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The International Yeti Collective #1
The International Yeti Collective
An epic adventure with big feet and an even bigger heart!
Ella is in the Himalayas with her uncle searching for yeti. But what seems like the adventure of a lifetime is cut short when she realizes that these secretive creatures might not want to be found.
Tick knows it’s against yeti law to approach humans. So when some arrive on the mountain, why does he find himself peering through the trees to get a closer look?
What Tick doesn’t know is that his actions will set off a series of events that threaten the existence of yeti all over the world. What can he do to make things right? Just when all hope seems lost, help comes in the most unexpected form…
Ella is in the Himalayas with her uncle searching for yeti. But what seems like the adventure of a lifetime is cut short when she realizes that these secretive creatures might not want to be found.
Tick knows it’s against yeti law to approach humans. So when some arrive on the mountain, why does he find himself peering through the trees to get a closer look?
What Tick doesn’t know is that his actions will set off a series of events that threaten the existence of yeti all over the world. What can he do to make things right? Just when all hope seems lost, help comes in the most unexpected form…
- GenresMiddle Grade
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2019
6 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 5, 2020
A rather cute and fast middle grade read that I enjoyed reading. We switch between following a young girl called Ella who is on a yeti-hunting expedition with her uncle, and Tick, a yeti who wants to know more about the humans and why his mother was banished after interacting with them. I loved the whole Yeti side of things with their community and their rules. It was very fun and some really well done parts to this. Didn't blow me away, but still worth a read!
October 13, 2019
Ella is excited to be spending time in the Himalayas with Jack, her famous uncle, during the school holidays. Accompanied by a small film crew, they’re determined to track down the elusive yeti and then share their incredible find with the world.
Tick is a yeti who knows, like all yeti do, to stay far away from humans. Curiosity gets the better of him though and he can’t resist a quick peek at these strange creatures. This decision could have dire consequences, not just for Tick but for every yeti.
I loved learning about yeti history and culture. The lighting system in their setts was ingenious - I smiled each time it happened. I especially enjoyed learning the fun, descriptive yeti names, which included “Nosh (she who makes nibbles)” and “Crisp (he baked in the sun)”. I never tired of their varied greetings; my favourites were “Even a tiny star shines in the dark” and “One shall not reach the top of a mountain by sitting on the bottom”.
By thinking outside the box and being open to new ideas, characters in this book learn that just because something has always been done a certain way that doesn’t automatically mean it’s the only (or best) way to do it. When you are brave enough to try something new the results can be amazing, even if it can be scary in the beginning.
There’s an overarching theme of conservation which plays out throughout this story. While the message was clear, I never felt like I was being hit over the head with it. I appreciated Ella having the strength to speak her truth to adults and loved that her voice made a difference. It’s empowering for kids (and anyone, really) to read about characters who stand up for what they believe in.
My main niggle was . Having said that though, I’m not this book’s target audience and doubt I would have quibbled about it had I encountered this book as a child.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing, an imprint of Little Tiger Group, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.
Tick is a yeti who knows, like all yeti do, to stay far away from humans. Curiosity gets the better of him though and he can’t resist a quick peek at these strange creatures. This decision could have dire consequences, not just for Tick but for every yeti.
“We all make mistakes in life, Tick. It’s how you respond to them that counts”Although this story is told from both Ella and Tick’s perspectives, and Ella does play a vital role, I will remember this book as Tick’s story. I adored this yeti, from his sweet nature to his “idea flies”, which manage to both cause trouble and help him. Tick’s story proves that we can live beyond our labels.
“If we are not true to ourselves, young yeti, then we are nothing.”Humans and yeti aren’t the only creatures you’ll find in this book. I was quite partial to a yak called Shaan. I learned of the existence of a bird with the best rainbow of feathers I’ve ever Googled: the Himalayan monal. Then there was Flittermouse, the most adorable bat I’ve ever wanted to befriend.
I loved learning about yeti history and culture. The lighting system in their setts was ingenious - I smiled each time it happened. I especially enjoyed learning the fun, descriptive yeti names, which included “Nosh (she who makes nibbles)” and “Crisp (he baked in the sun)”. I never tired of their varied greetings; my favourites were “Even a tiny star shines in the dark” and “One shall not reach the top of a mountain by sitting on the bottom”.
By thinking outside the box and being open to new ideas, characters in this book learn that just because something has always been done a certain way that doesn’t automatically mean it’s the only (or best) way to do it. When you are brave enough to try something new the results can be amazing, even if it can be scary in the beginning.
There’s an overarching theme of conservation which plays out throughout this story. While the message was clear, I never felt like I was being hit over the head with it. I appreciated Ella having the strength to speak her truth to adults and loved that her voice made a difference. It’s empowering for kids (and anyone, really) to read about characters who stand up for what they believe in.
My main niggle was . Having said that though, I’m not this book’s target audience and doubt I would have quibbled about it had I encountered this book as a child.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing, an imprint of Little Tiger Group, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.
December 23, 2019
The first thing I adored about this story is that it was written from two perspectives--our human heroine, Ella, and a yeti, Tick. This INSTANTLY gave the troupe of the mythological creature a fresh twist--usually this type of story is told solely from human's perspective, and it was a really interesting take to see a yeti's reaction to mankind!
Following on from that point, Paul Mason created such a rich mythological basis for yetis--their traditions and culture bounced off the page! I enjoyed the little tidbits we found out about each yeti from their name alone, and the subtle differences between the differing yeti groups. Tick's narration felt distinctly different from Ella's, and this really helped ground the story.
Ella was a great protagonist--she was smart and brave and her love for nature and the environment was clear to see! It was so lovely to read a main character that's engaged with such an important issue of our times. I liked her approach to deciding whether or not yeti's existed--it almost felt scientific--which fit in with her character perfectly.
The plot itself was definitely gentle. The story rolled along at a nice pace, but I never felt as if either Tick or Ella were in danger of achieving their goals. This had the effect of the book sometimes feeling a tad slow, but I have to say I enjoyed this! The International Yeti Collective felt a bit like a hot cup of tea on a winter's day--soothing for the soul.
A super quick shout out to Katy Riddell, who did the beautiful illustrations for this book. Not only is her art gorgeous, but the illustrations scattered through the book really add something special to the story.
This book reads like a future classic. Its themes are timely and important, but it's message of friendship across borders and kindness and empathy are universal. Knowing just how engaged the kids I know are with issues of climate change and sustainable living, this book is an absolute corker! I will definitely be lending my copy out!
Following on from that point, Paul Mason created such a rich mythological basis for yetis--their traditions and culture bounced off the page! I enjoyed the little tidbits we found out about each yeti from their name alone, and the subtle differences between the differing yeti groups. Tick's narration felt distinctly different from Ella's, and this really helped ground the story.
Ella was a great protagonist--she was smart and brave and her love for nature and the environment was clear to see! It was so lovely to read a main character that's engaged with such an important issue of our times. I liked her approach to deciding whether or not yeti's existed--it almost felt scientific--which fit in with her character perfectly.
The plot itself was definitely gentle. The story rolled along at a nice pace, but I never felt as if either Tick or Ella were in danger of achieving their goals. This had the effect of the book sometimes feeling a tad slow, but I have to say I enjoyed this! The International Yeti Collective felt a bit like a hot cup of tea on a winter's day--soothing for the soul.
A super quick shout out to Katy Riddell, who did the beautiful illustrations for this book. Not only is her art gorgeous, but the illustrations scattered through the book really add something special to the story.
This book reads like a future classic. Its themes are timely and important, but it's message of friendship across borders and kindness and empathy are universal. Knowing just how engaged the kids I know are with issues of climate change and sustainable living, this book is an absolute corker! I will definitely be lending my copy out!
October 24, 2020
I think this could become really popular in our school because I found it to be a mix of Katherine Rundell, James Russell Dragonhunters, and then even maybe into Wings of Fire and Warriors. Having the two perspectives of Ella and Tick the Yeti does that. Kids will love the clever little translations of what each yeti’s name means and the connection to the yetis of Aotearoa New Zealand will go down well too. I’d love to read the second book. For year 4 up.
October 3, 2019
This book was so much more than I anticipated. I was expecting a fun tale about a girl discovering, and consequently protecting, yetis. What I got was so, so much better. A vividly and beautifully imagined yeti society - similar to our own, yet different - that could, almost, be real. I absolutely love the yetis, and their purpose (can’t say more without spoilers). Their names are brilliant too. I wish I could give more than five out of five stars. This is my second favourite book of 2019 (I read 200-300 books a year, so that’s really saying something). Highly recommended, to children and adults alike.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2019
It's an excellent story, mixing cryptozoology and conservation themes with some lovely characters and its own fantastic mythology. I'm looking forward to seeing it illustrated in October.
October 8, 2020
Ella is on location for a wildlife documentary shoot with her famous uncle, Jack Stern, and his camera crew, as they search for Yeti in the foothills of the Himalayas. When she stumbles across footage of a Yeti on her camera trap, the hunt intensifies, but Ella begins to realise that Jack might not be the conservation hero she believed him to be, and will stop at nothing in his quest to make a name for himself as the explorer who uncovers the ways of the Yeti and exposes their whereabouts. Ella has to make a choice about where her loyalties lie, and whether she will defy her uncle in order to preserve the secrecy necessary to the survival of the Yeti.
Tick is a similarly conflicted young Yeti, forbidden from interacting with the human race, yet desperate to follow in his banished mother’s footsteps and discover more about humans than the conservative leaders of his sett will allow. The Yeti exist because their secret life as sustainers of the eco-system on which the world relies remains just that – secret – and if Tick compromises the sett, the whole Yeti race will be under threat. Tick’s curiosity gets the better of him, and it is not long before his and Ella’s paths cross and the Yeti way of life is thrown into disarray.
There is so much to love about this book; Tick and Ella defy the odds and make choices they know in their hearts to be right, despite immense external pressures, exhibiting courage and perseverance in adversity. We see other characters develop and change – Jack turns out to be more sinister than he appears at first, while Dahl, stern and austere elder and guardian of Tick’s mountain Yeti sett, gradually softens through the story and becomes a father figure, complex in his emotions and capable of love and gentleness. The author’s imagination is wild, creating not just one sett of Yetis, but a worldwide network of setts, joined from one continent to the next by waterways, weaving an education in geography into his narrative. And, of course, the main theme is one of conservation and sensitivity to our environment, teaching children in the form of story that everything in our world is connected, and that nature should be accorded with respect and reverence for its complexity – a lesson taught, not through preachiness, but through the instincts of a small girl who looks into the eyes of a Yeti, and connects.
Tick is a similarly conflicted young Yeti, forbidden from interacting with the human race, yet desperate to follow in his banished mother’s footsteps and discover more about humans than the conservative leaders of his sett will allow. The Yeti exist because their secret life as sustainers of the eco-system on which the world relies remains just that – secret – and if Tick compromises the sett, the whole Yeti race will be under threat. Tick’s curiosity gets the better of him, and it is not long before his and Ella’s paths cross and the Yeti way of life is thrown into disarray.
There is so much to love about this book; Tick and Ella defy the odds and make choices they know in their hearts to be right, despite immense external pressures, exhibiting courage and perseverance in adversity. We see other characters develop and change – Jack turns out to be more sinister than he appears at first, while Dahl, stern and austere elder and guardian of Tick’s mountain Yeti sett, gradually softens through the story and becomes a father figure, complex in his emotions and capable of love and gentleness. The author’s imagination is wild, creating not just one sett of Yetis, but a worldwide network of setts, joined from one continent to the next by waterways, weaving an education in geography into his narrative. And, of course, the main theme is one of conservation and sensitivity to our environment, teaching children in the form of story that everything in our world is connected, and that nature should be accorded with respect and reverence for its complexity – a lesson taught, not through preachiness, but through the instincts of a small girl who looks into the eyes of a Yeti, and connects.
June 23, 2023
Before I read this book, I had never heard of cryptozoology, the area of study concerning the hunt for magical creatures. I was also unaware there are descriptions of large hairy human-like creatures from various continents including the Himalayan Yeti, but also Australia’s Yowie, and North America’s Bigfoot. Author Paul uses these as the basis for his modern day global tale about TV presenter and explorer Jack’s obsessive hunt for the elusive mythical beasts. Told in the alternating voices of Tick (yeti) and Ella (human niece of Jack), these young, brave, curious heros are ready to challenge traditions while striving to preserve the secrecy of a species and ultimate protection of the environment. The descriptions of yeti culture were thoughtful and imaginative, and I loved the clever wisdom greetings and meaningful names eg/ Dunkk (she who dips biscuits). The pace was mid-slowish and resolved a little too easily, but overall an enjoyable read with occasional pencil illustrations to support the narrative. Fantastic appealing cover art too. Will recommend to my Y4-6 students.
April 5, 2020
A journey of discovery for both yeti and human; this trial of trust for both is so consistent with certain current global ecological themes. I (he who is jealous of Ella) would love to ride around the Himalyas charged with taking photographs of wildlife whilst perhaps seeking a yeti, and this is what the main character, Ella, does. Her passion for all wildlife and her wish to protect it from other humans, especially her uncle, travel throughout the story. The journey begins with Ella and a chance meeting with a yeti called Tick, who wishes to find out why his mother broke yeti laws and contacted humans many years previously. Family loyalty, on both sides, a fear of the unknown, on both sides, slowly converges at the story's climax.
February 28, 2020
I was lucky to be approved by Netgalley to read the International Yeti Collective By Paul Mason which is a Middle Grade Book telling the story of the Yeti who are trying to keep themsevles from being found by the humans after Tick who is quite an entertaining character gets caught on camera. I loved the different types of Yeti from around the world and their interactions but the Human characters were not as 3D I can't really picture them. I did like the character of Ella but would of liked a bit more of a connection between Ella and Tick instead we got two different stories that entwined a bit but they only together in the story nearly to the end of the book where alot of the action took place. For this reason I am giving The International Yeti Collective 3 stars.
September 28, 2021
I accidentally picked this up from the library thinking it would be a graphic novel with Katy Riddell's art. It turned out to be a children's book targeted at pre teens and maybe some young teens.
It was a lovely book, there is definitely an interesting lore that the writer has created that stops at t from being a typical hidden species discovered style plot. Enjoyed reading, would be fun for kids and maybe my eldest might enjoy it.
It was a lovely book, there is definitely an interesting lore that the writer has created that stops at t from being a typical hidden species discovered style plot. Enjoyed reading, would be fun for kids and maybe my eldest might enjoy it.
July 7, 2021
Actual rating - 2.5 stars
November 18, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5
October 12, 2019
I absolutely loved this heart-warming, action-packed adventure with its wonderful wisdom and messages around the strength to be gained from friendships and teamwork.
Ella is spending her holidays with her famous Uncle Jack whilst he is on an expedition to find the elusive Himalayan yetis for his new TV show. But surely yetis are just legendary creatures? Not at all! That’s just what they want us to believe. They are very much a collective of the most wonderful creatures living all over the world, with the best naming system EVER which I completely loved: Tick (he with no time to waste); Plumm (she sweet on the outside with hard centre); and, Nagg (he who pesters) to name but a few!
Tick is a youngling yeti whose deep-set and completely understandable curiosity about humans gets the better of him, so he finds himself visiting Ella’s camp. Unfortunately, his visit does not go unnoticed … and the whole yeti way of life is soon under threat! Whilst Uncle Jack is determined to expose the existence of yetis to the world, kind-hearted Ella, who has an affinity with animals, begins to question his decision, and fears she may have put the yetis in danger … but is it already too late to help them?
Banished from his sett for breaking the ancient laws, Tick stumbles upon the knowledge that the humans are hunting them. He must warn his sett of the danger they are in … and so begins a fantastic fast-paced adventure with Tick and his friends in a race against time to stop irrefutable evidence of their existence being exposed to the world.
The journey is full of danger, risk, humour and incredible courage. Existing friendships are deepened and new ones are formed along the way through the re-emergence of the International Yeti Collective as they must work together to save their way of life, a life very much tied to the preservation of nature. I loved the themes of friendship and teamwork, and how the yetis are stronger united and working together than apart. I also adored the detailed description of the yeti world which I found completely fascinating from the fungusatory to the knowledge set down in the ancient slabs.
Tick is a wonderful character who seeks to redeem himself after inadvertently endangering the yeti way of life. Despite his feelings of guilt, shame and fear, he is honest and brave enough to admit his mistakes, take responsibility for his actions and undergo incredible risks in his efforts to save the yetis from exposure to the human world. He also has the strength to trust in Ella when the other yetis are sceptical that any human can be trusted.
This is a wonderful, heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 8+ who I have no doubt will enjoy discovering more about the secret yeti communities hidden from us humans!
Thank you to Stripes Publishing and NetGalley for an e-ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Ella is spending her holidays with her famous Uncle Jack whilst he is on an expedition to find the elusive Himalayan yetis for his new TV show. But surely yetis are just legendary creatures? Not at all! That’s just what they want us to believe. They are very much a collective of the most wonderful creatures living all over the world, with the best naming system EVER which I completely loved: Tick (he with no time to waste); Plumm (she sweet on the outside with hard centre); and, Nagg (he who pesters) to name but a few!
Tick is a youngling yeti whose deep-set and completely understandable curiosity about humans gets the better of him, so he finds himself visiting Ella’s camp. Unfortunately, his visit does not go unnoticed … and the whole yeti way of life is soon under threat! Whilst Uncle Jack is determined to expose the existence of yetis to the world, kind-hearted Ella, who has an affinity with animals, begins to question his decision, and fears she may have put the yetis in danger … but is it already too late to help them?
Banished from his sett for breaking the ancient laws, Tick stumbles upon the knowledge that the humans are hunting them. He must warn his sett of the danger they are in … and so begins a fantastic fast-paced adventure with Tick and his friends in a race against time to stop irrefutable evidence of their existence being exposed to the world.
The journey is full of danger, risk, humour and incredible courage. Existing friendships are deepened and new ones are formed along the way through the re-emergence of the International Yeti Collective as they must work together to save their way of life, a life very much tied to the preservation of nature. I loved the themes of friendship and teamwork, and how the yetis are stronger united and working together than apart. I also adored the detailed description of the yeti world which I found completely fascinating from the fungusatory to the knowledge set down in the ancient slabs.
Tick is a wonderful character who seeks to redeem himself after inadvertently endangering the yeti way of life. Despite his feelings of guilt, shame and fear, he is honest and brave enough to admit his mistakes, take responsibility for his actions and undergo incredible risks in his efforts to save the yetis from exposure to the human world. He also has the strength to trust in Ella when the other yetis are sceptical that any human can be trusted.
This is a wonderful, heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 8+ who I have no doubt will enjoy discovering more about the secret yeti communities hidden from us humans!
Thank you to Stripes Publishing and NetGalley for an e-ARC in return for my honest opinion.
September 14, 2019
This is the story of a yeti named Tick and a girl named Ella, who catch sight of each other when she is visiting the Himalayas with her TV star uncle and set off a catastrophic chain of events. Tick and Ella are both great characters with the very best of intentions, and I liked them both a lot. While it did take me a little bit longer to get into the plot as I found the beginning quite slow paced, I ended up really enjoying that too, and towards the end things got to a high enough level of excitement that it was pretty unputdownable. My favourite thing about this was definitely the worldbuilding of the yeti community- I found all the different setts really interesting, their naming system was so fun and learning about their customs and traditions was great as well. The way the theme of conservation is worked in and dealt with is also really well done, and very important. A lovely fantasy that I think fans of the Missing Barbegazi will really enjoy. 4/5
December 7, 2019
This was a real feel good book, that made me feel all warm inside. I loved the concept of the Yeti's and how they got their names and found it to be one of the most interesting aspects of the entire book. I also enjoyed how unique they were and their whole originality.
However, I found the plot quite slow to start off with and I was expecting a bit more interaction between the humans and the yeti's. From what I'd heard I thought this was going to happen, and was slightly disappointed. Mind you, I found the last part of the story to be quite thrilling and I was invested in what was going to happen to all characters.
This was a good read and one that I did enjoy. I feel that children aged 8 - 12 will get the most from it. It's entertaining, original and exciting.
However, I found the plot quite slow to start off with and I was expecting a bit more interaction between the humans and the yeti's. From what I'd heard I thought this was going to happen, and was slightly disappointed. Mind you, I found the last part of the story to be quite thrilling and I was invested in what was going to happen to all characters.
This was a good read and one that I did enjoy. I feel that children aged 8 - 12 will get the most from it. It's entertaining, original and exciting.
January 7, 2020
This was a fun story with delightful characters that I would love to discover in the wild and protect from the gaze of the world. I enjoyed the idea of the different species of yeti’s and I’m curious at the potential for a series. Tick was fantastic and his curiosity and bumbling nature was a delight. The names of the yeti’s were very creative and made me laugh. The fact that there is also an environmental message hidden within an adventure story was also a positive thing for me.
Overall, this brightened my day.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Overall, this brightened my day.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
September 21, 2019
Comes out Oct 17th - little tiger very kindly sent me an ARC of this.
Oh my goodness, I loved this book. The world was so interesting and diverse. The characters were brave and kind. There’s so much wisdom in this book. I just adored it.
Sequels please!!!!
Oh my goodness, I loved this book. The world was so interesting and diverse. The characters were brave and kind. There’s so much wisdom in this book. I just adored it.
Sequels please!!!!
September 26, 2019
This is a proper adventure. Humans searching for Yeti; a young yeti trying desperately to hide his curiosity and ambition to find his mam; a trip around the world. I can not wait for more! I loved all of the little jokes in the Yeti names in particular.
September 14, 2019
Book review to follow on the blog. www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com
November 22, 2019
This was a great book about understanding something that you've never come across before. I loved all the character names, they were very humorous.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews