I Once Was a Monkey: Stories Buddha Told

by Jeanne M. Lee

Book Overview

A colorful introduction to Buddhist fables

A monkey, caught in a monsoon, finds shelter in a cave amid the rubble of a temple. The monkey is not alone. A lion, a jackal, a turtle, and a dove bicker in the cramped space, until a statue of Buddha comes to life. Hush, children, hush. Buddha says. I will tell you a story to pass the time. From the tale of the clever monkey outwitting a hungry crocodile to that of a bird and turtle rescuing...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374335486
• ISBN13: 9780374335489
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.9" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 5 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 4

Customer Reviews

We read first, then purchased. It's that good.

I actually checked this book out at the library, with some others, for my children to start learning a little about the Buddhist teachings. We all enjoyed it and not long after returning it to the library, I decided I wanted to own it. It is refreshing to find stories for children that contain important lessons about character and consequences, without threats or bribes (like many religions teach). I recommend this book for children and adults alike. I hope to find more just like it to fill our ever growing library.

Nice Pictures and Good Stories

I purchased this book because it looked like a nice introduction to Buddah. My daugher and I both throroughly enjoyed the book. My daughter is 4 and a half and she first went through the book to look at it's pictures and attempted to figure out each story. As we read each story she enjoyed guessing what was going to happen next and how each animal would react by her first impressions by the artwork. It is nicely written for a read aloud book and contains timeless stories about interaction. I highly reccommend this book, even in you are not interested in Buddah as a religious figure, but looking for tales of common sense and relating to others.

Great Read!

I read this book to my 4 year old and she loved it! The illustrations are wonderful. The stories are simple and easy for her to follow with great lessons. I highly recommend it!

My Children Loved this Book!

My nine year old daughter and seven year old son loved this book. I have an eleven year old son who wasn't too interested. If you want a gentle introduction to Buddhist thought, or simply want to broaden your children's horizons, this is an excellent resource. Sadly, it is pretty short, but the illustrations are excellent and the stories profound.

Great book for children and parents to read together

Both my 3 and 7 year olds enjoy these stories. It is a great way to start discussions on topics like telling the truth, trust, careful thought, friendship and kindness. The illustrations are wonderful and inspire the imagination.