Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Silent Lotus

Silent Lotus by Jeanne M. Lee is an enchanting little picture book. My girls recently read it and were moved by this tale of a 12th century Cambodian girl who, though born deaf, learns to communicate through signs and eventually becomes a dancer at the king's palace.

The story appeals on many levels -- we feel love for a sweet and beautiful little girl, affection for her devoted parents, sympathy for Lotus when the other children are cruel to her and empathy because we are all "handicapped" in one way or another.

This is a story that illustrates the lesson we learn at our house quite often: that what is a weakness in one area can become a strength in another.

1 comment:

Leonie said...

This sounds like a lovely book - something that speaks to the soul. I must look for it at the library....Thank you!