Synopsis
"You must not use the mountain road."
"We know no other way," the girl told him.
"Perhaps not, but moon does," answered Tenzin. He knelt down to stroke the long hair from the little dog's eyes.
"Take them. Show them the way."
A young monk is moved by the bravery of two children journeying alone to the freedom of Nepal. He offers what help he can--a hot bowl of soup, a warm bed for the night--but he realizes their best chance lies with Moon. She is the little dog who knows the unguarded paths out of the mountains, the very dog who will leave an ache in his heart when she goes.
This story was inspired by the sacrifice and courage of those who struggle to be free. It is not uncommon in Tibet for parents to send their children into the treks through the mountains in the hope they will find refuge in Nepal. During the winter when the passes are not heavily guarded, the bitter cold is considered a smaller threat than remaining at home. Many such children have made it, many have turned back, many more have simply disappeared.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 5-Moon, a Tibetan terrier, lives in a monastery in Tibet, where he is the constant companion of Tenzin, the youngest monk, until two cold and hungry children arrive at the door. They are attempting to cross the mountains to freedom in Nepal, traveling in winter when the passes are not as closely guarded. Their mother has given them a prayer flag to fly when they reach their destination, so her prayers will return to her, a reassurance of their safety. To her gift, Tenzin adds another-the surefooted navigator, Moon. Listeners will wonder with the young monk about the destiny of the children and the hope of seeing Moon again-and they will not be disappointed. An author's note confirms that the story is based on the very real risks undertaken by families set on freedom. Illustration and text work together to create, by turn, peace, mystery, and drama. Fernandez and Jacobson favor high contrast lighting whether painting sweeping icy-blue mountain panoramas or close-ups of firelit faces. Younger children will gain insight into the culture by hearing Lois Raimondo's The Little Lama of Tibet (Scholastic, 1994). Older children could probe the cultural and political milieu with Peter S's's Tibet: Through the Red Box (Farrar, 1998). This quietly provocative story of courage, faith, and kindness is sure to raise awareness regarding the reality of life in a restricted society.-Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.