Product Description
Everyone loves the stories of legendary creatures that just might really exist. This book relies on the latest information from cryptozoologists, experts who study these mysterious beings, and the counter-arguments are explored from experts who strongly believe they do not exist. Stories from eyewitnesses are recounted, as well. Included in the book are Bigfoot (Sasquatch), Loch Ness monster, Mokele Mbembe (Africa), Kongamato, Shunka Warak’in, Mapinguari (South America), giant squids, mermaids, coelocanths, and more. An extensive "For Further Investigation" section, offering readers more places to find information, concludes the book.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 9 reviews)

Juvenile fiction

I like to see what is on the bookshelfs for youngsters regarding paranormal topics. I loved to read these books as a kid. I was hoping to see some higher quality books by this time, some 30 years later. I'm not too impressed. This book is very disappointing. The only plus is the wealth of pictures that are interesting and should capture attention. The authors state these creatures were "investigated". The list of references used is abysmally short. Most of what is given is regurgitated from older books including misconceptions or mistakes just carried over once again. The authors give us the "Who knows?" attitude. We do know some things. We do have evidence. This is not a fair assessment - it's a view of what they wish were true. The path here leads only to more mystery, no answers. Sections start with pieces of fantastic fictional "what ifs" and end with a false dichotomy - either this animal does or doens't exist. Those aren't the only two options. Misidentification is not addressed well. I'm looking for something more balanced, more science- and evidence-based. This is NOT it.
August 19, 2008

Inspired a new cartoon!

This is probably the best book out there for giving the facts, the fables, and the fiction of Bigfoot and his cryptic gang. It's perfect for a family conversation about what's real and what's still a mystery, a subject sure to come up when the Cartoon Network's newest animated series, Secret Saturdays, starts in October. In fact, this book was used by the cartoon's creators for research and inspiration!
August 15, 2008

"Read it again, and don't skip anything!"

That was my 4 year old niece's reaction after I read her this book. I
got it for her on a whim, since she's interested in Bigfoot and the
Loch Ness Monster. She absolutely loved it. Recommended.
March 04, 2007

Tales of the Cryptids

I bought this book for my 10 year old nephew, who, despite all the super electronic gizmos competing for attention at Christmas, took this one up to bed Christmas Eve, and couldn't put it down. Neither could his father, or his 8 year old brother. And I read it before I gave it to him. Very well-researched and balanced with an enquiring approach to the whole subject of Cryptids. Many thanks to the authors for another excellent book that gets kids to unplug from the computer, read a book and get their brains in gear.
January 19, 2007

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

I am always on the prowl for books that will excite my eight-year-old sons, particularly if they don't have to do with underpants or wizards. With apologies to Dav Pilkey and J.K. Rowling, both of whom write fantastic books, I need a little variety. And so I was ecstatic to find TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS on the new non-fiction shelf in the library children's room. So ecstatic, in fact, that I kept the book hidden in my office until I had a chance to sit down and read it myself. It is fabulous, fabulous, fabulous (that's one for each of the book's three co-creators).

This meaty middle-grade non-fiction title takes readers on an adventure in cryptozoology. "Crypto-What?" asks the opening chapter title. Cryptozoology, "the study of and searching for legendary animals--called cryptids--to find out if there's any possibility that these mysterious animals people say they've seen really exist." From Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster to prehistoric cryptids you may never have heard of, this book tells readers what is true, what is not, and what scientists just can't be sure about.

In addition to being plain interesting, the book is designed well and is illustrated with a nice blend of photographs and drawings. The authors include a "Reality Index" to help readers tease hoaxes from reality as well as a thorough bibliography of books, articles and web sites for readers who want to continue their cryptid studies. I love that the authors had the courage to turn an objective eye to a fabulously interesting topic that happens to be fraught with doubt and disbelief. The result is a book that helps young readers to realize that all scientific investigation, cryptozoology included, requires a careful balance of skepticism and open-mindedness.

October 20, 2006

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