School Library Journal - Jennifer Prince
This series is a whirlwind world tour through the environs of fantastical creatures: their appearance, presence in various cultures, and magical characteristics. Large, bold descriptors head each two- to three-page, large-font chapter, with each page consisting of one-third text and two-thirds full-color illustration. Occasional "Did You Know?" sidebars add visual interest even though the fact-bytes are not that different from the type of information presented in the main body. For example, in Unicorns, one such section describes Shadhavar, a Persian version of a unicorn, but the same amount of information about the Asian Qilin, rather than being presented in a sidebar, appears a few pages later in the main text. The illustrations include images of the creatures in period art. A section at the end of each title sums up why people used to think the creatures were real and why the myths have been discounted. Straightforward and accessible choices. –Jennifer Prince, Buncombe County Public Library, NC <i> School Library Journal </i> November 2010
November 14, 2011Library Media Connection - Kathryn Tvaruzka
This series of hi/lo books on a variety of mythical creatures are multipurpose. The books allow teachers to extend a course of study, and they can serve as a gateway for reluctant and struggling readers to find nonfiction books on popular topics. Each book contains several short chapters. Early chapters discuss the particular myth and subsequent chapters focus on the prevalence of each mythical creature around the world. The font size is large, and numerous "Did You Know?" text boxes provide readers with interesting facts and information. The books are colorful with photographs, drawings, and illustrations taking up the majority of each page. The books are fun to read and will hold readers’ attention, and they provide just enough information to prove useful for research. Each book also includes a sections entitled "Reality Versus Myth." In addition, each book concludes with a list of places to go for more information. Glossary. Index.—Kathryn Tvaruzka, Assistant Professor, Education Librarian, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire<i> Library Media Connection</i> March/April 2011
November 14, 2011
