Henry and the Yeti

by Russell Ayto

Henry is sure yetis do exist, and he sets off on an expedition to find one. He has packed everything he needs, including a camera to take photos for evidence. But can he find a yeti? And will anyone believe him when he returns home?

A funny story about believing in yourself (and yetis) from a bestselling illustrator who has turned author too. (Titles include The Witch's Children and Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs. ) Children will love the twist ending in particular.

Genres: Picture Books, Adventure, Childrens, Monsters, Storytime, Yeti, Fiction

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Russell Ayto has illustrated more than twenty-five books for children. His quirky, inimitable style has won him several awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Gold Medal, and he has twice been short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Reviews

[E.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and I liked the quirky illustrations but I didn’t like the fact that the whole class was laughing at Henry. It paints a less than ideal picture of a principle and school etc.

My rating: 3.5*

——
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was in no way obligated to review this. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Deirdre Collins]

read aloud book of the week. theme was cryptids. i think i have it memorized at this point

[Luke Nicholls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny & enjoyable book for KS1, the children found it very easy to empathise with Henry's character.

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title from Bloomsbury Australia for review.

Ten Second Synopsis:
Nobody believes Henry when he says he is off to find a Yeti. With determination, a little mountain climbing and his trusty camera, Henry is sure that he can provide the evidence his headteacher needs to prove that Yetis exist.

Summing up the oft-touted exhortation of "pictures or it didn't happen", this story is a fun, reverse take on the fable of the boy who cried wolf. Rather than pretending that something exists when it doesn't, Henry is adamant that Yetis are real and what's more, he is prepared to put his money where his mouth is and go on an expedition to prove it.

Young readers will no doubt find something to relate to in the early scenes of the book, in which Henry is ridiculed for believing in something so outlandish, but with determination and his trusty camera by his side (for evidence, of course) Henry backs himself and sets off to glory and beyond. After a mishap with his camera however, it looks like Henry's successful mission might be in jeopardy...but a friend in need is a friend indeed and a surprising ally turns up in the nick of time to support Henry's claims.

This story is replete with dry humour - "Now the headteacher is having a little lie down" says the text, with the illustrations showing that he has clearly fainted - and bears a wonderful message about believing in yourself. We particularly enjoyed the fact that the illustrator didn't overstretch himself in creating the character of the Yeti. (That was dry humour too).

[Macy Crump · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! The dry sense of humor really makes the story interesting to read and the illustrations are simple yet captivating. This book tells a story of determination and perseverance, which is so important when teaching young children. The vocabulary is also exceptional, using words like "expedition" and "evidence." This story is teaching children such a vast and important story, all while keeping them entertained with the funny and understandable illustrations. I chose this book for read aloud because it's short enough to be read in class, but still entertaining and captivating. It also may start a good discussion about how even when others didn't believe in you, you can still follow your dreams.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cute picture book tells the story of a little boy who is determined to prove the existence of the legendary yeti. Henry is obsessed with yetis and desperately wants to see one and prove they exist. Everyone around him discourages him, but he's determined to go on an expedition to find out for himself. With humorous illustrations and a fun adventure story, young readers will have a great time finding out if Henry can ever find what he's looking for. This would be a good mentor text for young writers trying to tell their own fun adventure stories.

[Sirah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry loves yetis. Yes, yetis. He goes out to prove they exist, but no one believes him. It turns out it's hard to find the proof he needs, but Henry loves yetis anyway, and it turns out, the yetis love him back.

I hate to give this book such a low rating, but it just never caught my attention. There were points when I wasn't sure who the characters were, and the main conflict wasn't very difficult, which made it hard to really feel for Henry. I imagine young yeti fans will enjoy this book, but I personally wish it were a bit more emotional.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry loves Yetis but isn't sure they really exist. He sets off on an expedition to find one.
The illustrations and simple text take the reader through the adventure as finds one, makes a friend and takes pictures. Sadly, he forgets his camera on the journey home. His new friend looks out for him and no one doubts again.
Use for perseverance and believing in yourself.

[Johnathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book, and definitely one that parents would enjoy reading out loud to their kids. It reminds me a lot of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, except the people see the wolf in the end.

The book is fun but doesn't really work for a storytime. The page layout and text isn't great for reading out loud to 30 plus kids, at least in my limited experience.

Still, a great book!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Henry is so sure that yetis exist that he sets off to find one and get photographic proof. The premise is a bit silly, and I really disliked that the principal and students all laughed at Henry and no one pointed out that it's mean and not okay. But, the ending was fun. A solid addition to story time, but there are much better yeti books out there.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am trying to figure out what author/illustrator the deadpan text and retro pictures evoke. The text makes me think of John Burningham, but I'm not sure about the art. I like it though.

[Liz Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book.. and the quiet dry humor.
I am a little surprised that the story includes times when the principal allowed the entire school to laugh at the main character... ?? Seems out of place in 2018.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeti's have been very "in" for a few years now in picturebooks. This is by far my favorite story for storytime in that topic. It could work with Pre-2nd graders with a good dose of humor and appealing cartoon-style illustrations.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry loves yetis, but no one knows if they exist. So, he goes on an expedition. When he is about to give up, he bumps into a yeti and takes a picture. But he leaves his camera on the mountain and no one believes him. Until, the kind yeti returns his camera. Enjoyable subtle humor.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry is certain that yetis exist so he goes on an expedition to bring back some evidence.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOL! This book has the hipness and cleverness of a 60s-era cartoon short. The illustrations are childlike and simplistic, but they work in this context.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but the illustration of the yeti left a bit to be desired for me.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry searches for evidence of the existence of yetis.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, quick story with simple illustrations (almost a little too simple). But cute all the same.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture Book

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but not much story. All the other kids and principal bare rude to Henry just FYI.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute adventure.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the lines and colors of the illustrations that give them a unique flair and the main character is fun.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute easy read for beginners

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, simple pictures. My students really enjoyed this book!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of the illustrations, and the story was meh.

[Michelle Rodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really fun! The illustrations are simple and expressive. Henry is a wonderful character.

[Robin Raines-Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the illustrations in this book. Henry is fun and adorable. I like that he believes in himself, even when others do not.

[Mels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable!