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The Abominable Snow Dancer
Dive into an uproarious world of unicorns, mythical creatures, and magical moves in this story where a yeti with two left feet takes center stage in his quest to become a dancer.
Everyone knows that yetis aren't meant to be dancers...but that doesn't stop Otto from dreaming of taking center stage. After keeping his favorite hobby a secret, Otto accidentally stumbles into a dance rehearsal featuring unicorns and one tough teacher. Will this yeti be able to impress these dancers with his passionate flair? Or will he learn that yetis truly aren't meant to leap, spin, or tap? With each clumsy twirl and not-so-elegant stomp, young readers will giggle their way through this heartwarming tale of perseverance, self-discovery, and the joy of dancing to your own beat.
Everyone knows that yetis aren't meant to be dancers...but that doesn't stop Otto from dreaming of taking center stage. After keeping his favorite hobby a secret, Otto accidentally stumbles into a dance rehearsal featuring unicorns and one tough teacher. Will this yeti be able to impress these dancers with his passionate flair? Or will he learn that yetis truly aren't meant to leap, spin, or tap? With each clumsy twirl and not-so-elegant stomp, young readers will giggle their way through this heartwarming tale of perseverance, self-discovery, and the joy of dancing to your own beat.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
48 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2025
29 people want to read
About the author
Steph Lau
2 books1 followerSteph is an Asian-American author-illustrator and former pastry chef from sunny California. She lives in a hilly house by the bay, with two beloved monsters, a ravenous pet rabbit, and a freezer stuffed with half-eaten ice cream.
Steph works primarily in picture books and graphic novels — usually with a splash of mischief. You can visit her online at www.stephlaubooks.com
Steph works primarily in picture books and graphic novels — usually with a splash of mischief. You can visit her online at www.stephlaubooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 6, 2025
Otto is an adorable and relatable character who hides his deepest desires because of social pressure about who he should be. The art is engaging and expressive, and the story has moments on every page to make readers laugh.
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December 30, 2025See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/the-abomin...
THE ABOMINABLE SNOW DANCER is a cute picture book about embracing your differences and passions. Otto the yeti loves to dance, but he does not seem to fit in with the other yetis, who laugh at his dancing. One day, after a tumble, he finds himself in the land of unicorns where they are dancing! Otto decides to try to learn, but he faces some challenges. He nearly gives up when a heroic save leads to the perfect dance move. Other yetis are impressed and want to learn to dance too.
What I loved: This is a really cute and engaging story about following your dreams and being different. Otto is not what is expected for a yeti, and he receives some grief for his love of dance. By the end of the story, he is pursuing his dream, and the other yetis are embracing it as well. This theme works well as a parallel to things children might experience in their own lives where they don't quite fit the mold in one way or another.
The images are delightful and exuberant with lots of pictures on most pages. The characters are cartoonish and expressive. There are a lot of details throughout that add to the fun with a touch of comedy. A turn page and word art add to the reading experience as well.
Final verdict: THE ABOMINABLE SNOW DANCER is a sweet and relatable picture book about being different and following your dreams that will charm elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
THE ABOMINABLE SNOW DANCER is a cute picture book about embracing your differences and passions. Otto the yeti loves to dance, but he does not seem to fit in with the other yetis, who laugh at his dancing. One day, after a tumble, he finds himself in the land of unicorns where they are dancing! Otto decides to try to learn, but he faces some challenges. He nearly gives up when a heroic save leads to the perfect dance move. Other yetis are impressed and want to learn to dance too.
What I loved: This is a really cute and engaging story about following your dreams and being different. Otto is not what is expected for a yeti, and he receives some grief for his love of dance. By the end of the story, he is pursuing his dream, and the other yetis are embracing it as well. This theme works well as a parallel to things children might experience in their own lives where they don't quite fit the mold in one way or another.
The images are delightful and exuberant with lots of pictures on most pages. The characters are cartoonish and expressive. There are a lot of details throughout that add to the fun with a touch of comedy. A turn page and word art add to the reading experience as well.
Final verdict: THE ABOMINABLE SNOW DANCER is a sweet and relatable picture book about being different and following your dreams that will charm elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
The Abominable Snow Dancer by Steph Lau is such a delight. Otto the yeti just wants to dance, even if the other yetis do not get it, and watching him try, fail, try again, and finally find his people feels so relatable. The illustrations are bright, funny, and full of little details my kids love pointing out. It is a sweet reminder that our quirks are exactly what make us shine. This one definitely deserves a spot in home and library bookshelves.
April 28, 2025
Otto the yeti has a secret...all he wants to do is dance! When he stumbles (literally) upon a dance audition, he realizes that this may just be his chance to accomplish his dreams. But judgmental unicorns and Otto's big stinky feet may put a stop to his new career as a dancer before it can even get started. Featuring friendship! And celebrating our individualities! And really stinky yetis!
April 28, 2025
The Abominable Snow Dancer features Otto, a most excellent yeti. But Otto longs to dance and fears the other yeti's might not accept him for this. In this most wonderfully, hilarious book, Steph Lau combines laughter with heart and warmth. Her illustrations will make you giggle and you will love Otto as he goes on his journey. An excellent book for all ages!
November 6, 2025
THE ABOMINABLE SNOW DANCER is an imaginative story about pursuing your dreams and taking pride in the unique individual you are. It’s got a memorable Yeti character and kid-friendly humor, and the adorable art is filled with details kids will enjoy. I highly recommend this sweet story for all young readers!
November 6, 2025
Otto is a yeti who loves to dance, but that isn't what yetis are supposed to do. Otto is a fun, lovable character who saves the day with his unexpected ability to dance. This book helps teach children that just because you don't fit the typical expectations, does not mean you can't accomplish what you set out to do. This is an enjoyable, humorous book that is sure to bring a laugh or two.
November 8, 2025
Otto is a charming, clumsy, dance-loving Abominable. Kids will love this action-packed, silly story about the pursuit of joy. The variety of unique characters and fun details in the illustrations will keep kids coming back for a re-read. Fun language (Beefy beefy!) throughout add to the charm and playfulness.
June 10, 2025
This is such a fun and cute book! The illustrations are so joyful and also quite humorous! The story made me laugh and smile in many parts. It's about a Yeti who defies expectations of both himself and others. The story is an ode to perseverance and doing what you love. Recommend!
July 24, 2025
The Abominable Snow Dancer is a fun and silly story about a yeti who loves to dance—even though yetis aren’t supposed to. When he causes a mess, he feels bad, but his dancing ends up saving the day. With colorful pictures and funny moments, this book will make readers smile.
July 31, 2025
This adorable story already grabbed my attention with a YETI named OTTO who, above all else, just wants to DANCE! Otto’s determination to overcome all sorts of setbacks is captivating. Steph Lau’s whimsical illustrations will have you laughing and chuckling to the grand finale.
November 4, 2025
The Abominable Snow Dancer is so FUN! It’s joyful with adorable monsters and a delightful story—with the perfect ending. The art is fabulous, too! Kids will laugh and ask to read it again and again.
November 6, 2025
Humor, heart, and dancing yetis! What a gorgeously illustrated book that has us rooting for Otto to defy expectations and stay true to himself every twirl and turn along the way, while inspiring our own self discovery!
November 6, 2025
Sure to be a kid favorite! Who doesn't love Yetis and Unicorns? And the message about pursuing your passions despite what other people say is great. Loved the humor throughout as well. Definitely recommend giving it a read.
November 8, 2025
Kids love abominable snowmen (in this case, Otto, the yeti). And while he's got the moves for being abominable, he doesn't quite have the skills for what he truly wants to be—a dancer. Or does he? When accidents happen, Otto may indeed have what it takes to make his dreams come true.
November 8, 2025
Hilarious and heartfelt story about following your dreams and getting comfortable with your true self. Fantastic illustrations, beefy yetis, sparkly unicorns, and a lot of dancing make this story a fun read aloud that kids will love.
November 18, 2025
A funny and uplifting story about a yeti's dream TO DANCE! Steph Lau's art is full of funny little easter eggs kids can spot on each page and the story will appeal to both yeti and unicorn lovers. A great read for kids 3-8.
December 5, 2025
Ballet, unicorns, yetis, a dance recital and a lesson about embracing differences and being yourself. Perfect length for a picture book, colourful, fun illustration and a good moral lesson with queer undertones. 10/10
December 31, 2025
I enjoyed reading this to my nieto and my students. What a cute book about being yourself and finding the tribe where you belong. I highly recommend this book for any at home or school library ❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 6, 2025
In this charming picture book, Otto the Yeti wants to do a very un-yetiish thing -- dance. Hilarious adventures ensue has Otto tries to follow his dream. Highly recommended!
August 29, 2025
For all those kids who just want to fit in—a charming and entertaining book about finding the right spot!
November 6, 2025
This book is tons of fun!! It'll have you laughing (beefy beefy) and cheering for Otto! Kids will absolutely adore all the onomatopoeia!
November 6, 2025
Big heart, big fun, and a message we always need. ❤️
November 6, 2025
Otto the abominable snow dancer is such a cute and relatable character! Kids will adore this humorous tale of a clumsy yeti who longs to dance with the sparkly unicorns!
November 6, 2025
This story was so fun (and super funny).
November 6, 2025
Super adorable, inspiring, and fun! The art is whimsical and cute, and readers will fall head over heels for Otto and the other supporting characters!
November 6, 2025
A super cute story about a yeti pursuing his dreams of becoming a dancer. Definitely recommend!
November 7, 2025
A story about a Yeti who pursues his passion despite other's expectations. With its adorable illustrations, it's sure to make kids smile.
November 10, 2025
Enjoyed the art and thought it was funny. Definitely worth a read
November 14, 2025
The art, the writing, the message: this book is so sweet and empowering!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews