The Chiru of High Tibet

Title: The Chiru of High Tibet

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Linda Wingerter

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Publication Year: 2012

Professional Source: Junior Library Guild

Genre (and subcategory, if appropriate): Nonfiction Picture Book

Audience: Children

Awards: Black Eyed Susan Book Awards

Critical Response:

The Chiru of High Tibet is a true story about four men on a quest to save a dying species of animal, the Chiru. Through a poetic style and beautiful illustrations, the book describes a difficult journey by turning it into a tale of heroism. This story is geared towards informing children of the lengths a group of men were willing to go to save an endangered creature—a noble cause—and manages to do so without being boring or preachy.

The illustrations are also highly pleasing to the eye. The painted art style combined with the bright, vibrant colors makes for images that highlight the natural beauty of the landscape. The illustrator favored using lots of pale blue and purple hues, calming colors. This corresponds with the fact that the story takes place in the snowy mountains and glaciers, but they also correspond with the tranquility of the area. The four men on the expedition were likely the only humans for miles. Plus, the illustrator wants the readers to think of and experience the beauty of the Tibetan landscape in a similar way the scientists did. This is evident in the tone of admiration that the author uses when introducing the leader of the expedition, George Schaller, saying that when he was a boy he had “read books about Tibet and imagined himself on the high planes.” (11) Like many of the readers that will read this book ,Schaller had a dream.

The story aims to provide readers with an enjoyable tale of perseverance, but it has its teaching moments as well. The story also provided a subtle commentary on the act of poaching and the importance of putting an end to it: “George Schaller wrote, “Wearing a shahtoosh shawl is the same as wearing three to five dead chiru.” (13) The book itself does not give much information about how to help end poaching, but the inclusion of the subject could be enough to get readers to find out for themselves. In addition, basic facts about the chiru and the men that searched for them are placed neatly in boxes set in the corners of some of the illustrations—facts like: “From hoof to shoulder, chiru are about as tall as baseball bats.” (6) It gives readers the opportunity to learn little things about an animal they have likely never heard of before. In addition to the small facts, there is also a short section after the story has ended that gives more details about the expedition. Including real pictures! It reminds the readers that this was a very serious expedition. These men could have died on those mountains, and realizing that gives readers a greater appreciation for the expedition itself. While reading this book, children and adults also get a small window into the country of Tibet, where the story is set. The first page gives details about the country, while the rest of the story informs readers of its landscape (in the wilderness, at least). This could potentially spark an interest in learning more about the country later.