Is Nothing Something?: Kids' Questions and Zen Answers About Life, Death, Family, Friendship, and Everything in Between

by Thich Nhat Hanh, Jessica McClure (Illustrator)

In Is Nothing Something? Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh answers heartfelt, difficult, and funny questions from children of all ages. Illustrated with original full-color artwork by Jessica McClure, Is Nothing Something? will help adults plant the seeds of mindfulness in the young children in their lives. Beginning with the most basic questions, "What is important in life?" and "Why is my brother mean to me?" and progressing through issues that we all wrestle with, such as "How do I know if I really love somebody?", "How long am I going to live?", and "What does God look like?", each page presents a question with a short answer from Thich Nhat Hanh, appropriate for beginning readers to work with on their own. The back of the book has the first complete children’s biography of Thich Nhat Hanh, along with basic, kid-friendly instructions for mindful breathing and mindful walking. Both humorous and profound, Is Nothing Something? is the perfect resource for kids with questions, adults looking to answer them, and anyone with questions of their own.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Buddhism, Parenting, Childrens, Religion

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 11, 2014

About the author

Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the last books that my friend and colleague Joan reviewed on Goodreads before her sudden passing; I knew when I read the title that I needed to read it, too, in her honor. Thich Nhat Hanh provides thoughtful, simple, understandable answers to the heartfelt but sometimes challenging questions posed by children. He reminds us that we have the power to transform our feelings and ultimately our lives through mindfulness. The animal illustrations by Jessica McClure are beautiful and each is apt for the question it accompanies.
"You are like a wave in the ocean. After you rise and fall as a wave, you will still be part of the ocean. Your shape will change but you won't disappear." Thinking of Joan tonight, feeling blessed to have known her and mindful of her spirit, her gifts, and our shared love of books and reading.

[Sara Pourhassani · Rating 4 out of 5]

زیبا بود.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10-year old daughter is a budding philosopher. This is the kind of child this book is written for. Most is lovely and reflective in a general way, but there are a few questions that are answered in a specifically Buddhist way - past lives, monks and nuns, vegetarianism, etc. overall though, this is a q and a book that takes children’s questions seriously and tries to answer them in an understandable way.

[Lisa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Thoughtful perspectives on weighty and serious life questions such life/death, stress, kindness and religion. Simple format and succinct Q&A format that works for all ages, younger children to adults. I aim to adopt his language on these topics. This is a great book to add to my home library. Even if a reader doesn't agree with all his views, this would be great conversation starter.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that it is entirely too short. While a children's book, the advice is sound for all ages. A sweet little read for anyone.

[Haines Eason · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adorable introduction for young readers into the practice cultivating a mindful worldview. Hanh is himself so youthful that the answers each are perfect. The book will inspire further wonder (and likely more questions), which is all we can hope to spark in our kids.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, it must be said, this is a physically gorgeous book. Printed magnificently, with a quality cover and an intruiging title, the orange book makes readers want to open it and explore the charming animal illustrations and significant questions in the fourty pages inside.

Young children may not know who Thich Nhat Hanh is. It helps to say he was a spiritual thinker so respected, Martin Luther King, Jr. nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. It also helps there is a biography written for children in the back to better explain who Thich Nhat Hanh is and what a monk's life is like. The only thing I didn't like about the biography is that his nation of origin isn't mentioned. Vietnam deserves some credit! There is a small photo of Thich Nhat Hanh on the back cover.

The thought-provoking questions in this book are probably best used as a daily reader. Possibly after dinner, or during bedtime, picking one or two questions and discussing the ideas together as a family and then seeing what Thich Nhat Hanh has to say about each question as a Zen Master. I found the book calming just to read.

There aren't a plethora of books out there that cover these unusual topics that Thich Nhat Hanh answers for children: what should I do when I feel sad?, what do you do when you are scared?, how can I remain calm when I see so many bad things in the world?, how can I control my temper?, why do people make wars?, why do I sometimes feel lonely and that no one loves me?

Here's an example question and answer. Notice how it teaches children the importance of an easy, simple response that can actually be quite profound in real life. The question is: What should you do if someone feels bad and you want to comfort that person and make him or her feel better?

Thich Nhat Hanh answers: one of the simplest and most loving things you can do for someone who feels bad is just to be with them and breathe with them. You can say, 'I am here for you.' You are offering your presence, which is the most wonderful gift you can offer another person.

Jessica McClure's illustration are charming and would draw children into exploring each question. Besides the biography of Thich Nhat Hanh in the back, there are instructions on how to do mindful breathing and mindful walking. If you told a child you were going to read them a book about meditation, they may not be interested. But if you told a child that the book shows some ways to cope with the hard questions above, the interest would be there in learning more.

[Trang Trangg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quyển sách cho trẻ con hay nhất mà mình từng đọc! Yeah, trước mình đã từng đến hiệu sách Kim 1 lần 1 tuần, 2 lần nếu Onepunchman hay Conan có ấn phẩm mới. Pretty much time spent there.

Mình xin được trích một vài câu trong truyện.
"How can I remain calm when I see so many bad things in the world?
Whenever I see violence or cruelty, it still makes me angry. We all get angry sometimes. But we can learn to take care of our anger. If we look closely, we can notice that people who are cruel have a lot of suffering inside. When we see this, we can be compassionate, and help the situation by creating peace, even if what is happening around us is not very peaceful. We can use our breath and our mindfulness to transform the energy of anger into the energy of compassion. When we have the energy of compassion, we can do a lot of things to help people suffer less.

When you are aware of the wonders around you, life is full of joy.

How long am I going to live?
Here is some good news. If you look deeply into everything, you can see that you will live forever. You will never die; you’ll just change form. You are like a cloud. A cloud can become snow or rain, but it can’t die. You are like a wave in the ocean. After you rise and fall as a wave, you will still be part of the ocean. Your shape will change but you won’t disappear.

I love my grandfather but he died. How can he still be with me?
If your loved one isn’t there in his familiar form, look for him in his new forms. A kernel of corn grows into a corn stalk, and the stalk makes an ear of corn, which contains new kernels. Your grandfather is like the original corn kernel and you are the new corn kernel. In this way, you are his continuation. Your grandfather is still alive in every cell of your body. You can have as many conversations with him as you want. "

PS: Thầy có 1 thư viện sách online miễn phí: https://langmai.org/tang-kinh-cac/vie...
Trên youtube có khá nhiều clip của thầy giảng, cho bạn nào muốn hiểu về thầy.

PS2: Hè 2 năm trước mình đã tính đăng ký tham gia retreat của làng mai bên Thái mà vì muốn ở nhà học tiếng Anh nên hoãn, giờ mong hết dịch để đi lắm luôn :( Lại còn muốn đến Huế thăm chùa của thầy nữa =<

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Is Nothing Something? Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh answers heartfelt, difficult, and funny questions from children of all ages. Illustrated with original full-color artwork by Jessica McClure, Is Nothing Something? will help adults plant the seeds of mindfulness in the young children in their lives. Beginning with the most basic questions, "What is important in life?" and "Why is my brother mean to me?" and progressing through issues that we all wrestle with, such as "How do I know if I really love somebody?", "How long am I going to live?", and "What does God look like?", each page presents a question with a short answer from Thich Nhat Hanh, appropriate for beginning readers to work with on their own. The back of the book has the first complete children’s biography of Thich Nhat Hanh, along with basic, kid-friendly instructions for mindful breathing and mindful walking. Both humorous and profound, Is Nothing Something? is the perfect resource for kids with questions, adults looking to answer them, and anyone with questions of their own.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give everything four stars pretty much but I didn’t actually enjoy this book. I liked the concept of a wise Buddhist monk answering kids’ questions. However—and *obviously* this says more about me than about Thich Nhat Hanh—many of the answers annoyed me or seemed inaccurate or counterproductive. Like the one about how you and your dead grandfather are kernels of corn, the one about smiling to your sadness, and the one about how you are partly responsible for your brother being mean to you and you should be more understanding.

[Lilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunque es un libro infantil, contiene profundas enseñanzas que independientemente de la edad, todos podemos poner en práctica. Además el libro esta bellamente ilustrado.

Although it is a children's book, it contains profound teachings that regardless of age, we can all put into practice. In addition, the book is beautifully illustrated.

[Levi Pierpont · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, both in terms of illustrations and content. I actually learned a few things about Thich Nhat Hanh’s view of the world that are often less directly spoken of in his many other books.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Answers to those big, hard questions kids ask. Answers are supposed to promote calmness, peacefulness, kindness, and compassion. I think it does an okay job with that, but I think some kids will feel like you’re skirting the question.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh answers children’s questions from a Zen Buddhist perspective about life, death, and more importantly how to have a serene life and get along with others by practicing mindful breathing, self-examination and meditation.

[Ilenuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

answers to kids' tough questions from a buddhist point of view

[Blu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #29 for the #PopsugarReadingChallenge2019 is for the prompt "a book with a question in the title."

I feel so calm after reading this book. :)

[Sam Florentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the hardest to ask simple questions. Equally hard to answer simply.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zen Master Hanh answers funny and difficult question from children as a Buddhist would. A good introduction to Buddhist thought and good tips for mindful breathing and walking.

[مَريم Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very calming

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, insightful, calm, beautiful book with great supportive pictures. So many powerful quotes.

[Alejandro Bolanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro sencillo y lindo, de esos que estoy seguro que leeré tooda la vida

[Claire Abs]

to-read

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book to give or read to any child, with answers to 'big' questions adults too could benefit in hearing.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanations of life’s greatest lessons

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is cute and ok. I may have been expecting more than what I should.
He is a monk and answering questions from kids. Which, in itself, is cute.
I think some of the answers just bothered me. I wasnt really feeling this book.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real questions asked by real children and answers from Thich Nhat Hanh, deep but simply worded. The topics range from life, death, war, to TV watching, family, friendship and so on.
The beautiful illustrations by Jessica McClure, always depicting animals, are connected to the questions.
Recommended, not only for children.

[Jenny H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Nothing Something? is a book filled with kids' questions and the sage answers from Thich Nhat Hanh about life, death, family, friendship, and so many other topics. Each page has a simple question, many of which my daughter asks on a regular basis, and a short answer. The answers are based on Buddhist principles and beliefs; however they are spoken without judgement and from a place of love. While the answers are geared towards a child, they are presented in a way that neither talks down to the child or makes light of their concerns. Some of the answers are very deep and philosophical; however most answers are simple principles of how to be kind, loving, and full of compassion. There are simple illustrations on each page containing animals, many of which are in yoga poses.

Our take on the book
When my daughter and I read the book for the first time, we took time to read each question and discuss what we thought the answer should be prior to reading the answer presented by Thich Nhat Hanh. It was serene to have a thoughtful conversation with my seven year old daughter about topics we rarely broach. I was impressed by her answers, and she reflected and responded to each of the answers presented in the book.

My daughter's favorite page had to do with a question regarding the death of a grandfather. The answer is amazingly peaceful, and I was touched when she made a connection to the death of my own grandfather because this relationship in particular is connected to the plants the we grow as a continuation of the things he taught me.
My favorite question and answer was centered on what to do when you feel sad. The answer recommended to smile even though your are crying because the sunshine through the rain can make a rainbow. How beautiful is that sentiment?
Overall, this book is simple, peaceful, and contemplative. It is the perfect addition to any collection of books that discuss religion or principles on being a good human.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it even though it's for kids. This book had such adorable drawings in it and sometimes I think it's refreshing to look at things from the angle of a child. The answers in this book are also things that can help adults; basics just written here in simple wording. Thich Nhat Hanh is also just wonderful and I plan on reading his answer book for adults once the library gets in a copy. This adorable little book made me smile.

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Thay always as a wonderous and meaningful way to explain the interconnectedness of all. What a blessing it is to live in this time when we can learn from this excellent Zen master.

[Meghan Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Nothing Something? offers thoughtful answers from a Zen monk to children's questions about life, the universe and everything. It could also act as an introduction to key Buddhist beliefs and worldview. A lovely reference book for older primary school children and younger teenagers.