Spring 2025

Tales of the Cryptids

Mysterious Creatures That May or May Not Exist

  • Interest Level: Grade 5 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

Everyone loves stories of cryptids.

These mysterious creatures have been hiding—some of them for centuries—from the seeking eyes and minds of top scientists, cryptozoologists, and everyday folks. And along the way, some surprises have come about.

Hoaxes have been exposed, such as the Fiji mermaids, really only man-made statues of monkey heads and fish tails. Mysteries have been solved, such as the “extinct” prehistoric fish, the coelacanth, living in the deep oceans near Africa. But most cryptids remain hidden.

Learn more about Mokele-mbembe (Africa), Kongamato, Shunka Warak’in, Mapinguari (South America), Megalodon, Chupacabra, and Mothman from both cryptozoologists and experts who strongly believe they do not exist.

In the dark forests, high mountains, and murky waters around the world, could there a Bigfoot, a Yeti, or a Loch Ness Monster?

Format Your Price Add
978-1-58196-073-0
On pre-order until 01/07/2025
$14.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 5 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 5
Genre Social Studies
Copyright 2006
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 72
Publication Date 2025-01-07
Reading Counts! Level 9.5
Text Type Informational/Explanatory
BISACS JNF051000, JNF052030
Dewey 001.944
Graphics 1-color illustrations, Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 11 x 9.375
Lexile 1160
ATOS Reading Level 8.0
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 107288
Accelerated Reader® Points 3.0
Features Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Reviewed, and Table of contents

Note: Accelerated Reader® values are estimates.

Author: Kelly Milner Halls

Kelly Milner Halls is a full-time children’s writer, specializing in quirky topics for reluctant readers. Kelly lives in Washington with her two daughters, one dog, too many cats, and a four-foot rock iguana.

Author, Illustrator: Rick C. Spears

Rick C. Spears is an artist and author who has always been fascinated with dinosaurs. After college that Rick rekindled his love of prehistory and began to fancy himself a paleoartist. Since then, his artwork has found its way into museum displays, books, magazines, and even a board game. Rick resides in Georgia with his wife, Darlene, who patiently tolerates all this dinosaur/monster/alien stuff as a part of everyday life.

Author: Roxyanne Young

Roxyanne Young is an author and photographer currently based in San Diego, California. She teaches writing to adults and elementary students.

Awards

  • YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, Winner, 2006

Reviews

Jeff Meldrum, Associate Professor of Anatomy & Anthropology, Idaho State University

“Tales of the Cryptids is a delightful book that is both informative and entertaining for young and old alike. For months it has occupied a prominent spot on the end table in our family room, and my boys have all devoured it, enthralled by the engaging layout and artwork. It will certainly spark the imaginations of a rising generation of cryptozoologists.”
Jeff Meldrum, Associate Professor of Anatomy & Anthropology, Idaho State University

Kirkus Reviews

“. . . a delight for casual browsers and for would-be cryptozoologists alike.”
Kirkus