'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 31 January 2019

Review: Henry and the Yeti

Are bunyips, dragons, unicorns, yetis and the Loch Ness monster real or are they just folklore?

In Russell Ayto's story, Henry and the Yeti, we meet a little boy who loves yetis. As no one knows for certain if yetis exist, Henry decides to go on a  Himalayan Mountains expedition to find out.

Some people laughed at Henry's belief in yetis and his idea of a expedition. But Henry will not be dismissed. To confirm the existence of yetis he has included a  camera in his backpack '...to take pictures for evidence.'

Once Henry arrives in the mountains, he begins to loose hope that yetis truly exist. He cannot find any evidence to support his belief, not even a footprint in the snow. Will Henry give up looking or will he bring back evidence, to show everyone he was right?

Henry and the Yeti is a story about having faith in yourself and your abilities. It explores the importance of a parent's support to a child, especially when being teased at school.

Ayto's illustrations are simple and minimalist yet they convey so much information about Henry, his relationships, his journey and his discoveries. There are moments of humour to break up the moments of despair and disbelief. The combination of words and pictures show the emotional roller-coaster that an exploration and journey can bring: excitement, boredom, trepidation, disappointment and joy.

Once you have read Henry and the Yeit read another story illustrated by Russell Ayto, Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: Smugglers Bay.

Title: Henri and the Yeti
Author/Illustrator: Russell Ayto
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $12.99
Publication Date: 22 February 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781408876619
For ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book