Book Review: Cryptid Creatures

Cryptid Creatures: A Field Guide to 50 Fascinating Beasts written by Kelly Milner Halls and illustrated by Rick Spears, gives an overview of the world of cryptids. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, cryptids refer to creatures that “may exist in the wild, but have not been confirmed by science”. This field guide covers several cryptids you probably already know, such as Bigfoot and Mothman, as well as those less well known in the United States such as the Loveland Frog and Con Rit. Each entry, from A-Z, tells the reader the locations, times, and sightings of the cryptid. It also offers a rating system of 1-6, one being creatures that are confirmed hoaxes (Piltdown Man) and six referring to creatures that have been confirmed as real by science (coelacanth fish). Most entries fall somewhere in between, and I wish there had been more explanation as to why certain entries fall where they did. All of the entries included creature illustrations, with many depictions of juvenile creatures. These illustrations were well-done, and I thought baby Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) was the cutest thing. It was interesting that the illustrator imagined the creatures at different life stages. This book is an excellent reference for budding cryptozoologists and seasoned Big Foot hunters alike that wish to know more about different monsters from around the world. My only complaint is that the choice of white print in an orange square for the small blurb at the beginning of each entry was difficult to read. The book was designed well overall, which made the orange/white all the more jarring.

If you’d like to pick up a copy locally, just stop by Mothman’s favorite bookstore, Artefaktual, right here in Philippi!