Werewolves

by Erin Peabody, Víctor Rivas (Contributor)

Are ferocious, shapeshifting werewolves real, or just a myth? You decide with this new book in the nonfiction series, Behind the Legend!

Behind the Legend looks at creatures and monsters throughout history and analyzes them through a scientific, myth-busting lens, debating whether or not the sightings and evidence provided are adequate proof of their existence. In Werewolves , readers learn about all the sightings and "proof" of them, from stories in history of wolves that terrorized towns, such as the Beast of Gévaudan, as well as people (even children!) who were believed to transform into wolves, and other evidence. It also discusses additional history about the monster, such as how werewolves became major figures in popular culture, more recent supposed sightings, and theories on werewolf transformations. Complete with engaging anecdotes, interesting sidebars, and fantastic illustrations, kids won't want to put this book down!

Genres: Nonfiction, Werewolves

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2017

About the author

Hi, I'm an author, conservationist and mother who writes about nature and science.

Reviews

[Rachel Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant for children, but I got some education from it as an adult! I didn't know some of the stories (why were so many "werewolves" in France?!) so that was good. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this.

[Katherine Loyacano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the Legend: Werewolves is a middle-grade nonfiction book written by Erin Peabody and illustrated by Victor Rivas. Are werewolves real?

What a fun exploration of werewolves! I love reading about monsters in my fiction, so when I spotted this nonfiction book about werewolves in the children's area at the library (while checking for more Bunnicula books), I had to check it out and learn more about this ferocious, furry beast. I enjoyed it and learned a great deal.

The author does a terrific job of introducing the werewolf, telling its history, sharing anecdotes, and highlighting its impact on pop culture. The illustrator created some fantastic illustrations that bring the author's text to life. I love learning about folklore and reading folkloric stories, so going on this reading adventure to learn more about the legend of werewolves was a howling good time. It was a perfect read during the spooky season. I want to check out the other books in the Behind the Legend series. I think readers of all ages would enjoy this book.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great starter for kids interested in mythology and creatures. Doesn't really investigate the folklore that is presented (the french terror for example) but opens the door for kids to do more of their own research.

[Sarahs Reads ToKids · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book before I read it to my kids. And after reading it myself, I would wait for my kids to be older to read this with them.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter and I read this as part of a monster themed unit study. She really enjoyed it, and asked to read aloud a chapter *to me* everyday. She had a little trouble with some of the place names, I wish more middle grade would put a phonetic spelling in parenthesis for places and names that aren't in English, to make it easier for kids, but also for any adults helping to not feel like they are going to butcher someone else's language. The illustrations were fun, and overall I thought it was a good introduction to werewolves.

[Neon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite werewolf books so far. Awesome art and the facts were made amusing so children will have a great time researching their favourite monster with this book.