The Zoo of Magical and Mythological Creatures

by Sam Bowring

An imaginative and hilarious fantasy from an exciting new voice in children's literature. Twelve-year-old Zackary is the seventh son of the King and Queen of Solaris, and a most reluctant knight. He would rather put anchovies in the knights helmets or use his sword to cut sandwiches than learn courtly ways. In despair, the King and Queen assign him to the castle administrator, Barnabas, who sends him on an errand to the Zoo of Magical and Mythological Creatures, established by Zackary's grandfather. Mistaken for a job applicant, Zackary starts working at the zoo with the resident sorcerer, Acacia. Powerful magic is needed to control some of the extraordinary creatures in the from the Stymphalian birds of Greek mythology and the nine-headed hydra, to manticores from India and the squonks - Drufflefuster, Gobblesnocks, Snivelsnork and Grimelgrout. These are the ugliest, most endearing, little creatures that will be encountered in a children's book in 2009. But just as Zackary is settling in to his double life, a shadow is cast across the entire kingdom with the news that a strange creature is expected at the zoo - a creature which spreads evil and destruction in its path.

192 pages, ebook

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

I write various genres of books, and some TV stuff from time to time. I also work as a stand-up comic.

sambowring.com

Reviews

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Bowring has created a wonderful world.

A place where a magical creature that is evil and ugly is captured and loaded aboard a ship, never again to blight the people of Kirkwall, in the Orkney Isles. Carson, with Everett, a sorcerer, there to secure the beast and ensure safe travel. That didn’t stop the crew cringing with fear as the beast wailed and screamed. They were travelling to the Zoo of Magical and Mythological Creatures to collect the reward promised by King Ezra Tarquin, who built the zoo. That King was long dead but his rules on magical creatures still applied.

The King and Queen of the land they were travelling to had problems with one of their children. Prince Zackary was running out of tutors. He didn’t want to be a knight, or an artist or scholar. Barnabus, the accountant and administrator of the land, needed an assistant. Zachary found it hot and tiresome counting saucepans and creating files the the old man Barnabus filed in the fire.

When Barnabus received an important notice he sent Zachary to the Zoo on important castle business to speak to Marlowe the zookeeper. Somehow, he was hired as sorcerers assistant. Acacia had been assistant but the Sorcerer had left them so she took over. Zachary was introduced to the Stymphalian Birds, a Giant Carnivorous plant, and a Nine-headed Hydra with ten heads. Acacia was Marlowe’s daughter and she was Zachary’s boss. He liked that no one knew he was a Prince.

Because Zachary hadn’t told he was going outside the castle grounds and to the Zoo which he’d been forbidden by his parents to go to, things start to get complicated.

I loved this book because of the magical creatures, the fail safe enclosure designed to keep the evil creature safe from visitors. I love the imaginative creatures Sam Bowring has created. It’s close to getting five stars but I’ll keep it at four for now.

I don’t like to categorise books but I’m guessing this was launched as a young adults, middle grade or something similar. It’s simply a wonderful to get lost in.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun

[Alanah Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for a younger audience. Lots of creatures, magic, fun and laughs!
Characters are great and it even has a bit of mystery.