Most Cthulhu mythos books presented as works for children are actually novelties for adults, basically just using the children's book format as a gimmick. I am mainly thinking of Kenneth Hite's Mini-Mythos series for Atlas Games. Even such works as Baby's First Mythos (CJ Henderson) and Mother Hydra's Mythos Rhymes (Jared Wallace) were never really supposed to be for children.
Well Ian Thomas and Adam Bolton have actually done it; they have crafted a book that is wonderfully satisfying for the adult fan of Cthulhu mythos art and still could be enjoyed by a young person sophisticated enough to have heard of Lovecraft's monsters. In the previously mentioned books by Henderson and Wallace the rhymes are actually pretty labored, and the works are saved by their art (By Erika Henderson and Heather Hudson, respectively). Ian Thomas is a new author for me, although his brief biography in the book suggests a broad creative experience. His rhymes are clever, spot on to the monsters they are describing and give the story (such as it is) its forward momentum. Speaking of which, the book tells of a young ad who has lost his pet shoggoth and needs to find it. Along the way he bumps into some of HPL's more noisome entities.
Picture books stand or fall by the art, and Adam Bolton gives a master class on how to create Lovecraftian critters. There was no one panel I did not enjoy, and I really can't choose a favorite because they were all so delightful. I guess for pride of place I am torn between Nyarlathotep, the shoggoth and the Night Gaunt. Really, the art alone is worth the bargain price of the book.
Now I do have a caveat. This book does not take the fangs out of the Lovecraftian horrors, so impressionable young children who don't like monsters should not see this book. For example, the Deep One wants to date the protagonist's sister. The ending is also rather gruesome, with as much bite as The Princess and Mr. Whiffle.
There are a few bonus features that added to my enjoyment. The inside cover is actually a Lovecraftian board game, Stairs and Tentacles. The editor's note at the very end is also pretty darned funny.
In summary, I'd say Where's My Shoggoth? is a brilliant success. Bravo and encore.
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Top reviews from other countries
Random Reader
Non-biased appraisal of something I'd *have* to pretend to like if it wasn't just so darned good anyway ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2014
gadjorollo
Une comptine hommage à Lovecraft : jolie surprise !
Reviewed in France on January 4, 2013Miss C L Sharples
Great book for kids young and old
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2021Arianna
An unusual bedtime adventure for young kids and old, great fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2021