The Cat Who Taught Zen, the brand-new book by bestselling Big Panda and Tiny Dragon author-illustrator James Norbury, is out now in the US.

“I’ve learnt that what we want is seldom what we need, and what we need is almost never what we want.”

This is the tale of a cat, wise in the ways of zen, who hears of a solitary ancient pine, deep in a maple forest, under which infinite wisdom may be found.

So begins a journey of discovery.

Along the way he meets a vivid cast of animals: from an anxious monkey and a tortoise tired of life, to a tiger struggling with anger, a confused wolf-cub and a covetous crow.

Each has stories to tell and lessons to share.

But after a surprise encounter with a playful kitten, the cat questions everything . . .

The Cat Who Taught Zen is out now. Grab your US copy here and your UK copy here or, better, via your local bookshop or Bookshop.org.

Follow James on Instagram @jamesnorburyofficial.