Essential Book List: Fantastical Creatures
Creatures of fantasy and the unknown are always fascinating to children – and adults! – offering ways to explore new ideas and expand the imagination. It is important to send young readers the message to embrace their own uniqueness and accept differences in others, and what better way to do that than with fun stories that spark their creativity. Here are a few of our favorite books about fantastical creatures to inspire imaginations.
By Dr. Seuss
This book includes four Dr. Seuss classics that are bound to spark ideas about acceptance and compromise. In addition to “The Sneetches,” the book includes “The Zax,” “Too Many Daves” and “What Was I Scared Of?”. These stories all include unique, whimsical characters that are a bit different than everyone else, sticking with the theme of embracing the unknown and keeping an open mind.
By Howard McWilliam
When Ethan finds that the monster who lives under his bed, Gabe, has gone fishing, he knows he can’t get to sleep without his routine of nightly scares. His solution? Start interviewing new monsters to fill in, only none of his candidates seem to be as scary as Gabe. Will Ethan find the right substitute monster? Young minds will love this story, as it uniquely combines humor with fear while demonstrating how to embrace your fears and expand your imagination.
By Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
Young readers will love this fun read-aloud story about the snacking preferences of dragons. The dragons in this book love to eat chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos and teeny tiny tacos. But they need to be careful, because if they accidentally eat some salsa, they face a bit of trouble. This fun story teaches lessons while ensuring giggles throughout.
Looking for more reading ideas? Check out our list of books about awe-inspiring vehicles.