Little Stone Buddha

by K.T. Hao, Giuliano Ferri (Illustrations)

This beautiful read-aloud tale begins with a thunderbolt flashing across the sky, striking a rocky cliff and sending a large stone tumbling down the mountain. A mason comes upon the stone and, inspired, chisels it into a statue of a little Buddha. Then, one moonlit night many years later, the statue moves — and Little Stone Buddha awakens from a thousand-year sleep. From that day on, Little Stone Buddha wanders the mountainside helping travelers in need. He helps the animals, too, and one of his acts of kindness brings peace and security to foxes forever. Enlivened by charming illustrations and enchanting ideas, Little Stone Buddha holds appeal for children of all spiritual traditions.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 31, 2005

About the author

Kuang Tsae Hao

Reviews

[Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tale of what happens when a boulder inspires a sculptor to carve a small Buddha. Its spirit roams, invisible, helping those in need, particularly, a hunted fox. Soon foxes are treasured as friends of Buddha.

[ConnieLettow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about how the people of the Nine Tall Mountains honor foxes as the little Stone Buddha's followers and were so revered they were never hunted again.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nifty story, pretty illustrations! I found myself wishing this was a real statue/temple/shrine somewhere, but the ending notes don't say anything about it being anything other than a story.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5year old enjoyed this story. Charming artwork and a good introduction to Buddhist teachings, this story is an enchanting tale that works well as a bedtime story. My daughter found the little stone Buddha and the foxes adorable.

[Leona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Folktalish story about how a stone buddha came into being from a boulder and then how he came to befriend a fox. The illustrations are a couple notches above the story.

[Samira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story.

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, slightly dull story with adorable illustrations. However, a nice introduction for children into the basics of religion.