Tenzin's Deer

Tibetan medicine student Barbara Soros presents Tenzin's Deer, a children's picturebook grounded in traditional Tibetan culture. A young boy named Tenzin is born beneath a shining comet, and holds the collective wisdom of many generations within him. He is kind toward both people and animals; when he discovers a wounded musk deer, his compassion leads him to take it home and try to heal it. He names the deer Jampa, "loving kindness"; while he sleeps, a dream reveals to him how to help Jampa get better. As Jampa gradually recovers, Tenzin must learn his most important lesson of all: how to let go of what he loves. The gentle color illustrations add the perfect touch to this fable, which features fairly involved text and is ideal for young readers almost ready to make the transition to chapter books.

Tenzin's Deer is an exceptional book for children. It is poetically written, with enriched language. This is a relief as illustrated books often tend towards overly simple language. It illustrates compassion and trust in inner gudance. It illustrates generosity of spirit and the ethics of love. It gives clues to a culture based on kindness and goodwill. How could a child not benefit from such a story. The illustrations are exceptional and match the text in beauty and meaning.

i also, like the previous reviewer, like this book for the children i love (all children) - i think it is actually important for children to learn that not all children in the world are christian, and that they can still identify with them

This wonderful story weaves together many spiritual, ethical and human truths. Unlike the above reviewer, as a practicing Jew, I have absolutely no problems with this book. It is a fabulous story of compassion and openning the heart and spirit to our world. I am a published children's author and am used to discussing books with small people. I had a wonderfully rewarding experience reading this with my 4 1/2 year old daughter. This book is terrific and shows how art can open the heart. The art work itself is also beautiful. I initially borrowed the book from the library and just had to have it. It's only happened once before.

I thought this might be a bit too old for my 5-year-old, and there are some parts he doesn't "get". But it is a wonderful story of a compassionate boy who cares for a deer, and my son gets that part. As a practicing Christian, I don't agree with everything the books says, but the caring and gentleness of this boy are traits I want my son to identify with. We both love the artwork. The book has been a wonderful opportunity to discuss other countries. I got it from the library originally, but I have bought it to keep.