The Abominables

In the Himalayas of 1912, young Lady Agatha is taken by yetis to their mountain home. She discovers these creatures are gentle and intelligent, becoming their teacher and caretaker as decades pass in their isolated world. The story follows the yeti family's journey from their peaceful mountain existence to a new life. As their habitat faces threats from the modern world, they must undertake a risky expedition to find safety, aided by a group of children who become their allies. This posthumously published novel combines adventure and humor with Ibbotson's signature warmth. The narrative explores themes of friendship across differences, the meaning of family, and the importance of protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

Readers describe this as a gentle, humorous adventure story that appeals to both children and adults. Many note it feels like a classic children's book despite being published in 2012. Readers appreciated: - The endearing yeti family characters - British humor and wit throughout - Environmental and conservation themes - Suitable for reading aloud to young children - Illustrations by Sharon Rentta Common criticisms: - Plot moves slowly in the middle sections - Some found the ending rushed - A few readers expected more action/excitement Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) "Perfect bedtime reading - my 7-year-old was completely absorbed" - Amazon reviewer "Not quite as engaging as Ibbotson's other works, but still charming" - Goodreads reviewer "The yetis steal the show with their personalities" - School Library Journal

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George The tale of children who live in a magical castle mirrors the blend of family, adventure, and gentle fantasy found in The Abominables.

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold A girl befriends and protects a rare creature in the Arctic, echoing the protective relationship between the children and yetis in The Abominables.

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson A child discovers her place in a world of folklore creatures, sharing themes of belonging and friendship with unusual beings.

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis A story of a magical creature adapting to human society presents the same fish-out-of-water elements and warmth as The Abominables.

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson Another Ibbotson novel featuring hidden magical creatures and children who must protect them from the modern world.

🔸 Eva Ibbotson wrote this book nearly a decade before its 2012 publication, but it remained unfinished at the time of her death in 2010. Her son completed the final edits to bring the story to readers. 🔸 The author drew inspiration for the yetis' gentle nature from her experience as a Jewish refugee in Britain during World War II, often writing about outsiders being misunderstood by society. 🔸 The book's 1912 setting coincides with the real-life period when interest in yeti sightings peaked, following several prominent Himalayan expeditions that claimed evidence of the creatures. 🔸 While most yeti folklore portrays them as dangerous monsters, Ibbotson deliberately subverted this tradition by making her yetis vegetarian and obsessed with proper manners. 🔸 The Himalayan setting features real locations around Nangi Mountain in Nepal, an area that continues to attract both tourists and cryptozoologists searching for evidence of yeti existence.