Book Nook: Buddha and the Rose

 Buddha, a teacher who lived more than 2,500 years ago, helped people see the world differently–with more love and compassion. People came to visit him from distant lands to hear his words, to be inspired, to find comfort in their suffering, and to understand their purpose in life.

Wellness and mindfulness expert Mallika Chopra [daughter of Deepak] retells the myth of the Buddha and a simple flower in her new picture book, Buddha and the Rose, 
with illustrations by Neha Rawat.

“This story of Buddha and the Rose is adapted from one of his famous talks,” Chopra says. “It is told from the perspective of Sujata, a milkmaid who brought Buddha the rice pudding to break his fast after meditating on the nature of existence. Sujata could be considered Buddha’s first student.”

Buddha sat, gazing at the flower in his hand, a smile on his face. As Sujata gazed at the Buddha and then at the rose, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and what she saw and felt changed her life forever.

Buddha and the Rose is a subtle, powerful, and calming story about our connection with the natural world and the universe that connects all of us. Bestselling author Mallika Chopra and illustrator Neha Rawat breathe life into this simple but poignant story of awareness, wonder, and the joy of being present and open to seeing the world in new ways.

For readers 4-8 years old, Buddha and the Rose is useful for both educators and parents to discuss the different emotions and feelings children are developing.

Mallika Chopra is a mom, media entrepreneur, author, and public speaker. She is the author of the Just Be series, which includes Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement and More, Just Feel: How To Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier and More, and Just Be You: Ask Questions, Set Intentions, Be Your Special Self, and More, and My Body is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings, her first picture book. In September, she’ll release Buddha and the Rose.
In Living With Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy, Mallika shares insights she gained while seeking meaning and balance as a mom and entrepreneur who felt she was overwhelmed by work, family, and too many responsibilities.
Mallika has taught meditation to thousands of people and is currently a mindfulness consultant for the animated series, Stillwater, on Apple TV+, which recently premiered its second season. She enjoys speaking to audiences around the world about intention, balance, and living a life of purpose.

Neha Rawat is a children's book illustrator from India and the grand prize winner of the SCBWI Summer Spectacular Portfolio Showcase 2020. She worked as a software engineer for five years before freelancing as an artist creating personalized illustrations, comics, and merchandise. She eventually realized her love for children's books and storytelling through art. In her spare time, Neha can be found cuddling dogs, doing yoga, and being around nature.