The Sweeper: A Buddhist Tale

by Rebecca Hazell

A beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the classic Buddhist tale of a young servant girl's profound and life-changing encounter with the Buddha--for children ages 5-10.
In this retelling of a famous Buddhist story, Padme, a young servant girl, meets the Buddha as she is sweeping her master's house. When she laments that she is so busy that she would never have time to meditate, the Buddha gives her the instruction to -sweep and clean.- This simple mindfulness practice transforms Padme's life, and when she encounters the Buddha many years later, he teaches her how to send compassion out to others. This book is a wonderful way to introduce children to the power of mindfulness meditation practice.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

I have loved reading, writing and making art from age two, my first canvases for both being the hall walls. I've been writing for decades, both nonfiction and fiction. My nonfiction included educational materials for public schools, coloring books, and most recently collections of biographies of heroic people, but I have recently made the transition to writing historical fiction. I love bringing the past to life and connecting our present with our past. I have moved across the North American continent twice, among the almost 70 moves I have made. I have also visited Europe, Mexico, and the Antipodes.

My inspiration for how to write comes from Nobel Prizewinner Isaac Bashevis Singer, whose quote I found in a collection of short stories: The purpose of writing is to entertain and inform. I liked that because it reminds me that people want to broaden their world more than they want to shrink into themselves.

Reviews

[Hock Tjoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is addressed to children aged five to ten. It is beautifully produced with illustrations by the author herself. The story is uncomplicated. A poor girl, Padme, grows up in a rich household. Her task is to sweep which is all she does, all day long, all life long, for her demanding employers. But she is grateful to have work and a place to live.

One day, a great man arrives. This is the Buddha himself, who is gracious and cheerful. After a meal, he invites everyone into the garden where he teaches about life, suffering, and meditation. Everyone receives a blessing. Padme asks how she could meditate in her very busy life - there is always something to clean or dust. The Buddha teaches her about meditation while working - to work and live mindfully, in meditation.

The Buddha returns to teach another lesson. That caring for others, concern for their suffering and their happiness, can be a prayer. That a heart filled with such prayer is an indication of greatness.

This story is perhaps what five-year-olds need. Stories are perhaps what ten-year-olds need. Mindfulness and compassion are what we all need.

[Felicity Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the authors The Tiger And The Dove historical trilogy, I was delighted to see what she had in store with this her latest book for children.

A sweet story, perfect for winding down. Beautifully illustrated in bright, bold colours by the author herself no less - a young friend and I had such fun seeking out the (not always obvious) monkey(s) which grace each drawing.

Inspired by Buddhist tradition, The Sweeper is a gentle introduction to the practice of Mindfulness. As an ex teaching assistant, I can tell you that there aren't too many books on Buddhism aimed at primary school children out there and I think this would make a wonderful resource for any classroom (I have donated my copy to a Religious Resource Library). Padme's story used not only as a gentle introduction to Buddhism but to spark several conversations about the human condition in a way that is suitable for young children.

Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer: Received for review from the author's publicist, no financial compensation was asked for nor given

[michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are not a lot of books that we come across that talk about Buddhism. I was instantly intrigued by The Sweeper, a new book written and illustrated by Rebecca Hazel, that illustrates the importance of mindfulness.

Inspired by Buddhist tradition, this original story tells how Padme, a young servant girl, meets the Buddha as she is sweeping her master’s house. When she laments that she is so busy that she would never have time to meditate, the Buddha gives her the instruction to “sweep and clean.” This simple mindfulness practice transforms Padme’s life, and when she encounters the Buddha many years later, he teaches her how to send compassion out to others.

Mindfulness is an exceptionally important concept for children and adults alike. It is the practice of focusing on what is going on with you in the present moment rather than letting your mind wander to the past or the future. We are living in such a fast-paced world that it is very easy to get wrapped up in the responsibilities that we all face and to never allow the mind time to just be. Just sitting in the quiet and taking in the beauty around you is a pastime that we seem to have given up. Whether homework, housework, rushing to the next activity, or the constant media coming at us, being mindful is something that is getting harder and harder.

The Sweeper tries to show people how they can get more joy from their lives if they allow themselves to be fully present. Padme felt that she was always being criticized for not doing a good enough job of sweeping her masters' home. She was glad to have a job and home, but she felt empty, yearning for an unnamed greatness. When the Buddha comes to visit, he explains how meditation could help us train our minds to see and accept our truths. Since Padme felt she never had a moment to rest, she felt that she could never find a way to meditate, but this is where the Buddha truly helped her. He found a way for her to be more present in her work and to allow her sweeping to be her meditation.

I think that this book is a wonderful way to get people thinking about being "in the moment." While we might not all take the time out of our day to practice yoga or sit and meditate, turning off our technology, taking the time to listen to one another, and appreciating the beauty of all that surrounds us is a truly beautiful way to live. Additionally, there are many around us who quietly practice Buddhism and finding a book that honors their practice is a great addition to a diverse library.

** Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review a digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Erin Al-Mehairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I loved this book. In fact, she loved it so much she cried when she was done reading it. She's 10 and read it out loud to me. She was so very touched by the message in it. The illustrations were beautiful. More review to come.

[Kat McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I love the story and illustrations and best yet, my daughter loved it! One of my favorite parts was that it teaches a Buddhist prayer that children can incorporate into their prayers.

[Mark Hazell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book for young readers and their parents, wonderfully told and illustrated

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely way to introduce young people to mindfulness and being present to all that is around you.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going with 3.5 stars on this. It is a really neat story with a positive take-away. But wordy!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, short, children’s story about a girl named Padme who learns to meditate, appreciate change (including small changes), and pray for the happiness of others (and therefore herself).

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a good introduction to basic Buddhist thought. It is not full of doctrine, but presents the ideas gently, so Christians need have no fear the book will convert your children!