Angmo's Yak
Average Rating: 4.5
Country: India
Publisher: Zamasama Original
Author: Shamim Padamsee
Ages: 5-8
Illustrator: Zainab Tambawalla

About The Story

Lifestyles of children in rural areas around the world is shaped by the geography of their regions. Set between the Himalayas, the Karakoram Range and the Zanskar Mountains, Ladakh is a cold desert with scanty vegetation. When summer sets in the herders set off with their sheep, goats and yaks to graze in green pastures. In this story, through Angmo’s search for her pet yak, the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of rural Ladakhis is revealed. In contrast is the story of The Tale of the Water Hyacinth is set in the Mekong Delta where children frolic amongst the water hyacinths and learn how their mother uses the plant to make a roof, shoes, bags and more. Where as in Dancing on Walls we get a glimpse into the life of a tribal family in western India.

Themes

Family & Friends
Culture & Tradition

Sub Themes

Pets
Wildlife in Cold Desert Regions
Ladakh

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Understand the emotional bonds between humans and animals.
  • Explore Ladakhi culture and rural life practices
  • Learn about mountain animals like marmots, kiang, and choughs
  • Recognize how responsibility, prayer, and perseverance can shape actions.
  • Reflect on how love and intuition guide choices.

Lesson Plan

  • This story brings together emotion, nature, and cultural practices.
  • It encourages students to explore how children live in different environments, and how animals and traditions shape their world.
  • Through storytelling and creative play, students reflect on relationships, worry, and hope

Activities

  • Animal Friend Map: Draw or paint your favorite animal and describe how you would care for it.
  • Julley From Ladakh!: Learn and greet each other with “Julley, ” and discuss Ladakhi customs.
  • Prayer Flag Wishes: Make paper prayer flags with wishes for people or animals we love.
  • Wildlife Match-Up: Match mountain animals (marmot, kiang, chough) with their names and sounds.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • Have you ever cared for an animal or pet? What did it feel like?
  • Do you know what a yak is? Where do they live?
  • What do you do when someone you love is far away?

During reading

  • Why does Angmo love Yakzu so much?
  • How does she show her care and worry for Yakzu?
  • What do the prayer wheels and flags mean in the story?

After reading

  • Why did Angmo decide to search for Yakzu on her own?
  • What helped her find Yakzu in the end?
  • Can faith or memories help us when we are sad or scared?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

Highlights emotional wellbeing through love, worry, and reunion.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Encourages learning through experience, observation, and storytelling.

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Introduces children to high-altitude wildlife and the importance of pasture lands.

Comments

Comments

  • I really enjoyed this story i found it very pleasant to read and i think that Shamim Padamsee dit an amazing job righting this it .
    the illustrations where also very detailed .
    Over all i had a very pleasant experience reading this story .
    Would recommend !

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