Aya Paperback – August 15, 2016

I bought this book for my baby niece whose name is Aya. The story is great and we all loved the book. Only drawback is it would have been nice if the book was a board book. It would have been perfect!

Bridging the worlds of child to adult, lay-person to monastic, animal to human, spirituality to secularism, Aya is a treasure! Reading and re-reading this book, I am continually taught and inspired by the clever words, the beautiful illustrations (Aya is adorable), and the simple life lessons offered in a delicious bedtime story. I highly recommend Aya as gift for children of all ages.

I found this book after my little Aya came into the world and without a doubt this book seems as if were perfectly describing her and how peaceful she is.

This book was such a unique, interesting, and eye-opening read. I have read many books to the little girls that I babysit, but I have read nothing so profound as this to them. I love how this book introduces itself in such a peaceful, lovely manner, with the very cute panda and all of its friends featured in the book. But besides the gorgeous illustrations and rhymes, I truly appreciated its message – to find inner peace and happiness within. My goal as a young woman is to teach other young women and girls to love themselves for everything that they are, and I feel like this book is a very positive message to them that helps all who reads it. I believe that this book is a great read for young children (and young adults for that matter) and sends many enlightening, hopeful messages like self-love and kindness to others.

Aya is a delightful story of an independent and curious little Panda who visits a temple and learns some valuable life lessons from the monks... while teaching them a few lessons of her own! Every page is filled with beautiful illustrations and simple yet profound prose appropriate for readers of all ages, my personal favorite being: "All I need is near." Aya pointed to her heart. "My temple is here." Sitting with this story is like visiting a Zen garden... I highly encourage it!

This book captured my heart on the first page. As I followed Aya on her journey, I felt instantly delighted by her sense of adventure and ability to see beauty everywhere. The pictures make me smile. The story resets my attention on sights and sounds that fill one's days with joy. The poetic language and storytelling has a rhythmic quality where I feel held with the words. I keep this book next to my reading chair and reread it to myself when I've had a long day. I would read this book to any child or adult who wants to be reminded of beauty, friendship and joy. A complete treasure.

A deep, true, beautiful story for people of all ages, with lighthearted illustration! I would recommend to anyone looking for an immersive short story with a profound message. Enjoy!

Aya is like a breath of fresh air! This beautifully illustrated picture book soothes the soul and makes you smile. The author,Hanna Hymans Ostroff, has a gift that few authors have to make it as if while reading the book she has her loving, warm arms wrapped tightly around you as you read. Even my 13 year old son and daughter quietly snuggled up with me while I began reading it aloud. My daughter loved the illustrations and my son, well, it made him hungry! Hungry for more...Read for yourself! This book is an excellent choice for a bedtime story of all ages.