A Junior Library Guild selection!

A gorgeously illustrated picture book about the myth of the Buddha and a simple rose told by wellness and mindfulness expert Mallika Chopra.

Buddha sat, gazing at the flower in his hand, a smile on his face. Sujata, the milkmaid, approached Buddha with some rice puddling to break his long fast. As she 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. A subtle, powerful, and calming story about our connection with the natural world and the universe that connects all of us. Wellness expert and 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.

Buddha and the Rose, Mallika Chopra, Running Press Kids, Hardcover, 32 pages, $17.99

Mallika Chopra is a mom, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and published author. She is the author of the Just Be series: Just Breathe, Just Feel, and Just Be You. She is also the author of a picture book titled My Body Is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings. Mallika has taught meditation to thousands of people, and 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.