A picture book for ages 6 to 10

What theAwakened OnesSay

Teachings from Twelve Mystics of History

By Bob Peck  ·  Illustrated by Anum Khan

Hear when it's out Almost here
Front cover of What the Awakened Ones Say: the Buddha sitting under a tree while children and elders listen.

What did Jesus, Buddha, and Mirabai have in common?

What secret did Laozi discover watching water?

Twelve wise teachers from across history, with simple words for young hearts. From East to West, they all point to the same treasure: love is who we are.

For ages 6 to 10, and the child in all of us.

The twelve

  • Buddha
  • Mirabai
  • Rabia
  • Julian of Norwich
  • Amma
  • Laozi
  • Jesus
  • Kabir
  • Rumi
  • Yogananda
  • Krishna
  • Thich Nhat Hanh

Mystics, poets, and sages from many traditions, each given two spreads: one with their own words, and one that unpacks what they might have meant.

Made for reading aloud

Listen to what they said

Each teacher opens with a short quote, set in big, friendly type that's easy to read together.

Here's what I think they meant

Then a warm, plain-spoken reflection, written the way a dad would talk to his kid at bedtime.

Room to wonder

Pronunciation helpers, a note for grown-ups, and curious questions at the back keep the conversation going.

Be the first to know

The book is almost ready. I'll let you know the moment it's out, and share a few of the teachers along the way.

Hear when it's out