Tashi and the Tibetan Flower Cure

"The softly brushed paintings have a naïve, self-tutored look, but suit the text's homespun tone. The story, outwardly realistic, turns on two charming ideas: that of a child using ancient wisdom to restore the health of a relative, and that of a sterile American suburb becoming as close-knit as a Tibetan village."

"A heartwarming picture book presents age-old Tibetan medical traditions with a modern, positive, community-based twist.

Painterly acrylic-on-canvas illustrations incorporate traditional Tibetan objects such as prayer flags and thangkas, sacred wall hangings, into a modern-day setting, providing a colorful window into both cultures. Additional Tibetan elements, such as Tibetan words and phrases, are sprinkled throughout and are further explained in a brief note on Tibetan-Americans at the end of the text.

An uplifting and informative peek into traditional Tibetan medicine through the lens of a modern Tibetan-American family."

"With a blend of detail and expressionism, the rich, jewel-toned paintings do a wonderful job of supplementing the text. The emotions Tashi feels–hope, discouragement, worry, and joy–are shown not just on her face but through her whole body as well. This heartwarming story is full of details and images that show what life might be like for a Tibetan-American child. Any second- or third-generation immigrant family will relate to the blending of two cultures, and all readers will relate to Tashi's concern, fear, and desire to help."

"Tashi's narrative flows smoothly, gracefully introducing Tibetan words and customs. . . [T]he portraits of Tashi and Popola successfully convey their loving relationship. An excellent supplement for multicultural and family studies, this upbeat story provides a rare look at Tibetan American culture. Appended notes add additional cultural insight and a list of Tibetan words used in the story."