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Junga the Dancing Yeti
When a young yeti boy and his grandma go on a journey to find a safe place to live for the winter, the locals of the new mountain discriminate and treat them harshly. Junga has to learn to be brave and convince his captors that he and Grandma mean no harm to them and hope that he can be reunited with his grandma.Children learn the importance of accepting others who may look different from them and that it is not right to discriminate in this first release from the series. Future books include other anti-bullying topics in which children learn valuable and relevant lessons in an easy to understand story format with beautiful illustrations and lovable characters.Anti-Bullying advocate, actor and talk show host Stephen Tako is the author of this book and Peter Gullerud known for his work on Disney's® Aladdin and The Little Mermaid brings the characters to life with his brilliant illustrations.
32 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2018
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 1, 2022
My thanks to Booktasters and author Stephen Tako for a review copy of this book.
Junga the Dancing Yeti is a delightful and sweet picture book which both gives readers an enjoyable story and conveys an important message about difference and understanding—one relevant not only for its intended readers but adults as well.
In Junga the Dancing Yeti, which appears to be the first of a series (there is a second book listed on Goodreads), we meet Junga, a little yeti, who lives with his parents, older brother, sissy and grandma in the frozen mountains. The snow protects the family from danger, but unlike the rest of his family, Junga feels cold when the weather is extreme, and begins to jump about—dance—to keep warm! His brother and sissy find this strange but his mother likes his unique dance! Since he finds the weather hard to adjust to, Grandma decides to take him to warmer climes for the winter. So, Junga and Grandma begin their journey, traveling by ship till they reach an open mountain space which seems perfect. Junga is excited at the prospect of a new home and new friends (who Grandma tells him will be different from themselves). But just as Grandma and he begin to look for a cave to live in, they are captured by the condors, who see poor Junga and Grandma as ‘beasts’ only there to spoil the condor festival! Do Junga and Grandma get out? How?
This was as I said a sweet little story, which through Junga and Grandma’s little adventure, gives out an important message about the need to understand those different from ourselves. At a basic level, we have Junga’s dancing to warm himself up when he can’t bear the cold weather—this is different from usual behaviour and so immediately seen as strange and undesirable by his siblings. His mother however sees it for what it is—just a cute little dance.
Then again, the condors, basing their decision on how they perceive and what they have heard of yetis (stereotypes) are quick to dub them ‘beasts’ and condemn them without even a chance to explain. Not only that, Grandma is taken to a separate place while little Junga—cold and alone—is locked up in a cage, no heed paid to the fact that he is only a child. Not only that, the guards jeer and poke fun at him, causing him even more misery. Here it is Junga’s dancing that comes to his rescue and causes his captors to begin to question their decision, and actually get to know Junga and Grandma for who they are.
I think the author did a great job of getting through his message of needing to talk to, get to know, and understand those different from us rather than simply dubbing them as strange or a threat and acting accordingly. This is done effectively and I think clearly enough to get across to the intended reader. There is also a small box of helpful tips at the end which sets out this same message more directly, along with others such as on bullying (which we also see in the story). The one on ‘safety in numbers’ didn’t seem to fit with the others though (perhaps it would work in a different context).
I also liked the artwork very much; Junga and his family take on the colour of the cold climes they come from in shades of blue, while the warmer climes and its inhabitants are depicted as we know them. I loved the band at the condor festival, and the bears in their tutus and ballet shoes. The one thing I might have liked different are the background colours on the pages—although there are different colours on different pages which seem to represent the different places they are in (greens and blues in the frozen mountain, grey in the cave, and warmer colours in the condors’ mountain), may be I’d have liked it better on a white background or with lighter colours, but that’s just a small thing.
For the rest, I liked this book very much and think it will do its job of both entertaining its readers and conveying its message.
4.5 stars
Junga the Dancing Yeti is a delightful and sweet picture book which both gives readers an enjoyable story and conveys an important message about difference and understanding—one relevant not only for its intended readers but adults as well.
In Junga the Dancing Yeti, which appears to be the first of a series (there is a second book listed on Goodreads), we meet Junga, a little yeti, who lives with his parents, older brother, sissy and grandma in the frozen mountains. The snow protects the family from danger, but unlike the rest of his family, Junga feels cold when the weather is extreme, and begins to jump about—dance—to keep warm! His brother and sissy find this strange but his mother likes his unique dance! Since he finds the weather hard to adjust to, Grandma decides to take him to warmer climes for the winter. So, Junga and Grandma begin their journey, traveling by ship till they reach an open mountain space which seems perfect. Junga is excited at the prospect of a new home and new friends (who Grandma tells him will be different from themselves). But just as Grandma and he begin to look for a cave to live in, they are captured by the condors, who see poor Junga and Grandma as ‘beasts’ only there to spoil the condor festival! Do Junga and Grandma get out? How?
This was as I said a sweet little story, which through Junga and Grandma’s little adventure, gives out an important message about the need to understand those different from ourselves. At a basic level, we have Junga’s dancing to warm himself up when he can’t bear the cold weather—this is different from usual behaviour and so immediately seen as strange and undesirable by his siblings. His mother however sees it for what it is—just a cute little dance.
Then again, the condors, basing their decision on how they perceive and what they have heard of yetis (stereotypes) are quick to dub them ‘beasts’ and condemn them without even a chance to explain. Not only that, Grandma is taken to a separate place while little Junga—cold and alone—is locked up in a cage, no heed paid to the fact that he is only a child. Not only that, the guards jeer and poke fun at him, causing him even more misery. Here it is Junga’s dancing that comes to his rescue and causes his captors to begin to question their decision, and actually get to know Junga and Grandma for who they are.
I think the author did a great job of getting through his message of needing to talk to, get to know, and understand those different from us rather than simply dubbing them as strange or a threat and acting accordingly. This is done effectively and I think clearly enough to get across to the intended reader. There is also a small box of helpful tips at the end which sets out this same message more directly, along with others such as on bullying (which we also see in the story). The one on ‘safety in numbers’ didn’t seem to fit with the others though (perhaps it would work in a different context).
I also liked the artwork very much; Junga and his family take on the colour of the cold climes they come from in shades of blue, while the warmer climes and its inhabitants are depicted as we know them. I loved the band at the condor festival, and the bears in their tutus and ballet shoes. The one thing I might have liked different are the background colours on the pages—although there are different colours on different pages which seem to represent the different places they are in (greens and blues in the frozen mountain, grey in the cave, and warmer colours in the condors’ mountain), may be I’d have liked it better on a white background or with lighter colours, but that’s just a small thing.
For the rest, I liked this book very much and think it will do its job of both entertaining its readers and conveying its message.
4.5 stars
January 2, 2022
After being teased by his siblings for dancing to keep himself warm, Junga, the Yeti, travels with his grandmother to a warmer place to spend the winter in. However, because of being different, Junga and his grandma are captured by the Condors. As the story unfolds, the author instills subtle but extremely important lessons on accepting differences, even celebrating them, and defending people against bullying.
A beautiful message to all the children, especially in these times, that teaches them how differences are not always bad, and how to help one another if anyone is being bullied. I’d like to thank the author for the existence of this book to help children understand that concept in the simplest possible way.
Thank you Booktasters for providing me a copy from the author to read and review.
A beautiful message to all the children, especially in these times, that teaches them how differences are not always bad, and how to help one another if anyone is being bullied. I’d like to thank the author for the existence of this book to help children understand that concept in the simplest possible way.
Thank you Booktasters for providing me a copy from the author to read and review.
June 3, 2022
Junga the Dancing Yeti is the warmest of the Books I've read. The book's primary focal point is anti-bullying and one should treat others. In the current Social Media world where we see more hate than love, this book is a reminder even to adults that we should treat everyone around us with empathy. No one deserves to be bullied for the sake of fun or to prove a point. Everyone has a different perspective and it will be different from our own, even if we don't agree the least we can do is respect their point of view. I'd highly recommend both parents and kids to read this book.
October 22, 2021
We loved the book. Dancing Janga is adorable, and caring Grandma is lovely. The story included so many lessons, For example: Being different is not a bad thing. You should always seek a solution for your problems... Janga dancing for warmth, and Grandma moving to a more suitable place. Also for kids to listen to their caregivers. Always hoping for the best... and many more. The author also listed some morals in the form of tips from Grandma, which summarized the story's main points in a simple way. Thanks, Booktasters for your recommendations.
October 20, 2021
The book is talking about a young yeti, that was different than his siblings, and how he and his grandma leaves their hometown and travel into an adventure.
The book was suspenseful and the illustrations clearly showed the expressions and feelings of each character.
What I liked most in the story was how the family of the young yeti supported him and cared for him and validated his feelings.
Also I loved how the author wanted to teach kids that they shouldn’t judge anyone without really knowing him.
I really recommend this book for children and young readers, me and my 5 year old girl loved it a lot.
The book was suspenseful and the illustrations clearly showed the expressions and feelings of each character.
What I liked most in the story was how the family of the young yeti supported him and cared for him and validated his feelings.
Also I loved how the author wanted to teach kids that they shouldn’t judge anyone without really knowing him.
I really recommend this book for children and young readers, me and my 5 year old girl loved it a lot.
December 12, 2021
I love the concept of the book, and how simply it is written for children to understand. It is very light-hearted but with a strong message that all kids should be taught from a young age, and this is the perfect way to teach it. The illustrations are beyond beautiful, they deserve 5 stars, too.
July 28, 2022
A cute book that teaches a lesson about judging people you don't know without using a sledgehammer. Young children will love the idea of a dancing yeti!
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August 30, 2021Thank you to Booktasters and the author for sending me this copy!
This was such a heartwarming tale! From the very start of the book, it teaches kids so many valuable lessons. I loved how it instills in the child the importance of celebrating our differences and that each one of us is unique in their own way and it's a thing to be proud of and to be happy about. And how bullying is such an awful thing and how kids should always try and befriend "the new kids". Filled with amazing and expressive illustrations, we follow Junga and his grandmother on their journey of finding a warm place to stay for the winter. This is a great book for every child to read.
This was such a heartwarming tale! From the very start of the book, it teaches kids so many valuable lessons. I loved how it instills in the child the importance of celebrating our differences and that each one of us is unique in their own way and it's a thing to be proud of and to be happy about. And how bullying is such an awful thing and how kids should always try and befriend "the new kids". Filled with amazing and expressive illustrations, we follow Junga and his grandmother on their journey of finding a warm place to stay for the winter. This is a great book for every child to read.
August 24, 2021
A delightful tale of a young Yeti who dances to stay warm. Teased by his siblings, his loving grandmother takes him on a journey to find a warm place for the winter. When they arrive, his grandmother is captured by a group of Condors. How will Jenga save his beloved grandmother? A story about being different and finding ways to celebrate the differences we all have.
I had a bit of trouble getting the book to open properly and lost a few words at the end of sentences. But that allows for a bit of creativity right?
The drawings in this book are just as delightful and one kids will enjoy for their whimsy.
I had a bit of trouble getting the book to open properly and lost a few words at the end of sentences. But that allows for a bit of creativity right?
The drawings in this book are just as delightful and one kids will enjoy for their whimsy.
October 31, 2021
Thank you book tasters for offering me to read this captivating read.
The book is fascinating and full of lessons to be learned, I'd recommend it to anyone old or a child.
It tells about a very warm and nice adventure, it teaches us that it is okay to be different, everyone is unique in their own way.
How to be strong and courageous, to be honest, and welcoming.
The author is very talented and I was very lucky to read the 2nd book too.
The book is fascinating and full of lessons to be learned, I'd recommend it to anyone old or a child.
It tells about a very warm and nice adventure, it teaches us that it is okay to be different, everyone is unique in their own way.
How to be strong and courageous, to be honest, and welcoming.
The author is very talented and I was very lucky to read the 2nd book too.
July 30, 2022
It's a beautifully well written book with such amazing illustrations. I love how all the take away messages were summed up at the end. The meaningful message of this book is very relevant as kids need to learn to empathize at a very young age not only about being physically diverse but also about neurodiversity.
The only negative which I found was that although the illustrations are good, at a few places I felt they were a bit chaotic. Otherwise it's a good read for children.
The only negative which I found was that although the illustrations are good, at a few places I felt they were a bit chaotic. Otherwise it's a good read for children.
July 27, 2022
An amazing story and literally an educative one. Especially, I loved the last part where grandma gives didactic instructions. Also, bullying needs to be discussed and Tako did it the best way.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews