Seven Mythical Creatures: A Pop-up Book

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

This is the latest in Celia King’s series of pocket-sized pop-up books
about the human-made and natural wonders of the world. The format
includes an introduction to the topic as a whole, a short description,
and a pop-up illustration of each specific “wonder,” including in
this case dragons, mermaids, and unicorns.

Because of the small page size, the descriptions must be brief, but
King has managed to include the most salient facts, and presents them in
a way that whets the reader’s desire to know more. The pop-ups are
well executed: the dragon’s jaws open in a menacing way; the
phoenix’s wings spread; and the mermaids slip in and out of the water.
The visage of the Medusa is particularly impressive: when you turn the
appropriate page it jumps out at you with snakes writhing. The
background artwork of each pop-up is beautifully conceived to suit the
subject—the attention to detail and the use of tiny border
illustrations to set off the main figure greatly increase its visual
impact and provide it with context.

As an introduction to seven members of the pantheon of mythical
creatures, this book will inspire readers to seek out further
information. Highly recommended.