Knjiga je ovo koju ću rado poklanjati, prvo sebi (ovaj primjerak iz bibliobusa Gradske knjižnice Rijeka mi je „slučajno“ uletio), a onda i dragim ljudima jer nije potrebno puno vremana za uživati u njoj. Otvoriti jednu stranicu dnevno, bit će sasvim dovoljno za uljepšati si dan, potaknuti se, sagledati situacije na drugačiji način, usporiti i uživati u životu. As they travel to far and distant lands and encounter dangers and challenges they discover that everything they need is already within them, and that change, however scary, can lead to better things. However I think what works so well with this book and in my eyes sets it apart are the characters of the Panda and Dragon - they are so to take to heart that their simple observations rather than being saccharin sweet are almost innocent in their delivery. this book is so sweet and beautiful and nothing i say in this review will ever do it justice, honestly. so here are some of my favourite quotes from it instead:

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon live a contented life in a temple high up in the mountains but Tiny Dragon is missing something so they both decide to embark on a journey together to find the missing piece of the puzzle.Friends Big Panda and Tiny Dragon journey through the seasons of the year together, day and night, in rain and in sun. Travelling through nature, they find hope and inspiration in the world around them, realising that even in the darkest of days, Spring will always return. Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, British author and artist James Norbury created the adventures of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon to share ideas that have helped him through difficult times. The book’s series of vignettes can be read cover to cover or dipped into whenever inspiration is needed. James hopes the book’s words and images will inspire others to pause, enjoy the stillness, and look at life in a positive new way. Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, James Norbury has captured in these whimsical characters the ideas that have helped him through his most difficult times.

Full of the Buddhist thoughts and teachings that helped the author/illustrator overcome some of his own darkest times, and presented in an engaging, illustrated format with two characters you can’t help but grow to care for, this is a book that will leave you feeling a little bit better about the world, and yourself, than you did before you read it. Writer and artist James Norbury began illustrating the adventures of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, to share the ideas that have helped him through the most difficult times, in the hope they can help others too.

Retailers:

And yes, I got a signed special edition as you can see. Couldn't resist. Especially since it helps a relatively unknown artist with great talent. The book tells of Giant Panda and his friend, Little Dragon. They are a bit like Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet if you will (just not by their character). They go on adventures together. Or they are just trying to get from A to B. The problem is that they often make mistakes and thus get lost. But don't we all? They sometimes need help or think of life in general and how to be happy, how to make it better. As we all should. Their musings are life-affirming and giving solace. As with Milne's work, Norbury also banks on illustrations getting the point across and getting people interested (he even mentions it in his foreword). For me, it's the art that gives the musings that little extra boost. I mean, look at these two cuties: