The charm of the Himalayan mountain folk living near Mount Everest, Nepal, is brought to life for young readers.
In Nepali Sherpa culture, the protector Khumbila journeys from the heights of the solar system to the momo dumplings served in a cottage kitchen. Buddhist monks, yaks, naks, and chants are featured under the planets. Detailed illustrations in traditional Tibetan style reveal landscapes, dress, and customs that combine magnificence with spirituality.
Sherpa Bel Air follows the pattern of all books in Folkerts' series "Rural Life Around the World" showing contemporary rural life and traditions: it is a visual gem, both entertaining and educational. A poetic story integrated with colorful illustrations, all carefully researched, enables young children, parents, and teachers to discover a unique cultural geography. Come and sense the sounds, aromas, visual details, and emotions of people with whom you have more in common than you thought. A picture glossary is available at the back.
Author Elena Folkerts is a Montessori practitioner on three continents and creator of the "Rural Life Around the World" cultural picture book series. Illustrator Demi is an award-winning illustrator of picture books featuring historical characters.
Book Review 1: "A hauntingly beautiful and deeply spiritual story from the Everest region of Nepal, a country that has for 60 years had a close connection with New Zealand through the exploits of Sir Edmund Hilary and Tensing Norgay. The traditional art form, ilustrated from a highly coloured palette, add a luminescent beauty to the book." -- John McIntyre, Radio NZ National, New Zealand
Book Review 2: "What a magical journey I have just traveled. Through the keen, joyful eyes of Khumbila, I was transported to the enchanting land of Sherpa Bel Air. What wonders I saw! When I begrudgingly returned home, I wanted to learn so much more about the Sherpa people their traditions, beliefs, and their way of life. The rich colors, designs, details, images fed my soul and my spirit soared. Truly if children, in fact all people, could come to appreciate the richness of other cultures in such an engaging manner and celebrate our differences, peace could be possible. A vital and joyful work." --Judi Bauerlein, American Montessori Society
Book Review 3: "I love this book. It combines authenticity with style, scholarship with art, and reality with folklore. The art conveys much of the Sherpa experience and the words are poetic and relevant." -- Norbu Tenzing Norgay