Henry and the Yeti

Henry determines the only way to prove the existence of yetis is to find one. Henry loves yetis. His teacher agrees to him missing school to take up his expedition, though he must return with evidence. Henry prepares.

Will ‘Henry and the Yeti’ discover each other? Do yetis exist? Henry travels ‘out of the city, across an ocean, up a hill, over a river….‘ Mountain after mountain after mountain lie ahead but not even a footprint! Will Henry abandon his search?

Henry’s self possession, isolation and determination are clearly evidenced in Russell Ayto’s skilful picture book. I love the way he frames Henry’s passage from setting after setting after setting. Nobody constructs movement like Russell Ayto. I love the angular planes and variety of directions. There is something almost Escher meets Mr Magoo like in Henry’s trek. There is also something unbearably tender.

‘Henry and the Yeti’ is a satisfying, original, ‘forever’ picture book. It is a title to read often and cherish.