M is for Monster: A Fantastic Creatures Alphabet

by J. Patrick Lewis, Gerald Kelley (Illustrator)

Readers will meet the fascinating main characters featured in many myths and legends. Award-winning children's book author and former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis not only examines creatures of popular legends such as mummies, werewolves, and zombies, but he also introduces lesser-known-but-just-as-menacing monsters such as the Roc and the giant called Xing Tian. Includes origins of the Frankenstein story as well as creatures such as the Loch Ness Monster, Baba Yaga, and the Phoenix. Monster, mystery, and fantasy fans of all ages will enjoy this alphabetical tribute.

Genres: Picture Books, Monsters, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

J. Patrick Lewis is the current Children's Poet Laureate. He has written more than seventy children's books, including Once Upon a Tomb: Gravely Humorous Verses. J. Patrick Lewis lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is classified as a children's picture book. Personally, it took me forever to read it. There are very short rhyming statements about each individual monster, then there are very lengthy descriptions for the monsters. Too long for a children's book. Maybe a little scary for little ones also. I found it interesting, but I'm an adult.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful 'de Sève-like' llustrations!

[Tori Crumrine]

Illustrations are done in watercolor.

This book tells about true folk legends of monsters or mysterious creatures.

I really like the nonfiction aspect of the story in which the origin of the mysterious creatures/ monsters are given.

[Sydney Martindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like these "A is for....." books because they have so much information in them. The only problem is I didn't find any back-matter to back up all this information, however the pictures were also stunning.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating read uses the letters of the alphabet to introduce readers to the monsters that populate folklore from around the world. Inside, you'll find mention of vampires, ogres, unicorns, werewolves etc just like you'd expect, but you'll also find entries on Baba Yaga, the yeti, and the kraken.

I was minorly disappointed by the exclusion of the mermaid, but overall this book reads very well. The verse used for each letter is light and delicious. The extended info in the sidebars is informative and entices readers into further exploration of featured creatures.

I learned a lot, was a little creeped out, and entertained from cover to cover. Consider as a gift book for K-5.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

From A for Amarok to Z for Zombie, this ABC book covers the monsters that fill our imaginations and the pages of many of the books we read. Not only do all these creatures, including Baba Yagathe Ogre, the Skin-Walker, Yeti receive poetic tributes, but there are text boxes providing brief information about each one and how they came to be. I was impressed that there were a couple with whom I was unfamiliar such as Xing Tian. The illustrations capture perfectly with moody and dramatic scenes the fearful nature evoked by these imaginary creatures.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I checked this book out at the library for Dex (6yo) I thought I'd just be reading the little rhyming blurbs about each monster related to their letter. I was very wrong. Dexter wanted me to read every single detail about all the monsters in the sidebars. He really enjoyed it!

Good illustrations.

[Abby Ratliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great alphabet book for older kids. The illustrations are incredible and the "monsters" choose to go along with the letters are so much fun. This would be a great way to introduce the fantasy genre to you kids.

Genre: Picture book

[Bambi Pea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a book for older children. The monsters portrayed in this book would be a little scary for younger children.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

really, really enjoyed the illustrations

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a monster for every letter of the alphabet with background facts about each.

[Brianna Williford]

Lewis, J.P., Kelley, G. (illustrator). (2014). Monster Alphabet. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Sleeping Bear Books.

Lewis creates a funny and interesting alphabet book great for early readers. It introduces them to different terms and creatures, and even has accurate informative back matter. I appreciate his use of water color and the tones he uses. It makes the book dark without being scary for children. He includes a variety of creatures from different cultures and regions- which many other authors do not include.