For an all around great read I definitely recommend Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures that May or May Not Exist, by Kelly Milner Halls, Rick Spears, and Roxanne Young. By using colorful illustrations and mind-boggling factual evidence onthe existence of mysterious creatures, the book interests all types of readers. The authors all combine their writing abilities and knowledge to make this book one of kind. If you've ever wondered wither Bigfoot, the Lochness Monster, or even chupacabras exist, you really need ot check this book out.
Before reading this book, I thought it was just another book talking about the idiotic myths of folktale creatures. However, after I read a few pages I found this book to be very informational and actually persuasive. You begin to think more in depth about he actual chance of a real life Bigfoot hiding out somewhere or Nessie lurking around at the bottom of Loch Ness. On top of this, Tales of the Cryptids also introduces lesser known cryptids that are more cultural and region-specific. For example, the Yeti of the Siberian region has only been witnessed north of China, and has been part of their culture as far back as cavewall engravings. Furthermore, Tales of the Cryptids introduces you to the uncommon firld of cryptozoology. I found out how interesting this science actually is and what it involves.
By providing evidence on hidden but existing "cryptids," Tales of the Cryptids makes your mind wonder. It goes past just asking questions and actually provides answers. Don't pass up this book just because you think it's for weirdo Bigfoot-obessessed freaks only. It actually is extremely interesting and leaves you with a sense of wonder and adventure. It's a must read for science-fiction buffs, mysterious creature fanatics, and bored readers alike. Put down your Harry Potter and Twilight and run straight to the nonfiction section. You won't be disappointed. All in all, Tales of the Cryptids is one of the most interesting books in teh Gonzales High School library.
Wow, Ms. Kellar, I am over JOYED to read your review of TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS. You "got it," exactly. We wanted to present the pros and cons of various cryptids rather than sensationalize the "creepy" or "crazy" point of view so often associated with the subject. I had as good a time writing it as you seem to have had reading it. BTW, my new book IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH will be out from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in the fall of 2011. There was so much more on Bigfoot -- scientific evidence -- I had to give him his own book. Hope you and your students like that one, too.
ReplyDeleteKelly Milner Halls
Children's Writer