Member Reviews

I received a copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is a beautiful and enchanting listen, which I found very relaxing to listen to. This book serves as a reminder to look for joy in the little things in life and that beauty is all around us if we pause to look. This is a good book for children and adults alike, and I'd love to read the physical copy to see the beautiful illustrations, too.

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Format: audiobook ~ Narrator: Jason Isaacs
Content: 5 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars

"Do you believe in reincarnation?
I believe that every minute of every day, we can let go and start again."

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is a picture book for all ages. At first glance, it seems like a story for children, but it’s best for teens and adults. Big Panda and Tiny Dragon go on a journey together. The entire story is composed of inspirational sentences that can be a guide for living. It reminded me of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

"Some people are like candles.
They burn themselves out
to create light for others."

I listened to the audiobook and later read the print edition. In the audiobook version, sounds accompany the narration, and I loved the final result.

Thanks to Bolinda Audio for the advance copy and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

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A soothing balm for the soul and a much needed gentle listen in these chaotic times. Big Panda & Tiny Dragon is narrated in such a melodic way by Jason Isaacs. Taking only 45 minutes, it is a story that could be listened to often as a meditation or relaxation. The story follows Big Panda and Tiny Dragon on their travels, and despite getting lost, making mistakes, and feeling like they are not always good enough, the pair encourage each other and make progress with their steps. It is a story that nourishes confidence and gives hope bases on spiritualism. A story about not giving up when things are hard or go wrong. A beautiful listen. #bigpanda&tinydragon #netgalley #jamesnorbury #jasonisaacs

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I listened to this audiobook. It was a positive and uplifting book. I really wished I could see the illustrations with it though. There were so many words of wisdom thrown into this story. Such a great message to send to readers. I also loved the end where the author and the narrator told a little bit about themselves, a very personal touch. The narrator did a very nice job in this audiobook. Thanks for the opportunity to listen to it. #BigPandaandTinyDragon #NetGalley

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This is just sweet. Big Panda and Tiny Dragon go a journey together through the seasons. They experience a variety of things together, many involving long walks outside and drinking tea. Each small event contains a short but profound idea to ponder (based in Buddhist philosophy). My favorite quote just might be, “the best thing to have with tea is a good friend.” I couldn’t agree more!

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I've heard about Big Panda through friends so I was delighted to receive the ARC of the audio version, read by Jason Isaac.

Mr Isaac has a lovely, soothing tone throughout the reading, which only takes around 45 minutes and is perfect for a bedtime listen.

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon go on an adventure up a mountain and, as they walk, they encounter hardships and other creatures which teaches them lessons during the walk. For example Tiny Dragon says he is too to look at the flowers but Big Panda points out that it is more important to take time when we are busy.

It's a beautiful, gentle book based on Buddhism and spiritualism. It provides excellent life lessons like helping, being kind, not thinking badly of ourselves or others.

A joy to listen to and something I could happily listen to over and over again because of the soothing nature.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bolinda Audio for the advance review copy.

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This is a gentle hug of a book, filled with reminders we all need on how to love ourselves and others. Tiny Dragon is a child who has found a mentor in Big Panda, and the two journey together, finding everyday wisdom along the way. I think this would serve well as a children's book.

I've noticed that some of the negative reviews for this book are because some people found it too similar to "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse." Without question, they play in the same ballpark, filled with illustrations alongside food for thought. For me, though, "Big Panda and Tiny Dragon" lands in the if-you-like-this, you'll-like-that column rather than that of a knock-off. I think it's just that both are based on similar Eastern philosophies, so there is bound to be some overlap. While I wish that "Big Panda and Tiny Dragon" would go a little deeper and slower on each life lesson, I think I enjoy these illustrations more. I listened to this as an audiobook, but my curiosity was piqued enough to seek out the illustrations online. The audiobook itself is well-produced and immersive, with sound effects that helped bring the narrative to life even when I wasn't able to see the images.

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A sweet book with some snippets of wisdom weaved into a lovely story about friendship.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

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'Which is more important,' asked Big Panda, 'the journey or the destination?' 'The company,' said Tiny Dragon.”

I have read big panda and tiny dragon several times and admired the beautiful story, a simple yet impactful story of a big panda and tiny dragon. Big panda and tiny dragon goes on a journey through various seasons starting with spring, summer autumn and winter.

It is full of important quotes which can be considered as tiny lessons just like our tiny dragon. So imagine my happiness and surprise when I saw an audiobook. I didn't think twice before requesting the book and I got the request accepted in very short time. I started it just as I finished the another audiobook I had lined up. This is my all time favourite book.

This is comfortable and lovely audiobook, something I would like to listen to with my kid. The background music can be annoying at points especially if you have earpods in. I would have rather liked it without that.

I will definitely recommend it to everyone, every parent, teacher who want the kids to learn some easy, simple yet important lessons of life.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Bolinda audio for this cute and amazing audiobook in exchange of an honest review.

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A very cute and enjoyable book! Would recommend to any household as a lovely coffee table book or to read to kids.

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such a delightful little book! i listened to the (very well narrated) audiobook and can only imagine how much cuter this would have been if i could’ve seen the pictures at the same time. this made me feel really calm and reassured and was all-round a very wholesome experience. the only point of criticism i have is that it was a little too packed with “inspirational” messages, so that they started to feel like platitudes in some cases - but i do think that this is less the case when the text is combined with pictures. would definitely recommend overall!

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What a sweet story to remind us of the importance of the little things and being in the moment. I love all the beautiful nature sounds on the audio and the narrator was fantastic!

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I have the hardback version of this which I just adore. To hear it brought to life was just so beautiful.

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Nice little book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read it.
The narrator sounded a bit rushed while this is a book to enjoy slowly.

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'Which is more important,' asked Big Panda, 'the journey or the destination?' 'The company,' said Tiny Dragon.”

My thanks to Bolinda Audio for a review copy via NetGalley of ‘Big Panda and Tiny Dragon’ by James Norbury. It was read by British actor Jason Isaacs.

This book tells the story of the journey by Big Panda and Tiny Dragon through the seasons of the year, finding hope and inspiration in the world around them. It is a book for readers of all ages.

James Norbury created a series of pen and ink drawings, inspired by his time as a volunteer for the Samaritans and informed by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality. After initially self-publishing, a major publisher had taken the book. It has since been translated into a number of languages and became a worldwide bestseller.

In his Afterword Norbury writes that as the audiobook listener can’t see the pictures, he had elected to “rewrite the book in a way that not only describes the scenes but transforms a series of standalone images into a meaningful narrative.”

I found this a relaxing listening experience. This was enhanced by Jason Isaacs’ deep, warm voice. He was the perfect choice for reader.

The audiobook concludes with a short question and answer session with Jason Isaacs about his experience of reading this title and about audiobooks in general.

Overall, I felt that ‘Big Panda and Tiny Dragon’ was a wonderful listening experience. Incorporating sounds of nature and music, it proved very calming. A short audiobook full of wisdom that encourages mindfulness. It’s quickly become a favourite to listen to during meditation and as a gentle accompaniment to drifting off into sleep.

Highly recommended.

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"Just because you don't know where you are going, doesn't mean you are lost. -only in this case we are actually lost"

This book is like a summy walk in the park on a winter day. It's absolutely cozy, thought-provoking and a sugar treat for your heart. While the story is quite short, it can still impact you in more than one way and if you pay close attention, you might even figure out something new to appreciate in this journey of life. For me, it has been "never to give up".

Thank you @netgalley @jamesnorburyofficial @bolindaaudio for the Audio ARC.

Genre: #graphicnovel #life #spirituality
Rating: 4/5

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All those who wander are lost! wandering is good for the soul and you can stumble across events or things you would have not noticed going the other way. This little book is telling a story along those lines through the seasons. Panda the voice of reason and dragon who is full of energy. i really loved this little book.. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

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Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury and Narrated by Jason Isaacs was a beautifully written book from the beginning till the end. My nephew and I snuggled under a quilt on the sofa as it was raining outside and cold and we both listened to this audiobook. It maybe only 45 minutes long but it was beautiful.

It's about a journey of friendship between Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, they go 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..

'Which is more important,' asked Big Panda, 'the journey or the destination?' 'The company,' said Tiny Dragon.

I highly recommend this book/audiobook. It maybe small However, my nephew spoke all afternoon about it......So when this book comes out I will be purchasing it for him. Special Moments with him.

Thank you Netgalley and Bolinda Audio for my ARC audiobook copy

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