The Legend of the Jersey Devil

by Trinka Hakes Noble, Gerald Kelly (Illustrations)

The Pine Barrens region in New Jersey has long been a place of mystery, with its dark pine groves, black swamps, and dank bogs, oftentimes shrouded in mist and fog. Reputed to be haunted by spirits, it’s an unsettling place to be sure. But of all the mysterious happenings and sights to be found in the Pine Barrens, there is none so intriguing as the Jersey Devil. Since its first reported sighting in 1735, local lore has it that a “devil-like” creature with the head of a horse, the wings of a bat, and the hooves of a goat has menaced townspeople, frightened livestock, and caused all manner of trouble over the years. Is the Jersey Devil real? Award-winning author Trinka Hakes Noble weaves a spellbinding tale about the origins of the legend of the Jersey Devil. Atmospheric illustrations by artist Gerald Kelley bring the tale to spooky life.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Folklore, Middle Grade, Horror

32 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2013

Reviews

[Abigail]

Author Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrator Gerald Kelley retell the legend of the Jersey Devil, a mysterious and threatening creature said to haunt the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey in this atmospheric picture-book. Believed to have been the thirteenth child of one Mother Leeds, who, not wanting another baby, declared, "Let it be a devil!," the creature had a horse-like head, a wyvern-like dragon body, hoofed feet and a tail. Immediately a sensation in the area, the Devil attracted preachers who railed against it, and animal hunters from New York and Philadelphia, intent on capturing it. All were driven off by the creature, who had made the swampy Pine Barrens his home, and who reappeared from time to time, to remind the world of his presence...

One of the great cryptids of North American folklore - akin to the Hodag of Wisconsin, the Lake Erie Monster, and others - the Jersey Devil dates back to the early 18th century, and has been seen many times over the years. In January of 1909, there were apparently multiple sightings, and the sensationalist news coverage of these events led to the closure of schools, and organized hunts being undertaken for the creature. The New Jersey Devils - the state's current professional hockey team - are named after the famous cryptid. Although long familiar with the existence of this creature, The Legend of the Jersey Devil is the first book I have read about it. I'm glad it was my introduction, as I found Noble's narrative engrossing, and the accompanying artwork from Kelley deliciously spooky. This is one I would recommend, both to young folklore enthusiasts, and to picture-book readers looking for spooky, atmospheric stories.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer]

I loved this telling of the legend of the Jersey Devil. It would make a great campfire readaloud. The illustrations were particularly effective--dark and creepy with the devil itself looking somewhat dragonish and mean but not so evil that it would scare young readers. Made me want to visit the pine barrens and look around for myself. Recommended.

[Teri]

My daughter and I read this as part of our studies of New Jersey. She LOVED this book and now wants her own copy (we borrowed from the library). This presents the tale of the New Jersey Devil in such a way that preteen children can enjoy. Now she is interested in finding out more about this legend. The pictures were fantastic. They story was interesting and kept her turning the pages reading and getting more interested and more excited as she went along.

[Child960801]

This book is spookier than I was expecting, so keep that in mind when picking it out for young or sensitive readers. I think if the girls were a little younger, it might have been a problem.

This tells the legend of the Jersey Devil, a creature that is said to haunt the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, even to this day.

[Nancy Chambers]

Children’s book, read it from library to see if it would be a good one for my great grandson. Want him to enjoy NJ Pine Barrens. Book and illustrations should make him be curious enough to want to explore.

[Jen]

I have read many a Jersey Devil book growing up on the Jersey Shore. This has to be my favorite! The drawings/illustrations truly make this book!

[Amber Harrison]

This book is a New Jersey folklore. It was really interesting to read about the Jersey Devil. I think a lot of kids would enjoy this book because it has pictures to go along with it.

[Hilary]

Reads well aloud. Illustrations perfect for text.

[Lauren]

Interesting account of an urban legend. I really like the illustrations. There's something fun and eerie about them. This would be fun for a Halloween storytime with older kids.

[Erin O'Riordan]

Brief, but very cool, story of the Jersey Devil legend, including the creature's origin and famous sightings. The narration is spare but the lavish illustrations make up for it.

[The Reading Writing Puppet]

Liked the Jersey Devil illustration, he’s creepy and fun. The story itself is from a historical point, fun to know, I think still fictional, but fun. It had some dark elements and cute sinister.

[Sarah Daniluk]

This is a children's story?! 🤘🏽 There's nothing better than introducing kids to the beautifully spooky world of cryptids.

[Chelsea Elwood]

This book reads like a cheesy summer camp ghost story and the illustrations have the feel of caricature. It could make for a fun Halloween read.

[Villain E]

Nor really for kids. Super wordy. Reads kind of like when you sit around the campfire and tell ghost stories. Pretty good art.

[Richard Knight]

The illustrations are nice, but I still wish there was a bit more to the overall story for a children's book.

[Nancy]

Thanks Bryan!

[Barbara]

Different parts of the country have folktales that citizens relish telling, sometimes just for the sheer pleasure of storytelling, sometimes as a cautionary tale, and at other times to keep outsiders from getting too comfortable. This picture book offers to readers the legend of the Jersey Devil, the thirteenth child of Mother Leeds. Tired of giving birth and weary of her painful labor, the woman wishes for a devil, and that's just what she gets. He has the head of a horse, the wings of a bat, and goat hooves, and his eyes change from red to yellow and back to red again. The woman's son causes all sorts of mischief in the New Jersey barrens, frightening livestock, causing wells to go dry, and knocking over clotheslines. As bothersome as the Jersey Devil is, he's nothing to the trouble caused when two businessmen offer money to anyone who can bring the creature to them. Readers will enjoy this frightening tale, told with a dollop of slyness and a nod to those who prefer to keep their privacy, while wondering if there really is such a thing as the Jersey Devil. The illustrations fill the pages with large, atmospheric illustrations that fit the story well.

[Ellen Buskirk]

Very nicely done. I was looking for a spooky tale or fairytale for my 4 and 6 year old this fall. They want this one read over and over. The cover is more 'frightening' than the inside--as the Jersey Devil is portrayed as a 'chuckling' thinker who helps protect his community and is a source of mystery and pride. Interesting legend.

[Margaret]

Once again I've learned something new; this legend has existed for nearly 300 years. I completely enjoyed the narrative and outstanding illustrations. This is a perfect scary story full of shivers.

My full review: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Mother Goose Librarian]

Noble's rebelling of this legend is is masterful. Both children and adults will be riveted to a reading of the tale. Kelley's illustrations add to the creepiness. Perfect for a ghost storytelling program.

[Bonnie]

A spirited telling of the legend of the jersey devil, with illustrations that match the spooky story. I would love a little more historical information or links to sites with some factual history or speculations as to what it might have been.

[Kimberly Wargin]

Perfect book to read under the covers with a flashlight! Spooky enough for Halloween's eve. Illustrations are amazing!

[John Mcgoldrick]

I scared the bejesus out of my 5 year olds with this one. We enjoyed it though.

[Agnes]

The story was not as good as the illustrations.

[Peacegal]

Great illustrations! Older kids will love it. May be too scary for the tiny tots.

[Jessica]

It would have wide-spread appeal to children who want a spooky, creepy story. I'm not sure I really cared for the story----my attention was focused on the pictures.

[Emily]

Loved it! A bit long, but I think it would be great for a storytime for older kids.

[Alicia]

The illustrations really make this book move. They're perfect.

[Christine]

Illustrations of the Jersey Devil are awesome! Kids will love the story behind the myth of the famous Jersey Devil of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

[Heidi]

Nice and creepy.