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bookish_whispers's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of those books where it popped on my Amazon as something their algorithm thought I'd enjoy. And, it wasn't wrong. I've loved cryptid stories for a long time. Whether it's something completely out there that probably doesn't actually exist to those that have actually been proven as real at some point. So this sat on my Wishlist for a bit, until I finally added it to a purchase because I always end up doing that.
Since then it's done what so many books have done, sat on my shelf. But, I read the United States of Cryptids earlier this year. Followed by a book about the Mothman, and now during Spooky Season I figured, there wasn't a better time.
It actually proved a great idea. This was absolutely adorable, and the perfect way to unwind after two long work weeks. Cryptid Creatures covers the whole globe with stories of monsters and creatures alike. Each new creature (or monster) gets a factoid and a small story about sighting, discoveries, and how it was brought into the public light.
What I loved the most about this book was the mix of creatures that definitely don't exist, but have a fantastic story behind them, to have creatures science has proven to do, or did at one point, exist. So, there is that nice mix of fantasy with my science. And, fear because I have a healthy fear of the ocean. It is big, mostly unexplored, and full of things that could, and probably would eat me.
Anyway, not only is this book jammed packed with fun information about all these creatures but it's illustrated as well. I'm not just talking that each creature gets an illustration because they do. But we get a look at their skull, occasionally the teeth they could eat me with, but also what a baby one would like. A couple was absolutely terrifying both big and small.
But, baby Mothman was adorable! Like kind of want to make it into a tattoo, adorable!
That kind of ties into my next positive about this book. It's a book for all ages. I don't think there was anything too scary, but it would be easy to skip some of the creatures your young reader wasn't ready for. But also learn about some news from other parts of the world.
I thought it was cute and an enjoyable read. I read it over the course of a week after work before bed. Which was a great way to unwind from my day. Though I'd love to thank this author for unlocking a new fear for me. Could have gone my whole life without knowing the phrase Drop Bear...
Thanks for that.
Since then it's done what so many books have done, sat on my shelf. But, I read the United States of Cryptids earlier this year. Followed by a book about the Mothman, and now during Spooky Season I figured, there wasn't a better time.
It actually proved a great idea. This was absolutely adorable, and the perfect way to unwind after two long work weeks. Cryptid Creatures covers the whole globe with stories of monsters and creatures alike. Each new creature (or monster) gets a factoid and a small story about sighting, discoveries, and how it was brought into the public light.
What I loved the most about this book was the mix of creatures that definitely don't exist, but have a fantastic story behind them, to have creatures science has proven to do, or did at one point, exist. So, there is that nice mix of fantasy with my science. And, fear because I have a healthy fear of the ocean. It is big, mostly unexplored, and full of things that could, and probably would eat me.
Anyway, not only is this book jammed packed with fun information about all these creatures but it's illustrated as well. I'm not just talking that each creature gets an illustration because they do. But we get a look at their skull, occasionally the teeth they could eat me with, but also what a baby one would like. A couple was absolutely terrifying both big and small.
But, baby Mothman was adorable! Like kind of want to make it into a tattoo, adorable!
That kind of ties into my next positive about this book. It's a book for all ages. I don't think there was anything too scary, but it would be easy to skip some of the creatures your young reader wasn't ready for. But also learn about some news from other parts of the world.
I thought it was cute and an enjoyable read. I read it over the course of a week after work before bed. Which was a great way to unwind from my day. Though I'd love to thank this author for unlocking a new fear for me. Could have gone my whole life without knowing the phrase Drop Bear...
Thanks for that.
jordansellers's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
kmac07's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. It could’ve included more cryptids and the illustrations are either really good or just sort of childish. No offense to the artist, I’d just rather have grisly, scary artwork for cryptids than images of cryptids that resemble Pokémon or something other. Still a fun book, especially for younger kids and stuff.
graypeape's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting book for kids, on an interesting subject. What kid isn't intrigued by mysterious creatures like Bigfoot, Nessie, and so many others? This handy guide will give the kiddos a good run-down of cryptids, including a reality rating system, with one star denoting a proven hoax (like Piltdown Man), 6 stars a creature that's been proven real (like the coelacanth), and the varying degrees of likelihood in between. Each creatures gets a few sketches, done field notebook-style, showing an adult, a juvenile, and a skull. The information on each creature includes where it's found, when it was first sited, eyewitness accounts, etc. This would be a fun addition to any child's book collection, and will most likely be added to my nephews' library when they get a little older.
#CryptidCreatures #NetGalley
#CryptidCreatures #NetGalley
midwifekt's review against another edition
5.0
This is really enjoyable. I appreciate the artwork, the "reality rating," the pronunciation guide, and the factoids and the interesting asides about cryptid-related things. I like the inclusion of straight-up hoaxes and the explanations of them. I think this would be a great book to have at home to dip in and out of vs. a straight read-through, although it would be fine for that too if it's your jam.
There is an appendix with cryptids sorted by type; I would have liked another with cryptids sorted by region (although region is mentioned next to the cryptid in the existing appendix). There is a "Read More About It" section with further information, although specific sources aren't cited in the text. There is a glossary.
I received an electronic ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
There is an appendix with cryptids sorted by type; I would have liked another with cryptids sorted by region (although region is mentioned next to the cryptid in the existing appendix). There is a "Read More About It" section with further information, although specific sources aren't cited in the text. There is a glossary.
I received an electronic ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
etienne02's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining book about those many «mythical» creatures or creatures that might exist. Intriguing, some are truly mythic, some might be real, who knows, but it was just a fun read to learn about those creatures. It was also intriguing to see how some pop up in many different culture/country, on different name, but more or less always the same creature. I enjoy it, without taking it too seriously!