School Library Journal

Series Review
Written in present tense, these titles captivate with descriptive prose and quantity and depth of information. Students learn about how these creatures are born, their diets, powers, habits, life cycles, body parts (explained with diagrams), and physical differences within the same species, dependent on birthplace. Though texts identify the creatures as mythical, enough “realistic” details are provided as to seemingly root them in the real world, blurring lines between fantasy and fact. The sophisticated artwork in Dragons, a JLG selection, and Griffins is especially fine; some series illustrations depict women of color. There are references throughout to ancient and contemporary stories from non-Western, nonwhite cultures that incorporate these creatures. Recommended for public and school collections for browsing and recreational reading. A popular, in-demand topic that can be useful in units on myths and folklore.