Henry and the Yeti

June 18, 2018
Henry has round, red spectacles and a turtleneck, and his hair stands straight up. He also adores yetis (“Yes, yetis”) and is certain that they exist, despite his schoolmates’ scornful laughter. So he packs carefully and sets off on an expedition to find one (“Remember, no staying up late,” his father tells him, otherwise unconcerned by his son heading out alone). There’s no yeti to be found in the mountains, and Henry considers going back. Then Henry happens upon two white legs as thick as tree trunks. Ayto (The Somethingosaur) narrates with characteristic British understatement—“Oh!” is all Henry says about his success. Back at home, the camera Henry carefully packed to gather evidence is lost and the principal scoffs, but Henry is vindicated in a most satisfying way. Ayto delivers pure whimsy, and his engaging narrative voice will divert young listeners. Cartoon line drawings add sly charm to this tale of a boy who makes a very large new friend and wins the respect of his doubters. Ages 3–6.

May 1, 2018
A young boy makes a large mythological friend in the first story written by illustrator Ayto.Henry, a tiny boy with giant red glasses, wants to find a yeti. His astronomer father, peering distractedly through telescopes and binoculars, doesn't think they exist, but Henry can go looking if he doesn't stay up too late. Henry's principal tries to convince him that yetis don't exist, announcing the plan to the whole school in an attempt to deter him through mockery, but Henry perseveres. He easily makes his way, "across an ocean, up a hill, over a river, and through a dense forest (all without staying up late)." When Henry finds a yeti, he takes plenty of selfies with his new friend, only to accidentally leave the camera behind. But the gigantic, snow-white, big-eyed creature follows him home, saving Henry from torment from skeptical classmates and teachers. Dryly witty text and clipped timing will make for a fun read-aloud, but the true hilarity of the book lies in the drawings of Henry, with his enveloping black turtleneck pulled up to his nose, his quirky, nervous, pigeon-toed stance, his big nose, and skinny, jubilant arms. The yeti is equally endearing, quirky, and cuddly, and the two are a perfectly matched set. Henry, his father, and the principal all present white, but his classmates are diverse.Simple yet delightful, this picture book is sure to find a place in young hearts. (Picture book. 3-7)

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