The photographs--- of temple life, trader culture, and elaborate ceremonies--- are really the focal point of this book. They are truly stunning and give us a glimpse of a culture that is indeed vanishing. The prose is simple and explanatory, allowing young readers a chance to learn about a truly unique culture. Perhaps most interesting is the About This Book section detailing how the author came to write the book: he was sick and starving in a tent in the Himalayas during a storm when two traders unzipped it looking for shelter. It's a remarkable story about the bonds forged among strangers and the brotherhood we all share as members of the human race. ( )

not enough pictures. uninteresting writing. too much writing. something wrong here. good idea needs to be reworked. ( )

The Vanishing Culture series is one of the best teacher resources I have found in a very long time. Beautifully illustrated and crafted stories immediately engage the students as they get to know a family in the vanishing culture. I have used the books to explore fundamental needs and to inspire critical thinking by comparing cultures. Participants also engage in problem solving as we discuss what we can learn about sustainability from these ancient cultures. They have also been a wonderful resource for both physical and political geography since cultures are represented in varied continents and biomes and inspire contrasts such as the mountains of Nepal to the arid country of outback Australia. There is no better way to bring a culture to life than stories about real people. Each of these books has two - a story of a family beginning with earlier generations and the story of the author's journey into the focus culture.

In Himalayas, Jan Reynolds introduces us to Yangshi and the reader follows her week as she goes to the markets, does her chores, plays, worships and celebrates.

"Photographs and text describe the customs and day-to-day life of a family living in the Himalaya Mountains."