The Yeti and the Jolly Lama: A Tale of Friendship

PreS-Gr 1–In the distant Himalayas, a village is terrorized by a yeti. Then an enlightened lama comes to town, and as he “feared no harm” because he wished “harm to no one,” he is able to befriend the hulking creature. From then on, the elderly man’s peaceful influence spreads, and together they grow more content through their work and meditation. Eventually even the villagers accept the yeti. With the initial “gather around,” Das, an American-born Tibetan lama, establishes his narrative’s roots; this book was inspired by a Tibetan teaching story. Lessons are naturally woven into the narrative. The accessible, appealing, funny tale focuses on friendship and goodwill, rather than on the specifics of achieving enlightenment, or how this ties into the Buddhist faith. For those curious about lamas and yetis, there is some information contained in an author’s note. The illustrations, with their soft palette and roundish designs, provide the same warm, glowing feeling as the tone.