Monster myths often reflect the culture from which they come. Explore the weird truth about monster myths and sightings all over the world. Includes a glossary, Weird, True Facts, and other resources.
This retelling of an ancient folktale from the Cuna people of Panama follows Chiriqui, the lazy son of the giant god Paquo Meecho, who was sent to Earth to restore the land and make the people prosperous.
This retelling of the Panamanian folktale recounts the story of a tortoise and a monkey who learn a lesson about friendship while competing in a winner-take-all speed race.
This retelling of the Colombian myth of Bochica recounts the story of the creator of the world and its people and Chibchacum, a lesser god whose hunger for power leads him to rebellion, punishment, and repentance.
This retelling of an ancient Mayan folktale describes how the peacock got its beautiful feathers.
This retelling of the Ecuadorian tale of Munay follows a young girl whose pureness of heart helps her find the healing water that will save the prince of the Sapa Inca.
This retelling of the classic Mexican folktale follows Pedro, who overcomes his fear of coyotes after an encounter in which he proves the animal is not so smart after all.
Paul was a big bundle of joy when he was born. The trouble was, he grew so big that he couldn't fit in the house! What did his parents do when he became taller than the trees? Paul Bunyan was an American problem-solver who figured out big ways to live a big life. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
Johnathan Chapman loved apples so much, he dedicated his life to them. He also loved the animals and children he met on his travels around America. How did one man plant so many apple trees? Best known as Johnny Appleseed, he came to be loved and trusted by many. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
Martha Jane Cannary rode wild horses before she could walk. She could shoot a target from miles away at the age of five. What else did this brave woman do to deserve the name Calamity Jane? She definitely made her mark as she traveled America's Wild West. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
It is no ordinary baby who climbs out of a cradle and starts walking the day he is born. Davy was larger than other children, and he was stronger, too. So strong that he could throw gators and ride bears! Davy Crockett was a powerful force on America's wild frontier. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
Baby John was bigger and stronger than other kids. He could eat and talk from the day he was born! Who did this bigger-than-life boy grow up to be? A bigger-than-life man who helped build America with a hammer in his hand. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
Is it a monster or a myth surfacing in Scotland's Loch Ness? This book first details the creature called Nessie, and then questions its existence. Young readers get to review information offered by both eyewitnesses and scientists. Will it be enough to form an opinion?
Are flying objects piloted by aliens or an active imagination? This book first tells what spotters see and encounter, and then explores UFOs without the extraterrestrial element. Young readers get to wonder about aliens. Will they choose to believe in another form of intelligent life?
Are the most-wanted monsters in North America fugitives or frauds? This book first presents bigfoot according to eyewitness testimony, and then with reasonable doubt. Young readers get to decide if they believe spotters or skeptics. Will one side show that it has a stronger case?
According to folklore, zombies are people that have been brought back from the dead. Not a ghost and not human, they are not the person they used to be. In this guide you'll find fascinating facts about zombies, including how to tell if someone is a zombie, where in the world they are thought to exist, reported sightings, how to stop them, zombies in popular culture, and related undead creatures.
Stories about werewolves began in places where wolves were top predators. This fascinating guide outlines the facts about werewolves, including how to tell if someone is a werewolf, where in the world they are thought to exist, reported sightings, how to stop them, werewolves in popular culture, and related shape shifters.
The information in this guide comes from folklore from different parts of the world where people once believed in vampires. Fascinating facts include how to tell if someone is a vampire, where in the world they were thought to exist, reported sightings, how to stop them, vampires in popular culture, and blood-sucking relatives.
Sea monsters, such as the Kraken and the Loch Ness Monster, are cryptids--creatures whose existence is not yet proven to be true. Cryptozoologists gather stories from folklore and investigate reported sightings. In this guide, you'll find fascinating sea monster facts, including where in the world sea monsters are thought to exist, reported sightings, sea monsters in popular culture, and how to spot a lake monster.
Fakes are objects or stories that seem real, but are not. Hoaxes are tricks that deceive people into believing things that are not true. From giants and lake monsters to lost princesses, follow along and gather evidence to find out why fakes and hoaxes capture the minds of so many.
Where is the Bermuda Triangle and what happens to travelers who pass through the area? Where did the huge stone figures on Easter Island come from? Follow along and gather evidence to answer questions about Earth's most mysterious places.
Stories of alien visitations have shocked and bewildered people for centuries. From mysterious patterns left in desert sand to bone-chilling alien abductions, follow along and gather evidence about where and when aliens may have visited Earth.
Legends and folklore developed over time that warned of powerful curses placed on those who would disturb a mummy's tomb. They might even come back to life to curse you! In this guide you'll find fascinating facts about how the Egyptians made mummies, where in the world different forms of mummification are practiced, how fascinated Europeans had mummy unwrapping parties in the 1800s, mummies in popular culture, and related undead creatures. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.
The legend of the unicorn is ancient. Cave paintings and stone carvings show one-horned creatures. Ancient travellers spread stories about the creature even though they had never seen one themselves. This fascinating guide outlines the facts about this shy, magical creature, including how it has become a symbol of purity and goodness, how it is believed to have healing powers, unicorns in popular culture, and related mythological horses. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.
Bigfoot is known by many names--Sasquach, Yeti, Yowie, and more. The information in this guide comes from legends in different parts of the world where sightings of hairy apemen are said to have taken place. Fascinating facts include how to tell if a bigfoot is nearby, where in the world they are thought to exist, reported sightings, and bigfoot in popular culture. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.
