The Atlas of Monsters: Mythical Creatures from Around the World
What’s inside...
The Atlas of Monsters: Mythical Creatures from Around the World' by Sandra Lawrence is an engaging and beautifully illustrated book that takes readers on an adventure across the globe to explore mythical creatures from various cultures. This comprehensive catalog presents fascinating details about fantastical beasts, creatures of myth, and legends with an interactive element of a code that needs cracking to uncover the mystery within the monster atlas. The book is perfect for anyone interested in mythology, adventure, and unraveling mysteries through cryptic codes left by Cornelius Walters, an explorer from the 15th century.
Age
7-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which mythical creature did you find the most fascinating and why?
How do you think the people in the story felt when they encountered these creatures?
If you could create your own mythical creature, what special abilities would it have?
Why do you think different cultures have different mythical creatures?
How can we learn important lessons from these fictional stories of mythical creatures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about mythical creatures to gauge their prior knowledge and interest.
Show enthusiasm and curiosity about each creature to encourage your child to express their thoughts and creativity.
Relate the creatures and stories to real-life situations or emotions to help your child connect with the material on a personal level.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to ask your child about colors, designs, and features of the creatures to enhance their observational skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite mythical creature from the book, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: This book introduces children to mythical creatures from various cultures around the world, emphasizing the diversity of global folklore.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and traditions, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: By exploring myths that have been told through generations, children gain insights into the historical context of different societies.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children develop an interest in history and archeology, possibly sparking a desire to learn more about other aspects of different cultures.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book encourages children to analyze why different cultures have different mythical creatures, and what these creatures represent.
Real-World Application: Enhances their ability to critically analyze information, differentiate between literal and metaphorical interpretations, and understand symbolism.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Children are exposed to fantastical creatures that challenge the limits of their imagination.
Real-World Application: This can inspire them to create their own stories or artistic representations, boosting creativity and expressive skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding Myth vs. Reality
Explanation: The book provides a platform to discuss the concept of myths and their role in various cultures, distinguishing between fictional and factual narratives.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to question and critically evaluate different forms of information, a skill useful in academics and daily life.