The Really Abominable Snowman by Valentina Mendicino
| The Really Abominable Snowman by Valentina Mendicino | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Rachael Spencer
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| Summary: A fun and engaging picture book about a poor, misunderstood Yeti called Milo and his quest to find a friend. Not my book of the year, but certainly an enjoyable read for all of the family. | |
| Buy? Maybe | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 40 | Date: November 2014 |
| Publisher: Walker Books | |
| ISBN: 9781408856796 | |
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The Really Abominable Snowman, it turns out, is just a little yeti called Milo. He’s not even abominable, never mind really abominable! But that isn't what everybody else thinks, they're all terrified of him, even though all he wants is a friend to share his favourite cupcakes with…
The idea of this story is a lovely one: I think it’s always fun to use a well known character and put them in a different light. I think Milo will be a popular character with children, because he’s fun and has the added interest of not being at all like people think the abominable snowman is. I like the idea that he is trying to find himself a friend, and this will connect with a lot of children, especially those just starting out at preschool or school, I suspect.
I have a slight issue with some of the content of the book, only in that it is almost too relevant to a modern audience. A section where Milo uses social media, and tweets to look for his new friend, I think possibly alienates its main audience a little. While parents reading the book will definitely get this, and probably enjoy the references, I’d say that children who are the right age to enjoy this story fully would be a little too young to understand social media completely, or to use it. However, this is a pretty small niggle in a book which is overall a fun, well executed story.
The illustrations are very engaging and enjoyable, with lots of humorous touches and I think the text and images together are laid out well. I love the addition of the fold out pages towards the end of the book, giving it a little more excitement and making it stand out just that bit more as a book kids will really like reading.
Overall, though maybe trying too hard in a couple of places to be up to date, I think this is a fun story which will tickle children and adults alike. The question is, will Milo find a friend to share his cherry cupcakes with? You’ll just have to read it and find out…
If you just can't get enough monsters, then you could definitely do with picking up a copy of Monsters Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Really Abominable Snowman by Valentina Mendicino at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The Really Abominable Snowman by Valentina Mendicino at Amazon.com.
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