The Book of Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures: Meet your favourite monsters, fairies, heroes, and tricksters from all around the world

The Book of Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures introduces children aged 5–9 to an illustrated world of monsters, fairies, heroes, and tricksters drawn from traditions around the globe. It explores mythical creatures and the history behind them, bringing together stories and cultural context in a format designed for younger readers.

Inside, readers encounter figures such as Bigfoot in the forests of North America, with reference to Native American traditions, and kitsune from Japan, described as supernatural nine-tailed foxes that can turn into humans. The book also looks at why mermaids were considered an ominous sight for sailors, and examines the societies that shaped these legends, from Ancient Greece to the indigenous tribes of Australia. It also highlights how real-world discoveries and objects have influenced myths, including narwhal tusks linked to unicorn legends and dinosaur bones associated with rumours of dragons.

Key details

• Children’s mythology book for ages 5–9
• Explores mythical creatures from cultures around the world
• Includes cultural insights and creation stories
• Full-colour illustrations by Pham Quang Phuc
• Connects myths with historical and cultural origins

Synopsis

This illustrated guide explores supernatural animals great and small, introducing mythical creatures from a range of global traditions. It looks at the cultural roots behind the stories, from Ancient Greek mythology to Australian and Native American folktales, and considers what these beasts can reveal about the people who created them.