Kanta And The Deer

By Daisaku Ikeda

Book Overview

When Kanta discovers a deer whose parents have been killed by hunters, he adopts it and names it Poyu. In caring for Poyu, the boy learns that love can make one brave and self-reliant. Then it turns out that Poyu is no ordinary deer, but a spirit deer born to save his kind from cruel hunters.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0834804069
• ISBN13: 9780834804067
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: Weatherhill
• Length: 52 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.8" x 0.5" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

heart-felt book of true friendship

Of the many children's books that are available to us these days, it is extremely rare to encounter one with such depth and insight. The author dares to explore difficult issues in a way that is accessible to young readers. The two main characters develop a bond of friendship which is based on not only their deep concern for one another, but also a shared dream to help others. Daisaku Ikeda shows through the inseparable connection of these two friends that true friendship transcends time and space and can never be destroyed. Very inspiring!

I love this book!

I don't know how anyone could not like this and all of Daisaku Ikeda's children's books. Especially with this book, Kanta and the Deer, unless you like killing defenseless animals for fun or don't believe in the power of hope, you will love this little tale!

This book is great to teach respect for animals

This book is great to teach children respect for all life, including animals. It also well illustrates the destructive power that guns can have in the wrong hands. My kids were so much more concernced about animal welfare and the protection of endangered species after reading this book. It also reinforced their understanding of the evil nature of weapons in general. This book also helped them to understand the great wisdom the Buddha expressed so long ago that one should only kill animals when it is needed for one's own survival.

A Great Book Teaching Non-Violence and Respect for Nature

This is an excellent book to teach young people (and not-so-young people!) about the senselessness of violence and killing, as well as the horror of guns and hurting animals for sport. The story of "Kanta and the Dear" is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful and inspiring tale of a city kid who is sent to be cared for by his uncle in some remote mountains. The boy, Kanta, who must live apart from his parents due to their work situation, has no other children to play with and is quite shy. One day, Kanta finds a baby deer that has lost its parents and herd to merciless hunters who have shot them all. The boy and the deer, named Poyu, develop a great friendship as the little deer grows to become a brave young buck. All the while, Kanta begins to discover his own resiliency and courage as well. With the bitter cold winter as a backdrop, together they fight to save the local deer from total extinction.

Another Outstanding Children's Book from Daisaku Ikeda

"Kanta and the Deer" is a wonderful story about a ten year old boy named Kanta and a magical deer. Through the story of their meeting, and their interaction, "Kanta and the Deer" teaches children about living in harmony with nature, respect for animals, the spirit of living with courage and hope, and the rewards of never giving up no matter how strong one's obstacles. This beautifully illustrated little book is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Both you and your kids will love it! This book, as with all great children's books, is equally enriching for both the young and the not-so-young alike.I recommend this and all of Daisaku Ikeda's award-winning children's books - especially The Princess and the Moon.