TIBETAN TALES FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD

Rose’s follow-up to Tibetan Tales for Little Buddhas (2004) features three more traditional tales. In the first, generations have passed down stories of the savagery of the people of Varasi. Prince Jampa thinks he’s discovered their plot, so he sets out on a preemptive invasion. When he arrives at the palace, Jampa gets a surprise. In the next, Sonam, a reclusive nun, is accused of stealing. She’s innocent, but she learns a lesson about the implications of her past crimes thanks to a helpful monkey. And finally Tashi finds a lake full of gold nuggets. The wise, fearsome guardian goddess lets him take one nugget. Wiley Tashi takes his father back to get his one nugget. The two plan to take the whole family, but instead learn money doesn’t buy happiness and sharing is a reward unto itself. The paintings are bright and their subjects expressive, if a bit stiff. Although the preface and forward from Richard Gere and the Dalai Lama, respectively, have a regrettably throwaway feel, these three moralistic tales presented in both English and Tibetan is a good addition to large folklore collections. (Picture book/folklore. 5-10)