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The Mystic Phyles: Beasts
Abigail Thaddeus is aware of her borderline geek status--which only keeps her secretly yearning for a life of fame and adventure. But as an eighth-grader in the tiny town of Westbrook, tucked away in her grandparents' ramshackle old mansion, her chances for glory are slim. That is, until she discovers a mysterious letter that launches her on an undercover quest to research mythical beasts.
With the help of her best friend, Charley, Abigail unearths little-known facts about mythical creatures, from the familiar unicorn to the bizarre bonnacon. The more she learns, the more she finds that all is not as it may seem. When a threatening letter arrives, the lines between fact and fiction and excitement and danger begin to cross. Pop, her overly-strict grandfather, and Ninny, her nutty grandmother, may both be part of a reality more complicated and mystical than Abigail ever imagined.
Will Abigail pursue top-secret knowledge at all costs or choose a path of safety? Her decision could bring eternal glory . . . or certain doom! In this scrapbook-style journal, Abigail's quest to investigate mythical beasts is full of adventure, mishap, spunky humor, colorful sketches, and historically based research.
With the help of her best friend, Charley, Abigail unearths little-known facts about mythical creatures, from the familiar unicorn to the bizarre bonnacon. The more she learns, the more she finds that all is not as it may seem. When a threatening letter arrives, the lines between fact and fiction and excitement and danger begin to cross. Pop, her overly-strict grandfather, and Ninny, her nutty grandmother, may both be part of a reality more complicated and mystical than Abigail ever imagined.
Will Abigail pursue top-secret knowledge at all costs or choose a path of safety? Her decision could bring eternal glory . . . or certain doom! In this scrapbook-style journal, Abigail's quest to investigate mythical beasts is full of adventure, mishap, spunky humor, colorful sketches, and historically based research.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2011
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 12, 2011
A mysterious letter shows up, addressed to you, while you are walking home from school.
A little wierd?
Yea.
A bit creepy?
You betcha.
Quite exciting?
Darn Tootin'!
Abigail is a fairly lonely girl, she has one good friend, a crazy grandmother, an overbearing grandfather, and an arch nemesis at school. The arch nemesis is Kane: jerk-extraordinaire. It's not bad enough that Abigail is shy, no. He has to make things even harder for her at every turn. Enter cat messenger service, and suddenly life is not quite as boring for our sweet Abigail.
She and her best friend, Charley, are on a mission to learn as much as they cab for Abigail's "Devoted Friend" - does that name seem a little odd to you too? Turn it up one more notch on the mysterious scale. Abigail starts learning about beasts from the well known phoenix to the little heard of bunyip. There are some truly remarkable, scary, and interesting creatures out there.
While studying these fantastical beasts, a letter from another source comes, warning her to stop before there are major consequences to pay. Does Abs listen? HECK NO - you go, girl!! She keeps ploddin' right along with her work. But was it a good idea? Should she have followed the second letter writer's instructions? GO READ AND FIND OUT!!
This was a very cute, very informative read. There are lots of books out there that give an encyclopedia approach about different mythological beasts. This one provides information and provides a story to go along with it. It was quite adorable.
There were a few things I would have changed to improved on it (in a perfect world). The book was Abigail's diary. There were hand written notes in part of it and hand-drawn pictures, BUT the text was all in type.....It would have given it a more realistic feel to it to have it written in something less formal. I think it would have helped to create more of an engrossing pull into her world. We would have felt like we were really reading her diary instead of something that we were told was her diary.
The story was lacking a bit in my opinion as well. I know this is for a YA audience, but with as much detail and the depth of information provided the YA lover reading this book I think would have enjoyed a bit more story to go along with the facts and information. The plot was pretty shallow, but it did move along and I did feel like it was told in a way a young girl would view things. I just think more story would have done this book some good.
Had it not been for the illustrations in the book - I would have given this book 3 stars. But the added illustrations and fun haikus mingled in the book helped the fun factor on this book. I thought it was a very cute book, and I look forward to the next book that comes out. I do want to see if more story line is added and see some more gorgeous illustrations.
A little wierd?
Yea.
A bit creepy?
You betcha.
Quite exciting?
Darn Tootin'!
Abigail is a fairly lonely girl, she has one good friend, a crazy grandmother, an overbearing grandfather, and an arch nemesis at school. The arch nemesis is Kane: jerk-extraordinaire. It's not bad enough that Abigail is shy, no. He has to make things even harder for her at every turn. Enter cat messenger service, and suddenly life is not quite as boring for our sweet Abigail.
She and her best friend, Charley, are on a mission to learn as much as they cab for Abigail's "Devoted Friend" - does that name seem a little odd to you too? Turn it up one more notch on the mysterious scale. Abigail starts learning about beasts from the well known phoenix to the little heard of bunyip. There are some truly remarkable, scary, and interesting creatures out there.
While studying these fantastical beasts, a letter from another source comes, warning her to stop before there are major consequences to pay. Does Abs listen? HECK NO - you go, girl!! She keeps ploddin' right along with her work. But was it a good idea? Should she have followed the second letter writer's instructions? GO READ AND FIND OUT!!
This was a very cute, very informative read. There are lots of books out there that give an encyclopedia approach about different mythological beasts. This one provides information and provides a story to go along with it. It was quite adorable.
There were a few things I would have changed to improved on it (in a perfect world). The book was Abigail's diary. There were hand written notes in part of it and hand-drawn pictures, BUT the text was all in type.....It would have given it a more realistic feel to it to have it written in something less formal. I think it would have helped to create more of an engrossing pull into her world. We would have felt like we were really reading her diary instead of something that we were told was her diary.
The story was lacking a bit in my opinion as well. I know this is for a YA audience, but with as much detail and the depth of information provided the YA lover reading this book I think would have enjoyed a bit more story to go along with the facts and information. The plot was pretty shallow, but it did move along and I did feel like it was told in a way a young girl would view things. I just think more story would have done this book some good.
Had it not been for the illustrations in the book - I would have given this book 3 stars. But the added illustrations and fun haikus mingled in the book helped the fun factor on this book. I thought it was a very cute book, and I look forward to the next book that comes out. I do want to see if more story line is added and see some more gorgeous illustrations.
May 21, 2011
Loved this book! Illustrations were amazing. I met the author & artist at IRA; geat people.
January 11, 2012
It's been a while but I briefly blogged about this book back in 2010, when I heard Stephanie and Ralph discuss the production of The Mystic Phyles at the MSLA Conference. I remember being extremely impressed with the amount of detail that they had put in to just the creation of the pages, and now I've seen the real deal. Yeesh! Each page has a painted background, the text looks like the paper been cut to size by hand, there are beautifully hand-drawn sketches, bits of yarn are all over the place, random haiku add to the Abigail's journal entries, and the 'official' artwork is beautiful.
This doesn't even cover the characters or storyline, which are super fun and original. Abigail is fantastically funny, and so wonderfully downtrodden you can't help but love her. She doesn't fall into any one category of your stereotypical young teen heroine - she's funny, honest, quirky, and I think more importantly aware of her shortcomings. She isn't laden with angst or overbearing with Pollyanna positivity, she's something kind of new and interesting. She has a sensibility and grounded self-awareness that I think is so refreshing, actually all of the characters are quite charming (though I'm hoping that the secondary characters will be fleshed out a bit more in the following books). The plot kind of reminds me of the Spiderwick Chronicles, which I haven't read, but with more mystery and less action. A lot less action. Most of the book is spent with Abigail creating beautiful fact pages about mythical beasts or discussing her school life, nothing really action-y happens until about the last five to eight pages of the book. I didn't mind though, because each page is so visually stimulating and interesting. Whether discovering weirdo facts about a barghest or reading about Abigail's freak out during her oral presentation, I was completely engaged the entire time.
This doesn't even cover the characters or storyline, which are super fun and original. Abigail is fantastically funny, and so wonderfully downtrodden you can't help but love her. She doesn't fall into any one category of your stereotypical young teen heroine - she's funny, honest, quirky, and I think more importantly aware of her shortcomings. She isn't laden with angst or overbearing with Pollyanna positivity, she's something kind of new and interesting. She has a sensibility and grounded self-awareness that I think is so refreshing, actually all of the characters are quite charming (though I'm hoping that the secondary characters will be fleshed out a bit more in the following books). The plot kind of reminds me of the Spiderwick Chronicles, which I haven't read, but with more mystery and less action. A lot less action. Most of the book is spent with Abigail creating beautiful fact pages about mythical beasts or discussing her school life, nothing really action-y happens until about the last five to eight pages of the book. I didn't mind though, because each page is so visually stimulating and interesting. Whether discovering weirdo facts about a barghest or reading about Abigail's freak out during her oral presentation, I was completely engaged the entire time.
October 9, 2011
The cover of The Mystic Phyles grabbed me from the start. Open it and the colors POP on every page. This story, written in journals, letters, and historical research is a real page turner. The diary of Abigail Thaddeus contains mystery, friendship, bullying, and some weird grandparents who keep Abigail on a short leash. Why is that? And just who are these grandparents? Read on.... This book by Stephanie Brockway and Ralph Masiello is artistically crafted. You mustn't miss all of the drawings and comments in the borders of each page. I love the Haiku poems that are tucked in. The research on these mythical beasts is quite impressive. I learned a lot. Middle-graders and young teens will love this adventure. I will recommend this book to several of my middle-school friends. I am a retired teacher, but still LOVE to read children's books. Looking forward to the next installment.
March 16, 2015
This beautifully illustrated, scrap book style installment is sure to keep the attention of a pre-teen reader. There is intrigue, mythical beasts, magic, drama, and a little romance. The young teen characters are independent, smart, and creative, while the adults are either too quirky (but lovable), too strict, or too creepy, a perfect combination for a pre-teen reader. I look forward to reading the next book.
August 3, 2024
i read this back in middle school/ late elementary at the height of my mythology and gravity falls obsession and i have yet to meet someone else who’s read it or know about it and there never was another entry. on one hand i wish more had been released on the other hand the fact only one book ever got published made the whole lore and story more real to me as a kid so ig its some things for others.
October 7, 2013
My children are obsessed with this book, which I hope is the first of a series. They love the characters, they love the intrigue of not _really) always knowing who is on your side, and they love the beautiful illustrations and characterizations in this book. Please make more of them...we want to be on the other side of the cliff hanger!
August 12, 2014
The ilustrations were awesome Little mystery Little Fantasy All The creatures were Fantastic!!!!
October 12, 2014
Loved this book, I hope there are more because the ending left me hanging.
August 30, 2021
Wonderful! My granddaughter loved it at age 12, and I may have had even more fun with this book than she did. Abigail is a worthy hero with an inquisitive mind.
October 24, 2012
The Mystic Phyles Beasts by Stephanie Brockway and Ralph Masiello is a wonderfully illuminated book combining short fictional journal entries with scrapbooking, illustrated reports, and other visual and literary elements. This engaging format brings the characters and story alive.[return][return]The adventure is told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Abigail, a typical teenager whose life is filled with school bullies and insecurities. Along with her friend Charley, Abigail discovers the secrets of her house and it's inhabitants along with her heritage.[return][return]Many of the situations felt familiar from the many teen angst, school problems, mythical creatures themed books that have been popular the past few years. The scrapbook journal has also become a common format. However this familiarity isn't really a problem because young people love these types of books![return][return]This new series will be attractive to young people who enjoy a visually-rich approach to storytelling. It's also a way to engage young people who enjoy reading about mythical creatures.[return][return]While many new books are incorporating scrapbooking elements, The Mystic Phyles is somewhat unique. Of particular interest is the combination of fictional diary entries and beast research reports. The inclusion of haiku, secret letters, and sketches also adds interest. Finally, the bright colors and glossy paper make the scrapbook seem even more real and visually attractive. For these reasons, I recommend this book for reluctant readers as well as anyone who enjoyed a great visual reading experience.
April 12, 2013
I know, I know - we're all sick of ripoffs of that series about the weak-willed kid. When I picked this up, I was looking for stuff to promote to elementary school students which capitalize on that trend. And this series seemed to have a lot of promise. It takes that illustra-novella, innovative storytelling model and adds something else - monsters and mythology. This journal-writer is researching MONSTERS! Because a CAT told her to! It's not the most well-written, fully-fleshed out story. But the full color pages full of scribbles and illustrations in many styles are extremely appealing. We can tell that the author is a graphic designer first.
In combining a narrative and creature facts, there are some issues - the amount of information about each creature the character researches varies wildly - sometimes we only get a two page spread, sometimes a section on a monster goes for quite a while. It's not like there's not information out there about all these mythical beasts - there are books out there written about them without the structure of the story around them. So it's confusing that the author doesn't choose to standardize the materials on the creatures.
Unfortunately, since it's taken 2ish years for me to write my review, it doesn't appear that there will be a second volume to this series. It is obviously only the beginning to a much larger story, and I'd love to see where Brockway goes with it.
Too bad I won't find out.
In combining a narrative and creature facts, there are some issues - the amount of information about each creature the character researches varies wildly - sometimes we only get a two page spread, sometimes a section on a monster goes for quite a while. It's not like there's not information out there about all these mythical beasts - there are books out there written about them without the structure of the story around them. So it's confusing that the author doesn't choose to standardize the materials on the creatures.
Unfortunately, since it's taken 2ish years for me to write my review, it doesn't appear that there will be a second volume to this series. It is obviously only the beginning to a much larger story, and I'd love to see where Brockway goes with it.
Too bad I won't find out.
February 2, 2012
13 year-old Abigail Thaddeus didn’t fit into any groups at school. She wasn’t a jock, band geek, or bully. She wasn’t even a nerd and definitely not a Britney (the very popular cool girls who think they’re really pretty). Her life living with her over-protective grandfather and kooky grandmother was kind of boring. She would have felt like a total looser if it weren’t for her one friend, Charley. One day her life changed when she gets a mysterious letter from someone who claims that he is her ”devoted friend”. The letter challenges her to learn all she can about mythical beasts (like gryphons, phoenixes and mermaids). With the help of Charlie she begins to research and discover all she can about every mythological beast she can think of but she has to do it without anyone discovering what she and Charley are up to.
I thought this book was cool from the moment I got it. The book is Abigail’s “scrapbook” of her findings, pictures, research notes and kind of a diary too. The pages are formatted in a really neat way that keeps you wanting to read the next note or entry. The pages are colorful and the illustrations are cool. You have to see them to really get the idea.
Even without the neat format of the book, the story was really good. I liked Abigail. The book has some pretty funny parts too. I hope to read more about Abigail in the future. My favorite beast in the book was the Barguest. After you read the book, tell me what yours is!
I thought this book was cool from the moment I got it. The book is Abigail’s “scrapbook” of her findings, pictures, research notes and kind of a diary too. The pages are formatted in a really neat way that keeps you wanting to read the next note or entry. The pages are colorful and the illustrations are cool. You have to see them to really get the idea.
Even without the neat format of the book, the story was really good. I liked Abigail. The book has some pretty funny parts too. I hope to read more about Abigail in the future. My favorite beast in the book was the Barguest. After you read the book, tell me what yours is!
August 20, 2011
Not only is this book entertaining in story but you get to learn about the mythology of different beasts. Chock-ful of pictures lists and mystical mysteries after your finished you are eagerly awaiting for the next book.
I especially enjoyed learning about beasts that I had never heard of before such as the Barometz. It is a plant with the head and ears of new born lamb. Of course this plant has another name that is better known. If you are curious then pick up this journal of Abigail Thaddeus but be for-warned for the adventure you will take will leave you asking more questions then there are answers.
Of course I am doubly excited for the next book which hints that it has to do with fairies. So you know I will be picking it up.
I especially enjoyed learning about beasts that I had never heard of before such as the Barometz. It is a plant with the head and ears of new born lamb. Of course this plant has another name that is better known. If you are curious then pick up this journal of Abigail Thaddeus but be for-warned for the adventure you will take will leave you asking more questions then there are answers.
Of course I am doubly excited for the next book which hints that it has to do with fairies. So you know I will be picking it up.
July 29, 2012
This was a short, fun, colorful read. It's the journal of a girl who is somewhat of a loner/daydreamer, wishing that her life was more exciting. One day a black cat stops right in front of her and sits down, and she notices it has a note with her initials on it. She opens the note and inside is a riddle that pretty much tells her she is special and needs to start researching mythical beasts. So she does. The research she does is great-all the sources are clearly cited (books and websites)and its very engaging. While she's doing her research she gets another note, and starts to realize that the people around her may be hiding something. All in all, this was a fun first book in a series and I'll be looking out for book number two.
September 5, 2011
Abigail Thaddeus receives a journal from her best friend Charlie for her 13th birthday. Just when she thinks she'll have nothing to write about, she receives a mysterious letter hanging on the collar of a black cat that's been following her. The letter leads her to a book research on mythical beasts. The journal alternates between her life as an awkward middle-schooler and the information she finds out about these beasts--meshed together in a fun, interesting way.
What an original book for 4-6th graders interested in mythical beasts. It would be nicely paired with the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series. I can't wait to pass this on to my daughter.
What an original book for 4-6th graders interested in mythical beasts. It would be nicely paired with the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series. I can't wait to pass this on to my daughter.
September 5, 2011
The Mystic Phyles: Beasts
This fictional based story is one of the bests I have read in a while. The format makes the journey into this fictional genre so believable and the mystery has come to life. The way the story is layout is in scrapbook style with loads of journal entrees. There are drawing, diagrams, charts and doodles. How incredible is this beastly book? It even has a Bibliography page for further investigation and research … this makes the sources, pictures, notes and clipish, artish drawing creditable. This book is a must for all libraries but extremely necessary for upper elementary schoolers, middle school learners and high school thrill seekers.
This fictional based story is one of the bests I have read in a while. The format makes the journey into this fictional genre so believable and the mystery has come to life. The way the story is layout is in scrapbook style with loads of journal entrees. There are drawing, diagrams, charts and doodles. How incredible is this beastly book? It even has a Bibliography page for further investigation and research … this makes the sources, pictures, notes and clipish, artish drawing creditable. This book is a must for all libraries but extremely necessary for upper elementary schoolers, middle school learners and high school thrill seekers.
September 6, 2011
Recommended for gr. 4-8. Written as a fictional journal, Abigail Thaddeus (the journalist) chronicles a number of mythical beasts as a response to a mysterious note she has received. In addition to fascinating information about the beasts, the reader learns about her strict grandfather, Pop, her dotty grandmother, Ninny, and her best (and only) friend Charley. The mystery of the note is not quite solved, nor are hinted-at mysteries concerning the deaths of Abigail's parents, thus opening the door for additional books - the next one will be about Faeries. An entertaining and well-illustrated volume that will appeal to fantasy lovers.
July 2, 2012
The Mystic Phyles - beasts book is set up as a scrapbook written by teenager Abigail Thaddeus. She lives with her grandparents in a creepy old house and Pop never lets her go anywhere. Abigail gets a mysterious note and starts researching all sorts of beasts. Cool information on a lot of interesting creatures. There were a lot that I had never even heard of. I think kids that like mysteries and mythology would like this book.
September 30, 2011
i think this was a great book to read because i like fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews