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The Mountains of Tibet
After dying, a Tibetan woodcutter is given the choice of going to heaven or to live another life anywhere in the universe.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
7 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Mordicai Gerstein
101 books72 followersMordicai Gerstein was an American artist, writer, and film director, best known for illustrating and writing children's books. He illustrated the comic mystery fiction series Something Queer is Going On.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 24, 2016
I'm really not sure who this book is for or what I thought of it.
Probably it is not the best introduction for a child who has not already been introduced to the ideas of death and reincarnation. This is a very specific concept of reincarnation, too, which is not the same as many people's belief concerning how reincarnation works.
After living all his life in one spot, an old man dies (peacefully, I guess; it is glossed over) and finds himself floating in the cosmos where he must choose whether or not to be reincarnated and if so, where and how. He doesn't get specifics to choose from, though, just colors and lights to which he is drawn. I wasn't sure what the point was in making him decide to return to exactly where he was in his first life: we get what we ask for? (seems to kind of imply that if your life sucks it is your fault for choosing it.) We are stuck in patterns are repeat them? Things are fine the way they are?
The illustrations were pleasant, especially the ones of the kids flying kites. Cosmic whirligigs aren't really my thing.
Not really my thing, I guess, overall. ymmv.
Probably it is not the best introduction for a child who has not already been introduced to the ideas of death and reincarnation. This is a very specific concept of reincarnation, too, which is not the same as many people's belief concerning how reincarnation works.
After living all his life in one spot, an old man dies (peacefully, I guess; it is glossed over) and finds himself floating in the cosmos where he must choose whether or not to be reincarnated and if so, where and how. He doesn't get specifics to choose from, though, just colors and lights to which he is drawn. I wasn't sure what the point was in making him decide to return to exactly where he was in his first life: we get what we ask for? (seems to kind of imply that if your life sucks it is your fault for choosing it.) We are stuck in patterns are repeat them? Things are fine the way they are?
The illustrations were pleasant, especially the ones of the kids flying kites. Cosmic whirligigs aren't really my thing.
Not really my thing, I guess, overall. ymmv.
March 30, 2008
I'm obsessed with children's literature - I think I'm secretly convinced that all the wisdom a person acquires in one's life is absorbed by the age of 9, after which point it's all testing things out and getting hurt and excited and disappointed and reinspired...I'm not sure that I ever had such an uncluttered view of the universe and the infinite as I did when I was 6 or 7 years old.
This book, along with many others, appeals to that capacity that children have for gentle wisdom and universals. Beautifully illustrated and with both cultural information and a general sort of appeal - it's a favorite, for sure.
This book, along with many others, appeals to that capacity that children have for gentle wisdom and universals. Beautifully illustrated and with both cultural information and a general sort of appeal - it's a favorite, for sure.
March 9, 2017
Written as an interpretation of sorts of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, Gerstein's picturebook in a warm, wonderful narrative about the cycle of life and death. It beautifully illustrates the idea of our consciousnesses journey through many lives from the perspective of a young boy who wishes to see the world. Although the narrative is well written, for me, it is Gerstein's watercolors and gouache illustrations that strike home the welcome warmth that comes with the message that we are all part of the same thing and that we have nothing to fear as we leave one life for another.
December 28, 2021
5yo found this too predictable to engage her imagination.
May 2, 2018
The Mountains of Tibet is a charming story of the life of a young boy in Tibet who grows to old age, dies and what his experience is after he dies. The story doesn't take the paths that I thought it would and I don't want to give it away. What I will say is that throughout his life, the man tells of the same goals he's had but doesn't reach. When he is given the opportunity to pursue them in his next life, he makes a surprisingly different decision about not only where he will come back but also how.
There is a note at the end of the book that tells of the author and illustrator creating this book after he read the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The Mountains of Tibet is a great story in and of itself but furthermore, it is a nice introduction to the complexities of the teachings and understandings people have of reincarnation.
Earlier this year our family experienced the loss of our beloved Johnny Cat. He was eighteen years old and while his death was expected in the not too distant future, his illness and passing were very sudden - less than 24 hours from a dramatic turn for the worst until his passing. As a small family from a small family, Johnny Cat's death was only the third death of a close friend or family member my children had experienced. In the time since his passing, we've had a lot of discussions about death and what happens after death, including interesting long discussions about reincarnation and the afterlife.
My children, especially my youngest (who is now 18 years old and on the Autism Spectrum) has always had an intense curiosity about diverse topics. When the curiosity bug bites, the world must stop and as much information as possible must be pursued until its thirst is quenched. Sometimes, a little bit will do it, more often though, a full-blown nearly encyclopedic knowledge of a topic or item will need to be amassed before anything else new can be approached. This book satisfied what was needed at the time but also opened the door to further study because it was ankle deep wade into reincarnation beliefs instead of just a toe dipping experience.
I would recommend not waiting until questions come up about diverse cultures and beliefs before checking out books like The Mountains of Tibet. The sooner and more often that children learn about and are exposed to people, cultures and beliefs that are different from their own, the sooner they can realize that we are all part of one human race, one family on this amazing planet and that we are all interesting, valuable and have interesting contributions to make life better for everyone.
There is a note at the end of the book that tells of the author and illustrator creating this book after he read the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The Mountains of Tibet is a great story in and of itself but furthermore, it is a nice introduction to the complexities of the teachings and understandings people have of reincarnation.
Earlier this year our family experienced the loss of our beloved Johnny Cat. He was eighteen years old and while his death was expected in the not too distant future, his illness and passing were very sudden - less than 24 hours from a dramatic turn for the worst until his passing. As a small family from a small family, Johnny Cat's death was only the third death of a close friend or family member my children had experienced. In the time since his passing, we've had a lot of discussions about death and what happens after death, including interesting long discussions about reincarnation and the afterlife.
My children, especially my youngest (who is now 18 years old and on the Autism Spectrum) has always had an intense curiosity about diverse topics. When the curiosity bug bites, the world must stop and as much information as possible must be pursued until its thirst is quenched. Sometimes, a little bit will do it, more often though, a full-blown nearly encyclopedic knowledge of a topic or item will need to be amassed before anything else new can be approached. This book satisfied what was needed at the time but also opened the door to further study because it was ankle deep wade into reincarnation beliefs instead of just a toe dipping experience.
I would recommend not waiting until questions come up about diverse cultures and beliefs before checking out books like The Mountains of Tibet. The sooner and more often that children learn about and are exposed to people, cultures and beliefs that are different from their own, the sooner they can realize that we are all part of one human race, one family on this amazing planet and that we are all interesting, valuable and have interesting contributions to make life better for everyone.
January 21, 2014
This is a story about life after death, reincarnation. It goes through the life of a boy flying a kite, then grows up into an adult and grown old in his village where he then dies. The story continues by giving the man options of what he who/what he would like to be in his next life. Each page has beautiful pictures depicting the words to draw attention to the beauty in life.
I think this is a good book to use for children when in RE or PHSCE when discussing life after death or when dealing with sensitive topics such as death. The story told makes the reader see how the character lived a happy life and had choices for he wanted to come back as. This can be comforting to know as it allows children to understand that although death causes sadness, it’s not all bad thereafter.
This book can also be used to discuss the stages of life and stages of growing up. Children can recall what they did when they were younger, or choose a defining moment of themselves now and then follow through by writing about what they would like to be when they are older. This allows children to have high aspirations and think about their future. They could create their own little books with their own illustrations (incorporating ICT or Art).
I think this is a good book to use for children when in RE or PHSCE when discussing life after death or when dealing with sensitive topics such as death. The story told makes the reader see how the character lived a happy life and had choices for he wanted to come back as. This can be comforting to know as it allows children to understand that although death causes sadness, it’s not all bad thereafter.
This book can also be used to discuss the stages of life and stages of growing up. Children can recall what they did when they were younger, or choose a defining moment of themselves now and then follow through by writing about what they would like to be when they are older. This allows children to have high aspirations and think about their future. They could create their own little books with their own illustrations (incorporating ICT or Art).
February 26, 2008
An excellent introduction to the Buddhist concept of reincarnation. The author wrote the story based on his reading of the Tibetan Book of the Dead and designed the intricate water color pictures after traditional Tibetan artwork.
February 19, 2009
This deceptively simple book explores questions about choices, life, death, and how we are all people.
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October 13, 2016Sweet, short children's book that covers the concept of reincarnation.
October 19, 2016
Moved me to tears. Amazing message
September 25, 2018
I read this book as a child, and it still resonates with me to this day....more than twenty years later. Beautiful story and artwork
October 18, 2019
The artwork and story meld so beautifully in this story in folk tale style of a Tibetan man, which really is a story about Tibetan Buddhist beliefs in death, reincarnation, in how to live a good life while embodied, and more. It is truly exquisite and accessible. I feel many adults should read this book as their introduction to another belief system and culture. There is delightful simplicity yet depth, clarity though complexity, and balance achieved that is difficult to imagine.
Gerstein's works continue to surprise me through such mastery of craft to offer this - another book of entirely different style, once again, to that of his other books. He seems to have never feared his place in picture books, to create in the most appropriate styles for each story that called him to explore and write/make visual art.
Gerstein's works continue to surprise me through such mastery of craft to offer this - another book of entirely different style, once again, to that of his other books. He seems to have never feared his place in picture books, to create in the most appropriate styles for each story that called him to explore and write/make visual art.
January 22, 2025
I know this is supposed to be about reincarnation and the Tibetan Book of the Dead, but taken purely poetically and not spiritually, I thought it was a lovely accounting of energy being conserved and redirected. You know how people in a thrift shop can critically assess a shabby old sweater and turn it into the most chic pair of mittens? I felt as though the woodcutter here did that with his soul. So so stirring and evocative. Though I think adults may like this more than kids, I do believe that the message can benefit anyone. Each circular drawing felt symbolic and raucous and joyful, like a Talking Heads heyday performance. This felt like The Alchemist, abbreviated and Asian-themed. Gorgeous.
March 28, 2024
My mom read this to me when I was 5. I am 40 now and can distinctly remember the story and the images. It had a profound impact on me and I definitely understood it as a child. It alleviated a lot of FOMO anxiety for me, especially with regard to experiences I could not have in this life, being a girl. I remember thinking how I’d like to try out being a boy. And decided, I could wait until the next life. :)
July 27, 2018
A woodcutter lives in the mountains of Tibet, wishing that he could travel and see the world. Instead, he marries, has children and dies an old man, satisfied with his life. But the book does not end there...we see him float in the cosmos and decide how he shall spend his next life. In another galaxy? On another planet? Or will a choose the familiarity of home?
December 12, 2020
The illustrations are as beautiful and intriguing as the story. A review of the philosophy in this story by the late American philosopher Gareth B. Matthews is provided by the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children at https://www.montclair.edu/iapc/review...
January 16, 2025
I know that this is supposed to be peaceful - and maybe it is for some folks. But, for me, I was left in a state of unease that the woodcutter chose the same path he had already walked. IDK if it is a message about home or fate but I am left thinking about it and for that, 4 stars.
August 22, 2018
A good book to introduce kids to the idea of reincarnation.
September 14, 2018
An absolute joy to read!
March 13, 2019
A beautiful tiny read for children, there is something poignant and humbling about its outcome. The pictures are exquisite.
July 21, 2020
Another lovely read with our spiritual practices group, such beautiful illustrations!
August 3, 2020
A charming story about reincarnation. My child and I both enjoyed it.
March 15, 2021
How beautiful!
May 23, 2022
Hmm, pretty deep...
September 19, 2022
Beautiful
Want to read
November 8, 2024Wonderful story.
September 15, 2025
Not sure it's a kids book
Deals with Reincarnation
Deals with Reincarnation
January 8, 2026
Probably the most influential book I've read. Not sure who bought it for me as a kid but I am very thankful.
October 1, 2015
The art is wonderful, particularly in the later pages, when the focus is on the creatures and people inhabiting earth.
The story is a bit more difficult to wrap my head around. It ends as though it is trying--in the conventional style of American children's books--to make a moralistic point. I think the author and publisher believe there is a point: but the story doesn't really build to or justify the ending.
There seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the Tibetan tradition which inspired the story and the structure in which it is expressed here. The choices here are not really ones we get to make in our own life--they are on a vaster, more cosmic dimension--and the narrative never really deals with that.
Odd.
The story is a bit more difficult to wrap my head around. It ends as though it is trying--in the conventional style of American children's books--to make a moralistic point. I think the author and publisher believe there is a point: but the story doesn't really build to or justify the ending.
There seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the Tibetan tradition which inspired the story and the structure in which it is expressed here. The choices here are not really ones we get to make in our own life--they are on a vaster, more cosmic dimension--and the narrative never really deals with that.
Odd.
May 16, 2015
This multicultural and inspiration book about life and death tells the story of a boy who was born high up in the mountains of Tibet and he loved to fly kites. The story continues to tell the story of his life up until his death. Kind of like what we see what happens when we die. But also this story is about reincarnation.
Great for kids who wonder what happens when we pass away.
Great for 1st-2nd graders
Great for kids who wonder what happens when we pass away.
Great for 1st-2nd graders
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews