#28 Tibetan Tales from the Top of the World

#28 Tibetan Tales from the Top of the World

Title: Tibetan Tales from the Top of the World

Author: Naomi C. Rose

Illustrator: Naomi C. Rose

Publishing Company: Dancing Dakini Press

Copyright Date: 2009

# of Pages: 59

Genre/Category: Multicultural

            Tibetan Tales from the Top of the World contains different stories that are popular in Tibet written in English and Tibetan. These stories include Prince Jampa’s Surprise, Sonam and the Stolen Cow, and Tashi’s Gold. The stories teach about the traditions and people of Tibet. The stories focus on a younger main character. Each story has a lesson to be learned such as not judging others, being honest, and sharing. It also includes extra information on Tibetan Wildlife and a foreword by the Dalai Lama.

            The illustrations look like a mixture of watercolors and acrylic paints. Some pages look opaque, while others do not. The illustrations are very colorful, and it is obvious that people in Tibet wear bright colors. The illustrations are formal, and the text is formal.

            I would recommend this book for children ages 6-8. In the classroom, it could be used to teach about the Tibetan culture. Students could read the book and look at the illustrations to learn more about Tibet. Teachers could also use this book to teach lessons like not judging others, being honest, and sharing. One story is about a prince who wants to attack another kingdom because he has misconceptions about the people. When he arrives at the palace, the people are welcoming and explain their culture to him. He ends up becoming friends with the kingdom. I think this story would be good to use when teaching children about equality or friendship. Children could also read this book when studying folk tales. This book has not won any awards, but it is one of the few children’s books in Tibet.