Title: An Illustrated Guide to Mythical Creatures
Illustrations by: David West
Text by: Anita Garneri
Published by: Hammond World Atlas Corporation
Rated PG: Images of some creatures may not be suitable for the very young.


     I was very excited to receive my copy of An Illustrated Guide to Mythical Creatures... and I was not disappointed. This concise book is full of wonderful images and informative text about creatures from myth, legend, and folklore from all over the world.

     The illustrations presented in this book are what really stand out for me. David West has created beautifully detailed 3-D computer generated images. Each page is filled with CG images depicting creatures from myth and legend and the heroes that fought them. The 3-D graphics are put to especially good use in creating the chimera, creatures with body parts from various animals. In addition to the CG images are examples of more traditional art such as classic paintings, wood prints, sculpture, and temple murals depicting creatures of myth throughout history.

     The information in this book gives the reader a good base of knowledge for creatures of myth, legend, and folklore. Not only are there several different types of creatures mentioned; but, there are specific examples and the country from where the legend originated. I'll give you one little teaser that I found very interesting: The Hsigo, a winged monkey from Chinese folklore, serves to warn of coming drought. Sound familiar? This legend may have inspired the flying monkeys from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In this guide, there are mythical creatures based upon legends from all over the world. Native American, Hebrew, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, Hindu, Japanese, English, South American, Australian, African, and Russian, to name a few.

     This is the perfect place to start your adventure in reading myths, legends, and folklore. With the specific legends and regions that they come from listed in the book, readers will refer to this guide again and again as they read other books about these mythical creatures. This a perfect book for kids who are interested in monsters and fantasy. Adults can also appreciate the illustration and information as much as I did.


I give this book a score of 5 out of 5.
Best quality: The combination of computer generated images and the historical art from each country.
Worst: I was left wanting more. It would be great to see companion editions. Maybe a guide to each countries myths, legends, and folklore. Now that would be exciting!!