Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
How to Find a Yeti
A self-proclaimed yeti expert decides that he is going to find the yeti which he is sure lives in the forest behind his house. Having packed his rucksack and donned his favourite scarf, the little boy and his dog, Milo, set off for the trees. Having searched everywhere, the little boy returns home having concluded that there is NO yeti in the forest…but how has his lost scarf found its way back to his doorstep?
‘How to Find a Yeti’ is an absolutely delightful picture book which will have little ones giggling in delight! In true ‘look behind you’ tradition, they will love pointing out what the little boy just cannot see- that the yeti really is living in the forest.
Story and illustration work in perfect harmony as limited text shares the boy’s thoughts and feelings with the reader whilst the illustrations speak volumes. As he dreams of the fame which will come with his great discovery, the pictures offer so many details to notice and enjoy. Children will particularly enjoy exploring the contents of his rucksack, including a ‘just in case’ pair of pants. I fondly remember how my son used to enjoy packing all the things which he would need for a walk- although a pair of emergency pants was never included!
The real fun of the story starts as the little boy and Milo head for the forest. Sharp eyes will notice a strangely shaped tree on the horizon which hints at things to come. The little boy fails to see what the reader does and he shines his torch into logs and stands on a high snowy ‘hill’ to peer through his binoculars. The amiable yeti makes friends with Milo and is shown to have a big heart as he returns the little boy’s lost scarf which he carefully folds and places on the doorstep, ready to be found the following morning.
As the little boy hunts high and low and looks to left and right, adults might encourage children to join in with these actions, perhaps taking the chance to reinforce directional language or prepositions. They could look in front and behind, under and over, above and below etc perhaps creating their own yeti search maps and developing imaginative play based around the story.
A fun-filled, engaging read, ‘How to Find a Yeti’ also offers so many possibilities for play, art activities and learning!
How to Find a Yeti
Matt Hunt
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805136484