We are delighted to announce that Tibet, My Country, Diana Lynne Nadeau’s poignant children’s story is available for preorder from Aurora Books. Diana received a KF Ashoka Grant to support the finalizing of the manuscript for publishing and Lobsang Gyatso’s charming illustrations. Tibet, My Country tells the story of an imaginative young girl, Metog-ma, and her grandfather, a thangka painter, in the context of Tibet’s historical, geographical, and cultural past. The book is a weaving together of story and Buddhist insight into the nature of impermanence, love, and joy. We hope that Diana’s words and Lobsang Gyatso’s illustrations will reach the hearts of many children, who like all of us, must learn to face the lessons of time. Tibet, My Country is scheduled for release in hardcover, paperback, and electronically on December 2, 2017.
Diana Nadeau conceived this project while on retreat with H.E. Ayang Rinpoche, with the intention of bringing support to children who have faced the death of someone they love. The death of a loved one can be unsettling for anyone, and profoundly so for children. Diana was involved for many years with a bereavement program for kids in Eugene, Oregon, and she saw the possibility of helping children cope with the subject of death by sharing the Buddha’s wisdom. Drawing on the gifts bestowed on her by her lama, and using her own experience as a Buddhist, Diana wrote this story with the hope that it would have a quiet, subtle, and positive effect on its readers.
Lobsang Gyatso’s homeland is in Eastern Tibet. In April 2002, Lobsang moved to Oregon. He has been pursuing his artwork since moving. In every piece, he tries to depict the cultural and traditional Tibetan style. Along with their families, Diana and Lobsang have been friends for many years, and they were thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate on this project.
KF will continue supporting the publication of Buddhist books for children through the KF Children’s Book Prize, and will no longer accept Ashoka grant applications for children’s books. But we strongly encourage educators and others who have projects and initiatives designed to bring the dharma to children, to apply for Ashoka grants in the next round (January 15-February 15).
Khyentse Foundation is pleased to support Tibet, My Country. May it be of benefit.
