luweebayy's review against another edition
4.0
For a childrens book, I enjoyed this. It’s younger than I would normally read and enjoy, but I liked the yetis different characters and personalities!
theladydoor's review against another edition
4.0
I was very saddened to read on this book jacket that Eva Ibbotson had died in 2010, and this was going to be her last novel. I've read nearly all of her works, and loved every single one I've read. This book is no exception.
The titular Abominables are a family of Yeti. There's a father, three lovely if bumbling children, a crotchety grandmother, and a shy but brilliant uncle. When the three children lose their mother, Father kidnaps a young girl, Agatha, to care for them. She does a wonderful job, teaching and loving Ambrose, Clarence, and Lucy as if they were her own. 100 years pass, and Agatha starts to realize she can no longer keep the Yeti in their lovely mountain home, as she is growing old, and the tourism of the Himalayas is becoming a threat. With the help of siblings Con and Ellen, she hatches a plan to remove them to her ancestral home in England. Many fun adventures ensue, and the little crew encounters grave dangers along the way, but the ending is still extremely heartwarming.
I loved this last novel of Ibbotson's, and I am incredibly sad that there are no more to come.
The titular Abominables are a family of Yeti. There's a father, three lovely if bumbling children, a crotchety grandmother, and a shy but brilliant uncle. When the three children lose their mother, Father kidnaps a young girl, Agatha, to care for them. She does a wonderful job, teaching and loving Ambrose, Clarence, and Lucy as if they were her own. 100 years pass, and Agatha starts to realize she can no longer keep the Yeti in their lovely mountain home, as she is growing old, and the tourism of the Himalayas is becoming a threat. With the help of siblings Con and Ellen, she hatches a plan to remove them to her ancestral home in England. Many fun adventures ensue, and the little crew encounters grave dangers along the way, but the ending is still extremely heartwarming.
I loved this last novel of Ibbotson's, and I am incredibly sad that there are no more to come.
chrissireads's review against another edition
3.0
The Abominables are Yetis who have been undiscovered in the Himalayas for centuries. Lord Farlingham takes his daughter Agatha on an expedition. The story begins with Agatha being kidnapped from her tent. Agatha is scared to begin with, but she soon realises that she has nothing to fear. She decides to stay and care for the Abominable Snowmen that have taken her! The creatures in this story aren’t scary at all. They’re incredibly endearing and its easy to see why Agatha made the decision she did to care for them. The story goes on to explore how our human world treats animals. It’s interesting to read between the lines and recognise the message The Abominables brings with it.
The story isn’t perfect, but it’s sweet and fairy-tale esque. I’m glad that I read it!
The story isn’t perfect, but it’s sweet and fairy-tale esque. I’m glad that I read it!
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Usually I love Ibbotson books, but this one left me a little cold (no pun intended). There was just a little too much going on, as if cramming more action would be better than staying in one place and making that chapter better. The humor also felt a little stale at times. Sigh.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
jasonfurman's review against another edition
3.0
Sort of amusing, sort of decently written, just overly decent--The Abominables kept the children entertained with the story of a delightfully friendly group of Yetis who make the trek from Tibet to England in search of a refuge from the often beastly, but just as often noble, humans. Lots of Roald Dahl, including noble children in a world of cruel adults who make their way to Buckingham Palace to get the queen to intercede on their behalf, but none of the darkness, edge, or witty writing.
shogins's review against another edition
3.0
A cute middle-grade novel about Lady Agatha's discovery of a family of Yetis and their journey from the Himalayas to her ancestral home in England. Feels a little lost in time - there is some weird classism in the bones of the story - but thoroughly enjoyable. The ultimate message is a little saddening - they only manage to save the Yetis because the Queen of England wants her trash picked up, not because the rally/demonstration actually changed anyone's mind!?
Still, I enjoyed this book's silliness and its version of Yetis was original and enjoyable.
Still, I enjoyed this book's silliness and its version of Yetis was original and enjoyable.
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy Eva Ibbotson's stories. There is always adventure and humor and the bad guys generally get taught a lesson about their horrible behavior. The Abominables has all of those characteristics. Con and Ellen are brave children who embark on a risky journey to help their friends, the Yetis, reach a safe home. Along the way from the Himalayas to Farlingham Towers in England, they meet all sorts of people - evil zoo keepers, greedy sultans, kindly monks, matadors, and evil hunters. Each challenge causes them to use all their intelligence and bravery to overcome danger and continue on to their goal.
If you have read any of Eva's other books like The Great Ghost Rescue you know this is a story you will enjoy. If you haven't tried out her writing yet, why not start with this one? After all, it's not often you get the chance to read about yodeling Yetis.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
If you have read any of Eva's other books like The Great Ghost Rescue you know this is a story you will enjoy. If you haven't tried out her writing yet, why not start with this one? After all, it's not often you get the chance to read about yodeling Yetis.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
jillcd's review against another edition
3.0
3.5- cute, funny, and it has Yeti’s. A good book for 3rd grade and up.