MONSTERS

“Long ago, people believed in monsters. They thought there were monsters on land, in the sea, and in the sky. What else could cause so many scary things?...People thought earthquakes must be caused by fighting giants. They thought volcanoes came from dragons breathing fire.” Random’s Stepping Stones easy chapter-book series slips into slightly scary territory with this followup to Mermaids (2008), Unicorns (2005) and Dragons (2004). Alternating very short stories told in italics with explications of legend, folktale and myth presented in plain type, Penner quickly profiles monsters of various eras and cultures. She name-checks the famous—Medusa, the Kraken and harpies—as well as their lesser-known brethren—kappas, bunyips and tengus. Douglas’s detailed, full-color illustrations complement the stories nicely and add an extra bit of scariness. As with past volumes, the transitions between stories and “fact” are indistinct despite the typographical cues. Newly independent readers seeking the spooky, the mythical or the monstrous may not notice or mind. A good introduction to folklore for young fantasy lovers. (Folklore. 6-10)