Illustrated by Katy Riddell
Published by Stripes Books £6.99
ISBN: 9781788950848
Published: 17th October 2019
267 pages
Author’s contact details:
@writerpaulmason
Illustrator’s contact details:
https://thesohoagency.co.uk/illustrators/katy-riddell
@RiddellKaty
Publisher’s website:
http://littletiger.co.uk/imprint/stripes-publishing
@StripesBooks
Under 100 characters book review:
A chance meeting between human and yeti, which leads to a long journey and a safer planet.
The first line:
Ella Stern stopped and peered into the rolling mist.
My review:
A journey of discovery for both yeti and human; this trial of trust for both is so consistent with certain current global ecological themes. I (he who is jealous of Ella) would love to ride around the Himalyas charged with taking photographs of wildlife whilst perhaps seeking a yeti, and this is what the main character, Ella, does. Her passion for all wildlife and her wish to protect it from other humans, especially her uncle, travel throughout the story. The journey begins with Ella and a chance meeting with a yeti called Tick, who wishes to find out why his mother broke yeti laws and contacted humans many years previously. Family loyalty, on both sides, a fear of the unknown, on both sides, slowly converges at the story’s climax.
How could it be used in school?
This text would link nicely to the topic of mountains and rivers, which is studied in Key Stage 2. The book itself is perfect for Year 4 or Upper Key Stage 2. Children could write persuasive letters to their parents to let them go on the trip with Uncle Jack. There could be a focus on cameras, like the television crew and children could make pinhole cameras. It would be intriguing to see what children think the yeti’s writing would look like, and this would link in with the study of Roman numerals and other ancient style of writing: children could even make their own slabs. In Year 6, children look at classification, and there are numerous insects and fungi mentioned in the book. The yeti themselves are always fascinating to children and a study of these would enhance the story – children could research yeti and then write a newspaper article about them.
If you liked this, you might like:
- The Girl That Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson
- Nevertell by Katharine Orton
- Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
Where I received the book:
UKLA 3-11 magazine
A full review is available in the UKLA’s 4-11 magazine, along with many other reviews of books for children, along with many interesting and thought-provoking articles – https://ukla.org
Kinkajousreadtoo 
I loved this book, It was very clever and fun!
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True, I thought how it linked the natural world to the story narrative worked really well. Have you read my interview with the author – Paul Mason? He explains a little more about the story.
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Sorry for the late reply, No I haven’t read it, I will do now! 📖🐧
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No probs! Hope you enjoy it.
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