I really appreciate this book because it provides insight into a child's life who is deaf. This book focuses on looking at Lotus' strengths and seeing how her knack for rhythm and dance sets her ahead of her peers, even though she struggles with adversity. I love how this book depicts this culture. The colors are vibrant, and the designs are fun and different, and it provides a good look into this illustrator's view on Cambodia. For instance, there is a picture where Lotus is in the dancing hall and the walls are all red. The rich use of color and unique designs create a great image for me. This book shows how a passion ,in this case dancing, can rise above whatever struggles you may be facing. This would be the main idea of this book. ( )

Interesting story about a deaf girl who becomes a court dancer long ago in Cambodia. The author was inspired by stone carvings on a building to tell this story. The structure is typical of a fairy tale: a child is born different and belittled by those around her. She is taken by her parents to visit the royal court and there her worth is realized and her talent blossoms. ( )

the story of a young girl named Lotus who was born deaf and could not speak. She feels most comfortable around nature and animals, but longs for friendships with the other children. Her parents decide to take her to a temple in hopes of helping her. They present her to the king and queen and it is decided that she will learn to dance. Lotus learns to speak through her movements and dance, and this allowed her to create many friends and became one of the most famous dancers.

Eh.. girl is supposedly born deaf _and_ mute and how often does that happen? And nobody plays with her. But then she goes to the temple and sees some dancers and learns to be a dancer. And now she has friends. The end.The story takes place "Long ago in Kampuchea". And I will admit to not knowing where that is. ( )