The second book in the Lunar New Year Animal Books for Kids. This book promotes important psychological themes for parents & kids—that problems and misunderstanding between different groups can be resolved peacefully with mutual respect, kindness and compassion. It showcases how the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals lead by water rabbit (Mei-Mei) worked with humans to save the statue of Ho-Ho (Mei-Mei’s cousin rabbit). A delightful story integrating Eastern and Western wisdom. Water Rabbit’s Mindful Adventures is an inspiring book filled with humorous poems and beautiful illustrations to help kids learn about mindful leadership, cooperation, communication, giving to charity, and using creative solutions to deal with conflicts and bullying.

The book contains explanatory notes about the lunar New Year, personality of people born in the year of the rabbit, and a Zodiac Calendar to discover your Chinese zodiac animal sign.

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE!

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FOREWORD

Scott D. Churchill, PhD

Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Clinical Psychologist, Film Critic, Author, and Editor of The Humanistic Psychologist, USA.

“In Dr Belinda Siew Luan Khong’s second installment of her ongoing series…we follow the adventures of Mei-Mei…Her zodiac animal friends are celebrating Mei-Mei’s birth, and the kindness of her wise water rabbit cousin Ho-Ho with a large statue erected in his honor. Alas, the humans in the story seek to remove Ho-Ho’s statue - along with all the rabbits living in their fields - so that they can use the land to produce plastic carrots and turn them into toys for sale.

… Khong suggests to her readers that perhaps the best way to deal with such injustice is with clever acts of compassion and mindful magic. Such is the lesson imparted to the young reader in this beautifully crafted book for children and the young-at-heart.

The expressions captured on the faces of the various animal characters will hold children’s attention and stimulate their imaginations. I found myself captivated by the illustrations in a way that was reminiscent of my childhood experiences of the Winnie the Pooh books by A. A. Milne. And the rhyming verses created by Khong also took me back to my enjoyment of the clever books penned by Dr Seuss.

An underlying message of the story is captured in the book’s subtitle: The Great Race of Animal and Human Friends. By showing animals and humans as friends to each other, and as belonging to one universal family of living beings, Dr Khong brings her psychological and spiritual insights to bear in a way that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of her audience.”

ADVANCE PRAISE

“The story of Mei-Mei the water rabbit is a wonderful and charming evocation of the values of compassion, generosity, and co-operation.

Mei-Mei’s advice to the animals and humans echoes the Buddha’s teaching found in the Dhammapada, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.”

Dr Belinda Khong has offered readers of this story an opportunity to consider and contemplate the truth of this teaching, and by situating the narrative in a natural, trusting, childlike setting makes it accessible to young and old alike.

The illustrations are simply exquisite and delightful. This new book of Dr Khong’s opens the heart to the Buddha’s wise teachings of possibilities found when we give up anger and hatred and instead apply the wisdom of compassion, cooperation, and kindness.”

Venerable Bhante Tejadhammo Bhikkhu, Spiritual Director, Association of Engaged Buddhists, Australia

“A sweet and uplifting tale for children, with a heart-warming message.”

Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess

“It's hard to stop reading Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures. So delightful, warming my heart, bringing smiles to my face, quite a pleasure to engage. How do Water Rabbit and friends mindfully master the attack on their lives? This book series is destined to become an exemplar in children’s literature for promoting psychological wellness and competence. With its emphasis on social, emotional, and moral skills building, it is highly recommended for school, clinical and family settings.”

Kathleen H. Dockett, EdD, Professor Emerita of Psychology, USA

“A wonderful children’s book that encourages a higher level of thinking, where the reader appreciates the benefits of collaboration through friendship, effective communication, compassion, and cooperation. These values provide an excellent foundation for young learners and potential leaders. Highly recommended.”

Neil McWhannell, Independent School Principal (retired) and former CEO, Educate Plus

“We have enjoyed working with Nai-Nai, seeing how her dedicated work ethic is as inspiring as the characters she has created. Her book is humorous and conveys a compelling message.”

Matthew & Nicholas D’Cruz

CUSTOMERS’ REVIEWS

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic use of culture and rhyme

“Another beautiful adventure story to share with our children to help them understand the importance of kindness and compassion. Teaching children to use these attributes to solve issues big or small in situations that may arise in their lives.

I love sharing these stories with my 11 year old son. Here is what he had to say…
“ I thought the poetry was the most impressive thing in the book. I like how creative the use of poetry is and the vocabulary used. The culture shown was amazing especially how Belinda explained it to the readers that don’t understand Chinese culture. I also favour the plot and how it goes from problem to resolution and repeating. To conclude I was intrigued by this book and enjoyed it.”

We look forward to reading the third book in this trilogy next year.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story for all ages

“Our family loved the first book in the series, Am I a Tiger, and found this second book just as enjoyable to read. The story of Mei Mei the rabbit is one about bridging differences and using compassion and understanding to solve problems. A wonderful way to introduce these themes to young readers.”