A new retelling of an ancient Indian fable introduces a new generation to the timeless wisdom embodied by the Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion. Read the complete book with rich colorful illustrations below.
In a sunny, sparkly garden lived the kindest friend you could ever meet. His name was Avalo. He was very special. He had eleven friendly faces to smile with, and a thousand arms to give the best hugs!
One morning, Avalo saw a little bunny named Asha hiding behind a leaf. Asha was very sad, and a little tear rolled down her fluffy cheek. “Oh dear,” whispered one of Avalo’s faces. “Our friend needs help.”
Avalos’ gentle faces looked at Asha. They whispered like the wind in the leaves, “It’s okay, little bunny. We are here for you.” These faces helped Avalo think of soft, kind things to do.
But what if a grumpy feeling was making Asha sad? Avalo had special faces for that! His louder faces would make a silly, scary face and shout, “Go away, grumpy thoughts! Shoo, shoo!”
But what if a grumpy feeling was making Asha sad? Avalo had special faces for that! His louder faces would make a silly, scary face and shout, “Go away, grumpy thoughts! Shoo, shoo!”
Even Avalo’s loud faces were full of love. They were like a super-protector, scaring away anything that might bother his friends. Deep inside, his heart was always kind.
Right at the very top, Avalo had his calmest, wisest face. It was always peaceful, like the quiet stars at night. This face always knew the right thing to do to make someone feel better.
One of Avalo’s hands reached out and gave Asha a bright yellow dandelion. Another hand gently wiped her tear away. A third hand gave her a soft pat on the back, saying “There, there.”
Asha sniffled and then giggled! She held the sunny flower and wiggled her nose. The grumpy feelings were all gone. All eleven of Avalo’s faces smiled a big, happy smile.
With eleven faces full of care and a thousand arms to always share, Avalo is the best friend in the whole wide world. He has enough love and hugs for everyone.
* © Developed with the assistance of Gemini.ai by Linda Jayne and Henrik Frederiksen [Founder ElephantTribe.org]