M is for Monster: A Fantastic Creatures Alphabet

Product Description

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.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—Lewis takes on a perennial favorite with his latest, a sort of monster bestiary exploring various creatures, from mythology, legend and fairy tales. Readers will find a monster for each letter of the alphabet, as well as a description, a poem, and an attractive illustration. The painterly, surreal images include details children will enjoy, such as the Loch Ness monster sneaking up behind a man in a boat, or a nervous-looking gargoyle with a mouse perched atop its head. Among the chosen creatures are the phoenix, the kraken, Baba Yaga, and, of course, the dragon. Some entries seem sketchy at first (“F for Frankenstein” refers to the monster as Frankenstein, before explaining that the name is truly that of the scientist who created him) but quickly pull together the origin of the monster’s story, well-known features, and ties to modern lore. The ogre description, for example, describes the creatures as “extremely dangerous, humanoid looking monsters that prowl woodlands in search of humans to eat,” states that they were probably created by author Charles Perrault, and says that the best-known modern example of an ogre is probably Shrek.—Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

About the Author

J. Patrick Lewis is the author of 60 books for children, 50 of them in poetry. He is also the coauthor of three terrific children and four delightful grandchildren. He writes full-time, makes 30 elementary school visits a year, and keynotes at literature conferences. First Dog is his first book with his daughter Beth. Pat, or Grandpat, as his grandkids call him, is married and lives in Westerville, Ohio. 

Gerald Kelly has illustrated several picture books, including documentarian Ken Burns’s bestselling children’s book, Grover Cleveland, Again! He lives in Colorado.