Wonder Beasts: Tales and Lore of the Phoenix, the Griffin, the Unicorn, and the Dragon

(Hardback)

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Description

This book presents tales of mythical beasts, offering primary sources (e.g., the writings of Herodotus, original fairy tales, poems) within the context of background material and commentary. Discussion questions and activities complete each chapter. Focusing on the phoenix, the griffin, the unicorn, and the dragon, this book combines tales and lore of each, presenting primary sources (e.g., the writings of Herodotus and original fairy tales and poems) within the context of background material and commentary. The shifting images of these animals offer a unique perspective on myths, religions, art, literature, and science in history. Discussion questions and learning activities at the end of the chapters guide students in exploring the worlds surrounding each beast. Sure to appeal to all ages, this fascinating collection makes a wonderful supplement to world history courses and is a great resource for reports.

Reviews

A worthy, well-produced anthology of folklore but also a very useful reference book.-Australian Library Review
Introduce kids to history, geography, and social studies with this multicultural folklore collection and sourcebook.-Storytelling
Joe Nigg has produced a captivating combination of tales, lore, and history.-Wisconsin Bookwatch
Students who are working on reports or dedicated fantasy readers will find a wealth of hard-to-find information.-School Library Journal
Wonder Beasts will be useful to students who are researching myth and folklore, and to librarians and scholars who are looking for a comprehensive source list on the topic. The book is beautifully laid out...It is obviously a labor of love.-Voya
"A worthy, well-produced anthology of folklore but also a very useful reference book."-Australian Library Review
"Introduce kids to history, geography, and social studies with this multicultural folklore collection and sourcebook."-Storytelling
"Joe Nigg has produced a captivating combination of tales, lore, and history."-Wisconsin Bookwatch
"Students who are working on reports or dedicated fantasy readers will find a wealth of hard-to-find information."-School Library Journal
"Wonder Beasts will be useful to students who are researching myth and folklore, and to librarians and scholars who are looking for a comprehensive source list on the topic. The book is beautifully laid out...It is obviously a labor of love."-Voya

Author Bio

JOE NIGG, a writer and editor in Denver, Colo., is an expert on mythological animals and has published three previous books on the subject The Book of Gryphons (Applewood Books, 1982), Gryphons: The Strength of Lions and the Flight of Eagles (Green Tiger Press, 1982) and A Guide to the Imaginary Birds of the World (Applewood Books, 1984).