All the Way to Lhasa: A Tale from Tibet

by Barbara Helen Berger

Book Overview

Known for her luminescent Grandfather Twilight, Barbara Helen Berger brings beauty and power to this memorable parable from Tibet. A young boy and his yak bravely overcome all odds to get to Lhasa, giving a wise and simple message that will inspire children of any age to dream and reach for a shining goal that may seem "very far."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399233873
• ISBN13: 9780399233876
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.1" x 11.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

a treasure

As a mother of a 2 year old who is half Tibetan, I am a ravenous consumer of children's books that relate to this culture. This is our most often read book in that collection! The simple, timeless message is presented so beautifully and in a way that is easily accessable to even very young children, yet profound enough to engage all readers. When we first started reading this book at night, my son began building "the Holy city of Lhasa" with legos and blocks and having his little people make the long journey there. It certainly has made an impact upon him!

Fabulous book

This is a gorgeous book, with a beautiful story. My 2 year old daughter wants to read it every single night.

This Tibetan loves this book

A beautifully illustrated book for children of all ages. My three year old and 1 yr. old both love it. The artwork is ethereal yet engaging. A must-have for any child's collection.

"Long ago in the land of Tibet..."

An old woman sitting by the side of the road first encounters a horse and rider. "How far is it to Lhasa?" "Very far," said the old woman, "you'll never make it there before night." The rider kicks his horse and gallops off toward the holy city. Next a boy walks by with his yak, "one foot in front of the other." "How far is it to Lhasa?" "Very far," said the old woman, "But you can make it there before night." And with a gentle tug, he and his yak continue on their way. They climb steep and windy slopes, cross raging rivers, and travel through a blinding blizzard on their arduous and dangerous journey, finally passing the fallen horse and rider. "He thought the dark would come and he would never make it to the holy city of Lhasa. But still the boy kept walking on and on with his steady yak, one foot in front of the other..." Barbara Helen Berger's engaging retelling of this Tibetan parable is filled with imagery and magic. Her gentle and eloquent text, with its simple and uplifting message of steady determination, begs to be read aloud and shared. But it's her stunning illustrations that really makes this picture book a stand out. Each dreamy and expressive spread delights the reader with rich, warm colors, eye-catching detail, and beautiful Tibetan symbols that are later explained in an informative and well researched Author's note. Together, word and art presents a captivating and evocative experience. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, All The Way To Lhasa works well with Don Brown's Far Beyond The Garden Gate as an introduction to Tibet's culture. "Then, in the last rays of the sun before night, he heard deep horns calling. He heard bells, si li li, and drums, dro lo lo. Emaho! He had made it-one foot in front of the other, all the way to the holy city of Lhasa."

You have to hold it in you hands

"All the Way to Lhasa" is sure to become another classic by Ms. Berger. It is sure to find its place beside "Grandfather Twilight". Words and text are harmonious and inseparable. You have to see the book. You have to hold it in you hands."All the Way to Lhasa" has a noteworthy quality other reviewers may overlook. The pictures are accurate in their details, accurate right down to the yak's nose ring, making the book a good introduction to Tibetan culture for young readers.