BELIEVE

An encyclopedic introduction to magical creatures around the world.

The text and art provide an overview of each category of creature in its appropriate natural habitat. Doyle describes the beasts’ or beings’ behavior, according to lore, in rhyming quatrains, with much use of bold and italic type. A double spread illustration follows each section of text, giving each creature a close-up and two-sentence caption. The collection is global: The Greek Nereids mingle with the Australian Yawk-Yawk and Scottish Selkies and Kelpies. Cute gnomes, elves, and fairies get separate chapters, as do the less-charming goblins and trolls. “Sea Monsters” are distinguished from a surprising number of threatening “Mythical Squids.” Japan’s distinctive yokai deservedly get their own chapter. “Hybrids” (think Sphinx) are also eclectic, including both fearsome and protective chimeras. Qilin and karkadann have slipped into the “Magical Horses” herd. Hartas’ style is emphatic, with firm outlines, expressive faces, and saturated colors. The text is informative and accessible. Fans both of search-and-find books and of fantasy will find much to pore over in these absorbing pages.

Vivid, clever, detailed depictions and informative captions help every reader “believe.”