The Gates of the Wind [Library Binding]

Kathryn Lasky (Author), Janet Stevens (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995 | Age Level: 3 and up

Tired of the peace and quiet of her valley home, Gamma Lee decides to pack up all her belongings and head for the mountains to find the Gates of the Wind, but when she finally reaches her destination, she is confronted with a fierce and ornery wind that does not want any company.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Gamma Lee decides to trade the quiet valley for a wild, windy mountaintop, her neighbors fear she has lost her mind. After all, their valley is the "best place in the world": cool in the summer, snug in the winter and always peaceful. Nevertheless, the white-haired traveler sallies forth with nary a backward glance, saying, "The fish in the river have seen more of the world than I have." Her new life isn't easy, especially when the "meddling" wind keeps getting in the way. But, after a few false starts, she manages to build a hut from supple weeds, plant vegetables and flowers, and joyously adapt to her new surroundings. In time, she becomes a legend to the village children below, an inspiring reminder of the wonderful world that lies beyond. Lasky's plucky Gamma Lee is a character readers won't soon forget. Stevens (the illustrator of Eric Kimmel's Anansi books) captures the story's quirky, adventuresome spirit, pinning the wind's energy-and Gamma Lee's-to the pages with the fluid lines of her colorful brush strokes. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3?Who could leave a village nestled peacefully in the valley of a mountain stream that's "...cool in the summer, snug in the winter, and always peaceful"? But Gamma Lee suspects that the best place in the world remains to be seen and, with her donkey, she struggles up the mountain to the river's source and the legendary Gates of the Wind. "'I think I'm going to like it here!'" she crows, undeterred by the inhospitable gale. In time, after much accommodation to the environment, she is accepted by the wind as one of its own. And down below the villagers tell her story, until another free spirit heeds the call of the Gates of the Wind. Stevens's drawings, done in watercolor, acrylic, pencil, and pastel, are appropriately wispy and windy in composition and form. Gamma Lee, a wiry, colorful eccentric, stands in marked contrast to the drab, complacent villagers; and, if the artist's depiction of baggage-laden fish seems a bit out of tune, her stoical donkey strikes just the right note. Readers will find this a quietly satisfying follow-your-bliss sort of tale, most notable for the crusty crone in its starring role?a welcome image of an older woman and a worthy model for her daughters.?Marcia Hupp, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Library Binding
• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books (J); 1st edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152042644
• ISBN-13: 978-0152042646
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,306,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hi Readers! Thanks for coming by my author page. I've written all sorts of books - from fantasy about animals to books about science. One of my favorite animal fantasy series, Guardians of Ga'Hoole, is a major motion picture. I liked writing about Ga'Hoole so much that I decided to revisit that world in a new series, Wolves of the Beyond. Visit my website, www.kathrynlasky.com to see a slide show about the real wolves I researched for the series and for the latest update on the Guardians of Ga'Hoole movie. All my best, Kathryn

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars .............Well, blow me down !, February 12, 2000

By 

Mahina "localgirl" (on the coast of somewhere beautiful) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gates of the Wind (Library Binding)

Imaginative story that tells a story of a strong ( and strong willed )old woman who needs a change in her life---and decides to 'just do it !' She takes off for the mountains with a donkey and cart with her belongings and overcomes many obstacles. This is a beautifully illustrated book. A keeper for your collection. I could almost feel the force of the wind ! (The kids loved the book, too ! )