The Cat Who Taught Zen

THE BIG PANDA AND TINY DRAGON AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR JAMES NORBURY TELLS THE STORY OF THE CAT WHO LEARNED HOW TO BE MORE ZEN . . . 
 
"I've learnt that what we want is seldom what we need, and what we need is almost never what we want" 
 
This is the tale of a cat wise in the ways of zen, journeying to discover a fabled ancient pine, under which infinite wisdom may be found. 
 
Along the way he meets a vivid cast of animals: from an anxious monkey and a tortoise tired of life, to a tiger struggling with anger, a confused wolf cub and a covetous crow. 
 
But it's a surprise encounter with a playful kitten, that forces the cat to question everything . . . 
 
Told in a gentle, calming style, The Cat Who Taught Zen introduces a new cast of characters for readers of all ages to fall in love with, offering timeless wisdom wrapped up into a tale of beguiling beauty. 
__________ 
 
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, Sunday Times bestseller, July 2022

James Norbury is an artist, author and illustrator with a love of nature and animals. 
 
James was born in the Forest of Dean and he's spent most of his life writing and drawing. He studied Zoology at university and after graduating he moved to Ireland. From there he travelled around the UK living in Newcastle, Swansea and Cheltenam, some of the time living on a narrowboat. 
 
James now lives back in Swansea with his wife and their seven cats. He volunteers with his local Cats Protection.

This is the tale of a cat wise in the ways of zen who hears of a solitary ancient pine, deep in a maple forest, under which infinite wisdom may be found. 
 
So begins a journey of discovery. 
 
Along the way he meets a vivid cast of animals: from an anxious monkey and a tortoise tired of life, to a tiger struggling with anger, a confused wolf cub and a covetous crow. 
 
Each has stories to tell and lessons to share. 
 
But after a surprise encounter with a playful kitten, the cat questions everything . . .

A Big Panda and Tiny Dragon Adventure

The Journey

The beautifully illustrated second adventure from cherished friends and Sunday Times bestsellers BIG PANDA AND TINY DRAGON 
 
'James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming' VEX KING 
'While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN 
'A beautifully illustrated book which draws on tender moments. Exquisite' DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE 
__________ 
 
'We shall go on a journey, across the river . . .' 
 
Join Big Panda and Tiny Dragon as they set off on an extraordinary adventure in this companion to the global bestselling phenomenon Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. 
 
Although content in their temple high up in the mountains, Tiny Dragon realises that something feels incomplete. So it is that they decide to make a journey together, to new and distant lands. 
 
As they encounter dangers and challenges, they learn that everything they need is already inside them and that change, though sometimes scary, is possible and, with patience, can lead to better things. 
 
Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, the story of these whimsical characters makes the perfect gift for anyone looking for a little hope and comfort. 
__________ 
 
'If we have to be lost,' said Big Panda, 'I am glad it is with you . . .'

James has a way of speaking to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon have inspired readers across the world with their message of kindness, hope and resilience. Join the two friends as they continue their journey overcoming life's obstacles together. And although they often find themselves lost, the beautiful sights along the way show us that the wrong path can often lead to the right road. 
 
Writer and artist James Norbury began illustrating the adventures of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, inspired by Buddhist philosophy, to share the ideas that helped him through difficult times, in the hope they could help others too.

The beautifully illustrated novel about friendship and hope

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

Discover the beautiful bestselling book about a beautiful friendship . . . 
 
'James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming' VEX KING 
'While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN 
'A beautifully illustrated book which draws on tender moments. Exquisite' DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE 
________ 
 
A guiding light in the darker months, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is the beautifully illustrated and mindful journey of two friends through the seasons, inspired by Buddhist philosophy 
 
'Which is more important,' asked Big Panda, 'the journey or the destination?' 
'The company,' said Tiny Dragon. 
 
Friends Big Panda and Tiny Dragon journey through the seasons of the year together, day and night, in rain and in sun. Travelling through nature, they find hope and inspiration in the world around them, realising that even in the darkest of days, Spring will always return. 
 
Feel the calming influence of Big Panda, who reminds us of the bigger picture while appreciating the simplicity of small moments. 
 
Explore your surroundings with the inquisitive eye of Tiny Dragon, our friend who is big in heart if not in stature. 
 
And on their journey through the ever-changing seasons, join these two friends as they learn how to live in the moment, be at peace with uncertainty, and find the strength to overcome life's obstacles, together. 
 
Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, the story of these whimsical characters makes the perfect gift for anyone looking for a little hope and comfort. 
________ 
 
'The two friends often find themselves lost but discover beautiful sights they never would have found if they had gone the right way. While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN

It features the two friends, who often find themselves lost but discover beautiful sights they never would have found if they had gone the right way. While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs

James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming

A beautifully illustrated book which draws on tender moments. Exquisite

The Penguin Knitting Book

The Penguin Knitting Book by James Norbury is a charming how-to-knit classic packed with delightfully vintage advice. 
 
Knitting fills a fascinating page in the human story. I know of no home-craft that enjoys the universal popularity of hand-knitting 
 
James Norbury's The Penguin Knitting Book, first published in 1957, is a how-to guide for the experienced knitter as well as the beginner. Full of wit and charm as well as tips and techniques for the contemporary knitter, The Penguin Knitting Book entertainingly illustrates all things vintage in the world of wool. 
 
Along with telling you how to knit, The Penguin Knitting Book includes original vintage patterns for every member of the family. Babies' coats, pullovers for father, sweaters for the teenager, dresses, jumpers, coats and cardigans, you will find them all in this charming aid to better knitting. 
 
'James Norbury was the strongest single influence in British knitting during the twenty-five years after the Second World War' Sir Bishop Richard Rutt, author of A History of Hand Knitting 
 
'[In the late 1960s] there was a chap called James Norbury, who had his own knitting show on the BBC. I sat in on some of the programmes, and good stuff it was, too. I learned lots of racy stuff about 'knit one, purl one'' Sir David Attenborough 
 
'Knitting is the saving of a life' Virginia Woolf 
 
James Norbury wrote The Penguin Knitting Book in 1957. He travelled extensively throughout the world, studying every aspect of the knitter's craft. A knitting historian, teacher and designer as well as a television star on his own BBC knitting show, he was Chief Designer for Patons and one of the foremost authorities on the history of knitting.

[In the late 1960s] there was a chap called James Norbury, who had his own knitting show on the BBC. I sat in on some of the programmes, and good stuff it was, too. I learned lots of racy stuff about 'knit one, purl one'

The strongest single influence in British knitting

Richard Rutt, author of 'A History of Hand Knitting'

'I know of no home-craft that enjoys the universal popularity of knitting.' 
 
James Norbury's The Penguin Knitting Book, first published in 1957 and packed with wonderfully nostalgic patterns, is the classic guide, now reissued for a modern audience. 
 
Along with telling you how to knit, The Penguin Knitting Book includes a wide-range of original vintage patterns. Here you'll find hats and scarves, jumpers, cardigans, baby clothes, even a tea cosy and a coat for the family dog, in this charming guide to better knitting.

A Beautiful World

'James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming' VEX KING 
 
'While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN 
 
'A beautifully illustrated book which draws on tender moments. Exquisite' DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE 
 
-------- 
 
“One of the greatest achievements is to find beauty today, where you struggled to find it yesterday.” 
 
From the global bestseller of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, our two friends return to undertake a beautifully illustrated and poignant journey. This time the pair are on a quest to find the most beautiful place in the world. 
 
On discovering a map that promises to lead them there, the search takes Big Panda and Tiny Dragon on a demanding expedition through tough terrain. The pair traverse dark forests, hazardous mountains, derelict ruins and dark caves. 
 
There are times when the landscape threatens to overwhelm them, but together they keep walking. Each environment, so menacing at first, slowly yields pockets of light, life and beauty. 
 
This is a story of a life-affirming friendship, of struggle and hope, and the immense power of looking for beauty in the most unlikely places. 
 
A simple, thought-provoking tale with a deep resonance and well of wisdom inspired by Buddhist philosophy – the perfect gift for adults and children alike seeking comfort, understanding and, of course, beauty.

In James Norbury’s fifth book, we are invited to take a closer look at the world around us and search for beauty in the here and now. As Big Panda and Tiny Dragon undertake their demanding expedition, they traverse dark forests, hazardous mountains and derelict ruins. But whilst the landscapes of life can seem overwhelming,  the pair slowly come to see pockets of light and beauty at every turn. As day-to-day life steadily consumes us, it is easy to to miss life's hidden treasures. Through beautiful illustrations and a simple tale inspired by Buddhist philosophy, Norbury draws our gaze back to the simple pleasures and helps us to find hope in the most unlikely places.

James Norbury

Books by James Norbury

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