Customer Reviews

The Monsterology Handbook: A Practical Course in Monsters (Ologies)

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THE MONSTEROLOGY HANDBOOK is designed to educate students who have recently arrived at Dr. Ernest Drake's newly established Sanctuary for Fabulous Beasts in St. Leonard's Forest, Horsham, for a three-month-long stay. The year, it should be noted, is 1905. The aspiring monsterologist must begin by taking an oath swearing to protect all monsters and beasts, never revealing their hideouts to unbelievers or to those who seek to exploit them, and studying them only for the sake of science. A provisional license that a student can fill out with his or her own name and photograph makes the process official.

The handbook consists of four sections: dealing with beasts of the Earth, another for beasts of water, a third for beasts of the air, and the final for dealing with semi-human beasts. Thus, the classification is based on habitat rather than on their biological features since the purpose of the book is to prepare one to encounter the beasts in their natural surroundings. Each lesson comes with a homework activity to be completed at a later time --- for once, kids will actually look forward to doing homework. Each section contains fascinating details about "supposedly" mythical beasts. For instance, did you know that the chimera's three heads (goat, snake and lion) do not "see eye-to-eye"? Or that the shy anteater-like baku can devour nightmares and induce calm?

This volume is crammed full of utterly valuable tips for the aspiring monsterologist. One will learn that it is never a good idea to try to trick bigfoots by wearing a monkey suit to sneak up on them (they will not be amused). A good way to calm down a screeching baby yeti is to feed it ice cream to cool it down, whereas baby unicorns need a steady diet of pomegranate juice until they are five months old. Sensible students will learn that sailors would be wise to stay away from a scylla since they form the monster's favorite form of food. It also turns out that everyone would be wise to stay away from the bison-like bonnacon since its main mode of attack is by spraying flesh-burning, venomous dung. As it so happens, there are many perfectly good uses for bonnacon dung, such as dissolving metals ("such as locks"), curing tough dragonhide to make it soft and pliable, and effectively clearing the groundcover in any area for several years. An especially valuable section of the book deals with learning to spot real monsters from the fake ones. One must always be wary of stitches, glue, paint, too many suspiciously identical bones, and those asking for money.

Gorgeous color illustrations scattered throughout the book, small envelopes holding surprises, four pages of stickers, diary entries from Dr. Ernest Drake himself, and many other neat features make THE MONSTEROLOGY HANDBOOK a natural for kids. This is a brilliantly imagined and beautifully executed book designed to give both adult and child readers many, many hours of pleasure. But be warned: this utterly engrossing take on mythical monsters may just make a believer out of you!

--- Reviewed by Usha Reynolds

The delivery was quick, but this book was NOT like any of the other "ologies". I purchased it for my elementary students at school, but found it to be on a higher level. Also, it was small (not much bigger than a paperback) & without the charm of the others. Boo :)

My son loves this series of Ology books. We enjoy our reading time. And it came in a record time. Thank you so much

Purchased this book for my daughter who found it quite interesting. The illustrations are great and the monster descriptions are fascinating. Price was great

I have purchased just about every book in this series for my grandsons. Pirates, Dragons, Monsters, Vampires, Wizards, Egypt and Oceanology. They are imaginative, full of fun, well made and absolutely beautiful. I think my personal favorites are "Pirateology" and "Oceanology - The True Account of the Voyage of the Nautilus." Now I want my own set. And even though I am way too old (9-12) I might buy them for myself now!

my son wants the whole collection of the ology books!
I think they're great,well done and full of nice details.

The Monsterology Handbook by Ernest Drake is a guide to all
the monsters of the Earth. It covers all the monsters with
illustrations and facts explaining each creature. It is very
interactive and even gives you a place to fill out you're
name. It covers everything from unicorns to krakens, and is
very interesting. The book is very informative on all the
stories and legends each creature holds.

The Monsterology Handbook was a very fascinating book.
It had wonderful illustrations and facts. It held your attention
for a longtime. I liked the handbook layout that felt very
interactive. The book is also very realistic. It made each
monster seem alive. I learned a lot about different legends
and beliefs. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone, but
particularly fourth through sixth grade boys.

Reviewed by a young adult student reviewer
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