From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5–Three traditional Tibetan tales are retold and beautifully illustrated in this bilingual picture book. In "Yeshi's Luck," a young man learns from his wise father that everything is not always what it seems, for sometimes good things come from adversity. In the second tale, a Dakini, a traditional goddess, shows a young girl how to face her fears. In the last story, the young monk Chunda goes on a wisdom quest and encounters a yeti. The inclusion of such specific cultural elements adds to the unique sense of place. The Tibetan text has an appealing calligraphic quality. Rose's vivid, dynamic paintings, suffused with deep blues and purples, capture the appeal of the landscape and the people. An introduction by the Dalai Lama, a brief note about Tibet, and a useful glossary are included. With few folktales available from this land, this book will be welcome in many collections.–Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH
PreS-Gr. 2. An artist and student of Tibetan Buddhism, Rose has chosen and illustrated three traditional tales that exemplify Tibetan Buddhist beliefs. In the first selection, a boy learns not to judge events as "good fortune or bad"; in the second, a downtrodden young girl encounters a goddess and absorbs her strength; and in the last, a young monk learns to overcome his fears and practice "loving kindness" when he encounters a wounded Yeti. The stories, printed in both English and Tibetan, are certainly purposeful, and their source (Lama Surya Das' 1992 book The Snow Lion's Turqouise Mane) is mentioned only in the flap copy, but children will enjoy the exciting fairy-tale elements: the cruel parents, the shape-shifting creatures, the magic, the action, and the empowered young people who emerge from each story. Rose's vibrantly colored paintings, created with broad, blurry strokes and thick dabs of pigment, ably bring to life the characters, setting, and supernatural encounters. For more Buddhist titles for youth, consult the Read-alikes, "Beginning Buddhism" [BKL Ja 1 & 15 02]. Gillian Engberg
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Review
One of the most beautiful children's books I've seen...a wise gorgeous treasure for any child of any religion... -- BookIdeas.com, August 2004
Rose's vibrantly colored paintings...ably bring to life the characters, setting, and supernatural encounters. -- Booklist
Rose's vivid color paintings draw the reader in and move the stories along. -- San Francisco Chronicle, Sunday, December 26, 2004
Sure to become a classic, offering its timeless wisdom in three traditional Tibetan tales, accompanied by finely rendered, evocative art. -- Santa Fe New Mexican, Sunday, November 14, 2004
The vibrant, impressionistic paintings that fill the book invite the reader to enter a dreamworld Tibetan landscape. -- Shambhala Sun, January 2005
These stories...will give American children a charming introduction to the culture and values of traditional Tibet. --ForeWord
From the Publisher
This 64-page picture book features three beautifully illustrated tales from Tibet. Each story, told in English and Tibetan, offers a fun, enchanting glimpse of Tibetan culture. Children and adults will delight in the adventures with yaks, yetis, monks, wise men and mystical beings. The stories also impart simple wisdom and exemplify living in peace and kindness. Beautiful impressionistic paintings capture the essence of the Tibetan people and landscape. Young and old will enjoy these entertaining and thoughtful tales.Tibetan Tales for Little Buddhas includes a special foreword from His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as a glossary, map and description of a Tibetan chant.
Ms. Rose donates a percentage of her proceeds from the book to benefit Tibetan refugee children through the Art Refuge Program. Bilingual in English and Tibetan
About the Author
Naomi C. Rose is an award-winning author, artist, and storyteller. She has been a student of Tibetan culture and wisdom for over 18 years. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout the United States. She dedicates her writing and painting to stories of wisdom and peace for children of all ages. Rose contributes a percentage of her earnings to benefit Tibetan children.
