Where Is Tibet?: A Story in Tibetan and English

by Gina Halpern, Gina Halpern (Illustrator)

Overview

"Where is Tibet?" is really a way of asking "Where is happiness?" Gina Halpern's enchanting book takes children on a double journey: to a real country, and into their own hearts. Brilliantly illustrated with Tibetan images and colors, this sensitively rendered, cross-cultural book follows the search of a refugee Tibetan boy and girl for their native Himalayan land. The children could be two of the real exiled children now living in India and Nepal, but their search goes far beyond the geographical and personal. In Gina Halpern's hands, their quest becomes the universal search of all who seek a place of peace.

For ages 4 and up.

Note: Woven among its vivid illustrations, this book includes the simple, engaging story told in both English phrases and Tibetan script, along with the phonetic Tibetan pronunciation and English and Tibetan alphabets. It provides a wonderful opportunity for Tibetan and Western children alike to enjoy a multicultural experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781559393836
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	12/13/2011
Edition description:	2nd Edition
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Gina Halpern is an accomplished painter and sculptor based in the Boston area whose work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States. Where is Tibet? was inspired by her experiences trekking in the Himalayan mountains and living and teaching amoung Tibetan refugees in India. Halpern has a particular interest in the role of the creative arts in the healing process and is the executive director of a nonprofit organization called Healing Through Arts. As a teacher of fine arts, Halpern is deeply committed to helping her students find personal growth through creative expression.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Thoughtful—no other word more singularly suggests the author's effort in this lovely children's book."—Asian Reporter

Editorial Reviews

"Thoughtful—no other word more singularly suggests the author's effort in this lovely children's book."—Asian Reporter

From the Publisher

Gr 2-3-- A book that is so unfocused that it is impossible to tell exactly what it is trying to do or even be. Pema and Tashi are Tibetan children living in India. They ask their parents about their homeland, reject the map their father shows them, and set out to find it themselves. After several idiotic attempts, they find a man under a tree. ``In his hand are the moon and stars. So, up into the sky the children fly, to ask the moon . . . .'' They are sent back to the man, who tells them that Tibet is in their minds and hearts. Tacked on is the homily, ``May your heart be full of compassion. May your mind grow in wisdom.'' Incredibly, these children do not recognize ``the man'' as the current Dalai Lama. The bilingual text in English and Tibetan has a serviceable transliteration under the Tibetan script. It starts as a primer, but vocabulary quickly grows too complicated and a catechism question-and-answer element is often present. The attractive illustrations successfully combine line drawing, watercolor, and colored pencil; authentic clothing, cultural relics, and artistic conceits are beautifully detailed in both primary and pastel colors. Both alphabets are appended; they are well done but further confuse the intent of the volume as a whole. Where Is Tibet? is still a moot point. --John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library

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