Alphabeasts: A Monstrously Fun Book by Hazel Quintanilla. Flowerpot Press, 2023. 9781486727810
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format : Hardcover picture book
What did you like about the book? A study guide for curators at Monsterlovers Headquarters, to be sure new hires can identify previously discovered creatures. Listed alphabetically from A (Agogwe) to Z (Zhar-ptitsa) these fantastic animals are beautifully illustrated in colorful, adorable (non-scary) forms. Each picture is accompanied by some basic “facts”: height, weight, location, description, interesting background information, and danger level. Many also have a label for being the hairiest monster, naughtiest monster, shyest monster, and so on. Some of these monsters may be familiar even to young readers (Bigfoot, Yeti, Dragons) while some might be completely unfamiliar (Emela-Ntouka, Huay Chivo, Ngoloko). These very creative entries are interesting, amusing, and will keep kids entertained all the way through.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Not a thing!
To whom would you recommend this book? Children ages 6-10, especially if they like fantasy creatures
Who should buy this book? Elementary schools and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? jFiction Quintanilla, picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Near the top
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Vicky Tandy, Athol Public Library, Athol, MA
Date of review: August 29, 2023
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