I entered to win an uncorrected proof from Goodreads — their First reads (program to preview books) I would highly recommend. Who doesn’t love a new book, and before many others get to read it, even?!? I was not compensated in any other way and was not required to review the book. As always, this is my blog and I tell you the truth. My humble way of saying, the opinions are my own, and may differ from yours, so use your best judgement in every purchase decision you make–wise in these economic times, right? Oh and you can connect with me HERE. Here’s my review….
The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Two big thumbs up for ‘The Abominables’–the recommended age is 8-12 but I’m going to read it to my 2 and 5 year olds as the content is not too scary– and look for more books by the late Eva Ibbotson (this one was finished posthumously by her son and long time editor). Several seem to be about ghosts and witches, which would be great this time of year. I love the writing style and am going to look for more to pre-read next for kid consumption!
Age range: I think my oldest could read this but it would take her a while so I will read it to her first and put it on my ‘older kid’ shelf. I would recommend it for the age range they suggest, or YOUNGER if the parent thinks that a child could handle the material. I definitely would align this with parents reading the ‘Harry Potter’ series to their kids, a chapter at a time, before bed.
I think this would make a great read for the tween set, and older kids- through adults could really pick up various themes and talking points throughout the book.
Set over 100 years, the book begins with a small girl called Agatha who by strange circumstance happens to befriend the only yetis alive on the planet. With their shaggy hair and back-turned feet, the abominable creatures are immediately transformed into simple, lovable characters that any child should aspire to emulate. Parental figures are non-existent or compliant with the ruses that arise, leaving children largely in charge of the comings and goings–something most kids that age love!
Throughout a super sized journey in a freezer truck across several continents, the yetis leave their beloved Agatha (who aged 100 years in her time with the yetis) to set about finding her family estate, which she believes will shelter them from harm once she is gone. Their new friends Con and Ellen and the truck driver, Perry, guide them on the way. With many silly side adventures, the yetis complete their journey, only to see the face of human cruelty for the first time in their extra-long lives. Thanks to the help of many schoolchildren and the downtrodden rising up, the yetis are rescued from their harrowing ordeal and re-discover their beloved Agatha in their new country home.
