The Footsteps of the Werewolf

Pipe, Jim. The Footsteps of the Werewolf. Brookfield, Conn. : Copper Beech Books, 1996.

Plot: The book splits between the fictional story of Bernard and the history of werewolf folklore. Bernard's story follows the young silversmith on his way to his uncles. A chance encounter leave him with more than anticipated, causing him to inadvertently become the monster he fears most. Opposite of each page of his story are facts on various werewolf topics. Such topics include werewolf origins, superstitions, scientific explanations, and modern variations.

Genre: Non-fiction, Folklore, Monsters, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Encyclopedia Horrifica, The Weeping Werewolf: Moongoble and Me

Personal Thoughts: This is best described as a better version of Can Science Solve the Mystery of Vampires and Werewolves. The information-based pages offer an overview of the mythology behind shapeshifters, but also offers real-world examples of historical incidents and scientific explanation. The short story offers a means of attracting the audience's attention while referring to the informative side of werewolf lore. Overall, the book appears to balance information and entertainment effectively.

Coraline

Coraline produced by Universal Studios.

Plot: A claymation rendition of Neil Gaimen's famous novetta. Coraline Jones unhappily moves to a new house with her work-driven parents. While she initially dismisses the Pink Palace as helplessly boring, a bricked door catches her attention. Through her dreams, she discovers another world on the other side of the barricaded door, complete with better neighbors, better gardens, and better, button-eyed occupants. When she suspects the new location is not all it seems, her "Other Mother" reveals a threatening side. After receiving further warnings from the ghosts of the Other Mother's victims, Coraline must face her fears and unravel the web of the beldam.

Genre: Animation, Horror

Reading Level: Rated PG

Similar Titles: Nightmare Before Christmas, 9, Corpse Bride

Personal Thoughts: Much like the original novel, the movie, while intended for children, can please adults. Also like the original, the movie has moments of intense creepiness that are not suited for every audience. Unlike the original, some of the story elements have changed drastically. The location is no longer England, but Washington. Coraline shares her feelings with Wybie, a know-it-all neighbor, instead of monologuing. Also, the Other Mother's world enjoys Coraline at least four times, while the heroine only visits twice in the novel. Despite the changes, fans of the book will likely enjoy the movie.

Side Note: Beware the hand.

Fabulous Monsters

Williams, Marcia. Fabulous Monsters. Cambridge, MA : Candlewick Press, 1999.

Plot: The book features comic book styled stories of five fantastic monsters. Isikukumanderu taunts the plains of Africa after a proud princess refuses to use her manners. The chimera falls only to a hero riding a mythical winged horse. An island suffers under siege after the birth of a flock of basilisk. While a man attempts to protect his younger brother, sibling loyalty cannot stop the fury of the bunyip. After discovering something wrong in a golden hall, Beowulf faces the power of not one monster, but two. Monsters arise for the trials, wits, and glory of heroes in this collection.

Genre: Monsters, Comics, Illustrations

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Creature Carnival, The One Right Thing, Mythical Monsters of Ancient Greece

Personal Thoughts: The book represents one of the many comic book/story book hybrids. It reminds me of the Where's Waldo book series, since the alert reader can notice additional comedic quotes and pictures in addition to the main "quest" of the story. However, the illustrations are not as well presented as they could be. Many of the monsters, despite their various origins and descriptions, are drawn similarly. The heroes often appear more static than the environment around them. Also, a few of the stories, such as the one involving Grendel and the chimera, end abruptly. Still, the book will please those fond of the genre and may provide a gentle introduction to major literary monsters.

The Headless Haunt and Other African-American Ghost Stories

Haskins, James Haskins and Otero, Ben. The Headless Haunt and Other African-American Ghost Stories. New York : HarperCollins, 1994.

Plot: A collection of African-American ghost stories originating in the deep South. Most of the stories take a first-person narration, adding to the suspense and believability of the tales. Ghosts taunt ruined cabins, over-curious children, and superstitious characters. Other stories feature "haunts," restless, but sometimes protective, ghosts taking the form of animals or mangled corpses. Themes in the book include respect for tradition, proper burial rites, and acknowledgment of the supernatural. A frightful, and occasionally insightful, read.

Genre: Collections, Short Stories, Horror, Folktales, African-American

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Scared Witless, The Man Who Tricked a Ghost, Raw Head, Bloody Bones: African-American Tales of the Supernatural

Personal Thoughts: I tend to spook easily, so I thought the book was pretty scary. Other reviewers find the stories mellow or even comical. Still, the collection offers a view of the supernatural in a unique manner. The book relates the stories, but it also describes their origins. Many of the tales emerge through a mix of African, American, and European superstition and beliefs. As such, the stories offer a view of a unique culture during the post-Civil War period.

Halloween Wrap-Up

After reviewing this week's books, there are still a few Halloween-esque items I would like to review. So we'll look into them next week.

Where's Jerome?

More Bones: Scary Stories from Around the World

Olsen, Arielle North Olson; Schwartz Howard Schwartz; and Gist E. M. More Bones: Scary Stories from Around the World. New York : Viking, 2008.

Plot: A collection of frightening stories from different cultures. Some stories echo traditional themes, such as being careful what to wish for, obeying parents, being kind to others, and avoiding strangers. Others seem a bit more foreign, such as the story of the grey, hairy arm and the tale of the iron scorpion. Even traditional motifs, such as headless horsemen, restless ghosts, and grim challenges take elaborate variations. Perhaps the only consistent theme in every story is the twist ending.

Genre: Horror, Folktales, Fairy Tales, Monsters

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Scary Stories: Tales to Chill Your Bones, More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Personal Thoughts: I have never really been a fan of horror stories (I spook easily). Still, the collection kept my attention without creeping me out too much. The twists kept me guessing, because, like the best horror, the protagonist was not guaranteed to survive the ending. Yet, the majority of the stories end on poetic justice with monsters defeated and unfair bargains broken. Still, every once in a story, someone does not make off quite as well as would be expected...

Can Science Solve the Mystery of Vampires and Werewolves?

Oxlade, Chris and Wallace, Holly. Can Science Solve the Mystery of Vampires and Werewolves? Oxford : Heinemann Library, 2003.

Plot: Myths of monsters cover the globe. However, two particular monsters, vampires and werewolves, seem especially prominent, particularly in North America and Europe. The novel examines the myths and attempts to use science to explain how such myths arose and continue to persist. Details of the original monsters as well as the modern-day movie creatures enjoy simple but thorough descriptions. Variations of the creatures, such as bear-men and tiger-men, find mention in the text as well. Also, a few theories of the the actual cause of the creatures find there way into the book.

Genre: Science, Monsters

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Can Science Solve the Mystery series, X Science: The Loch Ness Monster

Personal Thoughts: While the pretext of the books is a worthy one, the authors could create a better text. The majority of the book discusses the myths and pseudo-science explanations for the two monsters. Actual scientific theory only enjoys two pages per monster. As such, the focus of the book seems skewed in a non-scientific direction, despite the assertions of the title and description of the text.

A Practical Guide to Vampires

Vorgard, Treval and Trumbauer, Lisa.A Practical Guide to Vampires. Renton, WA : Wizards of the Coast, 2009.


Plot: Written by a former vampire hunter and enthusiast, the book offers an illustrated guide to one of the most infamous creatures of the night. Traditional and nontraditional methods of detection, protection, and fighting are discussed, although the author highly recommends finding a mentor before attempting to stop a vampire. In addition, some aspects of "vampirism," such as physical needs, culture, interests, and minions also find mention in this well-illustrated book. The text also addresses the "new" vampiric aspects, such as the so-called vegetarian vampire, protector vampire, and family vampire.

Genre: Illustrations, Monsters, Realistic

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: A Practical Guide to Dragons, Vampires Discovery Pack

Personal Thoughts: A smart picture book. Rather than simply relying on the elaborate and attractive pictures, the text in the book is clever, believable, and enjoyable to read. Much of the text refers to traditional myths surrounding the undead, but the authors also make note of newer beliefs, such as clans, wealth, and vampire hybrids. It even nods at current fads, most notably the vampires of Forks and Dungeons & Dragons, in a classy tongue-in-cheek manner. 

Side Note: Toothless did not tear the book. It is actually illustrated that way. No, I do not know why Jerome is sitting on a banana.

Nighty-Nightmare

Howe, James. Nighty-Nightmare. New York : Atheneum, 1986.


Plot: Mr. Monroe, eager to leave the glum of middle age, decides to take his family on a camping adventure under the stars. While most of the family seems confident in a good time, Chester, the eccentric cat, fears the worst. His fears seem valid when the only other occupants of the campground are two rough, tough, suspicious men and their scarred dog. Still, the family hopes for fun and adventure, even when the dog, Dawg, takes the pets on an unexpected hike through the woods. When he reveals they are lost, Chester attempts to take hold of the situation through a story. A story wondering through the history of a certain fanged bunny...


Genre: Animals, Horror, Adventure

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Bunnicula, Poppy, Mystery of the Vanishing Creatures

Personal Thoughts: The fourth book of the Bunnicula series. Unlike previous titles, the book focuses less on mystery and more on traditional horror, particularly in Chester's narration of Bunnicula's history. While I enjoyed the variation of the plot, some of my peers mention the change distracts from the overall plot. The change, they explain, limits the potential of the "real" story, which is already fairly short. Still, the novel is a solid addition for fans of the series.

Monster Movies and Monster Books

So, we reviewed some monster movies this week. Next week, we will look over some monster books.

Where's Jerome?

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Robot Monster

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Robot Monster produced by Best Brains.


Plot: Two mad scientists seek to conquer the world by exposing the population to terrible movies. They hope to discover the ultimate bad movie capable of rendering the viewers comatose, preventing any form of resistance. To test their movies, the scientists subject their former janitor, Joel, and his two robotic creations to weekly viewings. Joel and the robots must use their wit and sarcasm to keep themselves sane by "riffing" (mocking) the films. This particular episode features a science fiction soap opera as a short and a post-apocalyptic as a feature film. The main movie relates the story of the last family on earth as they struggle against the evil Ro-Man, a faceless creature in a gorilla suit and a fishbowl helmet. Also, the film features fights with dinosaurs, lizards, and a baby alligator with a sail strapped to its back.

Genre: Campy Movies, Cult Classic, Humor

Reading Level: Use caution due to language

Similar Titles: Mystery Science Theater: The Movie, The Rifftrax series

Personal Thoughts: A delightful mocking of a truly awful film. The monster is not scary, the editing is terrible, the story is stupid, and the lizard fight is random. Still, the 'bots and Joel manage to make it enjoyable by shamelessly tearing every bad aspect of the film with jokes, pop culture references, and visual gags. This particular episode was filmed fairly early in the series' history, so some of the characters are still developing. Also, some of the voices, particularly Tom Servo's, change dramatically after a few seasons. Still, the film provides a solid source of entertainment after the MST3K's treatment.

Side note: It is sad when Jerome looks more monstrous and realistic than the titular creature.

Dragon's World: A Fantasy Made Real

Dragon's World: A Fantasy Made Real produced by Animal Planet.


Plot: The film follows two stories. In the first, a disgraced paleontologist seeks redemption following a fall from grace. His rocket to scientific fame was eclipsed when he dared to suggest an important find was attacked by something that breathed fire. Despite his fall from legitimate research, he gains a chance for redemption when a truly strange discovery is found in the mountains of Romania. The second story follows the history of the find. The creature of the mountains is not recognized by conventional science. It is the remains of a fantastic creature known only in myth. The Romanians have found the frozen corpse of a dragon. The two stories collide as the scientist studies the body, discovering the truth of a quadruped capable of flight and breathing fire. The story develops further as old myths are broached.

Genre: Realistic, Fantasy, Movie

Reading Level: Rated PG

Similar Titles: Prehistoric Park, Future World

Personal Thoughts: I think I once mentioned I love items capable of making the entirely ludicrous seem entire possible. Dragon's World, also known as The Last Dragon, uses CGI, paleontology, biology, drama, and history to make a mythical animal appear completely logical. Unfortunately, it does not meet the degree of success as some other shows, such as Prehistoric Park. The scientist's monotone distracts the audience and some of his conclusions are not as well-supported as they could be. Also, the film makes the destruction of dragons into an eco-lecture. Such accusations are common in documentaries in extinct animals. They are also annoying. Chiding from real life is guilt-causing enough without adding pressure from non-existent creatures as well. Still, the film does allow viewers to understand how a myth could work in "real life."

Apparently, film was meant to pilot a series. No further episodes have emerged since the television debut in 2004, though.

Side Note: DreamWorks Dragon delights in the movie's subject matter.

Monsters, Inc.

Monsters, Inc. produced by Disney.


Plot: Despite the efforts of world-famous scarers, Monsteropolis finds itself in an energy crisis.  One of the most effective monster teams, Sully and Mike, attempt to allivate pressures on the city by attempting to break the all-time scare record. However, children are no longer as scared of the monsters in their closets, leading to a shortage of screams, the power source of the city. Still, life continues as usual, until the ultimate horror occurs. A child enters the monsters' world. Thrust in a media frenzy, conspiracy plot, and national crisis, the monsters and girl must reach the maze of closet doors to return the runaway back to her home. Old rivalries and new desperations prove stronger and more malicious than originally anticipated, though.

Genre: Animation, Movie

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: Toy Story, Finding Nemo

Personal Thoughts: My family watches this movie every Halloween. It delightfully pokes fun at childhood fears in a creative, colorful manner. The characters are memorable, imaginative, and, strangely, believable. Boo, the little girl, is especially well voiced and animated. In addition, the monsters look like children's drawings brought to life. Also, unlike many children's movies, it focuses on the friendship between two male leads as the subplot. For whatever reason, many children's films focus on romantic themes which, while not problematic in its own right, becomes overdone.

While the film did not lead to sequels, it did inspire Mike's New Car, a short, and a series of Pixar's famous outtakes.

Side Note: DreamWorks Dragon does not approve of your film choice.

Creature from the Black Lagoon

Creature from the Black Lagoon produced by Universal Studios.


Plot: A trio of biologists/paleontologists/ichthyologists follow attempt to aid colleague after he discovers a bizarre fossil. The fossil, displaying a strange combination of fish and human-like qualities, leads them to a body of water deep in South America. Despite the fears of the locals, the adventurers press on, eventually diving deep into the domain of the gill-man. The monster, considered an example of parallel evolution, slays several of the crewmen, but shows an interest in the female member of the scientists. Eventually, attempts to capture the gill-man succeed. Keeping the gill-man captive, however, proves unsuccessful. Unwilling to give up his prize and eager for revenge, the monster traps the crew. Using all of the team's resources, wit, and courage may provide the only chance for escape.

Genre: Horror, Campy Movies

Reading Level: Rated G, but exercise caution with younger viewers.

Similar Titles: Frankenstien, Dracula, Phantom of the Opera

Personal Thoughts: One of the many influential horror movies from Universal Studios' golden age. Considered novel for its elaborate creature costume, underwater scenes, and sympathetic monster, the film was remarkable for its time. The original film was shot in 3-D, although most modern copies are in the more conventional 2-D format. Eventually, he titular monster provided the inspiration for numerous television shows, video games, and comics. Creature from the Black Lagoon also spawned two sequels: Revenge of the Creature (which is cornier than its predecessor, but still enjoyable) and The Creature Walks Among Us (a very poor film; it was eventually given a parody treatment via Mystery Science Theater 3000). 

Monster Movies

So, next week, we will review some monster movies.

Bored Komodo Dragon wants you to put in the DVD already

All New Tenchi Muyo!: Pet Peeves (vol 6)

 

Okuda, Hitoshi Okuda and Burke, Fred. All New Tenchi Muyo! Pet Peeves (vol 6). San Fransisco : Viz, LLC, 2005.

 

Plot: The classic story of rivalry and love between a boy...and three aliens. While the concept is interesting in itself, this volume introduces a new twist. After foiling the plans of a poacher, Tenchi and company find themselves caring for a cute, wide-eyed, dragon-like creature known as a miitsu. The little blue miitsu quickly gains the favor of the household. However, she also contains the capacity to become a threat, not only to the protagonists, but the entire alien civilization. Two brief additional stories parody the common manga themes of the daily life of a schoolgirl and the similar-different future.

 

Genre: Science Ficition, Romance, Humor, Manga, Graphic Novel

 

Reading Level: Rated Teen for violence and sexual innuendo

Similar Titles: Ah! My Goddess, Ranma 1/2, Case Closed

 

Personal Thoughts: A solid, goofy science fiction manga. The series is a bit like a Japanese version of Scooby Doo, lasting several generations in many different incarnations and spin-offs. Like Scooby, though, the basic premises remains the same despite the recreations: focusing on the bizarre love triangle Tenchi finds himself almost constantly in.

Mighty, Mighty Monsters: Hide and Shriek!

O'Reilly, Sean Patrick. Mighy, Mighty Monsters: Hide and Shriek!. Mankato, MN : Stone Arch Books, 2011.


Plot: Late at night, the child monsters of Transylvania meet at their club. They decide to spend their night playing hide and seek. However, some very important rules need establishing. No magic, no sniffing, and no changing into a bat!

Genre: Monsters, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Ages 7-9

Similar Titles: The rest of the Mighty, Mighty Monsters series

Personal Thoughts: A good example of the comedic monster. Instead of being scary, the monsters play the role of the protagonists and wrestle with fitting in, struggling in school, and goofing off with atypical friends.

At the end of the novels, a brief section discusses the "original" source of the monsters. For example, this novel focused on cinematic Dracula, some of the legends and books participating in his creation, and the role of his film in modern cinema.

Goosebumps Graphix: Creepy Creatures

Stine, R.L. Goosebumps Graphix: Creepy Creatures. New York : Graphix, 2006.

Plot: A comic-book style retelling of three of Stine's original Goosebumps. "The Werewolf of Fever Swamp" follows the story of a boy who insists his dog is not the culprit behind attacks on local wildlife. His search for the truth leads him into greater trouble than he could ever anticipate. By contrast, "The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight" sets two city dwellers against disturbingly animated inanimate objects. A moral lesson in the dangers of practical jokes and casual wishes haunts the protagonist of "The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena." A trio of creative and visually pleasing stories.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror

Reading Level: Aimed at ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Stonekeeper, Skeleton Key: The Graphic Novel, Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel

Personal Thoughts: The series is one of many novels transitioning into graphic form. Other examples include the Warriors, Artemis Fowl, and Redwall series. The change may prove valuable, particularly in the traditionally non-reading group of male tweens. Some tweens find graphic novels more popular or acceptable than typical reading materials. Since original novels provide the source of inspiration, curious tweens may try one of the original novels if the graphic novel is interesting. Graphic novels may prove to be the "gateway drug" necessary to encourage more reading.

Graphic Novels and Monsters

This week's theme piggybacks on last weeks. In honor of Halloween, we will look at graphic novels with a focus on monsters, aliens, and general (sort of) scary stuff.

Disapproving giraffe questions this week's theme