The International Yeti Collective: Shadowspring

When Henry is sent to boarding school in the Scottish highlands, he hears tales of the yeti on the mountain. Tadpole, a young yeti of Shadowspring, has heard much about humans, her grandfather having become great friends with one of them. On a mission to retrieve a human artifact, some ‘specktakulls’ to help her mother’s failing eyesight, Tadpole saves a Henry’s life (while he is unfortunately lost in the mist on the mountainside and about to roll off a cliff) and a trust is formed between them. This is important, as Tadpole also accidentally shows Henry a map to the yeti set. With preparations for the imminent International Yeti Collective in full swing in order for the future of the planet to be discussed, it is even more important than usual for humans to be kept away from Shadowspring.

Fans of Eva Ibbotson will be delighted with the ecologically minded protagonists and fantastical questioning of human behaviour. Although this is the second book in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone. Katy Riddell’s illustrations scattered throughout are a treat to discover, as was The International Yeti Collective map at the back of the book showing the yeti all over the globe and including the New Zealand yeti, Makimaki: Defenders of Flightless Birds.

This book is a fantastic read with likeable characters and an adventure that underlines the importance of Kaitiakitanga.

Title: The International Yeti Collective: Shadowspring

Author: Paul Mason

Illustrator: Katy Riddell

Publisher: Stripes Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-78895-181-4

RRP: $17.99

Format: paperback

Publication: Feb 2021

Ages: 8+

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? no

Reviewer: Kirsten Puddick, Librarian, Holy Cross School, Wellington

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

Opening sentence: Tadpole (she of unripe character) gripped a hollowed-out reed between her teeth and eyed the long trench of muddy slope in front of her.

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