LAO'S ZOO is a 1,300-word rhyming picture book for ages 0-8, which I am currently shopping to agents and publishers.
This book introduces children and their adults to the philosophy of Taoism in a lyrical and flowing way. The title - LAO’S ZOO - is a playful pronunciation and spelling of the name of the ancient father of Taoism, Lao Tzu. Traveling through the zoo, we are introduced to animals and other characters from the natural world that exemplify some of the key tenets of Taoism. The bouncing, read-aloud poetry is accompanied by more detailed explanations meant for older children (ages 6 to 8) and adults.
LAO'S ZOO is especially dear to me, as a life-long poet and writer, with a long interest in Taoism. As I began reading more Taoist texts, my two young children became interested, too. To engage their interest and explore the topic more fully, I spent time in the Wudang Mountains of Central China, studying with internationally-known Taoist Master Gu. In the picture to the right, Master Gu is reading and approving the manuscript.
