Kids are uber-curious about mythical creatures and have numerous questions about them. This series asks and answers some of those queries in a conversational, occasionally tongue-in-cheek but never condescending tone. Even when the text states there’s no proof the creatures are real, it accepts that students believe they are and are curious about them—so the books supply responses. Some sample questions, which are generally identical throughout: Are they real? What do they look like? What magic powers do they have? What do they like to do? How long do they live? Where do they live? Each answer comprises several short sentences that include references to how the creatures are portrayed in other cultures, countries, and in legends throughout history. Unfamiliar words are set in orange type and defined in the glossary. Vivid design elements strongly support the text. Eye-popping covers attract with striking images, and questions are set in colored fonts or against colored backgrounds. Volumes feature numerous color (occasionally black-and-white) photos, illustrations, and drawings, etc., with captions and informative “Did You Know?” sidebars. Some illustrations are representative of different cultures/nations’ artwork. Charts in several titles reflect creatures’ cultural variations, with different names and appearances, and several titles depict animals that could once have been mistaken for these creatures. Besides the glossary and index, the back matter includes the two-part “Stay Curious!” feature that stimulates creative thinking and instructs students how to do online research; “Learn More,” a two-parter comprising a bibliography of books/websites and follow-up writing, drawing, or community or school activities. VERDICT This appealing series on a perennially popular topic is highly recommended for public and school libraries.

Gather ’round for a glimpse of the formidable, scaled beasts that infest folklore. The book opens by acknowledging that “no one has found proof that dragons ever existed,” but their presence in stories and legends around the world is well documented. Following a general description of these creatures, a colorful chart shows artistic depictions of dragons from different cultures, including ancient Greece’s Hydra; the Japanese deity Watatsumi; and the Aztec fire serpent, Xiuhcoatl. The next two chapters discuss dragon lifespan, activities, temperament, and “trainability,” as well as what “real animals” a dragon could be (e.g., dinosaurs). This volume from the Curious about Mythical Creatures series (6 titles) is driven by engaging visuals and thoughtful questions answered by the main text. Concluding prompts and resources will further fuel kids’ curiosity.