Monsters and Water Beasts: Creatures of Fact or Fiction? [Hardcover]

Karen Miller (Author), Sergio Ruzzier (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 2007 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Mythical beasts or real creatures? You decide!

Big Foot, Moth Man, the Sea Serpent of Gloucester. These are just a few of the mythical beasts uncovered in this intriguing collection of extraordinary creatures. Firsthand accounts and the opinions of scientists weave together a fascinating web of fact and legend. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, you'll find much to ponder in the lore surrounding these monsters.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Is there truth in the reports of strange animals unknown to science? Miller opens and closes this book on legendary creatures with the 2002 discovery of the giant squid, which may have inspired reports of sea serpents for thousands of years. Each chapter discusses one rumored beast, among them Bigfoot, the Big Bird of Texas, hoop snakes, Mothman, the Jersey Devil, the sea maiden of Biloxi, the sea serpent of Gloucester, and the Cadborosaurus (the last two are, respectively, British Columbian and Maine water beasts). The emphasis is on North American creatures, but others are mentioned as well. Handsomely designed, the book features full-page and smaller chapter-head paintings that depict the creatures as kindly rather than terrifying, echoing the even, nonsensational tone of the text. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Karen Miller is a former journalist. She lives in Burnsville, North Carolina. This is her first book for young readers.

Sergio Ruzzier has illustrated several books for young readers. His illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (March 29, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805079025
• ISBN-13: 978-0805079029
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,317,980 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, November 8, 2010

By 

Wendi - See all my reviews

This review is from: Monsters and Water Beasts: Creatures of Fact or Fiction? (Hardcover)

I purchased Monsters and Water Beasts as a gift for my little sister. She loved the book! Since then I have given the book as a gift to numerous family members (kids ranging in age from 6-12). All have enjoyed the book! The book is well-written and sure to stir the imagination.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speaks to All Levels of Readers, November 4, 2010

By 

Andrew D. Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Monsters and Water Beasts: Creatures of Fact or Fiction? (Hardcover)

I loved this book! The many different monsters and beasts introduce you not only to various stories, but also give you an insight into different cultures and different places from around the world. I shared this book with my little brother (age 12) and it inspired him to write stories of his own. The playful writing and whimsical illustrations cure any chance that a young reader would be frightened by the content. A great book all-around!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the classroom, November 4, 2010

By 

Amy Walbridge - See all my reviews

This review is from: Monsters and Water Beasts: Creatures of Fact or Fiction? (Hardcover)

As a teacher, I'm always looking for new books to incorporate into my units. I have found Monsters and Water Beasts to be one of those books. My students have been mesmerized by the creatures and their backgrounds and enjoyed pointing out interesting details to each other. The pictures inspired them to create their own monsters and water beasts, and the beautiful writing gave them a guide to write their own stories. This book is well read in my classroom and we all hope there is a new one soon!