Lucky Baby Yak by Helen Manos & Max Maxfield

'Dedicated to refugees everywhere and in particular to Tibetans', this compelling picture book will bring tears to your eyes. It tells the story of a group of nomads whose animals are stolen by soldiers who have come to 'liberate' them from their old way of life.

Using Lucky Baby Yak, the first yak born that summer, as a focal point, Helen Manos vividly describes the nomads' way of life and its destruction through the eyes of sister and brother, Pema and Tenzin. She softens the trauma of the invasion by giving the reader a glimpse of the humanity of one young boy soldier. The author has spent time working with Tibetan refugees in the lower Himalayas and her deep regard for them comes through in this story.

The intense colours of Max Maxfield's illustrations bring to life the joy of a nomadic childhood, and the terror of having possession stolen and lives threatened by the soldiers.

This is a challenging picture book that confronts and makes accessible issues that are not normally available to younger children.

Themes: Refugees, Tibet, Courage.

Pat Pledger