Heart to Heart

November 14, 2022
A world-renowned religious leader and an American cartoonist join forces in this whimsical illustrated volume with a deceptively simple message about saving the planet. The Dalai Lama supplies text and McDonnell, creator of the comic strip Mutts, provides the charming visuals as a panda comes to call on the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamsala, India. For the panda, the Dalai Lama recalls “the scent of wildflowers” from his childhood and the many animals he saw while traveling from the village of his birth to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. Yet since this childhood sojourn, a vast array of wildlife no longer remains. Meanwhile, “Peace and survival of life on earth as we know it are threatened by human activities,” the Dalai Lama tells the panda, but if humans engage in self-examination and begin “a compassionate revolution,” change is possible. Complemented by charming illustrations­­ (seeing the Dalai Llama and a panda in conversation actually works quite well), this book’s uplifting message is clear: while the planet’s forecast may be dire, each individual is able—and obligated—to harness personal power to help save it. This would make a life-affirming gift for people of all ages.

January 1, 2023

This work poignantly pairs the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with illustrations by cartoonist McDonnell (Mutts). Part autobiography, part call to action, this book draws from some of the Dalai Lama's previously published works to tell a story of compassion and love for our planet. Through an imagined discussion between His Holiness and a panda driven from his decimated home, the Dalai Lama uses Buddhist wisdom to illustrate the importance of humans' interconnectedness to their environment and to others. He emphasizes that humans are the only beings that have actively harmed the planet--and also the only ones that can take action. Through meditations and simple observations, the Dalai Lama demonstrates how cultivating peace within can spread to others with a positive effect. McDonnell's illustrations match the simple brevity of the book's selections from the Dalai Lama's work. Adults are its intended audience, but the message is simple enough and the illustrations are frequent enough that younger readers would likely enjoy as well. VERDICT Readers will appreciate this pairing of the Dalai Lama's wisdom with the talent of cartoonist McDonnell in their plea for peace for humans and our planet.--Jen Clifton

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 16, 2022
This slim volume brings together chosen excerpts from the writings of his holiness the Dalai Lama and drawings by Patrick McDonnell, illustrator of the beloved comic strip Mutts. The spare text addresses the need for humans to open their hearts to ease the suffering of the world's animals as man-made interventions destroy habitats and pollute ecosystems. These entreaties are made through the guise of a whimsical giant panda who comes to visit the Dalai Lama, prompting pleas for environmental conservation. This slight offering, a one-sitting read, could also be perfect as a stocking stuffer or hostess gift for the upcoming holiday season.

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