Last week, I discussed James Norbury’s book, The Dog Who Followed the Moon. I was so impressed that I picked up another book of his at the library, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. That’s the one I fell in love with. Norbury himself prefers the sequel to Big Panda, The Journey. But Big Panda and Tiny Dragon moved me so much that I ordered that one, and The Journey in a boxed set.
Both books are based on Norbury’s study of Buddhist philosophy. Both are quiet books with stunning artwork. I wanted to own them because I can pick up either book, open it anywhere, and feel better, or feel calm and peacefulness. However, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is a gorgeous book. It tells of their first meeting, and a journey that takes them through the year. Just look at the colors on the front cover.
It’s a philosophical book of new beginnings and friendship. Tiny Dragon is the one who questions while Big Panda has quiet answers based on big thoughts. “Time doing nothing is never wasted.” Or, “There are days when just getting up is a victory.” Then, there’s the Afterword of the book when Norbury says, “I put all my heart into each picture, and I think that’s why they speak to people -each and every one has a little piece of my should in it.”
I’m not saying The Journey: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon doesn’t have Norbury’s heart and soul. However, it’s a sadder book. Big Panda and Tiny Dragon are living in an old abandoned temple. They have an incredible life there, with beautiful scenery. But, Tiny Dragon feels incomplete. It’s obvious he’s depressed. Throughout the book, he’s feeling hopeless, and, at times, defeated. Big Panda responds by telling him it’s okay to feel unhappy. “It happens to us all. The important thing is that you have noticed something is wrong.” He goes on to say problems “Are simply natures’ way of letting us know we need to explore a different path.” The two friends set out on another journey. However, this one begins as Tiny Dragon is forced to leave behind most of his possessions. And, there are storms and rocks along the way. None of it makes Tiny Dragon feel better, no matter how calm Big Panda is. Tiny Dragon admits, “I have come to realize that it’s not always the situation that is making me unhappy, but the way I think about it.”
The colors and pictures are luscious in both books. However, The Journey seems darker, with just pinpoints of light at different times.
It’s easier for me to identify with Big Panda, the philosophical one who is more accepting of life, and looks for the good in it. My mother-in-law and my husband both had depression issues, so it was harder for me to deal with Tiny Dragon in the second book. Big Panda has calm answers to Tiny Dragon’s relentless questions.
I have one more of Norbury’s books on hold at the library, The Cat Who Practiced Zen. I love cats. However, I don’t know if I’ll appreciate the cat as much as I love Big Panda.
Whether you read these books for the gorgeous illustrations, or the philosophy, I’d suggest you pick up one of Norbury’s books just for a few minutes to appreciate the colors and thoughts of the world.
James Norbury’s website is https://www.jamesnorbury.com/
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury. Mandala Publishing, 2021. 160p.
The Journey: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury. Mandala Publishing, 2022. 160p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought copies of the books.
