The International Yeti Collective

“It is better to light a lantern than grumble in the dark” is just one of the many wise sayings used throughout the book that Yetis use to greet each other – who knew? The International Yeti Collective is an adventure that takes us from the foothills of the Himalayas to New Zealand bushland. Told from two viewpoints, Ella a young girl from New Zealand on an expedition with her explorer uncle and Tick, a young Yeti with a big heart.

Readers will feel empathy for both Ella and Tick as they struggle to live up to expectations and do the ‘right thing’, often at the expense of disappointing someone, or breaking some rules. We see their growth throughout the story, becoming braver, standing up for what they believe in and taking more risks. Paul Mason has created a detailed, fantastical world in which the Yetis live, they are responsible for pollination, fungus spreading, looking after animals and water – what would happen if they were discovered, and they were not able to carry out their duties? A strong environmental theme is woven throughout the story, readers will notice parallels between the Yeti world and their own.

Katy Riddell’s expressive black and white line drawings that are interspersed throughout the book really add a sense of emotion.

A face paced adventure that will have readers turning the pages, perfect for a read aloud – and the most exciting part? The last page that says, “More adventures of the International Yeti collective … Coming soon!”

Title: The International Yeti Collective

Author: Paul Mason

Illustrator: Katy Riddell

Publisher: Stripes Publishing Limited

ISBN: 978-1-78895-084-8

RRP: $25

Format: Paperback

Publication: 2019

Ages: 8+

Any advisory warnings? No

Reviewer: Louana McCormack, Librarian, Opaheke School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

Opening sentence: Ella Stern stopped and peered into the rolling mist.

You can buy this book here