The Little Encyclopedia of Enchanted Woodland Creatures: An A-to-Z Guide to Mythical Beings of the Forest

With the astuteness of a lexicographer and a childlike whimsy and playful approach, folklore enthusiast Lancaster and illustrator Forrester (Celtic Tales) catalogue magical creatures of the forest. From A to Z, their book spotlights different pixies, witches, and many familiar forms, and their scope is global, with denizens from woods far and wide. The illustrations are designed to resemble woodcuts, which, combined with the lettering, give the book an archaic feel that evokes a hobbit’s library. Its encyclopedic structure offers readers the opportunity to dip in and out of individual entries; they can search for specific creatures or simply flip to a random page. Reading it in a more linear way yields enchanting results; for example, in the “B” section, basilisks share space with Bigfoot and Br’er Rabbit. The book’s citations section is extensive, and its index is handy and useful.