Barbara Helen Berger

Two young boys head to Llasa in this story based upon a traditional Tibetan parable, one astride his swift horse and the other slowly leading his yak. Both boys encounter an old woman by the side of the road, and ask how far it is to their destination. It is far, the woman tells them, going on to tell the swift rider he will never make it by nightfall, but telling the boy he will reach it that day. How can this be? It must certainly be a lesson about putting one foot in front of another, and carrying on...

Author/illustrator Barbara Helen Berger, the creator of many beautiful children's books, from the fantasy Gwinna, to the gorgeous Christmas picture book, The Donkey's Dream, here takes a parable she heard from Tibetan monk, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, and turns it into a lovely, contemplative story. The text is simple but engaging, with a deeply satisfying conclusion, while the accompanying artwork, created using acrylic, colored pencil and gouache on watercolor paper, is absolutely gorgeous. I loved the use of color and shape here, to beautifully depict the journey through mountainous Tibet to the holy city of Lhasa, I felt myself in accord with the message about steady effort oft-times yielding better results than rushing, and I appreciated the informative afterword from the author, with more information about Tibet. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, and to any picture book readers looking for stories with a Tibetan cultural background.… (more)

This is quite a special book, a quiet story of changing, of beauty, of remembering, and feeling at peace with yourself.

Grandfather Twilight lives in the forest. Every night he has a very special task before venturing out of his cottage to then return to his cottage and the gentle hush embracing all. Twilight is a special time, a time of quiet admiration of all surroundings as they change. His dog leads the way through the woods and they both walk to the special place, and of returning to his home.

Taking a key to open the wooden chest filled with many, many pearls, Grandfather Twilight takes one single pearl from the very large strand. Holding the round white pearl gently in his hand, he observes that the pearl expands to grow larger every step that they take.

This is a time of soft whispers, and bitty birds as they make welcoming soulful sounds. With every step he takes in the forest of twilight, he becomes more white and glimmering as together the pearl is surrounded with silence and peace as it is gently given to the sea. Then, the very bright pearl shines as a moon on the horizon. The waves gently lap on the sand as the light embraces them.

Peacefully, Grandfather Twilight has finished his task and he and the dog tenderly walk home to where the cat awaits them with an open door. And now, all are ready for bed and for the feeling of peaceful serenity.

This is a lovely book transforming the reader from the night to the gloaming of the sea, the sky, the path, and all who allow the peace to enter.

Four and 1/2 stars… (more)