Bigfoot

June 1, 2017

Gr 3-6-This first pairing in Peabody and Rivas's new series about legendary creatures is an engaging and irreverent adventure in middle grade nonfiction. Peabody takes cryptid hunters on a lighthearted tour of the major sightings, hoaxes, mythical antecedents, and scientific probabilities surrounding Nessie and Sasquatch, ably abetted by Rivas's goofy black-and-white illustrations. Peabody puts a fairly heavy emphasis on the scientific method and careful evaluation of sources, cautioning readers to use common sense and not to trust so-called experts without proof of credentials. As a starting point for budding scientists and explorers of unusual phenomena, the series provides a simple overview of the field along with thoughtful asides and further reading suggestions for those left wanting a little more. The breezy narration will appeal to middle graders, although there are a few places where Peabody fails to define her terms and perhaps one too many crude jokes (can there be too many in a book about monsters?). Further, there are a few holes in the background information (a historical look at giants that doesn't discuss Norse mythology), but the titles are open, thoughtful, and respectful (an acknowledgement that "it's also disrespectful and foolish to assume that we know the meaning behind another culture's stories or legends" is well placed). VERDICT A fun overview for readers interested in the science, history, and storytelling behind popular legends.-Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2017
Grades 3-6 *Starred Review* Legends and myths swirl around cryptids, closely followed by the question of whether they truly exist. So often books on this topic are filled with grainy photos and hearsay, but the volumes in the Behind the Legend series look for concrete evidence to prove or disprove a monster's existence. The creature up for debate in this title is North America's apelike Bigfoot. Beginning with a chapter on giant legends, from Jack and the Beanstalk to Native American lore, Peabody clearly states that stories alone aren't enough to determine whether Bigfoot is real, and that it's disrespectful and foolish to assume that we know the meaning behind another culture's stories and legends. Next come famous sightings and (likely) hoaxes, along with arguments from anthropologists on both sides of the debate. By the end, a definitive conclusion is reached. This title stands out with its balanced, informative approach to a high-interest, rather elusive subject. Readers will need no prompting to pick it up, and they'll inadvertently learn about constructing well-founded arguments in the process. Final illustrations unseen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)