated during their journey, their love continues to bring them back together. Ling overcomes her own doubt and loneliness while witnessing her sister’s path to enlightenment. Together they accomplish impossible tasks and realize the true power of love.

I really appreciated the relationship between the sisters in Kuan Yin and the way they support one another. As someone who didn’t learn to get along with her sister until adulthood, I love a positive example of sisterhood for young readers, and Kuan Yin does not disappoint.

The incredible illustrations by Wen Hsu are inspired by the Tang Dynasty, and they truly bring the sisters’ adventures to life. Every page is beautifully detailed, and the colors are absolutely stunning.

I am also giving away a copy of Kuan Yin over on Instagram this weekend, so be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win!

Maya van der Meer is an author, educator, environmentalist, and long-time Buddhist practitioner based in Woodstock, New York. Please visit her website at mayavandermeer.com to learn more about her and her work.

Wen Hsu is an award-winning Taiwanese-Costa Rican illustrator who has illustrated stories for children in a number of countries, including Japan, Korea, Guatemala, India, Nicaragua, and more. To learn more about her and her work, please visit her Facebook page.

I want to thank Bala Kids for kindly providing me with a review copy of Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion. This beautiful book is an absolute delight and I’m honored to be able to share it today.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Storygraph

[Jan]

Beautifully illustrated, fantastic story. I can't wait to read it again, next time to my granddaughter.

[Megan Wagner]

Very pretty!

[Vinnie]

Beautiful illustrations and story about one of the Buddhist goddesses

[Amande]

Un album vraiment très joli, avec une histoire inspirée d'un conte chinois et d'une divinité bouddhiste qui parle d'amour pour le monde et pour toustes.

[Lane]

My preorder finally arrived! This book is gorgeous! The illustrations are rich and full of detail. The story is lovely. Told by her little sister it tells the Chinese origin story of Kuan Yin the goddess of compassion. A goddess that captured my attention a year ago and continues to inspire me.

[Beth]

This lovely book tells the Chinese legend of how a young woman Miao Shan, gave up her royal existence to spread kindness and compassion throughout the world (at least the Chinese region). It is seen and told through the eyes of her younger sister, Ling.

The artwork in this book is stunning. The story is interesting, if not captivating. It is a nice intro into Buddhist feelings for the goddess, known as Kuan Yin or Quan Yin.

[Lola Elena]

Beautiful illustrations and poetic story.

[HK Khor]

Read this before bed with my elementary age kids today and it was well received. While aimed at a younger audience (under 6?) it was still nice to see and hear an origin story (reimagined), tied to the Buddhist religion available to a general audience. The story itself has only indirect references to religion in the form of meditation, a nunnery and a goddess.
The art was detailed, delicate and interesting. I appreciate that it is an atypical princess story. For older children, it would have been more engaging to have more details and depth.

[M Aghazarian]

Lushly illustrated-- super gorgeous. I think this is the first Buddhist picture book I've read and it's really beautiful -- love the story and the message.

[Nessa]

I'm not crying, you're crying! Illustrations are just lovely! The colors Wen Hsu chooses are memorizing.

Beautiful and powerful story about the Buddhist deity, Kuan Yin. Mian Shan is a princess who has to meet her suitors but chooses a different path instead. The path is hard but is the right one in the end.

[Maddy Fouch]

beautiful illustrations! I am not familiar with the Buddhist culture nor of Kuan Yin, but it did not make this story hard to understand, in fact it was quite enlightening to learn about history that you have never heard of but yet is so important to groups of people.

[Bethany]

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of the Buddhist goddess of compassion who is often known as Kuan Yin. However, we are introduced to her as Princess Miao Shan, the older sister of the protagonist, Princess Ling. Miao Shan refuses to marry like her father the king wants her to; instead, she feels called to help the poor, care for the sick, and encourage everyone to love others with compassion and forgiveness.

The illustrations captured my breath throughout the story. The author's note at the end says "the artwork is inspired by the Tang Dynasty and depicts clothing styles from across the Silk Road." I love this piece of inclusionist history. In fact, if you aren't familiar with Kuan Yin's story, I highly recommend you /start/ with the author's note, and then read the story. It may help to bridge the lack of prior knowledge that young readers/listeners may have if they, too, are unfamiliar with this Chinese Buddhist story.

[Rebecca Holliman]

This picture book is a fairytale-like retelling of the Chinese version of a traditional Buddhist myth about the goddess of kindness and compassion, Kuan Yin. The story features universal fairytale characters such as the harsh king and father who tries to force his beautiful and virtuous daughter into marriage. The beautiful princess in this case is a serene lover and tamer of wild animals who prefers entering a Buddhist convent to serve all creatures with compassion and love. Her father punishes her by inciting the nuns to treat her cruelly and the story depicts her suffering and eventual triumph over evil and the transformation of her father who comes to realize how he has wronged her. The story is told in a simply and gently and the illustrations are dreamy and subtly colored in washes of pastels. The relationship between the princess Miao Shan and her little sister Ling is touching and the values of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness shine through the simple text.

[Zyph]

Even though my daughter might be a bit too young with 3 years old, she loves it! I just have to cover the angry face of the king when we read it ;-) She's been roleplaying that's she is Ling and my wife has to meditate and be Miao Shan :-D
And I'm just delighted to be able to offer such a wonderful and gorgeously illustrated alternative to Sleeping Beauty and other fairy tale princesses that my daughter is currently obsessed with..
What I also really appreciate is that even tough it focuses on the virtue and power of loving kindness and is based on religion, it's not moralistic.

[Emiley M.]

With beautiful illustrations and a readable version of a multi-cultural story, Kuan Yin by Maya van der Meer ushers readers on a journey to ancient China. Based on the legend of Kuan Yin, a Chinese legend about the goddess of compassion, the author tells this beautiful story from the perspective of her younger sister Ling. Looking through a child's eyes this version gives life to an ancient story and is a book worth adding to your children's bookshelf.