The Coconut Monk

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s second children’s book is the story of a monk, a cat, and a mouse learning to live together in peace in the midst of war. Set against the background of the Vietnam War and based on an actual person, The Coconut Monk uses the image of an eccentric monk who has found a way for archenemies to live together peacefully. Based on a talk given directly to children Thich Nhat Hanh uses the image of a cat and a mouse as metaphors for overcoming seemingly unconquerable divides