Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures That May or May Not Exist

I bought this book for my 10 year old nephew, who, despite all the super electronic gizmos competing for attention at Christmas, took this one up to bed Christmas Eve, and couldn't put it down. Neither could his father, or his 8 year old brother. And I read it before I gave it to him. Very well-researched and balanced with an enquiring approach to the whole subject of Cryptids. Many thanks to the authors for another excellent book that gets kids to unplug from the computer, read a book and get their brains in gear.

I am always on the prowl for books that will excite my eight-year-old sons, particularly if they don't have to do with underpants or wizards. With apologies to Dav Pilkey and J.K. Rowling, both of whom write fantastic books, I need a little variety. And so I was ecstatic to find TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS on the new non-fiction shelf in the library children's room. So ecstatic, in fact, that I kept the book hidden in my office until I had a chance to sit down and read it myself. It is fabulous, fabulous, fabulous (that's one for each of the book's three co-creators). This meaty middle-grade non-fiction title takes readers on an adventure in cryptozoology. "Crypto-What?" asks the opening chapter title. Cryptozoology, "the study of and searching for legendary animals--called cryptids--to find out if there's any possibility that these mysterious animals people say they've seen really exist." From Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster to prehistoric cryptids you may never have heard of, this book tells readers what is true, what is not, and what scientists just can't be sure about. In addition to being plain interesting, the book is designed well and is illustrated with a nice blend of photographs and drawings. The authors include a "Reality Index" to help readers tease hoaxes from reality as well as a thorough bibliography of books, articles and web sites for readers who want to continue their cryptid studies. I love that the authors had the courage to turn an objective eye to a fabulously interesting topic that happens to be fraught with doubt and disbelief. The result is a book that helps young readers to realize that all scientific investigation, cryptozoology included, requires a careful balance of skepticism and open-mindedness.

Tales of the Cryptids has all the elements that children find irresistible: intriguing jacket design; vivid illustrations--some downright creepy; and lively, engaging text. The book poses questions that will keep kids reading to find the answers. . ."Why haven't we ever found a Bigfoot body?" It's chock full of weird stuff--a sure kid pleaser!

Featuring a wide variety of creatures real and seemingly unreal, from the fascinating to the frightening, "Tales of the Cryptids" is a book any kid (even the old ones) with curiosity and a vivid imagination will enjoy. Authors Kelly Milner Halls, Rick Spears and Roxyanne Young delve into the myths, the legends, the hoaxes, and the folk tales, as well as the scientific research, that make these mysteries fascinating. With a fine array of photographs, maps and drawings and lively text, the book is a page-turner from start to end. "Tales of the Cryptids" is thought-provoking, and should prove to be a great stimulus to discussion and conversation, whether you're a believer in cryptids or not.

This is what Loren Coleman said about our book: "CRYPTID is worthy of being in every children's library in the world. It is time for cryptozoology to be seen as the new frontier of learning it is, and Kelly Milner Halls's book is one I would highly recommend for kids." Loren Coleman, the world's greatest living cryptozoologist and author of over 25 books, including "Becoming a Cryptozoologist."