The Thing About Yetis

Yetis—they’re just like us. That’s the essential takeaway as illustrator Vogel (Music Class Today!), in his first outing as author, reveals that winter can be hard on even these snow creatures. Vogel’s furry, gumdrop-shaped yetis are far more adorable than abominable, and while they never get names, there’s a definite sibling dynamic going on—the opening scene shows the smaller yeti being pulled through the snow on a sled by the larger one, who wears a red knit cap with earflaps and dangly pompoms. According to Vogel, yetis also love “drinking hot chocolate with their favorite stuffed toy” and ice-skating “Yeti style” (aka on their bellies). And when winter gets to be too much, they keep crabbiness at bay by remembering their favorite summer activities, which includes trips to the beach and flying down a Slip ’n Slide in a pose that looks suspiciously like their preferred ice-skating maneuver. Vogel narrates with gentle humor as his yetis—and the human kids they play with—remind readers that there’s plenty of fun to be had in every season. Ages 3–5. Agent: Heather Alexander, Pippin Properties. (Nov.)