The Abominables: questions to ask and activities to try
How do you smuggle a family of yetis from Tibet to England? The Abominables is Eva Ibbotson's classic, funny adventure.
What age is it for? The Abominables is best for ages 8–11. Good for: Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe.
The Abominables (Eva Ibbotson and Jamie Littler)
- Age
- 8-11
- Best for
- Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe
Read a chapter a night with older children. Talk about how the yetis are treated by different people.
What it helps with
- Protecting animals
- Kindness to outsiders
- Adventure and travel
- Classic novels
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who kidnapped Agatha?”
- “What were the yetis like?”
- “Why were they in danger?”
- “How did they travel?”
- “Who helped them?”
- “What would you do to protect a yeti?”
5-minute activities to try together
Route map
Draw the yetis' route from Tibet to England.
Yeti facts
Write a yeti fact file: food, habits, manners.
Free printables: The Abominables worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
A Bear Called Paddington (Michael Bond and Peggy Fortnum)
- Best for
- Kindness to newcomers, and the first Paddington stories
- Age
- 5-8
Einstein the Penguin (Iona Rangeley and David Tazzyman)
- Best for
- A penguin who turns up to stay
- Age
- 6-9
Charlotte's Web (E. B. White and Garth Williams)
- Best for
- Friendship, loyalty and loss
- Age
- 6-10
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.