This new children’s book will introduce young readers in the city to Tibetan daily life, its stunning art, food, and language
The book introduces readers to the Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Pics and Illustrations Courtesy/NIYOGI BOOKS 2025
Jordan Quill’s children’s book Karma and the Snow Lion (Niyogi Books) begins with Karma — a young pashmina goat — relishing his mother’s momos and subsequently falling asleep. In his dream, he meets a giant snow lion with mint green eyes, who educates him about his ancestors from Changthang, Tibet, and his language. Among other things, he narrates how the Pashmina fibres from the soft hair of pashmina goats travel from Tibet to Kashmir, where they are woven into the most delicate shawls.
Karma and the Snow Lion features pashmina goats
Quill’s research as a scholar of the Tibetan region, especially of its arts and textiles, helps young readers understand the nuances of a lesser-known culture. The choice of the snow lion, a symbol that represents protection of Tibet, is clever. Quill also leaves glossary notes about the terms of endearment and common greetings.
For instance, we learn that “Tashi Delek” is a way of saying hello. Meanwhile, the snow lion teaches us that “Tashi Par Shok” is what we say when we want to wish goodbye. By making use of the script in several parts of the book, Quill draws our attention to what Tibetan, an endangered language today, looks like on paper. It is his small gesture towards its preservation.
Jordan Quill
His collaboration with Mitthu and Sonam Lama Tamang, two traditional Thangka painters, adds depth and character to the Himalayan landscape, the snow lion, and the goat. Thangka has been an art form most closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism, often used to depict deities and mandalas. This is reflected in the little details added by the thangka painters.
Mitthu and Sonam Lama Tamang
For example, Karma’s mother’s earrings, their house in the book, the furniture inside it, and the mani stones (a form of prayer and meditation for Buddhists) — all bear colours of the Tibetan Buddhist prayer flag. A special feature of the book is the inclusion of a page containing a sample of a splendid design from a pashmina shawl.
Cost Rs 395
Available Leading bookstores and e-stores
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