Sun in My Belly

by Sister Susan, Thich Nhat Hanh (Introduction), Tin Nghiem (Illustrations)

On an early morning on a cloudy day, Jenny and her friend Molly play ball in a meadow. Somehow they begin to fight over the ball, and Molly storms off. Both are unhappy in their separate worlds, but Jenny looks up and suddenly feels happy as the sun breaks through. Soon Molly returns and the friends forgive each other, strolling through the meadow to observe nature’s beauty — a beauty that they see in themselves too. Sister Susan’s sensitive text introduces young readers to the Buddhist idea of “Interbeing” — that everything is connected. Sister Rain’s simple, colorful illustrations bring Jenny's and Molly’s new world to life.

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2007

Reviews

[Jennifer Borduin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While some of the phrasing in this book may not flow so right, in my opinion, it does present a great topic. The two girls in the book show a very different point of view on how they resolve their conflict. This may help students who have trouble with forgiveness to see it in a different light, and maybe they will be more prone to make amends with their peers.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was amazing. Jenny can feel the sun in her belly when she was lonely. At the end, Molly go's to find Jenny and says she's sorry. This is why I gave it all 5 stars.