NINE COLOR DEER

In this picture book based on an ancient Buddhist tale and translated from Chinese, a magical deer shows humans the power of compassion and integrity.

In this tale set long ago, deep within a secret forest in the Kunlun Hills—a mountain range from Chinese mythology—there lives a deer with snow-white antlers and fur of many colors. The Nine Color Deer, as she is known, has awesome powers and acts as a guardian spirit to keep the country flourishing. One day, an act of kindness on behalf of the deer is repaid with a broken promise. After agreeing never to reveal the deer’s home, a young man helps the king bring an army to capture the creature. Arrogance and greed drive the efforts of humans in their quest, a contrast to the honorable, benevolent deer, who ultimately teaches the people respect for the natural world. The moralistic tone of the book reflects its roots as a Mugao Cave mural painting inspired by an Indian Buddhist Jataka story. The illustrations mimic the texture of cave paintings, bringing visual interest and reinforcing the connection to the source material. Artistic choices like the king’s larger-than-life appearance in several spreads and an ethereal palette of tranquil greens and pale earth tones make this adaptation distinct and aesthetically pleasing. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An elegant retelling of a timeless story of humility and conservation.