About the Book
Clear Sky, Red Earth is a story born from the real-life experience of Tenzin Norbu, the oral and written history of Dolpo and the kingdom of Lo (Mustang), both culturally Tibetan regions of northern Nepal, and from the imaginations of author and illustrator, friends who share a love for this region’s history and culture, as well as for storytelling. Clear Sky, Red Earth is intended for readers ages 7-12, but can also be enjoyed by big kids!
From the backcover
Clear sky, Red Earth: A Himalayan Story tells of life in the remote Himalayan region of Dolpo, on Nepal's border with Tibet, through the eyes of Namsel Wangmo, a young girl who grows up to become a great painter about 8oo years ago.
As the story opens, Namsel is learning to draw. She spends many hours daydreaming and making pictures as she tends her family's flock of sheep and goats in her high mountain home. After her grandfather dies, she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, to help take care of her grandmother. Her uncle is a famous painter. Upon discovering Namsel's talent, her uncle begins to teach her to paint. She becomes his apprentice. So begins a life of travel and adventure for this young village girl...
"Clear Sky, Red Earth is engaging and joyful, full of gentle humor and cultural insight, not to mention a small dose of feminine victory: after all, the protagonist is a young woman."
– Mark Turin, The Nepali Times