How to Find a Yeti

A self-proclaimed yeti expert decides that he is going to find the yeti which he is sure lives in the forest behind his house. Having packed his rucksack and donned his favourite scarf, the little boy and his dog, Milo, set off for the trees. Having searched everywhere, the little boy returns home having concluded that there is NO yeti in the forest . . . but how has his lost scarf found its way back to his doorstep?

How to Find a Yeti is an absolutely delightful picture book which will have little ones giggling in delight! In true 'look behind you' tradition, they will love pointing out what the little boy just cannot see - that the yeti really is living in the forest.

Story and illustration work in perfect harmony as limited text shares the boy's thoughts and feelings with the reader whilst the illustrations speak volumes. As he dreams of the fame which will come with his great discovery, the pictures offer so many details to notice and enjoy. Children will particularly enjoy exploring the contents of his rucksack, including a 'just in case' pair of pants. I fondly remember how my son used to enjoy packing all the things which he would need for a walk - although a pair of emergency pants was never included!

The real fun of the story starts as the little boy and Milo head for the forest. Sharp eyes will notice a strangely shaped tree on the horizon, which hints at things to come. The little boy fails to see what the reader does and he shines his torch into logs and stands on a high snowy 'hill' to peer through his binoculars. The amiable yeti makes friends with Milo and is shown to have a big heart as he returns the little boy’s lost scarf, which he carefully folds and places on the doorstep, ready to be found the following morning.

As the little boy hunts high and low and looks to left and right, adults might encourage children to join in with these actions, perhaps taking the chance to reinforce directional language or prepositions. They could look in front and behind, under and over, above and below etc, perhaps creating their own yeti search maps and developing imaginative play based around the story.

A fun-filled, engaging read, How to Find a Yeti also offers so many possibilities for play, art activities and learning! 

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

I read How to Find a Yeti to my three year old daughter, plus a class of Reception children. My three-year-old loved joining in and found it interesting; she enjoyed looking for the yeti and demanded that I read it again. The simple narrative makes it an enjoyable bedtime story but it is also good to develop positional language and descriptions for the Yeti's appearance.

I also shared How to Find a Yeti with my Reception class and hunting for the Yeti was definitely their favourite part; they especially liked it when the Yeti gave the scarf back. I found lots of opportunities for children to join in with the actions while sharing the book with them. It is useful for exploring comparison and prepositions, and the illustrations are very engaging.

Picture book / Reviewed by Linda Canning, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+