Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures That May or May Not Exist

by Kelly Milner Halls, Rick C. Spears (Illustrator), Roxyanne Young

Everyone loves the stories of legendary creatures that just might really exist. This book relies on the latest information from cryptozoologists, experts who study these mysterious beings, and the counter-arguments are explored from experts who strongly believe they do not exist. Stories from eyewitnesses are recounted, as well. Included in the book are Bigfoot (Sasquatch), Loch Ness monster, Mokele Mbembe (Africa), Kongamato, Shunka Warak'in, Mapinguari (South America), giant squids, mermaids, coelocanthes, and more. An extensive "For Further Investigation" section, offering readers more places to find information, will conclude the book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Cryptids, Childrens, Science, Cryptozoology, History

72 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Kelly Milner Halls specializes in high interest, well researched nonfiction for young readers. Her books include TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS, SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO, IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH and ALIEN INVESTIGATION. But she is also an avid YA fan and loves realistic fiction including GIRL MEETS BOY, the anthology she edited for Chronicle (January 2012). Her first short story is in that anthology. She hopes it won't be her last. When she's not writing or doing school visits, she works for her friend and mentor Chris Crutcher in Spokane.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea there were so many mysterious creatures living all over the world! Everybody's heard of Sasquatch and Nessie, but the Nandi Bear? Who knew? The Kongamato has got to get a better PR person!

This is a pretty interesting look at all sorts of nifty cryptids, including an alphabetical listing with rankings as to the chances of their being real or hoaxes. Lots of photos and drawings add to the fun.

I'm still a skeptic, but it would be cool if some of these animals were out there somewhere.

[jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I moved to Washington State, and quickly learned that Bigfoot is from here. Okay, okay. I know that there are stories of really tall, hairy hominids from around the world, but Bigfoot & Sasquatch do most of their North American appearances in Washington State. Well, sometimes Oregon & Northern California, but mostly around here. And as a recent transplant, I can tell you the forests are beautiful and I don't blame Bigfoot for staying around here.



So, I started reading books about cryptozoology. I only mention this because I'm planning on reading several more, so you can brace yourself now. This volume is enough to get you excited, with a skepticism that lends a sense of reality that is just lacking from the testimony of true believers. The author collects crytid legends from around the world - mostly large hairy hominids and deep lake-dwelling monsters - offers a smattering of evidence and testimony, provides a few interviews with prominent witnesses and researchers, and wraps it up with a brief illustrated cryptodictionary for your ease of reference.


I can't wait to get into some texts with more evidence and witty banter between believers and nonbelievers. This was a nice teaser as a jumping off point, though.

[Kelsey Brennan]

Right before Halloween, I got the urge to read about some cryptids. This was one of the books that came up in my library searches.

It’s a kid’s book, but if you’re just looking for some surface level info on some cryptid mythology, it’s not a bad choice. The illustrations are nice, and a number of stories caught my imagination - the Bunyip, the Feejee mermaids, and the Dobhar-chú in particular come to mind. I also like how they put measurements into context using ‘school bus length’ as a descriptor.

Still, the rating system skews towards the believer end of things a little strongly, in my opinion, and the detail provided for each cryptid is pretty brief, except for, essentially, Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster.

[Mel Heflin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good complication of short stories and research. There were some cryptids I was hoping it would cover that were left out however.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 4 rather than a 5 because, even though the information is interesting and well presented, I feel the author used too many web sites and didn't consult enough books in the preparation of this book. I've read a goodly number of adult books on many of these "cryptids," and this author didn't list some of these key sources in her bibliographies (yes, I know it's a children's book, but older readers might want to delve into an adult book for further information). From having read the books I have, I could tell that the author was missing information on some of these creatures because she hadn't done enough research.

[Lyric Powers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very cool book for kids. My son enjoyed it a lot, and it was interesting subject matter to me as well.

[Literary Strawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book multiple times as a kid (I'm pretty sure it's what started my cryptozoology phase), and I enjoyed it almost as much re-reading it now. I feel like they present things in a very non-sensationalized way, less like those conspiracy click-bait videos online and more "These sightings were reported, and these people found this evidence, and skeptics say this," just presenting the facts and letting people draw their own conclusions. They also devote space to proven hoaxes, like the Fiji mermaid, so you can see how people were taken in by fakes in the past. It's less interested in convincing kids that these cryptids are real and more interested in getting them to wonder. And I'm a fan of that.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures That May or May Not Exist" is an exceptional book, it delves into the forensics dealing from hair samples to flesh samples, while at the same time keeping the reader interested enough to want to continue reading. It deals with everything from 'Nessie' to 'Bigfoot' to the 'Fiji Mermaid' and proving whether they were proven hoaxes or real or even just leaning towards real. It has enough evidence and background information to make them not seem like they were crazy. The book actually got me so invested in cryptozoology that I am going to delve farther into the cryptids and check out more books.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children think that it is strange that I believe yetis may live in the Himalayas, perhaps in other locations throughout the world. I explained to them that it is strange that cultures in mountains from different parts of the world that have no contact with each other tell very similar stories about large human-like creatures that live in the mountains and avoid people. I asked the kids if they believed Mountain Lions existed in the mountains where we live. They said they did, yet they have NEVER seen one. I believe that there are more things in heaven and in earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy. This book examines a few possibilities.

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short yet detailed descriptions of cryptids such as the Loch Ness Monster, Skunk Ape, and many others. At the end of the book, the authors list all the cryptids alphabetically with a rating for each from 1 to 5. Cryptids with a 1 rating are known frauds and hoaxes, such as the Feejee Mermaid. Cryptids with a rating of 5 are animals that were thought to be mythical or extinct but have been proven real, such as the coelocanth and the giant squid.

[Alec · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best, most disturbing and engrossing account of unseen creatures of the dark. Even if you don't believe greater, more terrible things are out there, you will enjoy it for the illustrations and bizarre accounts therein.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA book on crypto-zoological creatures of all kinds. The text is good but the illustrations are fantastic. Wait 'til you see the Loveland Frogman.

[Kris Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discussing Sasquatch, Loch Ness Monster, etc.

[Zorak · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this when i was a little kid and i looooved it, i had the biggest cryptid phase and this was borrowed by me from the elementary school library multiple times

[Jen D. Sandidge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Turns out, I don’t give a crap about cryptids. That and/or the book was a major snooze.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a child so it’s fair to say I’m extremely biased. However, this was the book that launched my lifelong fascination with cryptozoology, and having recently re-read it, I can understand why.

Tales of the Cryptids is a wonderful overview of the field of cryptozoology and what all it entails. It also gives basic overviews of some of the investigations into various tales from around the world, from Bigfoot and Nessie to lesser-known creatures like Champ. These are all presented in bite-sized chunks that give enough to get you interested but not too overcomplicated with details.

This book is definitely written with a younger audience in mind, and it’s not a great resource for an adult looking for detailed explanations of the urban legends held within. However, with all the full-color pictures and a fun catalogue of cryptids in the back, it’s a nice little keepsake for someone invested in the culture of cryptids and folk tales.

[Mrs. Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone loves the stories of legendary creatures that just might really exist. This book relies on the latest information from cryptozoologists, experts who study these mysterious beings, and the counter-arguments are explored from experts who strongly believe they do no exist. Stories from eyewitnesses are recounted, as well. Included in the book are Bigfoot (Sasquatch), Loch Ness Monster, Mokele Mbembe (Africa), Kongamato, Shunka Warak'in, Mapinguan (South America), giant squids, mermaids, coelocanthes, and more. An extensive "for Further Investigation" section, offering readers more places to find information, will conclude the book.

[Mouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a cool book, but definitely short and could've had a lot more meat to it. It loses itself at times by getting into the science behind it all. A good introductory crypto type book for younger readers or teens.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age Range: 9-13
ALA/YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
The three authors have written a book to explore and pass on their own childhood interest in mythical creatures that may exist. Each of the four investigative chapters begins with a dramatic and overwrought imagined encounter with a cryptid. Chapters intersperse interviews with scientists, witnesses and even special effects artists. Lots of maps, photographs, drawings and fact boxes break up the text. Clear headings allow readers to browse favorites or discover new fascinations among the more than 50 cryptids described. Hoaxes are described, evidence is laid out and the occasional real discovery is highlighted.
Opinion: Tales of the Cryptids is full of deliciously bizarre imagined animals and a handful that have proved to be real. Each cryptid is given careful consideration and knowledge of prehistoric or contemporary creatures is applied. Scientific methods are extolled as is the value wonder and an open-mind. This is a solid and enjoyable diversion for kids drawn to the unusual or sensational.
Display with Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures by Jim Pavelec and challenge students to draw or describe their own cryptid/hell beast. Alternatively display with other non-fiction titles exploring fantastic creatures: Sally M. Walker’s Fossil Fish Found Alive (Carolrhoda, 2002), Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid by H.P. Newquist (Houghton Mifflin, 2010), Christopher Maynard’s Micromonsters (DK, 1999) and Zombie Makers by Rebecca Johnson (Millbrook, 2012).

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty strange book for me. I thought I remembered seeing it recommended somewhere, but it wasn't what I was expecting. Going into this book, I was not familiar with cryptids or cryptozoology - after reading this book, I realized that's because they most likely don't exist.
I am one of the "hard scientists" discussed in the book - also known as a skeptic. And I somehow felt kind of sleazy as I read this book, like I was reading something designed to make kids believe in things that don't exist. Like someone giving a funny wink while saying, "There are no UFOs- really!"
It was a very well-written book - kept my attention and interest, on a subject I'm mostly indifferent to. (My feelings of skepticism are very real but somewhat tepid.) And I was happy to find a scale at the end of the book, rating monsters from "known hoaxes" as one star to "proven to be true." as five star. And if there are more three or four stars than I expect there should be, I guess it's good to ask questions and keep an open mind. I was prompted by this book to look up some philosophical websites about the difficulties of proving that something does not exist-I quickly decided that this is not an area of thought to pursue today.
So, read this if you get a chance - it's fun and entertaining. I would imagine that some boys in grades 3-6 would find it vastly entertaining.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unknown and mysterious are very appealing topics to children and teenagers. Not only to do they raise the question of what's possible but they also demonstrate that humans don't have all the answers, something children wrestle with as they get older. But mostly the mysterious can be simply fascinating. Tales of the Cryptids looks at some of the well known as well as lesser known mysterious creatures that people have told stories about over the centuries. Everything from Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster to Chupacabras are presented with the authors explaining what evidence does or does not exist regarding that creature. Some of the creatures like the giant squid or the coelacanth have been proven to exist whereas most of the others are still being investigated. The work of cryptozoologists is briefly covered as well. At the end of the book, each of the mentioned creatures is briefly evaluated in terms of how likely the authors think it is to actually exist based on the available witness statements and physical evidence. A thoroughly engaging and informative book about a topic that most children will find fascinating.

[Tracy Enright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like a mini-encyclopaedia of monsters with details of the scientific evidence supporting their existence, or otherwise, pictures or artists' impressions and dates regarding locale, size, weight and so on.

Some of the creatures are indisputably real, some are proven hoaxes and some are... well, who knows? I read this to my five-year-old son and, whilst I had to skip or explain some of the scientific terminology he enjoyed it. He showed a particular fondness for the Feejee Mermaid and still asks about it at regular intervals. This felt more like an adult book although we found it in our children's library, but there is certainly something there to interest the curious of almost any age.

And the real question we're left with? Should I forgive my son for pointing out, in the middle of a crowded public library, that one of the creatures had big boobies, just like me?

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written in picture book format, children of all ages will love this book about the mysterious monsters in the wilds. Halls, Spears, and Young base the information off of legitimate research. While they intentionally leave the door open to many possibilities (maybe yes, maybe no to Bigfoot!), they also "bust" some myths and "prove" some myths. Kids will enjoy the lavish artistic creations of the monsters, in addition to suspected pictures and maps. Side-bar "Cryptid Close-Ups" give all the facts about a cryptid at a glance. Reluctant readers will enjoy the sensational, interesting subject matter... and the fact that the "chapters" designated to each cryptid last only a few pages.

[Booktalk this!: 2nd-4th graders]

[Kris Dinnison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales of the Cryptids was probably one of the most popular books in the elementary school libraries I worked in. At my last library, I had four copies and a constant waiting list. Halls gathers science, mythology, and eyewitness accounts together to try to parse out which ones are pure legend and which ones are possible fact. She uses examples like the giant squid and the coelacanth, which used to be cryptids, to show readers that sometimes science finds versions of these animals that are real. She also writes about hoaxes and other examples of cryptids that weren't real. This well-researched book on a topic kids love is a home-run!

http://scribbleandhum.blogspot.com/20...

[Ayana Mishelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is highly reccommended by Austin my grandson who is 12 years old. It can be used for science for investigation,it talks about the Loch Ness monster and other mysteries. It is a great book for science or for incouraging critical thinking and investigation. It fires the imagination has great pictures . Students leave with more questions and get some answers, the book would also be used for debates. Reccommended for grades 4th, 5th. (6th(per Austin)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book, so it's tough to objectively review it, but I can tell you it's sold a HUGE number of copies and when I do school visits, the kids go NUTS for this book, once they realize it's about mysterious animals that may or may not be real -- Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, etc. Every kid has a story of their own, and it's a tremendous joy to share it with them.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is intended for younger readers, I thought it was really neat and had quite a bit of information. I think it's a perfect book for kids who have an interest in Cryptids. It's a great starter book for those who are interested in learning some info and quite a few strange creatures are covered in this short book.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

So....I've always loved Harry and the Hendersons...
this book explores cryptids (legendary animals)
you are provided with the facts (or supposed facts) and are allowed to make up your own mind.
Great read!

[Crazed Jaws · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exelent book. you learn so much about the unknown. like whats taping your window at night. or hiding in the shadows. if you like creatures like bigfoot and the loch-ness monster id say read it.

[Mrs. Finocchiaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books! I have 2 copies in my room and I am willing to share. It is the coolest book because it tells you if they have evidence to support the existence of each cryptid.

Check it out!