Kami and the YaksBy Andrea Stenn Stryer
The award bestowed on this book is for best picture book exhibiting a disability. Kami, a Sherpa boy in the Himalaya, is deaf and helps his family by braving through treacherous weather to locate their lost yaks. Upon discovery of the yaks, he determines that one of their legs is stuck between two heavy rocks. When Kami courageously makes it back to his family, he manages to communicate the problem by gestures. The family accompanies Kami to rescue the yaks and they are very appreciative. What surprised me in this book is that he uses no formal sign language to communicate considering the boy’s age. I did like the way the author so vividly depicted the harsh environment of the Himalayas. The author's note about the culture at the end of the book will be a valuable tool to explain Sherpas. However, information about hearing impairment in another culture would have been additional bonus! Overall, this is a great story on persistence and bravery. I think children will recognize Kami’s frustration and appreciate his perseverance, courage and success. This also is an amazing teaching tool to illustrate that we ALL have something to contribute in this world.
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