The littlest yak Home is where the herd is

PreS-Gr 2--It takes a remarkable book to immerse readers so completely that they actually feel a part of the world on the page. The Littlest Yak does that and then some, the lovely illustrations whisking readers away to the snowcapped mountains. The glowing snow is beautiful, and the wintery mountains are filled with thick-furred yaks with wide eyes and adorable noses, just screaming to be cuddled. Aside from the adorable illustrations, the rhyming text already feels like a recited classic. Tiny yak Gertie has a crisis when her herd migrates to a new mountain. She's sentimental about her (admittedly inviting) cave of hoarded treasures. While it's fun to spot what silly things are nestled among her belongings, Gertie soon learns that focusing on your belongings distracts from the most important parts of life. This is a tale about learning the true meaning of home--it's not the stuff you have, it's the people around you. VERDICT A warm hug of a story, perfect for snuggly group reads for all ages.

A yak learns an important life lesson. Gertie's mother tells her that their yak herd must move because the weather on the mountain where they reside has gotten too warm. This news unsettles Gertie because all her favorite belongings are right here. Mummy sagely tells her, "A home is muchmore than the things that you pack." But a skeptical Gertie is determined to cram every item she owns onto her sled, including books, pine cones, skis, jump rope, photos, and her second-best hat. Mummy tells Gertie that no matter what, they must remember to take Dot, Gertie's baby sister. At last, Mummy gives the order for the herd to leave. Gertie stops to pick up more pine cones. Unbeknownst to her, one of these stopovers results in Dot plopping off the sled and rolling away! When Gertie realizes what's happened, she's distraught. Fortunately, Granny Yak soon comes along and assures Gertie that all's well: She found Dot, who's now safe. Gertie, understandably relieved, is finally convinced that mere things don't make home a home--family does. This U.K. import, told in lyrical, bouncy verse, is a lovely story with a simple yet uplifting, empowering message that will resonate with readers. The lively illustrations, rendered in pencil and ink and colored digitally, are crisp and clear, like cold mountain air. Gertie and tiny moon-eyed Dot are adorable. Note the striking patterns on the yaks' hats, blankets, and elsewhere. Children will enjoy trekking along and sharing adventures with this herd.(Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.