A Practical Guide to Monsters (Practical Guides)
As in Lisa Trumbauer’s A Practical Guide to Dragons (2006), this title is framed as a class session for apprentice wizards. Zendric, a wizard from the publisher’s fantasy series the Knights of the Silver Dragon, narrates the sections, which feature often-fearsome creatures, including Creepy Crawlers; Viperous Villains, such as Medusa; the Unsightly Undead, such as vampires and zombies; and Awful Aberrations, which include Chuuls (“lobster-like beasts that rise from the shallows of the waters to attack”). Zendric also address the suggested protections, weapons, and strategies to be used with each of the creatures. Zendric’s amusing side commentary enhances the text, and the colorful, richly detailed illustrations, including creature lairs, show up well against the parchmentlike background. Though youths familiar with the series may connect most with this book, Dungeons and Dragons, fantasy, and monster fans will enjoy the vivid, fantasy artwork and monster factoids, compiled in a format that invites browsing and scrutiny. Grades 4-7. --Shelle Rosenfeld