A Flower Named Princess
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Our very first children’s comic book is out!
This is our first children’s book written by a dear student of mine, Shirley Maya Tan, and it certainly won’t be the last! It is beautifully illustrated by Yun Kim Loong and the quality of this book is amazing. You have to see it for yourself!
Not too long ago, I made a remark that we should come up with a series of children’s books… the Education Committee of Kechara House (KHEC), headed by Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin , took the initiative to create their very first book called “A Flower Named Princess”. This book was published by Kechara Media & Publications.
KHEC’s aim is to raise funds for the Manjushri Kids Class. I am very very happy and proud of the team who have done such a wonderful job to get this book out. KHEC has never created any books before so to produce a children’s comic book of such high quality is amazing! I am very proud of each and every one of them.
Mr Yun Kim Loong, the illustrator of “A Flower Named Princess”
The story line is good. It teaches children positive values, good lessons in life, it’s entertaining and educational. Children are our future and it is very important that we nurture them from young to be responsible, kind and compassionate adults when they grow up. I noticed after being in Malaysia, how parents really love their children, sometimes a little too much. This book tells a story of a spoilt little girl, named Princess, who has a furious temper that can cause a lot of unhappiness to others around her… and guess what happened to her when she bumped in to a wise old man? To find out, you have to get the book hehe… very entertaining!
The book will be sold by MKC parents for now, but that may change later. There are only 500 copies and it is being sold at a very affordable price of RM12. For those of you who are not in Malaysia, not to worry, you can still get hold of this book if you are quick… Contact Deborah Pereira of Kechara Media & Publications (and cc to Phng Li Kim). They will help you with your enquiries.
Below are some pictures of the book for you to have a sneak preview…
Kechara House’s first comic book for kids… even the adults like it hehe
Well illustrated, good story and very entertaining…
Just what will happen to little princess?…
Below is a very nice, sincere letter from the children’s book team, represented by KHEC’s Head Liaison Ngeow Voon Chin…
Shirley Maya Tan
When someone does something for the first time and they weren’t sure they can or could, please encourage them. Time is too short for self deflating thoughts. Just go and do it. I am very proud of Shirley Maya Tan for this book…it’s wonderful. Aren’t you happy for her? Let her know here…I want more stories…don’t you?
Tsem Rinpoche
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Congratulations Shirley…for coming out with the first comic book in such high quality. I did not know at all till I came across this old post. Well done and hopefully more of this amazing comic be printed.
Congratulations to Shirley. This book can become a great success. I would love to write a children’s book for Kechara one day. I hope that there will be a second part to this series of books.
Congratulations to KMP and Aunty Shirley. I read it already. It is a great book definitely recommended for young children. It is not to hard to understand. I can’t wait for the next part of the story.
What more can I say that has not been said already. Congratulations Shirley and to all the team involved in project. I will ask Lily to bring back a few copies to give away to friends here in the UK.
Congratulations Shirley and the whole crew behind the lovely comic book.
It was a comic book that brought out something deep inside you,as you were creating the story, and turned it into something so very positive.Rinpoche, as always, knew which of your buttons to press, Shirley.
I like your behind-the-scene story of Kim Loong, the illustrator. So now he has found a job that fits his creative passion. (I love his comic creations in this book).
I like the comic book because it tells a simple and yet profound story, highlighting the contrasting effects of compassion and self-centeredness.
Yes, I too eagerly await the sequel.
Dear Shirley,
Congratulations! It is really wonderful that you are helping to nurture the young generations. You are such a talented beautiful lady. May your talents benefits many always!
I am really overwhelmed by the comments above and most of all, Rinpoche’s kind words of support and encouragement. It all began with Rinpoche’s advice and ideas. I don’t want to sound cheesy or ‘ysg’ but really, it is a team effort. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to share on the story behind the book.
Every project we do in Kechara is like a journey of self-discovery. And Rinpoche is very skillful in choosing who gets involved or lead in what project. The project is really a process that Rinpoche creates to bring out the best in each person. This is what I have come to experience and witness. So, it is by no accident that this book’s title is about the blossoming of a flower. As we learn and grow, we blossom. Ultimately, it is the flower of wisdom and compassion in our hearts.
I feel that the real stars behind this project is really Mr Ngeow, Yoke Fui and the illustrator, Kim Loong. Mr Ngeow and Yoke Fui went on their own and got the funding for this project. They also found the illustrator for us.
The illustrator, Kim Loong, has not drawn anything professionally before this. But we recognised that he had a talent and we wanted to give him a chance. At that time, Kim Loong worked as a kitchen helper and he could only meet with me on his off days and draw at nights. His kitchen job was very taxing on him, especially during the Chinese New Year period. But he never gave up. He always expressed how grateful he is to Kechara for giving him this project.
When we first started with Kim Loong, he was still very raw in his drawings. I still have the first initial drawings from him for this book and it is a huge difference between that and what you see in the book now. Despite how many times we asked him to revise, re-draw and re-fine or fine-tune, he did it all with his heart. He really challenged himself to do better until finally one day, he discovered his own signature style.
He said that in the beginning he didn’t quite understand what the story is about. Gradually, he began to fall in love with the characters and the story, and he began to put himself in the stories. I guess that’s when the biggest change can be seen and felt in all the pages. It is indeed drawn with love and care by Kim Loong.
I love relating the story of Kim Loong, because it is so inspiring and it is true. He thanks Kechara to this day because this project led him to find himself and his gift. In his not giving up, not showing a black face or being overwhelmed by his own challenging situation, he rose. He bloomed.
It was a real pleasure working with Kim Loong and Mr Ngeow on this project. I look forward to working with them again for the subsequent books in the series. We also have another series coming up and that is directed for the teens. It’s about a Prince’s journey home. This is all I am going to say. Hehe
What did I really learn in this project?
Sometimes baring one’s flaws and weaknesses is not such a bad thing. I had the courage to do that because Rinpoche showed me that my past need not become my future. I am remorseful but I am not defined by my past. We all have the power to change our outcome, if we really work for it. Just like Kim Loong did when he trusted our advice and believed that he could also do much better.
When we are down, shaky and unsure, we may need all the help we can to get up. Sometimes we may need someone to believe in us first before we begin to believe in ourselves. Personally, I am very grateful to Rinpoche who always told me that I can do better and Rinpoche created the ways for me to do just that. All I needed to do was to walk the path and remain on that path, no matter what.
So, don’t shy away from projects and do raise your hands when Rinpoche and Kechara asks for help or volunteers. Just trust in the process. You may just end up finding the very best of what you are made of and become who you are really meant to be – the flower of compassion and love.
Thank you all for your beautiful comments. I have only one small request and that is, when you do see Kim Loong, please do shake his hand and tell him how beautiful his drawings are. I am sure he will love to hear that.
With folded hands and deep gratitude
Dear Shirley, flaws and weaknesses are not a bad thing per se…it’s part of the human condition. Seeing our flaws and weaknesses, we accept them and work on them as we go along. We have to remember, that it is our flaws that keep us chained no matter if we are religious or not. I wouldn’t want to spend my whole life saying I tried. I would like to say I tried and succeeded.
Keep up your efforts. You are appreciated, cared about and acccepted. Don’t spend your whole life and energy dwelling on faults and making others accept them…but apply yourself to be the best you can as the clock of life ticks louder and louder.
Much care, Tsem Rinpoche
Yes, Rinpoche _/\_
Thank you so much for all your care, advice and encouragement. I will keep up my efforts and succeed 🙂
Love,
shirley
Congratulations to Shirley , Mr Ngeow and team.
My 5-year -old son enjoyed reading the story very much. I told him it was a gift from uncle Ngeow when he brought the books down to Melaka during his Dharma clss 2 weeks ago.I wrote my son and daughter’s name on the book as if it was really a present dedicated to them.
The story is like a reflection of himself, always throwing tantrum, bully ppl at home, esp our maid. I try to educate him as not to follow the footsteps of the Princess. He pretended to be the wise old man , performing the mudra and chant Om Mani Padme Hum when asked about the outcome of the Princess. We are eager to know what is happening to the “Princess statue’ . When is Part 2 coming??
Yeah, Kechara’s children comic book out, wahhh…wowww…i want one!!!This make me excited!!Comic is my favorite reading material:)Thank you all the hard work from all my lovely dharma brother and sister. Great news!!!
Wow!my dear sister Shirley…Congratulation. acaully last week i read this beautiful Children book at KH….I like it,hehe….:-)the Princes is so cute….just like u:-) n nice illustrations.And congratulation to Mr Ngeow and his team too for creating this beautiful book for the kids, How wonderful and meaningful…. Big hug to u shirley:-)
CONGRATULATIONS to Shirley the writer, blogger, mother, friend, confidante, socialite……
WOW our very own first children’s book! I am still away and cant wait to get hold of it but I am sure it is another piece of work that Kechara Media & Publications is consistently known for; beautifully published books with excellent content!
Congrats and well done, Shirley+Pastor Ngeow+whole team!
My two brats are looking forward to it. The book will relate a lot to children and also adults. After all, there is a child in each of us.
Nice cover and illustrations.
CONGRATULATIONS SHIRLEY!!! Well done on your first attempt!!!
Dearest Shirley ,
Congratulations !I have not seen the book but I am sure it’s GREAT !Will definitely get them as gifts for children . I will never forget that you were the first person to present to me my first Kechara book – “Compassion Conquers All ” which have helped me discover my spiritual journey !My deepest appreciation – TQ! ! Best wishes to you and your team on all the future book productions!
Sincerely , Grace Leong
Very good Shirley Maya Tan, I am very proud of you!
Congrats Shirley! My daughter already screaming,”I Want! I Want! I Want!” Wld definitely get it when I am in Kechara next.
Congratulations dear Shirley and the rest of the team!
Kechara very first children book is so beautiful. Well done. We so proud of you.
More to come yah?
CONGRATULATIONS to all involved in production of this beautiful book especially to Shirley for her courageousness to relate herself in it. Finally, it is out! Can’t wait to get hold of it to read it…hehe
My dear friend and dharma sister Shirley,
I am currently in Hong Kong. I was so touched to see this! Words can express my gratefulness to you and Mr Ngeow for creating this beautiful beautiful book for the kids. I can’t wait to see the book. How wonderful and meaningful…. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Big hug here!
Dear Shirley
I rejoice for this sincere effort by you… Actually kids really like this book; when I promote it during MKC class, they literally snatched it away… hehe… anyway I also told them to help promote to their friends and class mates and they all agreed..
Bravo to Mr Ngeow and his team for this beautiful children story book. Hope more to come in near future.
Gimlee
Dear All,
It was wonderful working with Shirley and the project team. Whilst following the development of the book, I felt and think like a kid again and that is something very nice which all of us should experience. How? Make sure we support this book series by buying for our kids and relatives, as gifts,encouraging others to buy ,sponsor , promoting it etc.
I will do my part to produce more as long as Shirley is writing more ha ha ! A lot of kids and grown ups who had read it are asking when is Part 2 coming out. So that is very positive and encouraging.
Congratulations to Shirley Maya Tan, Mr Ngeow, KMP and the Illustrator for this new children book series. This is only the 1st and look forward to many more to come.
CONGRATULATIONS SHIRLEY!!!
I found the book very entertaining and I am actually looking forward to the 2nd chapter on what happens after… I really wanna know hehe.. it was very engaging! Is there a 2nd chapter???
I think you can create a whole new character and series on Princes 🙂 Can’t wait for the next one.
The illustration is also very well done.
Please continue and yes We want more!!!
xjoy
Yes, Shirley… I know you can do it. You can do so more and I know you want to do a lot for dharma. It is wonderful to see this book looking fantastic. I am getting a few for my nephew and niece and a few to give away. A wonderful job and it’s just starting, you remind me of Madonna, she did a children book too! Who would have thought! You are just like her, Don’t Stop and never stop. I know you won’t.. hehe 🙂
Congrats!
Dear Rinpoche
I can’t agree more. I am proud of Shirley. She has talent for creative writing and it is a great benefit to so many that she is using this talent to enrich others’ lives.
Shirley girl, I sure am happy for you. You write so beautifully! Always recall Rinpoche’s words of advice and encouragement to you and keep going…as you are doing
love
susan
Way to go Shirley !
oh wow… i have not seen the book yet but by looking at the posted few page. It looks really professional. I cant wait to get my hands on them to give away to my younger cousin.
Thank you so much for coming up with the book. Big hug to all the people who are involve and especiallt the team lead Mr Ngeow and Shirley Maya Tan for writting such a good book..
This book will do well and when that does we are able to have our own series of cartoon show too…
Way to go…
Dear Shirley,
When you told us the Princess story is really a reflection of yourself, I thought you are very brave to write so honestly about yourself. Most of us would hide the not so nice side and flaunt the nice part of ourselves.
Your story will be relevant and beneficial to most of the kids now-a-days as they are all “princes” and “princesses” in their parents’ eyes.
We all look forward to seeing more of your effort for children.
CONGRATULATIONS !
Love,
Yoke Fui
Congratulations Shirley and everyone involved in producing this book.
Shirley, I am sure you will write more and more stories for Children and in no time, Kechara will be showcasing your series of works like “Harry Potter” from JK Rowling!!!
I particularly love the cover of the book as well as the illustrations. Kechara really got very talented people and this little book will make a great gift to children of all ages….
I rejoice in the hard work of everyone who are involved in the production of this book and yes, and I can’t wait to get hold of one and read it myself 🙂
Dear Shirley
Congratulation for your accomplishment and this beautiful children book. My best wishes for your success and future endeavours.
Warm regards
Valentina
Definitely, a big yes I am happy that this book has manifested and thank you, Shirley for writing this book and Voon Chin for leading the team to success. I hope I can get a few copies, I know a couple of little girls who will love this! There really is a need for Dharma books for the younger generation and I am sure this is just the start.
Thank you Rinpoche for inspiring this.