Kami and the Yaks (Paperback)

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

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 4-8
  
• 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: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,088,637 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	V. S. Grenier "Stories for Children Magazine ... (Ivins, Utah USA) - See all my reviews (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

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)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book and a wonderful addition to your library, February 27, 2009

By	Natalie Hudson "mom to Aidan" (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

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!