Kami and the Yaks [Paperback]

Andrea Stenn Stryer (Author), Bert Dodson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Just before the start of a new trek, a Sherpa family discovers that their yaks are missing. Young Kami, anxious to help his brother and father maintain their livelihood, sets off by himself to find the wandering herd. A spunky deaf child who is unable to speak, Kami attempts to summon the yaks with his shrill whistle. Failing to rout them, he hustles up the steep mountainside to search the yaks' favorite grazing spots. On the way he encounters the rumblings of a fierce storm which quickly becomes more threatening. Surmounting his fear of being alone in the midst of treacherous lightning and hail, Kami uses his heightened sense of observation to finally locate the yaks. Reunited with their animals, the astonished family is once again able to transport their gear and guide the mountain climbers into the majestic terrain. 

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3—Readers will be transported to the rugged Himalayas with this story of a deaf Sherpa boy in Nepal, who braves a storm in search of his family's yaks. He finds the animals herded around a young calf whose leg is wedged between rocks. Unable to rescue the animal alone, Kami whistles for help. When no one comes, he slips and slides down the icy mountain to get his father and brother. He relates the problem through mime. Together the family rescues the calf, and the plucky hero proudly leads the way home. Although Kami's disability plays an important role in the story, the author focuses on his strength. Readers will find inspiration in his abilities, his resourcefulness, and his courage. Dark, yet vivid watercolors extend the text, as both awaken the senses to the sights, sounds, and feel of the icy cold mountains' austere beauty. This story opens the doors to new worlds and gives readers a character to admire.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Set in the Himalayas, this strikingly illustrated title focuses on a young, deaf Sherpa boy. When Kami spots his father and brother high on the hillside, searching unsuccessfully for the family's yaks, he follows a hunch and sets off in a different direction to find the animals. During the perilous climb, a storm begins, and although Kami finds the yaks, one is caught between rocks. After scrambling back to camp, Kami uses gestures to communicate his discovery to his father and brother. At last his family understands, follows him to the site, and rewards Kami with appreciative hugs. An author's note offers some cultural context, but more information about the lives of deaf people within the Sherpa culture would have been welcome (is sign language used, for example?). Many children will recognize Kami's frustration and then pride after he bravely solves a family problem, and Dodson's skillfully executed, atmospheric watercolors greatly extend the story's drama and tenderness. Pair this with Barbara Helen Berger's All the Way to Lhasa (2002). Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Bay Otter Press (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977896110
• ISBN-13: 978-0977896110
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,574,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SFC 4 star review, November 5, 2007

By 

Virginia S. Grenier "Children's Author & Stor... (Ivins, Utah USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kami and the Yaks (Hardcover)

This story is about a young Sherpa boy who is deaf. The Sherpa's live in the Himalaya Mountains. They help guide climbers and carry gear or supplies for the people who live in the small villages on the mountainsides. Kami's family makes a living as one of the Sherpa people. They have yaks, which are trained to help with the work load. One day when Kami's father is getting ready to help some climbers, he is unable to find the family yaks. Kami uses a whistle given to him to call one of the yaks even though he can't hear the sound. The yak, Curly Horn, doesn't come to the call so Kami sets out to look for the yaks himself. During his trek up the high mountains, Kami is confronted by a fierce storm. He finds the courage to keep searching despite being deaf and alone.

This is a great picture book for young kids. They learn that no matter what some may call a weakness doesn't need to be in our lives. Deaf, blind, or in a wheelchair, we can all do something to help. We are important and we each have something to offer. Kami's family learns that even their little deaf Sherpa boy can overcome all odds.

Stories for Children Editor, VS Grenier

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, September 8, 2009

By 

Anna (Kailua, HI and Warrenton, VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kami and the Yaks (Hardcover)

"Hail started to fall. Kami tried to run down the mountain, but the path was now icy with the frozen pebbles. The hail pelted his face, blurring the way." Set in the Himalaya Mountains, this story of courage and perseverance will linger with children as a message to never give up despite the obstacles that may lie ahead. This Schneider Family Award winning book tells the story of Kami, a deaf Sherpa boy living with his family in the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal. His family helps guide climbers up the Himalayan Mountain, and use Yaks to help carry trekking gear up the mountain. When Kami's father and brother cannot find the Yaks, he follows his instinct to find the Yaks. Vivid watercolors masterfully portray the violent mountain weather and terrain, and the sense of urgency of the story. Forks of lightning and blinding snow atop the mountain surround Kami on his search for his Yaks. The worry, determination, and fear depicted in the illustrations, coupled with the text will have readers routing for Kami to find his heard and stay safe on the journey. A special illustration is Kami using his body and gestures to communicate with his father and brother the word Yak. Kami and the Yaks is a picture book recommended for ages 4-8, but will be enjoyed by others equally as well for its universal message and beautiful illustrations. The reviewer feels the book most appropriate for ages 6-10 and above due to the topic and length of the story. The book has an interesting author's note about the Sherpa people, their life, and relationship with their Yaks. The author has portrayed an accurate and respectful depiction of the Sherpa life. The book serves not only as a multicultural book of interest but also one that includes a disability woven into the story as well. The quality of the book is to be commended. Kami and the Yaks is highly recommended by the reviewer as a story of a young deaf boy's courage set in a fascinating culture.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kami and the Yak, March 4, 2009

By 

Susan G. Beck (South Range, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kami and the Yaks (Hardcover)

Very lovely children's book, as promised. Illustrates some of the frustration of being a deaf child.