The Island Within answers the call to help people on their path to realize what Thich Nhat Hanh describes as "human beings' deepest desire" -- to find true belonging.

Join Bamboo, a deer raised by humans, on an epic spiritual journey on his quest to find true belonging. This is a story about the power of love and family. Based on a real-life deer raised by monastics at a Zen monastery in New York, the story is a mindfulness parable offering the core guiding principles of Thich Nhat Hanh and his Plum Village tradition.

The Island Within: A Mindfulness Parable for All Ages, Nic Tuff, Palmetto Publishing, Paperback (11" x 8.5"), 40 pages, $15.99

Nic Tuff is the best-selling author of The Snow Bear: A Mindfulness Parable for Kids. He is a mindfulness coach to help people begin and further their mindfulness practice. Nic has been a student of Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh for over a decade and has spent many months in retreat settings. He spends his time in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts where he makes pottery, hikes, mountain bikes, kayaks, plays harp and studies Buddhist philosophy. To schedule an appointment with Nic, email him at [email protected].

Zoe Darrow (illustrator) has been drawing cartoons and illustrations since she could hold on to a pencil. Her first works focused mainly on the adventures of her pet cat Boo. Since then, she has expanded to working on children's books, botanical art, tattoo design, and an assortment of raccoon themed greeting cards which she sells internationally. Influenced by the styles of Tasha Tudor, Beatrix Potter, Jan Brett, and other childhood favorites, Zoe enjoys staying at home and anthropomorphizing her pets.