The Abominable Snow Baby

Like most people of a certain age I used to read Terry Pratchett Discworld novels as a child. They are fondly remembered by children and teenagers of the 80s and 90s. The Abominable Snow Baby is based on the Terry Pratchett short story from 2015 aimed at young children.

Granny (nicely voiced by Julie Walters) adopts an abominable snow baby after nobody will take him in. The granny becomes an outcast in a fictional Northern town, but forms a bond with the baby.

This is from the same animation studio (Eagle Eye Drama) that produced last year's big Christmas animation for Channel 4 "Quentin Blake's Clown". The animation is digital, but has a watercolour feel to it. It definitely looks like a children's book and there are some stunning scenes. Story-wise as it is aimed at children, it is as one would expect: light on content. Unfortunately, every Channel 4 animation is going to be held up against The Snowman which bankrolled Channel 4 as a formidable force in broadcasting quality original animation. Pratchett fans will get a kick out of some of the inimitable language used such as people's surnames or the photograph of Pratchett on a wall, but it's just a bit meh. I'm not doubting a lot of care and love has gone into producing this, but much like previous efforts of Clown, We're Going On A Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came To Tea - I'm just underwhelmed.

The Abominable Snow Baby is like if someone tried evoking the wholesomeness of The Snowman with the animation style of European television cartoons with trace elements of Bob's Burgers style of animation (Granny REALLY evokes that style here for me). It's a harmless short that basically promotes hospitality at Christmas regardless of whoever or whatever is in need.

Channel 4 has always had a tendency to churn these shorts out at Christmas like clockwork, and though sometimes there's real classics, not every attempt is gonna be a home run in terms of acclaim and general popularity. The Abominable Snow Baby is still a commendable homage to Terry Pratchett's witty style of writing and world-building, and it's nice seeing something outside the DiscWorld stories see some attention.

As Christmas shorts go there's still joy to be had here, but don't expect a 'spellbinding classic' like The Snowman or Father Christmas. But that's okay: it's still nice family entertainment all the same.

3/5 stars. Nice time-killer if there's a shortage of other Christmas offerings.

A short animated story in which a baby yeti turns up in a town after a heavy snowstorm.

The plot is very simple and is really for kids. It is short enough to just about hold an adult's interest.

The animation is charming, it's all really nicely drawn.

Poor animation and a pathetic storyline. This short story is too long, by about 29 minutes. It tells a wearisome, morality tale in an uninspired and insipid way. Do not waste your time watching it!!

Not an exaggeration. It's really that charming! Terry Pratchett's gentle humor, the instantly lovable characters, the adorable animation and memorable score really elevate this one far above other Christmas shorts.

And unlike most of the animated British classics shown around this time of year, it has the added benefit of remaining a happy and heartwarming story throughout, making it perfect comfort viewing for children and adults alike.

Even at nearly 40, I find myself fully immersed in the story and am looking forward to re-watching it as an annual Christmas tradition.

Really, the world is bleak enough as it is. We all need more Pratchett in our lives!