chosen by Bethan Woollvin, author of I Can Catch a Monster

The Reader Teacher Review

1. An A-Z of Monsters and Magical Beings

by Rob Hodgson & Aidan Onn

I picked this book up recently for my own research into mythical creatures, and I was pleasantly surprised with how much monster-myth there was to learn about! It’s a fantastic introduction to monsters and mythical creatures from all around the world. Written by Aidan Onn and Illustrated by Rob Hodgson, this fabulous duo have found the perfect balance with manageable bites of information on each monster, paired with fun and eccentric illustrations, really bringing these monsters to life! This book contains some of the more familiar monsters we know and love, such as dragons and vampires, but you’ll also find monsters you’ve never heard of before! Such as the shrieking Scottish Banshee, or the ‘Ushi - Oni’ the gigantic crab-like monster from Japan. Both the illustrations and text have little moments of humour, which make the monsters a little less scary, and at times will make you laugh out loud.

You can also order from your independent bookshop or reserve from your local library.

2. A Werewolf Named Oliver James

by Nicholas John Frith

I fell in love with this book the moment I got my hands on a copy! This story follows a little boy, who one evening unexpectedly turns into a (very cute looking) werewolf! Oliver learns that there are lots of awesome things about being a werewolf, including super-strength and super-smell. But he soon realises that being a werewolf does make some things a little more difficult! Frith’s work is always stunning, and this book is no exception! Printed in just four colours - yellow, orange, purple and black, the colour pallets feels very halloween inspired! But don’t be fooled by the spooky aesthetic, this book contains a very important message, about the way we perceive those who look different to us.

You can also order from your independent bookshop or reserve from your local library.

3. Arthur and the Golden Rope

by Joe Todd-Stanton

Fairytales and folklore are such a big source of inspiration for me and my own books, so I just had to include Arthur and the Golden Rope by Joe Todd Stanton! This book is a firm favourite of mine, and of my little sister, who I must have read this to a hundred times! Part of a collection of mythical tales, this book is a playful introduction to Norse mythology and lore. The story follows a young viking boy named Arthur, who has to figure out a way to defeat the monstrous ‘Fenrir’, a huge black wolf who is terrorising his village. This monster-wolf is so terrifying, even the bravest of warriors have been unable to defeat it! But with guidance from the Norse gods, and a few clever tricks up his sleeve, will Arthur save his village? You’ll have to find out! Half way between a picture book and a graphic novel, this is the perfect story for a slightly older audience. Stanton’s illustrations are an absolute feast for the eyes, so each time you read the book you’ll notice something new!

You can also order from your independent bookshop or reserve from your local library.

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