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Maybe: A Little Zen for Little Ones
Based on an ancient and beloved Zen fable, "Maybe (A Little Zen for Little Ones)" is about a wise girl who experiences a series of events that at first seem lucky (or unlucky) but then turn out to be quite the opposite. A bike disappears, but then she gets a new one. She hurts herself, but then she enjoys a nice day at home. For each incident, was what happened good luck? Maybe. Was it bad luck? Maybe. Or, perhaps the girl simply does not get caught up in the emotion of the moment, because she can never know what that event might lead to, good or bad . . . "Maybe (A Little Zen for Little Ones)" won a Mom's Choice Awards Medal as one of the best children's books of 2011.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
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371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 5, 2011
Este eARC llegó al correo sin ser solicitado, como parte de la promoción que la editorial está haciendo. Pero como en todo, la curiosidad mató al gato y decidí leerlo.
Las imágenes que acompañan el libros son preciosas, creo que un niño -que es el público al que está dirigido-, puede sentirse encantado con tenerlo en sus manos.
La historia cuenta algunas cosillas que le suceden a una niña muy sabia. Primero su bicicleta es robada y sus amigos le dicen que tiene muy mala suerte. Entonces nuestra chica solo responde "QUIZÁ" (de ahí el título del libro). Por ello sus padres le compran una bicicleta, al fin y la cabo, ya estaba más grande y necesitaría otra. Y sus amigos le dicen entonces que tuvo mucha suerte porque gracias a su bici que fue robada consiguió una nueva. La niña solo responde "QUIZÁ". De ahí en adelante suceden un par de cosas más que parecen mala o buena suerte, según el ojo que la mire. Es aquí donde la autora nos lleva a reflexionar y a nuestros niños también, ¿cómo tomamos las cosas que nos suceden en la vida?
Un libro cortito pero con muchas enseñanzas. Inspirado en una fábula zen, es un libro que vale la pena tener en nuestras estanterías y leerle a los pequeñines de la casa, o dejar que ellos lo lean... siempre y cuando sepan inglés >.<
Las imágenes que acompañan el libros son preciosas, creo que un niño -que es el público al que está dirigido-, puede sentirse encantado con tenerlo en sus manos.
La historia cuenta algunas cosillas que le suceden a una niña muy sabia. Primero su bicicleta es robada y sus amigos le dicen que tiene muy mala suerte. Entonces nuestra chica solo responde "QUIZÁ" (de ahí el título del libro). Por ello sus padres le compran una bicicleta, al fin y la cabo, ya estaba más grande y necesitaría otra. Y sus amigos le dicen entonces que tuvo mucha suerte porque gracias a su bici que fue robada consiguió una nueva. La niña solo responde "QUIZÁ". De ahí en adelante suceden un par de cosas más que parecen mala o buena suerte, según el ojo que la mire. Es aquí donde la autora nos lleva a reflexionar y a nuestros niños también, ¿cómo tomamos las cosas que nos suceden en la vida?
Un libro cortito pero con muchas enseñanzas. Inspirado en una fábula zen, es un libro que vale la pena tener en nuestras estanterías y leerle a los pequeñines de la casa, o dejar que ellos lo lean... siempre y cuando sepan inglés >.<
July 14, 2016
Adequate modernizing of an old folktale, retelling traditional zen philosophy in picture book format. The story makes its point, but could have been stronger with more coherent story or character development. Illustrations were inappropriate for children, more like caricatures of people. Background style did not match the characters and drawings were often cut and pasted into a new scene.
April 29, 2015
Great lesson in this story
My little ones are only 16 months and don't really understand the point yet. I really enjoyed the message of this story though. I'll keep this in my collection though to continue to read to them. One day they will understand and appreciate it.
My little ones are only 16 months and don't really understand the point yet. I really enjoyed the message of this story though. I'll keep this in my collection though to continue to read to them. One day they will understand and appreciate it.
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April 18, 2020Love the concept behind the story and how the author conveyed ancient wisdom through modern events. Ironically, I wish the illustrations would have less modern and had a more traditional feel! Kids also connect better with characters who have names, so instead of reading "the girl," I gave the girl a name (Sophia).
Read the full review.
Read the full review.
December 29, 2020
I read this book to my Grandson Sam several times at his request, he did not get tired of it.
Each time I read it, we talked about it, and he wanted me to explain why I admired the protagonist. I did not get tired of explaining.
Each time I read it, we talked about it, and he wanted me to explain why I admired the protagonist. I did not get tired of explaining.
April 27, 2020
Everyone needs a little Zen during quarantine. Maybe is a great little read.
December 27, 2020
Good for teaching perspective and how we don't see the big picture as God does.
September 10, 2016
What can I say about this one? It was weak. While I can appreciate wanting to retell an ancient fable, I just can't recommend this attempt.
The main problem is that, rather than simply retelling the tale, the author decided to use small children as the main characters. I don't know about you, but I know of no young children who react to life's ups and downs in such a stoic and zen-like manner. The main character's answer to everything is a simple, "Maybe." Whether she's referring to having her bike stolen, getting a new bike from her parents, hurting her arm so that she can't go to school (inexplicably, her boo-boo doesn't stop her from doing yard work), or avoiding food poisoning, her response to her friends' remarks about being lucky or unlucky is always the same: "Maybe." While this might work in a fable-like setting, it comes across as a bit disturbing in an era where so many children have developmental delays. When I hear about a kid with a vocabulary of just one word, my first thought isn't, "My, how mature and zen-like she must be!"
I do understand the idea behind the fable, but I think that it would probably be lost on little kids. And some of the scenarios are kind of irresponsible. I don't think it's a great idea to teach kids that getting hurt is a good thing because they can use it to get out of school. I don't think it's a good idea to teach your kids to laugh at their friends when they get sick from eating too much sugar (I thought this was a fable about zen... not schadenfreude). I don't think it's fair to expect kids to be okay with having their bike stolen because, hey, mom and dad will just buy them a new one. What if mom and dad can't afford a new bike? Will the kid be shamed for being upset and not accepting the injustice like a zen master?
The illustrations were also some of the weirdest I've ever seen. The backgrounds looked like watercolour paintings, and were somewhat decent. But all of the characters looked like they'd been drawn with a cheap computer program and then plopped on top! It gave the whole book a really bizarre look that I didn't like at all.
This was pretty much a waste of time. Thankfully, it wasn't a waste of money, as I got it for free. Don't bother with this one.
Quotable moment:
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.com/2...
The main problem is that, rather than simply retelling the tale, the author decided to use small children as the main characters. I don't know about you, but I know of no young children who react to life's ups and downs in such a stoic and zen-like manner. The main character's answer to everything is a simple, "Maybe." Whether she's referring to having her bike stolen, getting a new bike from her parents, hurting her arm so that she can't go to school (inexplicably, her boo-boo doesn't stop her from doing yard work), or avoiding food poisoning, her response to her friends' remarks about being lucky or unlucky is always the same: "Maybe." While this might work in a fable-like setting, it comes across as a bit disturbing in an era where so many children have developmental delays. When I hear about a kid with a vocabulary of just one word, my first thought isn't, "My, how mature and zen-like she must be!"
I do understand the idea behind the fable, but I think that it would probably be lost on little kids. And some of the scenarios are kind of irresponsible. I don't think it's a great idea to teach kids that getting hurt is a good thing because they can use it to get out of school. I don't think it's a good idea to teach your kids to laugh at their friends when they get sick from eating too much sugar (I thought this was a fable about zen... not schadenfreude). I don't think it's fair to expect kids to be okay with having their bike stolen because, hey, mom and dad will just buy them a new one. What if mom and dad can't afford a new bike? Will the kid be shamed for being upset and not accepting the injustice like a zen master?
The illustrations were also some of the weirdest I've ever seen. The backgrounds looked like watercolour paintings, and were somewhat decent. But all of the characters looked like they'd been drawn with a cheap computer program and then plopped on top! It gave the whole book a really bizarre look that I didn't like at all.
This was pretty much a waste of time. Thankfully, it wasn't a waste of money, as I got it for free. Don't bother with this one.
Quotable moment:
One day, her bicycle disappeared.
Her friends said,
"That's terrible luck! You had such a nice bike.
What a bummer!"
The thoughtful girl
took a moment,
and then responded,
"Maybe."
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.com/2...
October 16, 2014
I don't understand how this author can make a living as a freelance copywriter nor how this book won a Mom's Choice Awards Silver Medal and a Gelett Burgess Children's Book Awards Gold Medal. I believe awards should be based on 100% of a book and that includes copy and edit. Maybe some awards are? Maybe not.
Within the first five pages you see significant spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Each of these flaws leads to distraction from the story. The book is geared toward 5-7 year olds yet has these errors. We cannot expect children to learn to read fluently if we are giving them books with so many flaws. The book was edited by someone with the same last name as the author. Maybe it's a coincidence? Maybe not. The book was published three years ago in 2011. Since then two additional books have been published in the same series. One would assume edits should have been made prior to adding to the series.
The book version I have is the Kindle version directly downloaded from the Amazon site. When switching to the hardback option and clicking "look inside" the first spelling error is not on that version. Maybe the hardback version differs slightly? Maybe not.
The story, morals, and underlying theme are to be applauded. The story situation and events are an ideal way to introduce children to Western philosophies. Especially for those with little to no prior exposure. Maybe this makes the rating worth 3 stars? Maybe not.
The illustrations and good although there are significant portioning differences between child and adult characters. These differences are visually jarring and awkward. Maybe symbolisms? Maybe not.
The story summation on the final page is lengthy, not suitable for 5-7 year olds, and an adult will need to read and explain it to younger readers. Maybe? Maybe not.
Hope ~ 3 out of 5 stars
Within the first five pages you see significant spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Each of these flaws leads to distraction from the story. The book is geared toward 5-7 year olds yet has these errors. We cannot expect children to learn to read fluently if we are giving them books with so many flaws. The book was edited by someone with the same last name as the author. Maybe it's a coincidence? Maybe not. The book was published three years ago in 2011. Since then two additional books have been published in the same series. One would assume edits should have been made prior to adding to the series.
The book version I have is the Kindle version directly downloaded from the Amazon site. When switching to the hardback option and clicking "look inside" the first spelling error is not on that version. Maybe the hardback version differs slightly? Maybe not.
The story, morals, and underlying theme are to be applauded. The story situation and events are an ideal way to introduce children to Western philosophies. Especially for those with little to no prior exposure. Maybe this makes the rating worth 3 stars? Maybe not.
The illustrations and good although there are significant portioning differences between child and adult characters. These differences are visually jarring and awkward. Maybe symbolisms? Maybe not.
The story summation on the final page is lengthy, not suitable for 5-7 year olds, and an adult will need to read and explain it to younger readers. Maybe? Maybe not.
Hope ~ 3 out of 5 stars
November 29, 2011
And here is more about a recently released children’s book “Maybe (A Little Zen for Little Ones™)” by Sanjay Nambiar, is an ideal fit for conscientious families across the country. The story is about a wise girl who experiences a series of events that at first seem lucky (or unlucky) but then turn out to be quite the opposite. For each incident, the girl simply does not get caught up in the emotion of the moment, because she can never know what that event might lead to, “good” or “bad” . . . Just like the story itself, the book’s beautiful illustrations juxtapose modern graphics with traditional backgrounds to transpose the old into the new, thus creating an accessible context for deeply meaningful concepts. Or just "Maybe" is what is happening all too often. Sometimes we just accept what comes. But "Maybe" we should sometimes be proactive about a situation. So I am pretty on the fence about this book. Could be that I am just a lil too gung ho about life to sit around and always wait on a maybe answer?
October 17, 2014
This is an excellent, simple book that teaches a very deep philosophy. It is great to get kids thinking and it is an awesome book for big kids, too!
It reminds us of the concept of just experiencing something without making a judgement about whether it is good or bad, lucky or unlucky, etc.
My husband tells a wonderful folk tale he learned while studying Middle Eastern languages. It goes something like this: Things happen in a man's life (can't remember details) and each time he says "Good? Bad?" while shrugging. Things that looked good at the outset then become bad and bad things have good outcomes.
The idea is that we cannot know the impact of any given event in our lives. We can only wait and look back in retrospect to where that event led. Even then, we often cannot say if it was "good" or "bad."
The story isn't over until our life is at its end and even then will we be able to truly discern whether a single event was good or bad? Without both, would we have become who we are? Is that a good thing?
Maybe . . .
It reminds us of the concept of just experiencing something without making a judgement about whether it is good or bad, lucky or unlucky, etc.
My husband tells a wonderful folk tale he learned while studying Middle Eastern languages. It goes something like this: Things happen in a man's life (can't remember details) and each time he says "Good? Bad?" while shrugging. Things that looked good at the outset then become bad and bad things have good outcomes.
The idea is that we cannot know the impact of any given event in our lives. We can only wait and look back in retrospect to where that event led. Even then, we often cannot say if it was "good" or "bad."
The story isn't over until our life is at its end and even then will we be able to truly discern whether a single event was good or bad? Without both, would we have become who we are? Is that a good thing?
Maybe . . .
October 19, 2014
This book based on a Zen fable is targeted for children ages five to seven. It tells the story of a sweet little girl who doesn't consider herself lucky or unlucky whenever something happens to her. She doesn't get upset but simply responds, "Maybe." Unlike her friends who view each situation in black and white, she sees the bigger picture and understands that we never know what will happen next.
The illustrations are large and multicultural with exaggerated features and larger than life heads. Text needs to be read aloud as some of the sentences are very long and will be difficult for young children to digest. On the other hand, the story presents a good message for young children who tend to focus too much on isolated events.
The illustrations are large and multicultural with exaggerated features and larger than life heads. Text needs to be read aloud as some of the sentences are very long and will be difficult for young children to digest. On the other hand, the story presents a good message for young children who tend to focus too much on isolated events.
November 2, 2014
In this simple book we read about a young girl and her friends. As different things happen to her, the girl’s friends tell her how lucky or unlucky she is. She always responds, “maybe”. The whole idea is to focus not so much on if it was lucky or unlucky. Why, what we thought was unlucky may have benefits we did not see coming. Great book for kids and adults.
I received a copy to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 7, 2015
This book is based on an ancient Zen fable where a farmer experiences a series of lucky and unlucky events, but then turn out to be the opposite. The focus is that we never know what’s going to happen next, so some unlucky things could turn out to be blessings.
This story centralizes on the fact that the little girl doesn’t get caught up in the emotion and drama of each event in the story, from her bike getting stolen to injuring her arm to missing a birthday party at school.
This story centralizes on the fact that the little girl doesn’t get caught up in the emotion and drama of each event in the story, from her bike getting stolen to injuring her arm to missing a birthday party at school.
December 3, 2015
This story revolved around 3 children on a playground. A young girl has lost what she claims to be an expensive earring. When one boy gets dirty helping her to find it the other boy becomes angry because she is so rude to the boy who found the earring. The finder goes on to explain how his being not upset allows him to go on and enjoy the rest of the day. Sounds like a lesson we could all benefit from using.
April 25, 2012
Maybe!! I like little Zen lesson and this was done in story form and teaches the principles fa Zen. It says in the back cover it is based on an ancient Zen story of a farmer. It is about how some things in live we think are lucky turn out to be bad for us and what we think is unlucky is actually for our benefit! Good life lesson story!
December 5, 2011
I got a review copy of this lovely book, and quite enjoyed it. It's a modern take off on a story, where good luck turns out to be bad luck, and bad luck turns out to be good luck. I'm not sure what the source text is. I'll try to track it down and add my son's impressions.
November 21, 2014
A cute book about different perspectives. The glass is half empty or half full. Are things that happen good or bad? This little girl's answer is always maybe. She never decides for herself but you have to piece it together on your own.
October 15, 2014
Moral of the story is
You really have to read about the inspiration for this book at the end to make sense of it. None of the characters have proper names making it difficult to identify with any of them. It is colorful, but the faces seem superimpose onto the drawings.
You really have to read about the inspiration for this book at the end to make sense of it. None of the characters have proper names making it difficult to identify with any of them. It is colorful, but the faces seem superimpose onto the drawings.
October 31, 2014
This is a classic Zen story yet it is not told in a manner that children would understand without an adult to help guide them through the thought process. I do not see any child reading this book on their own and understanding it.
December 27, 2014
I appreciated what this book is trying to do, but I thought it didn't quite make it. I didn't understand the point of the girl saying maybe until the explanation at the end and I don't think young kids will get it either. The illustrations are cute, though.
January 1, 2015
Maybe: A Little Zen for Little Ones
Colorful children's book about a girl who gets a new bike because she's outgrown her smaller one. Others think she is lucky and she says maybe.
Other things happen and again her response is maybe.
Colorful children's book about a girl who gets a new bike because she's outgrown her smaller one. Others think she is lucky and she says maybe.
Other things happen and again her response is maybe.
April 28, 2015
Great tale about non-judgment of self or others
We enjoyed this story. My son and I read this once then went over the author's question s, then read it again. My son is six and said after we read it through the second time that the story made more sense.
We enjoyed this story. My son and I read this once then went over the author's question s, then read it again. My son is six and said after we read it through the second time that the story made more sense.
May 12, 2015
Making the best of a situation
It helped my girls realize that optimism is a good characteristic. When something unexpected happens "Maybe" it is actually a good thing. They gave it 5 Stars.
It helped my girls realize that optimism is a good characteristic. When something unexpected happens "Maybe" it is actually a good thing. They gave it 5 Stars.
May 28, 2015
Stoicism? Yep
Nice adaptation exemplifying patience before evaluating events. Something worth discussing with kids and adults. Tech flaw on iphone, I can't seem to control the view much.
Nice adaptation exemplifying patience before evaluating events. Something worth discussing with kids and adults. Tech flaw on iphone, I can't seem to control the view much.
May 19, 2012
UGH.
September 12, 2013
Depends on how the child was raised whether or not this book will be understood. Creepy art.
October 8, 2014
Loved the central idea
I loved the lesson that was taught to my son as I read it to him. especially at the end when they gave an interpretation. Loved it indeed.
I loved the lesson that was taught to my son as I read it to him. especially at the end when they gave an interpretation. Loved it indeed.
October 8, 2014
A cute read about how to look a life in a different manner, even when something goes wrong. It has cute illustrations and is easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews