The A to Z Bestiary

A collection of imagined creatures through the eyes of a little monster.

Monsters by nature are a scary and unnatural thought, long rooted in the imaginations of people around the world. They have been used to scare people and teach lessons since before written history, but this book aims to shift that perception. What if you could see a different side of monsters – a side that was approachable and vulnerable – that removed the fear and replaced it with empathy?

The A to Z Bestiary is a classic alphabet book for children that offers a different look at the fabulous creatures of an active imagination.  Each letter of the alphabet showcases a monster by name or the legendary form it takes. In the fashion of a classic bestiary, each creature is given a brief description and a thought or two for how to deal with them. Whether it be patience, responsibility, or empathy, it is recommended by the book to give each monster a certain type of treatment to make sure you don’t hurt their feelings. 

By making the monsters seem almost human with their various flaws and sensitivity it makes them less scary and more interesting to kids. In addition, the idea that each one is unique and requires attention to befriend is reflective of real life and teaches a lesson without spelling it out for the audience. Each letter adds a new idea and new character to the world of the reader, instilling a sense of how to treat others as you would like them to treat you – an important component to growth for any little monster.