Amazing Mysteries: Hippogriffs
Amazing Mysteries: Hippogriffs
Amazing Mysteries: Hippogriffs

Amazing Mysteries: Hippogriffs

Melissa Gish (Author)

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A basic exploration of the appearance, behaviors, and origins of hippogriffs, the part-horse, part-eagle mythological creatures known for their flying. Also included is a story from folklore about how a hippogriff helped save a prince.

Part of the Amazing Mysteries series

Reviews

How does Bigfoot communicate? Where do elves live? How do fairies party? Interested readers will learn the answers to questions they never thought to ask in this fact-filled series. Each creature has their roots traced back to their mythological origin story. Global belief and appearances are shared alongside historical and modern illustrations. When possible, photographic evidence is shared such as plaster casts of Bigfoot’s feet. The books move beyond the typical Western understanding of these myths and introduce readers to the Aziza, West African fairies that live in anthills, and the si’lwah, an ancient Arabian shapeshifting ghoul. While there is no glossary, vocabulary words can be found at the bottom of each page and contain some words that are sure to expand readers’ vocabulary. VERDICT An entertaining gateway into world culture and mythology. A great pick for reluctant readers.

School Library Journal, 04/01/2022

Readers looking for mysterious and mythical creatures will want to search the pages of the Amazing Mysteries series. These attracive books offer a relatively rounded introduction to a variety of fantastic beings, covering their physical appearance; behaviors and/or abilities; origins in stories, folklore, myths, and art; and how they are perceived or portrayed in pop culture. Each title is well organized with a clean and appealing layout; large, easy-to-read font; and full-page illustrations (a mix of photos, artwork, and historic renderings) on every spread. Fairies introduces these mischievous folk and offers tips on how to spot their homes as well as examples of fairies in other cultures, such as the helpful Aziza in West Africa and frightening banshees in Ireland. Ghouls presents different beliefs surrounding these traditionally evil creatures, from their portrayal as body-snatching demons in Mesopo tamia to their status as trickster shapeshifters in ancient Arabia. "The horse-griffin star of Hippogriffs comes into focus through examples of its mythological origins, appearance in Harry Potter, and comparisons to similar creatures in folklore. Trolls discusses trolls' varying appear ances and behaviors as well as how to defeat them. Each title ends with a short story (though it's unclear from where these are drawn) and recommended books and websites. A solid series for young readers interested in mythology and folklore.

–Selenia Paz, Booklist, 04/15/2022

According to legend, hippogriffs are born from magical eggs; and from this tale arose stories of hippogriffs for hundreds of years. The first mention of the horse and griffin-blended creature appeared in a 1516 poem, and hippogriff stories continued through the 16th century, when knights mounted hippogriffs on dangerous missions and royal masques featured hippogriff machines. Hippogriffs also appeared in ancient Rome, including the stone likeness which adorned a building made by Caesar Augustus. Fascination with the legendary creature has continued for hundreds of years, with hippogriffs appearing in modern-day fantasy literature, such as the "Harry Potter" series. Intended for primary students of grade one and up, the "Amazing Mysteries" title offers one-paragraph summaries with accompanying full-page photographs that appeal to young students; and the inclusion of advanced-thinking topics, such as epic poetry, will interest students of higher reading levels. The concluding hippogriff folk tale leaves readers with a final glimpse into the fascinating folklore, before browsing “read more” suggestions for children interested in continuing to explore the history of hippogriffs. An intriguing introduction to topics of mythology.

Children's Literature, 07/27/2022

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