Tenzing Norgay: The Boy Whose Dream Was Everest

Raised at the foot of the mighty Mount Everest, a Sherpa boy named Tenzing Norgay harbored a dream that seemed almost impossible – to be the first to conquer the towering giant in his own backyard. For years, he tirelessly practiced, building his strength by carrying heavy loads of rocks in his backpack and navigating the lower levels of the mountain. Although he often carried equipment for other adventurers, Tenzing's heart yearned to climb the peak himself.

Tenzing's dream, however, remained elusive until he crossed paths with Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand beekeeper who shared the same ambitious goal. Together, these two men from vastly different backgrounds embarked on a journey, working in tandem every step of the way, and ultimately reached the summit of Mount Everest, emerging from the clouds to stand atop the world's highest peak.

Yet, as the years passed, the narrative told in the history books focused primarily on Hillary's accomplishments, while Norgay's name faded into relative obscurity, especially in the West. Robert Burleigh's book, "Tiger of the Snows," aims to rectify this oversight, introducing young readers to one of the Far East's greatest heroes and sharing the long-neglected story of a determined young boy who refused to be daunted by the world's most challenging mountain, and who came to be known as the "tiger of the snows."

Caldecott award-winning artist Ed Young brings the grandeur of Mount Everest to life through his hauntingly beautiful and subtly captivating animal imagery and resplendent colors, capturing the breathtaking majesty and life force of the mountain that the Nepalese revere as the "Mother Goddess of the Earth."

The tale of Tenzing Norgay's unwavering determination and his eventual triumph, alongside Edmund Hillary, serves as an inspiring reminder that even the most daunting of dreams can be realized through perseverance, collaboration, and a deep-rooted connection to the natural world. This story not only sheds light on a significant yet often overlooked figure in mountaineering history but also reminds us of the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

product information: