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.

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.

Tintin: Volume 1

Rémi, Georges. Tintin: Volume 1. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1979.

Plot: World-famous detective and newsman, Tintin, and his dog, Snowy, leaves his native Belgium to clean up the corruption during America's prohibition. He manages to capture several notorious criminals after traveling through Chicago and the American Southwest. During his boat ride home, he becomes involved with drug smugglers. The smugglers use theft, kidnapping, and social influence to evade Tintin and Snowy. Eventually, the smugglers are all captured by Tintin or killed by their reckless attempts to escape. Yet, Tintin receives cryptic warnings about enemies at large in China...during the onset of World War II.

Genre: Comics, Adventure

Reading Level: Ages 8 and up, but originally intended for adults

Similar Titles: Tintin series, Bone

Personal Thoughts: I loved this series when I was younger. Now that I am older, I can enjoy the series more through historical context, but when I was little, I just thought the adventures of Tintin and Snowy were intriguing and fun. Apparently, though, the prejudice of the author, while acceptable if not expected from the culture at the time of the writing, led to the banning of Tintin's adventures in some institutions. Still, the series manages to secure a universal charm that continues to attract audiences worldwide. As such, the series provided a basis for animations, plays, radio programs, and an upcoming movie.

Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Castle

Biesty, Stephen. Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Castle. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994.

Plot: The book takes an in-depth look at medieval castles - literally. Throughout the book, sections of the castle and castle life are displayed through cross-sections of the buildings. Castles offered surprisingly complex methods of waste disposal, protection, and craftsmanship. However, food availability, social order, and justice methods were cruel. A work like this allows readers to appreciate the luxuries of the post-twentieth century.

Reading Level: Ages 8-11

Genre: Non-Fiction, History

Similar Titles: Eyewitness Books: Castle, Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Man-Of-War

Personal Thoughts: I was surprised by the complexity of the book. The illustrations offer excellent descriptions and thorough details of medieval castles. They also offer humor. To keep readers' attention, an enemy spy also lurks the castle. Sharp-eyed readers discover a story within the descriptions through the antics of this mysterious man.