Flying Stars



Blooming Jizo




It doesn't matter, even the hardest stone will feel pain.

The big stone once thought it was great, standing on a high mountain with a panoramic view. Later, it fell down the mountain, fell into the water, and was stepped on by people to cross the river. It kept telling itself, "It doesn't matter. I'm so strong. The pain is nothing!"

Later one day, an old craftsman said he would turn it into the world's number one Buddha statue. It was so happy and looked forward to it every day, but the old craftsman never came back, and it was finally turned into a small Jizo. What's worse is that it was hit by someone, and no one came to repair the hole in its chest. It closed its eyes and slept, and never spoke again.

As time passed, the wind brought sand and soil, which actually contained seeds, making it bloom in its chest. People came specifically to ask it to bless their children who are far away. The unique flower Jizo finally found the meaning and hope of its existence. 

The author hopes that this Jizo, who has experienced ups and downs and has flowers blooming in his wounds, can transcend the barriers of faith and culture, quietly stay on your bookshelf, and say to you when necessary, "It's okay! Even the hardest stone will feel pain."


Higo Wu is a picture book critic, translator, and writer. He also runs a popular podcast about picture books. Many of his works have been recommended by the Taipei Public Library’s Award-Winning Children’s Books campaign, including his picture book Blooming Jizo which won the 2018 Children’s Book of the Year.

Kiko Yang was born in Pingtung, Taiwan. After graduating from university, he travelled to Spain and learned painting and pottery by chance. Twenty years later, he moved back to his hometown with his Japanese wife. They opened a small wabi-sabi style coffee shop by a fish farm. He also designs covers for magazines and illustrates picture books.



Text: Higo Wu
Illustration: Kiko Yang
Published by Taiwan Mac, 2018
36 Pages

All Rights Available

English translation available