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Catching Cryptids: The Scientific Search for Mysterious Creatures
Learn how to find Kraken, Mothman, Microbats, and more in this fact-filled, STEM-based cryptozoology book.
For years the kraken was considered a mythical beast. Then, in 2004, high-tech cameras captured a photo of a living giant squid. Advances in technology have provided scientists with new tools to study previously undiscovered/unresearched high-tech cameras, forensic analysis, underwater robots, bioacoustics, infrared sensors, drones, remote control photography and measurement tools, airborne DNA, footprint identification, and more.
Catching Cryptids explores these technological advances by pairing them with mythical creatures and discussing how modern technology could be used to locate or “catch” these beasts. The book includes a mini history of each cryptid, along with facts about the corresponding field of science, and spot illustrations throughout.
Featuring over 45 creatures found on land, in water, and among the skies.
For years the kraken was considered a mythical beast. Then, in 2004, high-tech cameras captured a photo of a living giant squid. Advances in technology have provided scientists with new tools to study previously undiscovered/unresearched high-tech cameras, forensic analysis, underwater robots, bioacoustics, infrared sensors, drones, remote control photography and measurement tools, airborne DNA, footprint identification, and more.
Catching Cryptids explores these technological advances by pairing them with mythical creatures and discussing how modern technology could be used to locate or “catch” these beasts. The book includes a mini history of each cryptid, along with facts about the corresponding field of science, and spot illustrations throughout.
Featuring over 45 creatures found on land, in water, and among the skies.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 27, 2025
This is one part survey of different cryptids from around the world and one part introduction to various tech and scientific methods useful in field research. Long introduces a variety of different cyrptids, looks at what kind of animal it could be or could be mistaken for such a creature, whether anything similar has been found, what kind of scientific equipment and methods could be used to find evidence of the creature, and other similar cryptids around the globe.
This was a fascinating read. You learn how scientists find real rare animals, like using radar or environmental DNA or camera traps or a whole host of other things. I had heard about some of these methods, but some were brand new to me (like the environmental DNA…that was fascinating). The book realistically shows how you would go about developing a plan to find a rare creature. It highlights some past cryptids that have been discovered to be inspired by real creatures, like the giant squid inspiring kraken tales. There were a whole host of cryptids in here I had never heard of before. And I felt like it dealt with things very scientifically. For example, they say something like…‘We’ve got numerous reports of people saying they saw a creature with these attributes.” And then they research if any known animals match the description, and then scientifically describe how to narrow down the search field and what equipment would be most useful. The science nerd in me loved this. It was done in a very readable and engaging way, and is a fantastic read for any would-be scientists.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Animals that are predators or have been said to attack others are mentioned, nothing graphic.
Ethnic diversity: Cryptid examples come from all over the globe.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Beware of high science content (but done in a fun and engaging way)!
This was a fascinating read. You learn how scientists find real rare animals, like using radar or environmental DNA or camera traps or a whole host of other things. I had heard about some of these methods, but some were brand new to me (like the environmental DNA…that was fascinating). The book realistically shows how you would go about developing a plan to find a rare creature. It highlights some past cryptids that have been discovered to be inspired by real creatures, like the giant squid inspiring kraken tales. There were a whole host of cryptids in here I had never heard of before. And I felt like it dealt with things very scientifically. For example, they say something like…‘We’ve got numerous reports of people saying they saw a creature with these attributes.” And then they research if any known animals match the description, and then scientifically describe how to narrow down the search field and what equipment would be most useful. The science nerd in me loved this. It was done in a very readable and engaging way, and is a fantastic read for any would-be scientists.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Animals that are predators or have been said to attack others are mentioned, nothing graphic.
Ethnic diversity: Cryptid examples come from all over the globe.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Beware of high science content (but done in a fun and engaging way)!
May 28, 2025
A really fun and distinctive all-ages read regarding cryptids – the Bigfoots, Nessies and so on of our world. Each chapter picks up on one distinct example, tells us who has seen it and where and to what effect, and then goes into the modern science of trying to capture it – as the introduction has already told us, copious animals thought lost or extinct have been spotted, although if an animal wants to stay hidden it can generally succeed in that, as all the new discoveries of even major critters can prove. We then see other examples the book could have given us – for instance, with the first chapter being on the Kraken, we look at how we discovered the giant squid, and see a few things in the same category of beastie.
Where this wins is oddly its ability to be fluid and flowing. It looks like it's branching each chapter off into box-outs, but it's not – the text runs properly and narratively from one chunk to another, and even when we get what are basically frame-less tables the text is still coherent and easily absorbed. If anything the shtick where the author builds up a plan for "us" to scientifically hunt for the cryptids is a bit naff and cheesy, ignoring budget and a lot of feasibility, but that poor career advice aside the book is very serious in its science, and a very welcome approach to the Fortean subjects. And it almost does work as a way to marry biology with STEM science and research; it just lacks a touch of common sense restraint and sensibility. All told, this is a strong four stars.
Where this wins is oddly its ability to be fluid and flowing. It looks like it's branching each chapter off into box-outs, but it's not – the text runs properly and narratively from one chunk to another, and even when we get what are basically frame-less tables the text is still coherent and easily absorbed. If anything the shtick where the author builds up a plan for "us" to scientifically hunt for the cryptids is a bit naff and cheesy, ignoring budget and a lot of feasibility, but that poor career advice aside the book is very serious in its science, and a very welcome approach to the Fortean subjects. And it almost does work as a way to marry biology with STEM science and research; it just lacks a touch of common sense restraint and sensibility. All told, this is a strong four stars.
May 7, 2025
This is the most science-based book about cryptids that I have ever encountered; and I’ve read a lot of them! Even with how many of them I have read, this one still managed to introduce ones I haven’t heard of; lots of them in fact!
Though the focus of this book is fantastical, unconfirmed creatures, it is full of scientific information about known animals, research techniques, technological advances, and various scientific fields of study/jobs. There is even a list of jobs that readers can aim for to help the environment, discover new species, and protect those species we already know about. Catching Cryptids is a great book to get otherwise uninterested children captivated by science, STEM, animals, and our planet.
I really loved the information about all of the technology being used by scientists to study our world and all of the creatures on it. It is truly amazing how much we are still discovering and learning - and how much we still have left to find.
Though the focus of this book is fantastical, unconfirmed creatures, it is full of scientific information about known animals, research techniques, technological advances, and various scientific fields of study/jobs. There is even a list of jobs that readers can aim for to help the environment, discover new species, and protect those species we already know about. Catching Cryptids is a great book to get otherwise uninterested children captivated by science, STEM, animals, and our planet.
I really loved the information about all of the technology being used by scientists to study our world and all of the creatures on it. It is truly amazing how much we are still discovering and learning - and how much we still have left to find.
May 26, 2025
“Catching Cryptids: The Scientific Search for Mysterious Creatures” is a fun, yet somewhat serious peek into the world of cryptids. Kim Long does an excellent job balancing the legends and science.
I particularly liked the chart near the beginning of the book that shows how long humans have gone without seeing some animals (so we believed they were extinct). It’s pretty surprising. I liked the explanations about how scientists use the latest gadgets to learn more about animal behavior and habitat. There’s a good discussion on using technology to collect DNA samples to learn more about which animals are where.
This book is great for kids who are interested in cryptids and animal science.
I received an advance review copy for free from Running Press Kids, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I particularly liked the chart near the beginning of the book that shows how long humans have gone without seeing some animals (so we believed they were extinct). It’s pretty surprising. I liked the explanations about how scientists use the latest gadgets to learn more about animal behavior and habitat. There’s a good discussion on using technology to collect DNA samples to learn more about which animals are where.
This book is great for kids who are interested in cryptids and animal science.
I received an advance review copy for free from Running Press Kids, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2025
This is such a fun read! It manages to keep the magic of cryptozoology alive and well while remaining logical and scientific. It truly covers the gamut of cryptids, from those we know and love like Nessie and Bigfoot to many others you may have never heard of before. *Perfect* for your local cryptid-crazed kiddo (we all know one.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2025
Definitely an interesting start on the science of Cryptids as well as researching other wildlife. Goes over useful AI as well as lore and species I've never heard of.
Adults and children can get something out of this read. I was longing for more about Bigfoot considering the evidence (real and not) of that case.
Adults and children can get something out of this read. I was longing for more about Bigfoot considering the evidence (real and not) of that case.
May 23, 2025
The idea of cryptids is so cool to me and so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to leaf through this book, courtesy of Netgalley. It focuses on historical evidence of cryptids, as well as types of cryptids around the world. A super cute book for kids and kids-at-heart alike!
December 24, 2025
Curious
The author takes a reasonable approach. She does not stray in skepticism or sensationalism. You'll learn some more animal categories, helpful technology, and search protocols along the way.
The author takes a reasonable approach. She does not stray in skepticism or sensationalism. You'll learn some more animal categories, helpful technology, and search protocols along the way.
January 15, 2026
A fun entertaining scientific journey into various cryptids and what animals exist in the areas of these reports. Was very excited for both mentions of the cryptids in WI! This short guide is great for any kids interested in cryptids and want to go exploring in their backyard.
September 12, 2025
What a fun book! It explores how new technologies might prove or disprove about 45 Cryptids from the land, air, and sea. A great way to introduce STEM to kids. I would have loved this book as a kid!
September 2, 2025
This book is very complete in its approach to cryptids. In addition to the expected material, including sightings, reports, and descriptions, the author brings in science to identify possible suspects that we already know about. There is a search protocol for each cryptid in its section, lots of evidence to support the existence of cryptids in general, as well as the specific featured cryptids, and tons of info about a variety of tech (and identified traits of the creature) available to use in search and identification (Medusa, BRUVS, Sonar, onboard cameras, etc.)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews