How and when did such supernatural creatures as werewolves and zombies begin to terrify us? These high-interest titles in the Behind the Legend series trace the origin of the monsters from ancient times to their modern-day depictions in pop culture. In the process, they weave folklore, historical accounts, and theories that may explain the seemingly unbelievable. Werewolves starts with ancient tales of shape-shifters and continues with gruesome werewolf stories from the Middle Ages and sightings of a hairy beast in the Midwest in the late twentieth century. As it explains werewolf traits that frighten us and how wolves continue to be vilified in fairy tales, the book also relates possible explanations for lycanthropy, including mental illness and fungus-infested grain. Each volume features cartoon artwork (though respectful when needed) from different illustrators. The effective blend of history and creepiness makes these guides a spirited pick for avid and reluctant readers alike.

This fascinating series looks at the myths surrounding legendary creatures. Also explored are the factual or scientific bases that provide reasonable explanations for how these creatures may have entered into folklore. Each chapter is further divided into subsections and sidebars, which makes for easily digestible information. The cartoon-style illustrations tend toward dark and brooding and fit well with the subject matter. Reading list. Bib.