“Practicing kindness to promote goodwill instead of gaining a competitive edge is an important moral to teach children. This along with beautiful illustrations & an interesting plot is what makes our Nai Nai’s book so enjoyable to read.”
Matthew & Nicholas D’Cruz
“This kind of literary ‘food for the soul’ is reminiscent of such contemporary classics such as Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, and James Norbury’s Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. … Embrace the lessons learned, treasure each moment, and let your spirits soar like the majestic dragon in our story.”
Steven D. Smith, DPhil Publisher, American Institute of Physics Publishing
Dragon and Friends’ Mindful Adventures: The Great Race Again!
Belinda Siew Luan Khong, PhD
Illustrated by Pip Tweed
This is the third instalment in the Lunar New Year Animal Books for Kids. Join Shan-Long, the wood dragon, and his zodiac animal friends in another great race organised by the Jade Emperor. It is a heart-warming story promoting the positive values of mindfulness, gratitude, appreciation, selflessness, teamwork and compassion—important antidotes to many mental health issues.
The book integrates the wisdom from Eastern and Western philosophies, psychologies, and the great spiritual traditions. It features exceptional animal characters, beautiful illustrations and inspirational poetry. The twists and turns of the plot make this distinctive book a page-turner.
Dragon and Friends’ Mindful Adventures contains interesting, informative explanatory notes about the origin and meaning of the Chinese names and words used in the story, the Lunar New Year, and the personality of individuals born in the year of the dragon. It also includes a zodiac calendar for readers to discover their Chinese zodiac animal signs.
MAIN TAKE-AWAY MESSAGE:
Where to purchase a copy:
Australia
Berkelouw Bookshop and Cafe, Hornsby
Outside Australia
Or request it at your local library!
A SNEAK PREVIEW!
FOREWORD
Steven D. Smith
DPhil, Publisher, American Institute of Physics Publishing
A Journey of Mindfulness and Friendship
Welcome, readers of all ages, to the wonderful mythical world of Dragon and Friends!
… Dr Khong takes one animal from the Chinese Lunar New Year and introduces inspiring positive stories that resonate with children. By building upon the themes of earlier books, children learn deepening levels of spiritual and psychological skills to deal with this challenging world. This is all the outcome of Dr Khong’s important efforts to integrate Western understandings of emotional well-being with Buddhist virtues of mindfulness, kindness, and compassion.
In this charming third installment, readers meet Shan-Long, the wise and compassionate wood dragon, along with an extraordinary array of Chinese zodiac animal friends. Together, they embark upon another Great Race organized by the revered Jade Emperor.
. . . By cultivating open communication, mutual support, and respect for one another’s strengths, they overcome obstacles that initially seemed insurmountable. This tale serves as a gentle reminder that by joining forces, our dreams can become reality.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Dragon and Friends’ Mindful Adventures is its ability to beautifully portray life skills in a manner that engages young minds. Through mesmerizing narrative complemented by the captivating illustrations of artist Pip Tweed, a magical world is created that we long to inhabit—a world filled with friendship, teamwork, and courage—where kids are inspired to embrace the essential qualities that make them extraordinary individuals.
. . . Parents and caregivers will agree that these kinds of stories are not a luxury, but rather an important foundation for developing healthy minds and well-being.
As you embark on this extraordinary journey, remember that the life lessons you learn are not confined to the pages of this book.
Readers of all ages can carry the spirit of mindfulness, gratitude, appreciation, and humility, allowing it to guide us towards a world where dreams become reality and where friendships light up our path.
. . . Embrace the lessons learned, treasure each moment, and let your spirits soar like the majestic dragon in our story.
Happy reading, courageous explorers!
ADVANCE PRAISE
“Belinda has written another marvellous, beautifully illustrated story which has great depth despite appearing deceptively simple as all good stories do. Her motivation is that of a Bodhisattva, to benefit all suffering sentient beings.
I encourage anyone looking for their dragon to enter into Belinda’s tale of Shan-Long, to draw encouragement and find inspiration for the great race of life itself.” Venerable Bhante Tejadhammo, Mahathera & Spiritual Director, Association of Engaged Buddhists
“Dr. Belinda Khong’s latest book helps children (and adults!) understand that mindfulness is much more than just a psychological technique to develop personal well-being but is embedded in a set of time-honored values that encourage teamwork, humility, selflessness, cooperation, and kindness towards others . . .
Belinda’s creative tale awakens us to our own true nature and to the child in each of us.” Geoff Dawson, Psychologist and Zen Buddhist teacher
“Colorful flights of the imagination, lessons on life’s wisdom, folklore of the Chinese zodiac, Buddhist teachings, and animal characters that are relatable to children.
Who else could have brought all these together into the alchemy of a fascinating children’s story, if not Belinda Khong. the talented, internationally renowned psychologist …” Louise Sundararajan, Ph.D., Ed.D. Psychologist and Author of Understanding Emotion in Chinese Culture ( 2015)
“It is an inspirational book with an amazing use of poetry and language. The storyline is interesting with good explanations of culture and the special friendship between animals and humans.” Alex Saba
“Practicing kindness to promote goodwill instead of gaining a competitive edge is an important moral to teach children. This along with beautiful illustrations and an interesting plot is what makes our Nai Nai’s book so enjoyable to read.” Matthew & Nicholas D’Cruz
