My First Book of Zen

“Following two siblings throughout the changing seasons, and their mother who leaves them Zen notes, this book invites kids to connect with the natural world and Zen philosophy through charming vignettes and inspirational quotes by thinkers such as Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Thich Nhat Hanh, Alan Watts, the Dalai Lama, and more.” —Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, 2025 Roundup of Buddhist Books for Kids
“My First Book of Zen teaches patience, kindness, calm, acceptance of change, and interprets the messages of our surrounding world through the eyes of a child. […] It’s a book full of positive energy that lifts the spirit and lightens the heart. It encourages children to experience the freedom, beauty, and connectedness of everything around them. A book for readers of all ages, gifting reflection and tranquility. Utterly beautiful!” —Kids’ Book Review
“The beginning of the story explains, “Zen. It’s a nice word, small enough to fit in your pocket and take anywhere.” […] The notes that the children’s mother leaves them have a huge impact on the way they see the world and how they behave. My First Book of Zen promotes thoughtfulness, tranquility, kindness, and awareness. It is a joy to read at any age.” —Blue Wolf Reviews

Tracy Gallup is an author and lifelong artist. She holds a BFA from Eastern Michigan University and an MFA in painting from Syracuse University. Tracy worked as an elementary school art teacher for many years, celebrating imagination and childhood in her art. She is the author and illustrator of eleven children’s books, including My First Book of Haiku Poems, which won the Northern Lights Book Award (2020), the Skipping Stones Honor Award (2019), and was chosen for the Notable Poetry Book and Verse Novel list (2020) by the National Council of Teachers of English. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with her husband.

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