Guide to Vampires (Cryptid Guides: Creatures of Folklore)

Gr 4-7 - Each "field guide" informs readers it will help them make up their own minds about cryptids and ably does so by separating fact from fiction. Volumes open with a "family tree" of cryptids with the question: "How many of them do you think are real?" A definition of each book's creatures follows. Guides are chock-full of historical, mythical, and legendary facts about the featured creatures, including anatomies, tips on how/where to find/hunt/stop them; information comparing them to similar types (or "relatives"); and alleged sightings. Facts are presented intelligently, matter-of-factly, but with a slightly tongue-in-cheek tone; beware: some volumes are occasionally grisly. New vocabulary is set in colored, boldfaced type and defined in a glossary with pronunciation guides. Some pluses: the guides don't talk down to readers but respect their intelligence, perceptiveness, and judgment. The series includes myths and legends from some non-Western/non-Eurocentric cultures, e.g., African, Asian, BIPOC, and Pacific Islander; references to cryptids' appearances in various media are also noted. Students will appreciate the striking covers and color illustrations that are usually more whimsical than frightening. Other graphics, such as labeled maps and timelines, are included where needed. Some volumes feature a resource, "___ Around the World," depicting places on world maps where legends about particular cryptids originated/still exist. Heightening visual interest are occasional pages that have to be turned sideways or at 90-degree angles. VERDICT Cryptid fans will savor this very well-written, well-organized, imaginative series, with its appealing everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know flavor. Highly recommended for school and public collections. 

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