Inspired by thousands of years of Chinese thought an enchanting and heart-opening illustrated
fable about a young boy who explores the many ways to make meaning and find joy in the
everyday. Sometimes you can only do a small small thing. And that can make all the
difference. In this exquisitely illustrated parable grounded in the three pillars of Chinese
philosophy a young boy his family ox and a rabbit living in his garden help each other
navigate the daily work of love compassion and community. Examining the world through the
lenses of Taoism Buddhism and Confucianism their conversations convey tender uplifting
messages for life's various crossroads. As they adopt a sparrow bathe in rivers comfort
their neighbors and tend to their chores the characters’ different perspectives are reflected
in their conversations: the boy’s Taoist love of nature and all it entails the ox’s Buddhist
compassion for others and the rabbit’s Confucian practice of mutual respect and care. While
they don't always agree the friends settle on the basic truth that purpose comes from simply
engaging with life—and with each other. Painted in a contemporary gongbi style one of the
oldest continuous art forms in the world the atmospheric illustrations from Taiwanese American
artist Regina Linke conjure a timeless mystical land where the friends have made their home.
The potent combination of magnificent art and gentle revelations will capture the hearts of
readers whatever their age.
