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Fantastic Folklore for Kids: Cryptids, Monsters, and Mythical Creatures from Around the World
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August 28, 2026
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Do you ever just want a whole list of the most common cryptids in the world. Do they even exist? This book seems to have an answer. What will it tell us? Let's find out.
Story Telling: This is a reference book about the denizens of cryptozoology.
Artwork: We get kind of a pop-art style with these illustrations.
Dislikes: All we really get is a cursory overview on all of these cryptids and myths.
Likes: Mr. Lesser does admit that there might be a strong chance that these creatures may not exist, but he prefers o keep some sense of magic in the world.
Conclusion: This is a good beginner's reference for Cryptozoology. If you are a fan of speculative creatures, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Do you ever just want a whole list of the most common cryptids in the world. Do they even exist? This book seems to have an answer. What will it tell us? Let's find out.
Story Telling: This is a reference book about the denizens of cryptozoology.
Artwork: We get kind of a pop-art style with these illustrations.
Dislikes: All we really get is a cursory overview on all of these cryptids and myths.
Likes: Mr. Lesser does admit that there might be a strong chance that these creatures may not exist, but he prefers o keep some sense of magic in the world.
Conclusion: This is a good beginner's reference for Cryptozoology. If you are a fan of speculative creatures, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am giving Fantastic Folklore for Kids by Neil C. Luke a wonderful 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is a thoroughly engaging, educational, and beautifully illustrated guide to global mythology that is an absolute joy to explore with young readers on a digital screen.
ARC Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an early digital review copy. All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
The Review
Fantastic Folklore for Kids is a brilliant, well-structured anthology that introduces young audiences to the fascinating world of cultural legends and mysterious beasts. The book compiles stories of legendary beings from various continents, balancing educational facts with engaging storytelling. Neil C. Luke provides clear, accessible language that keeps the historical and cultural context easy to digest for children without talking down to them. The layout is incredibly dynamic, ensuring that each entry feels fresh, informative, and visually captivating.
The Good
The premise and organization of this collection are fantastic! It acts as a perfect introduction to world folklore, making geography and cultural history incredibly fun. The bite-sized profiles are packed with interesting details that will keep curious minds hooked. The illustrations by Rocio Deni are an absolute standout—they bring the creatures to life with a perfect balance of mystery and vibrant color, making the entire reading experience feel like an exciting global expedition.
The Not So Good
The only reason this is a 4-star and not a 5-star review is that a few of the regional sections felt slightly shorter than others. Some of the more obscure creatures could have benefited from an extra page of mythic backstory or an additional fun fact, as kids will definitely be left wanting to know more about them!
This book is a thoroughly engaging, educational, and beautifully illustrated guide to global mythology that is an absolute joy to explore with young readers on a digital screen.
ARC Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an early digital review copy. All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
The Review
Fantastic Folklore for Kids is a brilliant, well-structured anthology that introduces young audiences to the fascinating world of cultural legends and mysterious beasts. The book compiles stories of legendary beings from various continents, balancing educational facts with engaging storytelling. Neil C. Luke provides clear, accessible language that keeps the historical and cultural context easy to digest for children without talking down to them. The layout is incredibly dynamic, ensuring that each entry feels fresh, informative, and visually captivating.
The Good
The premise and organization of this collection are fantastic! It acts as a perfect introduction to world folklore, making geography and cultural history incredibly fun. The bite-sized profiles are packed with interesting details that will keep curious minds hooked. The illustrations by Rocio Deni are an absolute standout—they bring the creatures to life with a perfect balance of mystery and vibrant color, making the entire reading experience feel like an exciting global expedition.
The Not So Good
The only reason this is a 4-star and not a 5-star review is that a few of the regional sections felt slightly shorter than others. Some of the more obscure creatures could have benefited from an extra page of mythic backstory or an additional fun fact, as kids will definitely be left wanting to know more about them!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fantastic Folklore For Kids is a book that takes a look into into not only fantastical creatures but also various cryptids from around the world. As a result of its audience, though, and size, the book mostly focuses on more popular creatures while including a handful of others.
The book is divided into five sections with the first three basically being elementals followed by a section on shapeshifters and ending with a section on otherworldly creatures. With one exception there are five entries per each section.
Readers will find a small introduction for each section with the book quickly moving onto the creatures. The entry starts off with a brightly colored, full-page illustration that sometimes leans more cartoonish than not. And on the opposite page it starts off with the name(s) followed by a small intel box, which includes a pronunciation guide, place(s) of origin, earliest evidence and reputation.
The reading is mostly very simple and forward while using pop trivia references to attempt to add some humor. Furthermore there are some included footnotes using hyperlinks within to provide even more information and even at times pronunciation although very rarely, which is rather disappointing as some of those names are rather a tricky rollercoaster on their own.
Each entry provides descriptive information, name origins, history, behavioral traits, location and stories in which the subject appears. And there is also a look into what could be the actual truth behind some of these.
All in all it was an informative read and one that is sure to captivate young readers interested in these types of creatures.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of the book***
The book is divided into five sections with the first three basically being elementals followed by a section on shapeshifters and ending with a section on otherworldly creatures. With one exception there are five entries per each section.
Readers will find a small introduction for each section with the book quickly moving onto the creatures. The entry starts off with a brightly colored, full-page illustration that sometimes leans more cartoonish than not. And on the opposite page it starts off with the name(s) followed by a small intel box, which includes a pronunciation guide, place(s) of origin, earliest evidence and reputation.
The reading is mostly very simple and forward while using pop trivia references to attempt to add some humor. Furthermore there are some included footnotes using hyperlinks within to provide even more information and even at times pronunciation although very rarely, which is rather disappointing as some of those names are rather a tricky rollercoaster on their own.
Each entry provides descriptive information, name origins, history, behavioral traits, location and stories in which the subject appears. And there is also a look into what could be the actual truth behind some of these.
All in all it was an informative read and one that is sure to captivate young readers interested in these types of creatures.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of the book***
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved Fantastic Folklore for Kids! This was such a fun and fascinating book, and I think it’s a wonderful choice for kids who love myths, legends, mysterious creatures, and anything a little bit spooky. Both my children, 10 and 8 years old, love learning about legends and myths, so this fit our family well.
Frank Lesser does a fantastic job bringing folklore from around the world to life. I really enjoyed learning about all the different creatures and legends, especially the stories and history behind them. There were definitely a few that were familiar to my children and me, but we also discovered some new ones that we hadn’t heard of before—which made the book even more enjoyable.
What really stood out to me was how much this book encourages curiosity and imagination. It’s informative without ever feeling like a textbook, and the fun facts and stories make it a book kids can easily get lost in. The illustrations by Charli Vince are also a wonderful addition and make the whole experience even more engaging. The book was also speckled with humor, which gave it a lighthearted feeling and reduced the fear factor with some of the creatures in the book.
I could easily see kids reading this together with parents, siblings, or friends and then spending hours talking about which creatures they think might actually exist. I know I would have loved a book like this when I was younger!
This is one of those books that is entertaining, educational, and just plain fun. I highly recommend it for young readers who enjoy folklore, mythology, cryptids, and mysterious creatures.
Definitely 5 out of 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Frank Lesser does a fantastic job bringing folklore from around the world to life. I really enjoyed learning about all the different creatures and legends, especially the stories and history behind them. There were definitely a few that were familiar to my children and me, but we also discovered some new ones that we hadn’t heard of before—which made the book even more enjoyable.
What really stood out to me was how much this book encourages curiosity and imagination. It’s informative without ever feeling like a textbook, and the fun facts and stories make it a book kids can easily get lost in. The illustrations by Charli Vince are also a wonderful addition and make the whole experience even more engaging. The book was also speckled with humor, which gave it a lighthearted feeling and reduced the fear factor with some of the creatures in the book.
I could easily see kids reading this together with parents, siblings, or friends and then spending hours talking about which creatures they think might actually exist. I know I would have loved a book like this when I was younger!
This is one of those books that is entertaining, educational, and just plain fun. I highly recommend it for young readers who enjoy folklore, mythology, cryptids, and mysterious creatures.
Definitely 5 out of 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley- thank you to the publishers for the opportunity to read this!
I know this says it’s for kids, but as an adult, I actually really enjoyed it! I learned a lot, as this book explored different cryptids and mythical creatures throughout the world. For each one, it included a beautiful illustration, background information about the creature, and relevant stories and folk tales about them.
What really stuck out to me about this book was how thorough and helpful the author was in presenting the information. He starts the book out by defining important words like “cryptid” and “folklore”. He starts each section about a new creature by sharing when it was first documented and how to say it. It’s also clear from the details included that this was a well researched book. For anyone who has even a vague interest in this topic, there is a lot to be learned from this book.
Last, but definitely not least, I really appreciated the author’s humor. It was very subtly tied in throughout the book but I definitely appreciated the subtle humor. I feel like it could have been easy to hit you over the head (metaphorically speaking) trying to incorporate humor, which ultimately could have felt very forced. But the way that this author wrote his little quips were very natural and elicited several chuckles from me- my favorite being “Bigfoot needs no introduction”, immediately followed by a section titled “Bigfoot: An Introduction”.
Very enjoyable nonfiction read that feels approachable and enjoyable for all ages!
I know this says it’s for kids, but as an adult, I actually really enjoyed it! I learned a lot, as this book explored different cryptids and mythical creatures throughout the world. For each one, it included a beautiful illustration, background information about the creature, and relevant stories and folk tales about them.
What really stuck out to me about this book was how thorough and helpful the author was in presenting the information. He starts the book out by defining important words like “cryptid” and “folklore”. He starts each section about a new creature by sharing when it was first documented and how to say it. It’s also clear from the details included that this was a well researched book. For anyone who has even a vague interest in this topic, there is a lot to be learned from this book.
Last, but definitely not least, I really appreciated the author’s humor. It was very subtly tied in throughout the book but I definitely appreciated the subtle humor. I feel like it could have been easy to hit you over the head (metaphorically speaking) trying to incorporate humor, which ultimately could have felt very forced. But the way that this author wrote his little quips were very natural and elicited several chuckles from me- my favorite being “Bigfoot needs no introduction”, immediately followed by a section titled “Bigfoot: An Introduction”.
Very enjoyable nonfiction read that feels approachable and enjoyable for all ages!
July 21, 2026
OK I will admit it—I requested to review this book simply so I would have the ability to “talk nerd” with my Mothman-loving, D&D-playing *cough25yearoldcough* son. I figured I would need something pretty basic for me to understand what all the hype was about.
Having said that of course I zeroed in on Chapter 12 (the Mothman) first. Let me tell you, I am so thankful to the author for writing this book. It might be for middle-grade readers but it was at a level whereby I managed to not only understand the legend of Mothman, but also achieved a Magical Mom Moment--- I SOUNDED COOL TO MY SON! He was like “mom, how did YOU know about the Batman connection?? That’s like, total aura points there!” Speaking of mythical creatures, I am pretty sure I saw a unicorn jumping over a deer woman while chatting with a nightmarcher after my son said that, because I was over the moon!!
(Side note: I let my son read that paragraph and apparently lost my Aura Points—he declared it “cringe.” Sigh. It was good while it lasted!)
Definitely pick this up—if for nothing else, I am sure a lot of these magical, mystical creatures will come up on a pub quiz some night.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for letting me review this book. #FantasticFolkloreforKids
Having said that of course I zeroed in on Chapter 12 (the Mothman) first. Let me tell you, I am so thankful to the author for writing this book. It might be for middle-grade readers but it was at a level whereby I managed to not only understand the legend of Mothman, but also achieved a Magical Mom Moment--- I SOUNDED COOL TO MY SON! He was like “mom, how did YOU know about the Batman connection?? That’s like, total aura points there!” Speaking of mythical creatures, I am pretty sure I saw a unicorn jumping over a deer woman while chatting with a nightmarcher after my son said that, because I was over the moon!!
(Side note: I let my son read that paragraph and apparently lost my Aura Points—he declared it “cringe.” Sigh. It was good while it lasted!)
Definitely pick this up—if for nothing else, I am sure a lot of these magical, mystical creatures will come up on a pub quiz some night.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for letting me review this book. #FantasticFolkloreforKids
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a fun and interesting book with color illustrations of each “creature” along with how to say the name, where they were first “discovered” and where to (not) find them. The creatures come from all over the world. The author has the beings divided into sections including: Earthly Beasts (like Bigfoot and Unicorns), Water Dwellers (Loch Ness Monster and mermaids), Winged Beasts (dragons), Shape Shifters, and Otherworldly Beings. I thought I knew a lot about these things, but I learned more than I knew from this book. The reading is easy to understand and informative without being boring. Note: I read this as an ebook, which is good, but I think the physical one would be even better.
Definitely recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Zeitgeist publishing and Netgalley for providing this ARC.
Definitely recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Zeitgeist publishing and Netgalley for providing this ARC.
September 24, 2026
Fantastic Folklore for Kids
Author: Frank Lesser
Book review:
Thank you Netgalley and Zeitgeist Publishing for this e-arc.
This book is about mythical creatures and monsters that can be found on land, sea and other places. It gives the reader information about a creature that ranges from it's name to its description to fun facts.
The author has done a wonderful work at keeping the book concise and interesting by writing the book as if the author is talking to the reader directly. The words are woven smoothly and each tale and piece of information flows like a string of pearls. The words by the author also made me think about how humans have acted through the years and to what lengths the mankind could go to find a mythical being that they should simply let be.
The illustrations done by the artist are splendid. The detail with with which a creature is crafted had me examining them for some time before I resumed reading. The colours are cohesive making a piece of art look grand in itself. Children who love art would definitely love such a book.
I would recommend this book to children aged 12 and above. I would also love to buy this book for myself since this is a treasure that I would not like to miss out on.
Author: Frank Lesser
Book review:
Thank you Netgalley and Zeitgeist Publishing for this e-arc.
This book is about mythical creatures and monsters that can be found on land, sea and other places. It gives the reader information about a creature that ranges from it's name to its description to fun facts.
The author has done a wonderful work at keeping the book concise and interesting by writing the book as if the author is talking to the reader directly. The words are woven smoothly and each tale and piece of information flows like a string of pearls. The words by the author also made me think about how humans have acted through the years and to what lengths the mankind could go to find a mythical being that they should simply let be.
The illustrations done by the artist are splendid. The detail with with which a creature is crafted had me examining them for some time before I resumed reading. The colours are cohesive making a piece of art look grand in itself. Children who love art would definitely love such a book.
I would recommend this book to children aged 12 and above. I would also love to buy this book for myself since this is a treasure that I would not like to miss out on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Zeitgeist, and Frank Lesser for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was an amazing read and I would recommend it to both kids and adults who are interested in folklore creatures! Each chapter contained well-researched information and facts told in the author's humorous prose, which had me genuinely laughing out loud (GENUINELY). I love how so many creatures from different cultures were included and I learned about so many that I had no idea existed before. I also love how he was able to tie in modern references from movies and social media while still feeling natural and not forced. The illustrations were beautiful and it was great to see queer artist representation! I have zero critique to give the book and will be telling all my friends about it.
This was an amazing read and I would recommend it to both kids and adults who are interested in folklore creatures! Each chapter contained well-researched information and facts told in the author's humorous prose, which had me genuinely laughing out loud (GENUINELY). I love how so many creatures from different cultures were included and I learned about so many that I had no idea existed before. I also love how he was able to tie in modern references from movies and social media while still feeling natural and not forced. The illustrations were beautiful and it was great to see queer artist representation! I have zero critique to give the book and will be telling all my friends about it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am thankful to Zeitgeist/Z Kids and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fantastic Folklore for Kids by Frank Lesser is a great introduction to mythical creatures for all, but more so for those aged 8 to 12 years old. The writing is witty, engaging, and simple. Frank Lesser calls for the reader to reflect and use their imagination and creativity.
Although the stories in this encyclopaedia are from all corners of the globe, there is an unbalanced focus on and detailing of stories from some regions of the world, such as North America and Europe; this is not inherently bad, but something to keep in mind. The art is exactly what you see on the cover, but as a sucker for good art, I wanted more.
Nonetheless, this was an informative read that will more than satisfy its young readers.
Fantastic Folklore for Kids by Frank Lesser is a great introduction to mythical creatures for all, but more so for those aged 8 to 12 years old. The writing is witty, engaging, and simple. Frank Lesser calls for the reader to reflect and use their imagination and creativity.
Although the stories in this encyclopaedia are from all corners of the globe, there is an unbalanced focus on and detailing of stories from some regions of the world, such as North America and Europe; this is not inherently bad, but something to keep in mind. The art is exactly what you see on the cover, but as a sucker for good art, I wanted more.
Nonetheless, this was an informative read that will more than satisfy its young readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fantastic Folklore for Kids is a fun introduction to cryptids, folklore, and legendary creatures from around the world. I really enjoyed the variety of creatures featured, from familiar favorites like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster to legends that were new to me, and the mix of creature profiles, stories, facts, and questions makes this feel like a book kids can explore rather than simply read straight through. The global focus is especially appealing, since it gives young readers a chance to see how different cultures have explained the strange and unknown. The spooky elements are exciting without feeling too intense for the intended age group, and I think kids who already love monsters, mythology, or cryptids will have a lot of fun with it. A colorful and accessible collection that encourages curiosity while introducing young readers to folklore from a wide range of cultures.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Writing this review from Sasquatch country makes it hit a little bit better. I just finished Fantastic Folklore for Kids: Cryptids, Monsters, and Mythical Creatures from Around the World by Frank Lesser.
This is a great overview of cryptids and creatures for young people or just young at heart. It’s got classics (Sasquatch), pop culture staples (fairies, genies), and a few deep cuts like Deer Woman and bakeneko.
Each creature has an excellent illustration by Charli Vince and a short essay with histories about where the lore started, how pieces of it developed, and various facts about the creature. There’s even questions you can ask your young reader to foster discussion.
Fun, informative, and accessible? Yes, please! While this is great for any time of year, there’s no time like Summerween.
This is a great overview of cryptids and creatures for young people or just young at heart. It’s got classics (Sasquatch), pop culture staples (fairies, genies), and a few deep cuts like Deer Woman and bakeneko.
Each creature has an excellent illustration by Charli Vince and a short essay with histories about where the lore started, how pieces of it developed, and various facts about the creature. There’s even questions you can ask your young reader to foster discussion.
Fun, informative, and accessible? Yes, please! While this is great for any time of year, there’s no time like Summerween.
August 19, 2026
ARC Review
This would be right up my alley if you took me back twenty years to my childhood where I would sit with my back against my bed, flipping through books about dragons and fairies and wizard lore.
This is a simple but entertaining read. Clear, defined chapters that are half informative style, half narrative with some humour threaded into the lines. Definitely would recommend as a physical copy for a child who would enjoy flicking through the pages, tracing the illustrations with their finger and imagining a different world. With the current state of literacy, it might be more aligned with slightly older readers (13+) with its well built paragraphs for independent reading but could also be perfect to read to a younger child.
This was a beautiful throwback to mythology with a great written voice.
This would be right up my alley if you took me back twenty years to my childhood where I would sit with my back against my bed, flipping through books about dragons and fairies and wizard lore.
This is a simple but entertaining read. Clear, defined chapters that are half informative style, half narrative with some humour threaded into the lines. Definitely would recommend as a physical copy for a child who would enjoy flicking through the pages, tracing the illustrations with their finger and imagining a different world. With the current state of literacy, it might be more aligned with slightly older readers (13+) with its well built paragraphs for independent reading but could also be perfect to read to a younger child.
This was a beautiful throwback to mythology with a great written voice.
September 16, 2026
[Read as an electronic release from NetGalley] Oh, look, another bestiary. These have been around since the Middle Ages. Why should I read this one? Yes, it’s not a new concept, there are dozens of books like this on the market, but trust me, read this one. Lesser found the perfect balance between informative and humor (seriously, it’s fun), while keeping each entry well-rounded but not too long for young (or older) audiences. Add in some fabulous pictures by Vince and you have a title that would do well in scholastic, public, or private libraries anywhere. So, what more could you want from Lesser’s Fantastic Folklore for Kids. A map? More pictures? Volume 2 with new and different creatures? (y’all should get started on that). 4/5 stars – This is good! I will probably read it again and may buy the series. I definitely recommend this title.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very engaging book for kids, and it is equally interesting for adults as well. My kids spent hours going through the pages, guessing each creature, and learning about folklore from around the world.
One of the best parts of the book is the artwork. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed, with a realistic feel rather than a cartoony style. Even though the creatures are drawn in a lifelike way, the book does not feel too scary for children.
I also appreciated how the book introduces creatures and folklore from many different cultures. It gives children a fun way to learn about myths, legends, and stories from around the world while keeping them entertained. This is the kind of book kids can revisit again and again, noticing new details each time.
One of the best parts of the book is the artwork. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed, with a realistic feel rather than a cartoony style. Even though the creatures are drawn in a lifelike way, the book does not feel too scary for children.
I also appreciated how the book introduces creatures and folklore from many different cultures. It gives children a fun way to learn about myths, legends, and stories from around the world while keeping them entertained. This is the kind of book kids can revisit again and again, noticing new details each time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Fantastic Folklore for Kids" is a great read. For kids and adults alike, because the information and research is sound, yet given in an approachable and fun way. It's littered with puns (and I appreciate a pun more than most!) and humor, while managing to teach a lot about different cryptids.
The artwork is colorful and demonstrates what these creatures might look like. There are also sidebar boxes with fun facts and questions to make you ponder.
I especially liked that it covers more than just the usual suspects. We learn about bunyips even--which are way more niche and obscure than many others!
Definitely would recommend to anyone who wants to broaden their mind in an easy-going and entertaining way!
Thanks for the ARC! :)
The artwork is colorful and demonstrates what these creatures might look like. There are also sidebar boxes with fun facts and questions to make you ponder.
I especially liked that it covers more than just the usual suspects. We learn about bunyips even--which are way more niche and obscure than many others!
Definitely would recommend to anyone who wants to broaden their mind in an easy-going and entertaining way!
Thanks for the ARC! :)
July 28, 2026
This must be the only book on mythical creatures that my 6 year old son and I haven’t read yet, so thanks to NetGalley and Z Kids for the advance copy.
Firstly I am shocked that there are some mythical creatures that he and I didn’t know about?? Amazing to learn around them and cannot wait to have my son coming to me in the middle of the night because he’s afraid of nightmarchers now!
Secondly this book was significantly funnier than I expected it to be. There’s many benefits to having a non-fiction kiddo but humorous stories are not one of them. Until now.
Finally the boxes at the end of chapters with questions for discussion were magical. I love hearing what he has to say in answer and it’s not always what I expected 💛
Firstly I am shocked that there are some mythical creatures that he and I didn’t know about?? Amazing to learn around them and cannot wait to have my son coming to me in the middle of the night because he’s afraid of nightmarchers now!
Secondly this book was significantly funnier than I expected it to be. There’s many benefits to having a non-fiction kiddo but humorous stories are not one of them. Until now.
Finally the boxes at the end of chapters with questions for discussion were magical. I love hearing what he has to say in answer and it’s not always what I expected 💛
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh goodness- I had so much fun with this book. The writing is almost conversational but the stories and the research into each Cryptid seem right on. Honestly, the tone of the book wasn’t doubtful and wasn’t on board with believing in cryptids. The author struck a good mixture of humor while presenting the tales/facts.
This book would be great in a library as it is a good introduction to a lot of different beliefs and animals. It is not so research heavy that it gives up the entertaining aspect. However, it is also not so flippant that you don’t learn anything.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh goodness- I had so much fun with this book. The writing is almost conversational but the stories and the research into each Cryptid seem right on. Honestly, the tone of the book wasn’t doubtful and wasn’t on board with believing in cryptids. The author struck a good mixture of humor while presenting the tales/facts.
This book would be great in a library as it is a good introduction to a lot of different beliefs and animals. It is not so research heavy that it gives up the entertaining aspect. However, it is also not so flippant that you don’t learn anything.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....
This book was so much fun to read! The art is beautiful and the writing is both engaging for younger readers and entertaining for the older ones. A book that I think will be a wonderful introduction to the world of Cryptids and folklore to kids that may find these topics interesting. The author did well in his research and made sure to cover stories and creatures from all over the world. A fun way to spend some reading time as you learn about all the strange and weird creatures that just might be out there!
This book was so much fun to read! The art is beautiful and the writing is both engaging for younger readers and entertaining for the older ones. A book that I think will be a wonderful introduction to the world of Cryptids and folklore to kids that may find these topics interesting. The author did well in his research and made sure to cover stories and creatures from all over the world. A fun way to spend some reading time as you learn about all the strange and weird creatures that just might be out there!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5/5 stars
Thanks NetGalley for this e-ARC.
This little book was entertaining and informational. The illustrations are great and I appreciated the references to where these cryptids and creatures appear in pop culture!
My only little peeve was in the loch ness portion-- calling a plesiosaur an aquatic dinosaur! Plesiosaurs are marine/aquatic reptiles, not in the Dinosauria clade. But that's just the paleontologist in me, it doesn't affect my review or rating.
Thanks NetGalley for this e-ARC.
This little book was entertaining and informational. The illustrations are great and I appreciated the references to where these cryptids and creatures appear in pop culture!
My only little peeve was in the loch ness portion-- calling a plesiosaur an aquatic dinosaur! Plesiosaurs are marine/aquatic reptiles, not in the Dinosauria clade. But that's just the paleontologist in me, it doesn't affect my review or rating.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a great introduction for children to folklore and reading about folklore figures in a fun way. There are descriptions, vibrant illustrations, pronunciations, timelines etc. that all add to a comprehensive feel without being overbearing.
The tone of the text is light and conversational which makes it especially wonderful when reading out loud. With a mix of language and structure, this can be viable for almost all ages- possibly even teenagers.
Thank you to Netgallry for an ARC.
The tone of the text is light and conversational which makes it especially wonderful when reading out loud. With a mix of language and structure, this can be viable for almost all ages- possibly even teenagers.
Thank you to Netgallry for an ARC.
August 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! My 6 year old read it with me and he said it was the coolest book. This book is honestly good for all ages. I love the stories as well as the questions and facts. There are times I found myself laughing out loud. The author knows how to write to keep you engaged and the illustrator did a beautiful job! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
September 5, 2026
This book has been AWESOME! Me and my kiddos tackled this one together reading about a few cryptids each day. As a massive fan of cryptids and folkloric creatures myself, I am SO happy to have a way to introduce it to my kids! The author has a good sense of humor that my kiddos really enjoyed and in the words of my 7yr old "I like that its fun AND we're learning things" Honestly even if I didn't make this a family activity, I'd still love it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley and publishers for access to this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A 176pg book with beautiful illustrations depicting some of the well known cryptids but also a few not so known around the world. Their origins and sometimes funny backstories.
I enjoyed this book, even though I'm not 8-12yrs old, I still thought that it was written really well. The writing style was quite easy to read and get a handle on. It wasn't too intellectual but I think it could challenge a young reader just the littlest bit without being overwhelming.
I appreciated all the funny anecdotes that were nicely spaced throughout the book which didn't make it boring or slow, it made it feel like not a chore to get through.
Quick paced and enjoyed learning about other crytids in different places throughout the world.
I liked it so much that I'm actually gonna buy my son a copy for when he's old enough to understand and possibly have an interest in folklore.
Highly recommend.
My biggest issue, would really be that I feel like a pronunciation guide for the places and sometimes peoples names would have be helpful since some of them seem hard to say.
A 176pg book with beautiful illustrations depicting some of the well known cryptids but also a few not so known around the world. Their origins and sometimes funny backstories.
I enjoyed this book, even though I'm not 8-12yrs old, I still thought that it was written really well. The writing style was quite easy to read and get a handle on. It wasn't too intellectual but I think it could challenge a young reader just the littlest bit without being overwhelming.
I appreciated all the funny anecdotes that were nicely spaced throughout the book which didn't make it boring or slow, it made it feel like not a chore to get through.
Quick paced and enjoyed learning about other crytids in different places throughout the world.
I liked it so much that I'm actually gonna buy my son a copy for when he's old enough to understand and possibly have an interest in folklore.
Highly recommend.
My biggest issue, would really be that I feel like a pronunciation guide for the places and sometimes peoples names would have be helpful since some of them seem hard to say.
August 12, 2026
I loved it: both for kids and for myself as someone interested in fantastical creatures! Each entry details a fantastic creature/cryptid from all around the world and is presented in both fun and an informative way. The illustrations are both climatic and gorgeous. I learned a lot and kids (or even some teenagers/students) would LOVE this!
August 13, 2026
You know me, I am always down for some folklore! Especially when it is written easy enough for my son to understand as well. Full of whimsical image, places of origin and even timelines. Creature questions and fun Folk facts throughout. Perfect addition to your mythical creature collection.
thank you netgalley for my copy in exchange for my review
thank you netgalley for my copy in exchange for my review
August 12, 2026
This was super fun to go through. I particularly loved the way it was written and presented. Can't wait to purchase a physical copy and enjoy it with the kids in the family.
Verdict: Definitely recommend
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Verdict: Definitely recommend
Thanks to Netgalley for sharing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this read. I was laughing throughout the book and telling others about the mothman. I loved the illustrations a lot and i thought some of these "monsters" were so cute. I actually feel kinda weird about the fact that its marketed for kids, and im here reading this as an adult who just wanted to know more about folklore. I even think that this book might be a bit too difficult for kids but im not sure for which age group it was intended (when i think of kids i think of young kids like 5-7-ish), and i might not be a fair person to judge because im not a native english speaker. Regardless, it was very enjoyable, very funny, and very informative.
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2026
I thought this was a fantastic introduction to the world of folklore and cryptids for the new generation. Each creature has its own biography with amazing illustrations that really bring it to life.
August 28, 2026
From the prologue on, this book made my son laugh out loud. Loved it. We’ve bought a few more as birthday presents.
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