Customer Reviews

Kami and the Yaks

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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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

"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.

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

I get A LOT of books from the library to read to my son. I can say that I can't see how some actually get published. This one is a truly wonderful exception. The pictures are beautiful. It is well-written, and it is a wonderful story. I can't recommend this more. It teaches about culture as well as being able to overcome any perceived disadvantage. A similar book for adults is Touch the Top of the World by Eric Weihenmayer who climbed Everest blind-one of the best books I have ever read. Both books are very inspiring. Happy reading!