Tashi Lost in the City Book

Adventurous little Tashi braves the perils of the big city when he and Grandma find themselves lost and far from their village in the 11th installment in the well-established Tashi series. Young Tashi fans will cheer for their hero as he takes on a one-eyed kidnapper, bungling brigands, and other perils in the bustling marketplace. Along with the tales of derring-do, Tashi adventures are filled with themes of bravery, ingenuity, and loyalty.

Children's Literature

Judging by the numerous titles (13) listed on the inside front cover, this latest Australian import of Tashi's adventures must be very popular with children down under. All of the books are part of the "Australian Easy-to-Read" series. The story centers around a boy named Jack and his friend, a gnome named Tashi. While trapped in an elevator, or lift, as it is know in Australia, Tashi relates more of his wild adventures to Jack. On a trip to the city with his grandma, Tashi becomes separated from her. He is captured and put into a cellar, where a boy tearfully tells him that they are to be sold to work in a salt mine. Tashi is having none of that, so he manages an escape by setting a fire in the basement. After being reunited with Grandma, they are kidnapped on the way home by two bandits named Fearless and Ferocious. Clever Tashi again manages to outwit these fellows and get safely home. Almost every page contains a black and white pencil drawing that effectively captures the quirky humor and nonstop action of this lively tale. While enjoyable, this is not recommended as a first purchase for American collections.