Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha

by Whitney Stewart, Sally Rippin

Siddhartha Gautama was born a wealthy prince. He gradually gave up worldly ways until, at age thirty-five, he attained supreme enlightenment and became the Buddha. The ancient story is beautifully retold in this unique edition, illustrated with stunning Asian-style paintings in full color, with each painting presenting a key stage in Siddhartha's life. In a novel touch that revives an old Asian tradition, the pages read top to bottom with the book bound at the top. An author's note at the end gives background information and is followed by suggestions on how to meditate from the Dalai Lama himself. Whitney Stewart's new picture book about the life of the Buddha is timely because even today the story of the Buddha has a lot to tell us. This is not because I have any personal interest in increasing the number of Buddhists in the world, but because I believe that his teaching and his own example can still contribute to global peace and individual happiness. -- Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama, in his introduction

Importantly, the presentation empowers young readers with something they, like the Buddha, might do to develop compassion for others and alleviate suffering. -- Multicultural Review

Genres: Childrens, Biography, Religion, Picture Books, Buddhism

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2005

About the author

Whitney Stewart has interviewed the 14th Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Sir Edmund Hillary for her young adult biographies. She has traveled all over Europe and Asia to write her books. When she is not writing, she is usually visiting schools and libraries to give talks.

Her personal interests are in reading, traveling, yoga, meditation, and sea kayaking. She lives with her husband and son.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading children’s books when I want to learn more about a certain topic is fun, underrated activity. The simplicity of it all, yeah I have a book that’s 132 pages on Siddhartha but this book is less than 32 pages and I don’t have to have this lingering on my “Currently Reading” shelf

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book - for its subject, its unusual layout (opening so pictures are horizontal to the fold), its forward and close by the Dalai Lama, its beautiful art, and its simplicity so in keeping with Buddhist wisdom. Follow the Dalai Lama's advice at the close in order to meditate and float close to the timeless.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

beautiful art

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good--but a little "long and feely" for us. Nice to revisit the story of Prince Siddartha becoming Buddha.

[Ariel Ortiz]

The Buddha is central to the understanding of Buddhism as a religion. Reading "Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha" will allow for students to understand the story of the Buddha and serve as an introduction to the practices and beliefs of Buddhism. After reading this story,students can then learn about the four noble truths and the eight fold path as being part of the story of the Buddha. The Buddha can thus be understood as a historical figure as well as religious leader. The book can thus be used as a precursor to understanding Buddhism as a religion. Students can engage in whole class discussion about the belief in enlightenment. Particularly, after learning about Hinduism and the caste system, Buddhism can be understand in the context of social justice and students can discuss why this tradition would seem appealing to those who were a part of the lowest rungs of the caste system. "Becoming Buddha" can serve as the beginning of a study of the history and traditions within Buddhism.

[Terry]

Pre-teen: I liked this book. We are reading about Siddhartha in class, and this is a much more manageable way for understanding it. The pictures are beautiful. I liked the suggestions for meditation.

See more on the Reading Tub website.

[Jesse Leaver]

“Becoming Buddha the Story of Siddhartha” by Whitney Stewart and Sally Rippin; Melbourne; Copyright 2005
1. Awards this book has won: none
2. This book is appropriate for children in 4th, 5th and 6th grade.
3. Summary: Queen Maya and King Shuddhodana had a son, named Siddhartha, who was thought to be the gifted child wise men in India and Nepal had been predicting would be born. Siddhartha grew up within the palace walls and did not know much about the rest of the world around him. Upon noticing the corruption and unrest within the political system, Siddhartha wanted to choose a different path in life, away from politics. He went to see the outside world and saw suffering that he didn’t know existed. He also saw a monk and learned that the monk’s purpose was to find peace, deciding that it was the life he wanted as well. Siddhartha leaves the palace and sets out to learn meditation from several masters, seeking full enlightenment. When he reached full enlightenment, he became a Buddha and came up with the Four Noble Truths to teach others, in hope of enlightening them.
4. Review: This book requires quite a bit of thought as it has many deep messages. I feel that it would be best understood by older children. I think it is a good introduction to learning about Buddhism and offers a base for who Buddha was. The messages found in this book can also be applied to the children’s own lives.
5. Classroom uses:
a. After reading, you could lead a class discussion on how Siddhartha learned and moved from teacher to teacher in order to learn more.
b. After reading, children can write about how they have used the ideas outlined in the Four Noble Truths before in their lives.
c. The teacher could lead a short, secular meditation and continue to practice it as a way to reflect on thoughts and calm children’s minds.