Review: Not Yet A Yeti by Lou Treleaven and Tony Neal
Everyone in George’s family is a yeti. Everyone except George. George explores what it means to be a yeti, and what he will need to do to become one … and that’s when he realises he isn’t a yeti at all. George is a unicorn. A gentle story about self-discovery.
I loved this book. George *knows* he is a unicorn, knows with conviction, and his family love and support him. It is a book about discovering who we are and learning that people will love and support us no matter how we identify. It is clearly a book which would be useful in early discussions about gender and sexuality. Without being about those things, it helps children to understand that knowing deep down who we are is OK, even if it comes as a surprise to our family.
I liked the idea of being a yeti as a choice – while some act ‘yeti’ without considering it, George knows that just isn’t him. This would be a lovely introduction to discussions about gender. How much of being a boy or a girl is fixed, and how much is about choice? About what we have picked up and learned along the way?
There isn’t a negative moment in the story. It is an accepting, inclusive book which encourages young children to accept people for who they are.
I also adore the illustrations – think snow, think rainbows and think yetis teasing the people who venture up the mountains.
If you are looking for a narrative of acceptance and self-discovery, this one is perfect.
Thanks to Maverick Arts Press for my copy of Not Yet A Yeti. Opinions my own.
Book Murmuration 