Bigfoot and Other Mysterious Creatures. (Crabtree Contact). John Townsend. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2009. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $10.95 (pbk.), $20.76 (hc.). ISBN 978-0-7787-3790-2 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-3768-1 (RLB). Subject Heading: Monsters-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-9 / Ages 8-14. Review by Dana L. Coates. *** /4

excerpt:

Many places on Earth are wilderness.

Many people claim they have seen strange beasts in these places. In this book, you will read about some of their stories.

Many scientists and explorers have tried to find these creatures – without success. Does this mean these strange beasts do not exist?

What do you believe?

It is time to take a closer look.

Bigfoot and Other Mysterious Creatures is a fascinating book. It has mysterious creatures from Loch Ness to Giant Squid and, of course, Bigfoot, and even more to read about. Many creatures included in the book are questionable with regard to their actual existence, but it is still interesting to read about them. The book includes information about the creatures, such as who may have spotted them and where they have been seen.

     The book is arranged nicely, including a table of contents. There are good quality color photographs along with drawings and labeled diagrams. The back has a glossary for words that have been bolded throughout the text. Also, an index is included. A "Secret Beasts Online" section provides three websites where readers can learn more about these mysterious creatures. However, since websites do change, the publisher cannot guarantee that the websites' future information will still be suitable for the book's reader.

     Bigfoot and Other Mysterious Creatures will attract readers of all ages with both the content and the pictures. Though it is a fairly easy read, younger readers may have a difficult time reading some of the words. Even some words are hard to pronounce. It won't take very long to finish reading this book. The hardcover format makes the book more durable.

Recommended.

Dana L. Coates is a grade 6 teacher in Norway House, MB.

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