Queen, Videhi of Rajagaha asks the Buddha to teach four hundred children about the way of awareness and love. In reply, the Buddha recounts his previous life experience as a plumeria tree. This tree painfully witnesses the cruel deceptions of a heron upon forty fisha and a cautious, crafty crab, Though helpless to intervene, the compassionate tree takes vows with far-reaching consequences.

Jataka tales, or past-life stories of the Buddha, are traditionally used to teach wisdom and compassion, This rhymed version makes the story enjoyable for modern English-speaking children ages five to ten.

THE BUDDHA'S Question, Rowe, Snow Lion Publications, Paperback, 23pp., $9.95