The Yeti and the Jolly Lama

September 1, 2019
A fearsome yeti is befriended by a gentle lama in this picture book. In Tibet, a lama spends his days in meditation "wishing peace and happiness for the world and all its creatures." One day, going into the village for the midsummer festival, he finds it empty. He learns that a yeti has terrorized the village and the villagers are afraid to come outdoors. The lama persuades them to celebrate anyway. Afterward, back at his cave, the lama is praying for "peace and happiness" when the yeti shows up, ready to pounce. But this brief moment of narratively welcome tension is immediately diffused when the yeti, instead, lies down at the lama's feet, pacified by the "warm glow of the lama's heart." This turn of events may well disorient young readers. Hopefully they will identify with the lama's subsequent kindness and compassion to the yeti and the yeti's conversion into a happy, helpful companion, but this well-worn (although vital) theme fails to captivate in this treatment. Mineker's illustrations are colorful, showing many Tibetan faces and a brown yeti, but beyond this are unremarkable in their design and perspectives. While author Das is a well-regarded, well-known Western monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the book's cutesy language, somewhat patronizing jocularity, and lack of narrative tension make it a bland read. Kindness and compassion delivered in a pat manner. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-8)

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October 28, 2019
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.

October 18, 2019

PreS-Gr 1-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.

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