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Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot
Aubrey is a rumbunctious boy who tries to run before he can walk and has crashed two cars before he's old enough to drive one. But when Aubrey's father, Jim, falls under an horrendous spell, Aubrey is determined to break it. Everyone says his task is impossible but with the help of the animals of Rushing Wood and a touch of magic, Aubrey will never give up and never surrender - even if he must fight the unkillable spirit of despair itself - the Terrible Yoot!
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2015
1 person is currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Horatio Clare
36 books99 followersHoratio Clare (b. 1973) is a writer, radio producer and journalist. Born in London, he and his brother Alexander grew up on a hill farm in the Black Mountains of south Wales. Clare describes the experience in his first book Running for the Hills (John Murray 2006) in which he sets out to trace the course and causes of his parents divorce, and recalls the eccentric, romantic and often harsh conditions of his childhood. The book was widely and favourably reviewed in the UK, where it became a bestseller, as in the US.
Running for the Hills was nominated for the Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award. Horatio has written about Ethiopia, Namibia and Morocco, and now divides his time between South Wales, Lancashire and London. He was awarded a Somerset Maugham Award for the writing of A Single Swallow (Chatto and Windus, 2009).
Running for the Hills was nominated for the Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award. Horatio has written about Ethiopia, Namibia and Morocco, and now divides his time between South Wales, Lancashire and London. He was awarded a Somerset Maugham Award for the writing of A Single Swallow (Chatto and Windus, 2009).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 27, 2018
This book really resonated with my own personal experiences with depression. It was beautifully written and I feel it spoke clearly and at a child’s level about mental illness. It does touch on some particularly sensitive issues so care would be needed if reading as a whole class reader.
December 13, 2017
An only child, Aubrey lives with his parents in a small town somewhere in mainland Britain. From birth he has proved himself outstanding in refusing to live down to expectations, and gets on with doing things which aren't always beyond his capabilities. Until the day that he becomes convinced that his father has been put under a spell. Followed soon after by realising he can talk to animals.
I can't emphasise how much I enjoyed this children's book, focused on a rambunctious boy. (You knew, of course, that rambunctious means someone who is uncontrollably exuberant or boisterous!) The spell Aubrey's father has fallen under is depression, a state that does indeed often feel like some kind of curse called down by some malevolent being. Often depression is characterised as a black dog, but Aubrey is a boy with little time for clichés -- he discovers that his father is preyed on by the Terrible Yoot.
Horatio Clare deals with this devastating condition with subtlety and sensitivity, and yet also manages to channel humour, hope and not a little poetry, especially in the final vision that Aubrey and his father Jim are party to: to successfully balance the parochial feel of the suburban setting with a universal animistic perspective in a children's tale is no mean feat, and Clare manages to make the transition feel entirely natural.
It's also risky to mix the serious subject of depression with what could be seen as cutesy talking animals but here, as we see things largely from Aubrey's point of view, it works. Totally. The story is helped by Jane Matthews' masterful illustrations which shade through from surreal to naturalistic: the human figures conform to the expectations that readers of this age range might have while the pictures of wild creatures -- squirrels, owls, insects, herons -- testify to the artist's careful study of her originals. All, from family and friends to neighbours and creatures, contribute to Jim's return from the depths he has sunk into.
We learn too a little about the nature of the Yoot; and, hopefully, that compassion should be at the root of all our relationships.
https://wp.me/s2oNj1-yoot
I can't emphasise how much I enjoyed this children's book, focused on a rambunctious boy. (You knew, of course, that rambunctious means someone who is uncontrollably exuberant or boisterous!) The spell Aubrey's father has fallen under is depression, a state that does indeed often feel like some kind of curse called down by some malevolent being. Often depression is characterised as a black dog, but Aubrey is a boy with little time for clichés -- he discovers that his father is preyed on by the Terrible Yoot.
Horatio Clare deals with this devastating condition with subtlety and sensitivity, and yet also manages to channel humour, hope and not a little poetry, especially in the final vision that Aubrey and his father Jim are party to: to successfully balance the parochial feel of the suburban setting with a universal animistic perspective in a children's tale is no mean feat, and Clare manages to make the transition feel entirely natural.
It's also risky to mix the serious subject of depression with what could be seen as cutesy talking animals but here, as we see things largely from Aubrey's point of view, it works. Totally. The story is helped by Jane Matthews' masterful illustrations which shade through from surreal to naturalistic: the human figures conform to the expectations that readers of this age range might have while the pictures of wild creatures -- squirrels, owls, insects, herons -- testify to the artist's careful study of her originals. All, from family and friends to neighbours and creatures, contribute to Jim's return from the depths he has sunk into.
We learn too a little about the nature of the Yoot; and, hopefully, that compassion should be at the root of all our relationships.
https://wp.me/s2oNj1-yoot
July 23, 2023
Ouvrage pour les 9/12 sympathique et dont le sujet est très intéressant puisqu'on y traite de la dépression parentale. C'est sensible, mais bien utile, le tout étant amené de façon très poétique.
August 22, 2016
An open look at depression for young readers
It's not a topic you see often for children, but it will be something many encounter, probably through family members primarily. Horatio Clare puts it into a context that primary-aged readers will find accessible and able to discuss it using.
Aubrey notices his dad becoming sadder and sadder, before a charismatic and energetic English teacher, he now seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and doesn't play, talk or even get out of bed anymore.
Aubrey determines to help his dad, especially when he discovers that it's the 'terrible Yoot' that is making him so sad and despairing. He even finds that he may have some help, when animals begin to talk to him and offer their assistance.
It was an unusual combination of elements that brought the story together. A start featuring a boy who crashed a car as a toddler and ran before walking turned into a story about talking animals and depression. I enjoyed the animals though, they give advice to Aubrey that didn't seem out of place though some parts are rather 'convenient' (WARNING: in one scene Jim goes out to commit suicide, which some readers may be very upset by - it is only an animal directing Aubrey and his Mum to Jim that they are able to save him).
The 'Yoot' itself I wasn't sure about - it seems to suggest that depression is a voice in your head convincing you that you are no good, that it is an external agent putting these thoughts in your mind. I can't say I understand depression, but this doesn't sound right to me.
I did find the ending quite beautiful though, how Aubrey and his Dad together work to see the world in a different way and try to help Jim banish his 'demons' (my word) to help his recovery.
I liked this, but I also felt uncomfortable about some of the ways depression is both described and created. This book is winning acclaim and positive review though, and I do applaud the author for bringing a sensitive subject to an audience in need of fiction to cover such topics (much like Patrick Ness' A Monster Calls does).
For parents wanting to explore the topic with their children, I would suggest you read through it first to check on suitability (and to prepare for their questions).
It's not a topic you see often for children, but it will be something many encounter, probably through family members primarily. Horatio Clare puts it into a context that primary-aged readers will find accessible and able to discuss it using.
Aubrey notices his dad becoming sadder and sadder, before a charismatic and energetic English teacher, he now seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and doesn't play, talk or even get out of bed anymore.
Aubrey determines to help his dad, especially when he discovers that it's the 'terrible Yoot' that is making him so sad and despairing. He even finds that he may have some help, when animals begin to talk to him and offer their assistance.
It was an unusual combination of elements that brought the story together. A start featuring a boy who crashed a car as a toddler and ran before walking turned into a story about talking animals and depression. I enjoyed the animals though, they give advice to Aubrey that didn't seem out of place though some parts are rather 'convenient' (WARNING: in one scene Jim goes out to commit suicide, which some readers may be very upset by - it is only an animal directing Aubrey and his Mum to Jim that they are able to save him).
The 'Yoot' itself I wasn't sure about - it seems to suggest that depression is a voice in your head convincing you that you are no good, that it is an external agent putting these thoughts in your mind. I can't say I understand depression, but this doesn't sound right to me.
I did find the ending quite beautiful though, how Aubrey and his Dad together work to see the world in a different way and try to help Jim banish his 'demons' (my word) to help his recovery.
I liked this, but I also felt uncomfortable about some of the ways depression is both described and created. This book is winning acclaim and positive review though, and I do applaud the author for bringing a sensitive subject to an audience in need of fiction to cover such topics (much like Patrick Ness' A Monster Calls does).
For parents wanting to explore the topic with their children, I would suggest you read through it first to check on suitability (and to prepare for their questions).
January 6, 2018
"Here is writing and storytelling at its best. Here is a wondrous tale," blurbed Michael Morpurgo this book. Now after few disappointing experiences I'm a little bit cautious about blurbs by famous authors. But Mr. Morpurgo wasn't exaggerating. This is a fantastic book.
It is a look at depression through childs eyes, pure and fortunate not to understand such a thing yet which makes him a perfect "warrior" to fight it. The person suffering from depression is Aubrey's father and although this is a difficult and dark topic, the book manages to be genuine at all times, inventive and original and astonishingly funny most of the time without belittling the topic in any way. I love how author included nature and Aubrey's interaction with animals to the story.
A pleasant surprise of a book, much much better than I expected.
It is a look at depression through childs eyes, pure and fortunate not to understand such a thing yet which makes him a perfect "warrior" to fight it. The person suffering from depression is Aubrey's father and although this is a difficult and dark topic, the book manages to be genuine at all times, inventive and original and astonishingly funny most of the time without belittling the topic in any way. I love how author included nature and Aubrey's interaction with animals to the story.
A pleasant surprise of a book, much much better than I expected.
October 1, 2018
Un roman intéressant de par le sujet qu'il aborde et l'angle par lequel il l'aborde. Un sujet difficile, celui de la dépression d'un père, vécue par son fils. Le parti pris de mélanger une dure réalité, la santé mentale et le conte de fées (des animaux qui parlent et agissent comme des humains pour le bien d'humains). Un livre qui constitue une bonne première approche pour aborder cette question avec les plus jeunes.
September 3, 2017
A brilliant book dealing with a difficult subject: depression. Accessible but with a good amount of challenging vocabulary (e.g. Rambunctious), perfect for LKS2 but would need to tread carefully around suicide and dark thoughts.
January 12, 2017
Full of insight, sensitivity and humour, with a touch of magic.
March 11, 2017
Super writing. Deserves more awards (Branford Bose Award Winner 2016) Brilliant. Well done author and illustrator
March 19, 2017
A wonderful, humorous story about a difficult subject. I hope it reaches children with a depressed parent. (And their parents as it might even work as a self help book.)
May 30, 2017
A good story with an important message about depression accessible to younger readers.
September 17, 2018
Quelle jolie métaphore du combat contre la dépression ! Quelle écriture inventive : on voyage dans ce livre comme dans un conte ! Quelle leçon de vie, simple et efficace !
December 3, 2025
this book is actually very special and interesting i’m surprised i hadn’t come across it sooner.
3 🌟
3 🌟
February 21, 2019
A fantastic and fantastical little novel that sensitively but boldly tackles depression head on, offering children an imaginative and witty plane on which to communicate with themes of mental health and sadness, whilst offering adults a purposeful way to break the ice and have some otherwise difficult conversations in a way that is frequently entertaining and constantly engaging. Aubrey truly is a rambunctious character and a great protagonist, whilst his father, mother, nosey neighbour, and many many animal friends are all brought to life wonderfully. As for the Yoot itself? It is as monstrous and as misunderstood as you may expect, in completely unexpected ways. This is a book that goes to some very dark places, but with such a careful and assured narrator guiding us, even at its bleakest it always feels that there is some great adventure around the corner and some light to lead the way.
Loved, loved, loved this book! Maybe nobody will ever see this recommendation, but if you do, and if you want to take a chance on something different and unforgettable, take a chance on this!
Loved, loved, loved this book! Maybe nobody will ever see this recommendation, but if you do, and if you want to take a chance on something different and unforgettable, take a chance on this!
April 1, 2019
Sheer genius! A fantastic, clever, funny, yet deeply moving story about a boy who just wants to try and understand what's happened to his dad and how he can help him. Other reviewers have said it much better than me. So pleased to have stumbled across this author. Should be read in classrooms everywhere.
July 15, 2023
Being honest – as always, or else I wouldn't be here – I cannot see how the first two in this series were up for awards. I really couldn't take to this – a clumsy look at a kid who can talk to the animals, tasked with trying to work out why the wasps of the neighbourhood have all taken against him and why all the other animals are revolting. For yes, all the critters – in farms or out, but generally in our food chain, have done a French and gone on strike, and within four days the entire country is forced to be vegetarian. Because that is how the food industry works.
From the fact the first two chapters are about the kid and his mother trying to shoo chickens into a coop, and about how he has a dog, to the poor way the characters are introduced, to the bonkers choice of voice for a silverfish the boy's friendly spider introduces him to, to the pointless and boring bickering of the wasp soldiers – none of this appealed. And while I might have been interested in the reasoning of the animals rebelling, there was so much eco-haranguing in just the first few chapters I felt all mystery removed from proceedings. For the under-tens it might not be offensively bad, and it certainly reads so quickly no small sense of accomplishment could be attained, but the under-tens deserve books anyone of any age could enjoy, and this certainly wasn't one. A generous two stars.
And now I see other reviews claim this is about depression??? And incredibly crass as regards to warfare??? Second star removed. This is tripe.
From the fact the first two chapters are about the kid and his mother trying to shoo chickens into a coop, and about how he has a dog, to the poor way the characters are introduced, to the bonkers choice of voice for a silverfish the boy's friendly spider introduces him to, to the pointless and boring bickering of the wasp soldiers – none of this appealed. And while I might have been interested in the reasoning of the animals rebelling, there was so much eco-haranguing in just the first few chapters I felt all mystery removed from proceedings. For the under-tens it might not be offensively bad, and it certainly reads so quickly no small sense of accomplishment could be attained, but the under-tens deserve books anyone of any age could enjoy, and this certainly wasn't one. A generous two stars.
And now I see other reviews claim this is about depression??? And incredibly crass as regards to warfare??? Second star removed. This is tripe.
December 27, 2023
TW: mental health, suicide attempt
aubrey and the terrible yoot is a middle-grade novel which provides an honest depiction of SAD, depression and suicidal thoughts. in a world where difficult concepts are often sugarcoated for children, this makes for a refreshing read, and it's the most realistic depiction of mental illness i have ever read in a children's book. the discussions of mental health (relating to the protagonist's father, jim) are wrapped up in a fantastical narrative with a quest, dream sequences and talking animals, keeping it age-appropriate. it's most certainly a children's novel - everything is handled delicately and with younger readers in mind - but it might prompt them to ask questions about the wider world.
this is a great novel to encourage conversations about mental health between children and adults alike.
aubrey and the terrible yoot is a middle-grade novel which provides an honest depiction of SAD, depression and suicidal thoughts. in a world where difficult concepts are often sugarcoated for children, this makes for a refreshing read, and it's the most realistic depiction of mental illness i have ever read in a children's book. the discussions of mental health (relating to the protagonist's father, jim) are wrapped up in a fantastical narrative with a quest, dream sequences and talking animals, keeping it age-appropriate. it's most certainly a children's novel - everything is handled delicately and with younger readers in mind - but it might prompt them to ask questions about the wider world.
this is a great novel to encourage conversations about mental health between children and adults alike.
July 23, 2025
This book was a present, and it sat on my shelf for some time before I had a chance to read it. I wasn’t disappointed, and it was worth the wait!
What I loved most about this book was the pulling-no-punches view on depression and what it can lead to. The main character, Aubrey, is a kind and caring individual who only wants to make his dad better. He does this by going on an adventure to defeat the Yoot, the embodiment of the depression his father is suffering from.
I began this book a little worried, concerned that Aubrey's adventures would be 'all in the mind' - a cop out trick adults sometimes play on children - but I needn't have been concerned! There are no cop outs in this book.
The book is thoughtful, important, and (at times) heartbreaking in equal measure. I would definitely recommend this book!
What I loved most about this book was the pulling-no-punches view on depression and what it can lead to. The main character, Aubrey, is a kind and caring individual who only wants to make his dad better. He does this by going on an adventure to defeat the Yoot, the embodiment of the depression his father is suffering from.
I began this book a little worried, concerned that Aubrey's adventures would be 'all in the mind' - a cop out trick adults sometimes play on children - but I needn't have been concerned! There are no cop outs in this book.
The book is thoughtful, important, and (at times) heartbreaking in equal measure. I would definitely recommend this book!
May 16, 2020
This is a magnificent book and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it from start to finish in one sitting. It's the kind of book that makes it abundantly clear why reading makes children (and adults) better writers: full of metaphors, similes, rich vocabulary and imaginative adventures. It doesn't shy away from deep and difficult subjects, so it could be a useful read for a child who's struggling to understand their own feelings or those of the people around them. It's a heart-warming reminder of our place in the natural world and I look forward to reading the sequel.
October 17, 2021
A brilliant book, giving young people an insight into the concept of mental ill health, and the love, support and outdoor experiences needed to help sufferers to combat it. Beautiful prose, magical communication with wild creatures, and well-written footnotes to explain references made in the text to young minds who might not have encountered the knowledge yet.
Read this to yourself, and to young ones around you - you won't be disappointed.
Read this to yourself, and to young ones around you - you won't be disappointed.
December 21, 2017
Funny and fearless, Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot is a modern-day fable that mixes real family life with fantastical woodland creatures and a more than a touch of myth and mystery, to tackle the theme of depression head on, complemented by unforgettable line drawings by illustrator Jane Matthews.
Reviewed on The BookBlast® Diary 2017
Reviewed on The BookBlast® Diary 2017
February 3, 2021
An imaginative and sensitive way of exploring the heavy and complex theme of depression with children.
The concept of the Yoot was interesting but certain things towards the end didn't sit quite right with me, however the book is a great way to start conversations about this subject that affects so many of us.
The concept of the Yoot was interesting but certain things towards the end didn't sit quite right with me, however the book is a great way to start conversations about this subject that affects so many of us.
November 11, 2020
Rather sad with the dad situation but love the talking to animals theme and love how the terrible ute can finally come to earth in its proper form. Very beautifully written book which can encourage children to keep up with their reading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
A beautifully tender and accessible insight into depression, and how it can affect anyone at any time. One less star as felt the French characters at the end were a bit unnecessary, but nonetheless a deeply emotional read.
February 26, 2019
An inventive and honest way in for children to understand depression.
January 2, 2024
Fucked me up time to go back to my usual rotation (good sci fi and shit warhammer)
February 22, 2017
The book deals with a difficult topic in a heartfelt and funny way. The characters (animal and human) are delightful. Definitely recommend.
February 6, 2018
This is a beautiful book full of amazing human and animal characters. If you want your child to understand the nature of suffering mental illness this will definitely do it and the depiction is very fitting. At the same time there is lot of magic and also fun. Very nature loving book. Also enjoyed the footnotes. Hope the next book of Abrey's adventures with terrible spiders is just as good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews