An A to Z of Monsters and Magical Beings

In a breezy alphabetical bestiary, Onn introduces monsters and supernatural beings plucked from fables and myths, including ghosts, imps, krakens, and werewolves, as well as less-familiar cryptozoological entities, such as the Eloko of African legend, Scotland’s practical joking Far Darrig, and the headless Chinese giant Xing Tian. Hodgson illustrates each creature in a scribbly, naïve style as Onn describes them in a manner reminiscent of a field identification guide (“The Leviathan has mighty fins, enormous horns, and very bright eyes. It is one of the biggest and meanest creatures to swim in the seas”). Onn offers only minimal details about these beings—the book seems more interested in being quippy than informative. But the alternately cautionary and jokey tone of the text should keep readers entertained. Of yeti, he writes, “Perhaps they would stop for a selfie if you offered them ice cream.” Ages 6–9. (Aug.)