This nicely illustrated children’s book is an elegant recreation of a story found in the Pali Jataka of one of the Buddha’s earlier lifetimes. The narrative of a deer king who lays his life on the line not only for his own people but for all creatures, this story is a tale for all ages, with many subtleties layered beneath its surface. Though this is originally a Buddhist story, the text does well regardless of belief system (or lack thereof). The Banyan Deer is a welcome addition to any collection.

Wisdom Publications has not only published a story demonstrating courage and compassion, but they demonstrate it as well. The Banyan Deer is printed in the United States on 30% post consumer waste FSC certified paper, and when I received it, it was shipped in recyclable cardboard. The Banyan Deer is published by Wisdom Publications and is available from your local, independent bookstore. (Shop local, shop independent, and tell ’em you saw it on Elephant Journal!)