Monsters and Water Beasts: Creatures of Fact or Fiction?

by Karen Hokanson Miller, Sergio Ruzzier (Illustrator)

Mythical beasts or real creatures? You decide!

Big Foot, Moth Man, the Sea Serpent of Gloucester. These are just a few of the mythical beasts uncovered in this intriguing collection of extraordinary creatures. Firsthand accounts and the opinions of scientists weave together a fascinating web of fact and legend. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, you'll find much to ponder in the lore surrounding these monsters.

Genres: Cryptozoology

96 pages, Hardcover

First published April 17, 2007

About the author

Karen used to be a school teacher, but gave it up to concentrate on writing. She also used to work in a bookstore before moving to the mountains with her husband and their dog. Nowadays she tutors at a nearby elementary school and yes, she continues to write. In fact, it was Karen's students who got her started on writing her first book. They complained, "there's nothing to read!" Well, Karen knew that wasn't true, but maybe there was something more to what they said. "Everyone likes monsters," kids told her. That began Karen's seven-year search for monsters that were "real." The result is Monsters and Water Creatures (Henry Holt, May 2007).

Next, bogeymen! Who hasn't looked under the bed or tucked a flashlight under the pillow? Bogeyman 101: A Survival Guide tells "what they are, where they are, and whether you should believe in them or not."

Reviews

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory book for younger adults into the world of cryptozoology. Everything from Big Foot to mermaids is covered with enough background and folklore and then newer scientific explanations to give the reader some serious thoughts to ponder. And lovely illustrations to go along with each one.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book about different monsters and their cultural history. I bought this book for my 8-year old who loves it, and I also really enjoyed reading it. And the illustrations are fabulous.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable if this is your thing, which currently is my thing. Must have been that day on Lake Champlain where I could have sworn...

[Terry]

Borrow, and expect to renew it ... often. Get the full review here, at the Reading Tub.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so even if it is a little/younger kids' book, I love it. I like the stories(that do have truth in them), and the pictures are cute :)