The Book of Sea Monsters (1998)

Author: Nigel Suckling | Illustrator: Bob Eggleton | Page Count: 112

"Monsters are always good for a thrill."

A nice hardcover book filled with the myths and legends of the deep and dark ocean from all around the world. From the most notable like Leviathan and Kraken to lesser known ones like vampire squid and merhorses. Presented both as entertaining myths and with a more historical stance examining the stories themselves and what might have led to their creation including some we now know are real such as giant squid and a section on the famous fictional ones like Godzilla. Accompanying the text are numerous illustrations beautifully done in a style resembling old master painters. They are both detailed and yet still vague enough to perhaps give a sense of fear if you let it. We are talking about monsters here. Maybe it's just me since thoughts of the deep ocean frighten me.

I came to the book thinking it was mostly a picture book to ignite a child's imagination, but it turned out to be one that was made to reignite it in adults. It is presented as borne out of a deep fascination of the illustrator and combined with the history presented in the text it is definitely outside the realm of a child's attention span. The history is fascinating, but I would have preferred a less clinical style while reading about myths and legends. Suckling spends way too many words describing lake sizes and the reliability of drunk sailors instead of focusing on the awe and wonder myths should inspire. If the words get too stodgy the articles are mercifully short. Most aren't longer than 2 pages. Good read if you like the history and beautiful artwork.

3½ A lot of monsters are serpent-shaped out of 5