MOMO AND LOLO CLIMB MT. EVEREST

Two monkeys’ wills are tested as they tackle the hazards of climbing the world’s highest mountain in Zhang’s debut picture book.

Pals Momo and Lolo are determined to become the first monkeys ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest. From the very beginning, as the determined hikers make their way from the first of three base camps stationed along the steep mountainside path, they face several common obstacles in the snowy Tibetan terrain. The work clearly presents the dangers of such an undertaking along with a glossary of terms and a visual chart of the safety protocols that Momo and Lolo follow. The text even describes the physical effects of a typical climb of the same magnitude and height. As the characters help each other, they represent teamwork between two countries that have a complex relationship: They’re each dressed in brightly colored protective helmets, hiking boots, and winter coats with an American flag sewn on the shoulder of the left sleeve and a Chinese flag on the right. Young readers will enjoy this exciting adventure as Turganbayeva’s images ably display Momo’s and Lolo’s emotions and brilliantly contrast colors in night and day scenes. It all ends on a literal cliffhanger.

A well-illustrated story of courageous persistence.