In a world where global events dominate the news and our children are
exposed to other cultures only superficially, author Dedie King and
illustrator Judith Inglese have once again combined their talents to
offer a unique perspective for young readers that is simply not
available anywhere else. I See the Sun in Myanmar (Burma), one of the
award-winning books in the I See the Sun in . . .series, takes place
in a small town on the Irawaddy River in Myanmar, the country formally
known as Burma. Lush illustrations and a bilingual story in English and
Burmese offer Aye Aye's view of her beautiful country that until
recently has been something of a mystery to most of the rest of the
world. Aye Aye's father is a fisherman on the river and her mother is a
nurse in a nearby hospital. The story also provides an elementary
introduction to Buddhist culture and the tradition of metta, a practice
of saying phrases of loving-kindness. The day unfolds with the verses of
'metta' that Aye Aye whispers to herself. Her wishes of kindness and
compassion to those around her mirror the deep-rooted Buddhist culture
present in Myanmar. I See the Sun in Myanmar (Burma) is a delightful
introduction to an ancient Buddhist culture. Heartwarming in its
simplicity, said Joseph Goldstein, author and co-founder of Insight
Meditation Society. I See the Sun in Myanmar (Burma) was first written
in English, then translated into Burmese by PawSHtoo B. Jindakajornsri,
who works at the Translation Center at the University of Massachusetts.
The book is richly illustrated with collages made from original
photographs and colorful drawings. It also includes an overview of
Myanmar, a glossary of unfamiliar words, and a map that highlights where
Myanmar is on the globe.
