This is a question from the story a girl in Himalayas what was the elemental business
Answers
A Girl in the Himalayas is the story, a debut graphic novel, of a young girl, Vijaya, who is transported after her parents’s death to a sanctuary in the Himalayas. Like Shang-ri-la? The Himalayas have for centuries been the site of fantasy about holiness and magic, and this story, too, features magic and fantasy creatures. It exists as a kind of state of purity and harmony with nature. It’s also a kind of allegory about growing up amidst the possibility of impending planet catastrophe. What can we do about it?
The presence of Vijaya, a young human girl, is welcomed in the sanctuary—which is mainly a Buddhist enclave with mystical creatures, but some of them are worried she will bring corruption and destruction (as is happening with the planet). Some folks from the human world discover finds the sanctuary, and they want to (rapaciously) “develop” it for profit, so Vijaya must help to protect it and prove that not all humans are selfish and driven by illusion.
This is a graphic novel, simply illustrated, with tan and brown washes, with cute characters, especially Vijaya (and some cute spirit creatures). I think because it has that Little Prince/Giving Tree dimension to it, it might appeal to all ages. It is pretty long, at 180 pages, so may be ideal for middle grades. Strong girl main character supported by an older, wise man who appreciates her spirit and goodness. I'll rate this 3.5 (partly lower because I am not such a huge fantasy or even allegory guy), but round up because it is a debut novel and so cute.