The Oxherd Boy Books

Explore all books within The Oxherd Boy family.

Book titled Little Helper by Regina Linke on a wood table shows a Chinese painting of a boy and a Taiwanese magpie perched on the back of an ox, looking at a kite stuck in a tree in the background.

Little Helper

Preorder a signed copy

Coming May 5, 2026

Ah-Fu isn't allowed to help, but maybe he doesn't need permission . . . .

Inspired by Taoist philosophy and told alongside gorgeous illustrations, this original fable encourages readers of all ages to use inventive problem-solving strategies and lend a helping hand where they can.

Preorder through Martin House Books and get an additional illustrated handbook! Learn more.

Square image of the cover of BIG ENOUGH by Regina Linke

Big Enough

Little Ah-Fu can't imagine being an oxherd boy . . . yet.

Exploring themes of fear, compassion, and self-confidence with gentle humor, this award-winning modern fable shares the origin story of the Oxherd Boy that Publisher's Weekly calls "an organically empowering story of self-determination."

Awards & Recognition

  • New England Book Award 2025
  • Kirkus Best Books of 2025
  • School Library Journal Fuse8 & Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids 2025
  • Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibition 2025
  • Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature Best Books of 2025
  • A Kids' IndieNext Pick
  • An Amazon Editor's Pick
The Oxherd Boy book in English with a blue cover and lighter blue bamboo frame an inset circle displaying a Chinese art painting of a young boy in blue riding a brown ox with a white rabbit behind him. The background shows a peaceful countryside and farmhouse with an orange roof, flanked by two trees, one with red blossoms, the other with yellow leaves

The Oxherd Boy: Parables of Love, Compassion, and Community

A heart-opening collection of over 100 illustrated chats between a young boy, his family ox, and a rabbit living in his garden

Inspired by the Three Harmonious Teachings of classical Chinese scholarship, these gentle conversations are paired with gongbi-style artwork, an ancient form of Chinese brush painting that dates back thousands of years.

Available in multiple languages, The Oxherd Boy is a comforting work and companion through life's ups and downs.

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