Our homeschooling curriculum on ancient history took us through the founding of Buddhism in India and this was one of the books recommended to read. It is a story/myth of how Prince Siddhartha came to be known as Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It covers his whole life from when he was born until his death.

The story itself is interesting and beautifully illustrated. I'd say that I learned quite a bit about Buddha from the book, even if it is geared toward children. I never realized that he was a prince, I didn't realize he was married and had a son, and I also didn't realize he left said wife and son to go off to seek wisdom and a way to end suffering.

If I were to give an issue with this book it is that well I wouldn't necessarily call it completely history. It is a bit of mythological history or legend and history. Siddhartha is presented as this amazing person. When he was born sunshine and rainbows littered the skies, he was stronger than anyone else, able to do pretty much anything, but also kind and gentle and so smart he didn't need his teachers after a very short amount of time. It gets a little crazy like that, but it was still enjoyable and I still felt that it gave me more understanding of Buddha and Buddhism than I had before I read it.

Overall, Prince Siddhartha was an interesting book that felt like a mix of myth and history. As the founder of one of the major religions practiced today I have no doubt he was a great man and teacher, but some of the stuff seems superfluous. Not that these additions weren't entertaining, it just felt like it wasn't necessarily a completely historical account.

Addl. reading from Story of the World on Buddha. B. really enjoyed this - right on target for her age and interest.