cover image Mythical Creatures

Mythical Creatures

, , illus. by Stuart Martin. . Barron's, $22.99 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-7641-6204-6

Mythical creatures like the Minotaur, the kraken and the selkies are featured in this sturdy, encyclopedia-style book. There are plenty of unique components: a pull-tab box addresses how to tell if a unicorn is real or not (offering four “tests” to perform on the horn), and an impressive pop-up “Arabian Phoenix” spreads its red wings and opens its beak above a roaring fire. A poster of the beasts is also included. While the existence of these creatures may be in dispute, information tracing their origins (Ovid made reference to a possible werewolf) will give fantasy fans food for thought. Ages 8–up. (Apr.)