‘Big Panda’ author inspired by volunteering at a suicide prevention charity

The author of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon was inspired by his volunteer work at The Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity in the UK.

The wellbeing book has since been picked up by one of Britain’s biggest publishers, Penguin.

James Norbury drew upon Buddhist philosophy to create the adventures of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, and his illustrations have even been spotted being enjoyed by young monks in the Dalai Lama’s temple.

The author and illustrator said he wanted to share thoughts and concepts that helped him when he was struggling, and that were inspired by time he spent volunteering at The Samaritans.

“We’re all doing our best and yet we tend to think we are not enough,” he said.

“A lot of people might feel the same as me and I wanted people to see my drawings and feel better about things.”

“From the response I’ve had, it’s working, so I am going to keep doing it,” added the artist.

The debut hardback edition of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon went on sale on Thursday.

Buy Now