The Golden Goose King: A Tale Told by the Buddha [Hardcover]

Judith Ernst (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1995 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Two geese captured by a hunter who seeks a golden goose for the king and queen save themselves when their loyalty and concern impress the royal couple.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6?An exemplary foreword/source note introduces this morality tale. It is the publisher's goal to "...nourish and sustain the souls of [their] readers," and, to that end, this retelling restores the Buddhist principles to this Jataka story rather than presenting it merely as an animal folktale. The Golden Goose King is Buddha, and he relates a tale of love and self-sacrifice. A Queen desires a pair of golden geese, and when the Golden Goose King is captured, his captain, Sumulkha, refuses to leave his side. The king's fowler is overcome by the captain's loyalty and realizes he is in the presence of greatness. The King and Queen are impressed with the wisdom of the Golden Goose King's teachings and his admonition to "...remember the moral laws...Rule your kingdom righteously and win the hearts of your people." Despite its didactic intent, the story is not heavy handed, and is beautifully and elegantly retold. The language and syntax are soothing and peaceful. The gouache illustrations reflect the opulence of Indian/Asian palace life and include many folk motifs, particularly in the fabrics. Each painting is set off from the text with a yellow border, which makes the reading comfortable. Use this title to introduce the Buddhist culture or for a gentle story time offering.?Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Kids will findThe Golden Goose King an unusual story of how the Buddha achieved enlightenment, retelling the classic with an adaptation for juveniles. Good reading skills are a requirement here, but any interested in teaching kids about Eastern traditions and stories will find this a solid starting point. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Parvardigar Pr; 1ST edition (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964436205
• ISBN-13: 978-0964436206
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 11.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,605,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Geese, March 6, 2008

By 

Christine Heinrichs (Cambria, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Golden Goose King: A Tale Told by the Buddha (Hardcover)

The Golden Goose in this traditional Buddhist tale symbolizes the Buddha. Judith Ernst retells the story from the sacred Jataka texts, dating back to 483 BC. It is an uplifting story that shows us the nobility to which we can aspire. As we raise our eyes to watch wild geese overhead, our hearts know that we can be healed and become better. The goose is important mythologically and continues to attract us as small flock owners. My next book, How to Raise Poultry, will include geese. Start with a flock of chickens, How To Raise Chickens: Everything You Need To Know (How to Raise...)