The Yeti and the Jolly Lama: A Tale of Friendship

In the distant Himalayas, a village is terrorized by a yeti. Then an enlightened lama comes to town, and as he "feared no harm" because he wished "harm to no one," he is able to befriend the hulking creature. From then on, the elderly man's peaceful influence spreads, and together they grow more content through their work and meditation. Eventually even the villagers accept the yeti. With the initial "gather around," Das, an American-born Tibetan lama, establishes his narrative's roots; this book was inspired by a Tibetan teaching story. Lessons are naturally woven into the narrative. The accessible, appealing, funny tale focuses on friendship and goodwill, rather than on the specifics of achieving enlightenment, or how this ties into the Buddhist faith. For those curious about lamas and yetis, there is some information contained in an author's note. The illustrations, with their soft palette and roundish designs, provide the same warm, glowing feeling as the tone. VERDICT A thoughtfully crafted book that draws on a Tibetan story to convey lessons that could help all children.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.

In a secluded cave high above a Tibetan mountain village lives a peaceful "jolly lama" who spends his days "sitting quietly in meditation... wishing peace and happiness for the world and its creatures." When he learns that a yeti has plundered the villagers' fields, leaving them fearful and bereft before their mid-summer festival, he encourages them to celebrate anyway. After all, "Yeti has a good meal in his belly now and won't bother you." Later, during his nighttime meditation, the lama is nearly attacked by the fearsome yeti, who is stopped in his tracks by the lama's radiance. From then on, the two share meals, chores, and meditate together "like long lost brothers." The lama's calm and resplendent spirit is contagious, and gradually, the yeti's heart shines "as brightly as the lama's, like a golden sun." A story about friendship and the overflowing nature of inner peace. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

"There is so much to enjoy about this authentic and contemporary retelling of a Tibetan folklore story that is hundreds of years old." —The Children's Book Review