WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: CRYPIDS, do they or don't they exist?

After listening to Kelly Milner Halls speak at a recent conference and being thoroughly intrigued by her and her 'weirdness' (her word not mine), I was inspired to read some of her works.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Everyone loves the stories of legendary creatures that just might really exist. This book relies on the latest information from cryptozoologists, experts who study these mysterious beings, and the counter-arguments are explored from experts who strongly believe they do no exist. Stories from eyewitnesses are recounted, as well. Included in the book are Bigfoot (Sasquatch), Loch Ness Monster, Mokele Mbembe (Africa), Kongamato, Shunka Warak'in, Mapinguan (South America), giant squids, mermaids, coelocanthes, and more. An extensive "for Further Investigation" section, offering readers more places to find information, will conclude the book.

REVIEW

The unknown and mysterious are very appealing topics to children and teenagers.  Not only to do they raise the question of what's possible but they also demonstrate that humans don't have all the answers, something children wrestle with as they get older.  But mostly the mysterious can be simply fascinating.   Tales of the Cryptids looks at some of the well known as well as lesser known mysterious creatures that people have told stories about over the centuries.  Everything from Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster to Chupacabras are presented with the authors explaining what evidence does or does not exist regarding that creature.  Some of the creatures like the giant squid or the coelacanth have been proven to exist whereas most of the others are still being investigated.  The work of cryptozoologists is briefly covered as well.  At the end of the book, each of the mentioned creatures is briefly evaluated in terms of how likely the authors think it is to actually exist based on the available witness statements and physical evidence.  A thoroughly engaging and informative book about a topic that most children will find fascinating.


ABOUT THE BOOK

What is Sasquatch? Thousands of people believe in it. Hundreds say they have seen it. But the
mystery of Sasquatch has not been solved . . .

Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is a cryptid—a creature of cryptozoology. Cryptozoology is the study of creatures not recognized by traditional science, and it is the quest to understand things that cannot be proven via ordinary channels. Kelly Milner Halls interviews cryptozoologists, linguistics experts, anthropologists, biologists, and regular people like us who have seen, heard, or maybe stumbled across evidence leading them to believe that Sasquatch is real. Serious Sasquatch seekers are as skeptical as unbelievers. They are not out to collect great stories. They are out to put together facts. The difference is, they are willing to keep an open mind. Do you believe in Sasquatch?

REVIEW

I've pretty much been a skeptic since I first heard about Sasquatch.  But I have to admit this book really made me think about all the different pieces of evidence that suggest that maybe the creature does exist.  I personally really don't know but I appreciate how the author presents the evidence and convictions of those who have spent so much time investigating the possibility.  The author also shares some of the hoaxes that have been presented.  She leaves it to the reader to decide what to believe which I think shows a read respect for a young reader.  The topic is certainly an intriguing one very nicely presented with photographs of investigators, pieces of evidence, and drawings by the illustrator showing some of the ideas associated with Sasquatch.  A book that made me think about what I do and do not find convincing.

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