I enjoyed Khmers, Tigers and Talismans by Jewell Coburn. First, this Cambodian folktale (told in chapter book format) has believable and well developed characters. The author does a fantastic job of showing Jaya's growth from a little boy to a wise and revered king. For example, the story begins when Jaya saves a man by killing a tiger with crude weapons. As a child, Jaya is inquisitive but impulsive. However, by the end of the book, the author shows Jaya's transformation. Using his sharp mind and moral compass, Jaya frees the Cambodian people from their slavery to the Mekong. Watching Jaya's character growth definitely added to the reading experience.

Second, I enjoyed the descriptive writing style of this book. The author describes both the physical environment and the dramatic action in vivid detail. For example, Coburn writes, "deep within the steaming Cambodian jungle, behind a forbidding, vine covered wall, lies the magnificent, mysterious lost city of Angkor Thom. It stands majestic yet deserted at the end of a grand but decaying causeway bordered by terrifying stone creatures."

The author's "big picture" message is that all great leaders begin as simple children. Ultimately, the author's purpose is to inspire the reader to emulate Jaya's bravery, thoughtfulness and kindness. ( )