Mythical Creatures

and Beasts
A Kit Provided by Your Library

Introduce your child to
mythical creatures and beasts
from cultures across the
world. This kit includes
books, audiovisual items,
crafts, and activities suitable
for K-2nd grade.




FOR MORE INFORMATION, please
contact the Childrens Librarian.


Concepts and Goals
Mythical creatures have appeared in literature for centuries and are
central to many cultures folklore and legends. Learning about mythi-
cal creatures is a way for a child to learn about the stories passed
down in many different cultures, as well as a way to encourage crea-
tive thinking. Mythical creatures have had a resurgence in childrens
fiction and popular culture today, as shown by the Percy Jackson books
by Rick Riordan.

This library kit will introduce a child to mythical creatures from a vari-
ety of cultures through informational books, fiction, audiovisual, and
creative works. This kit also includes several crafts and activities that
can be completed with a child in order to further the concepts learned in
the kit items. A bibliography of all of books and audiovisual items in-
cluded in this kit is provided for you, as well as an additional webliogra-
phy that contains websites with further resources on mythical creatures
and beasts.

Goals
To introduce a child to a variety of mythical creatures through
a variety of mediums, including general fiction, poetry, infor-
mational texts, art, and audiovisual materials
Encourage creative thinking about the concepts introduced
through crafts and activities
Encourage physical or intellectual activity through the use of
activities related to the concepts
Develop a base knowledge of mythical creatures and encour-
age an interest in learning more about cultures and myths/
legends of the world









Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades K-2
Contents of Kit

Contents to be Returned to Library
All items listed in Bibliography

Contents to be Used or Kept (Do Not Need to be Re-
turned)
All documents included with kit
Paper plates
Popsicle sticks
Craft supplies (feathers, sequins, colored paper)
Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades K-2
Bibliography

Informational
Clibbon, Meg. Magical Creatures: Man-eating Meg, Loch Ness Lucy. Annick Press,
2006. ISBN: 9781554510290.
This is a guide to over 20 mythical creatures from across many cultures.
Curlee, Lynn. Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary. Atheneum Books for
Young Readers, 2008. ISBN: 9781416914532.
This book highlights several different creatures from Greek mythology.
DuQuette, Keith. Cock-a-doodle-moooo!: A Mixed-up Menagerie. G.P. Putnams Sons,
2004. ISBN: 0399238891.
This is a rhyming book that describes mythical creatures and other animal
creations, and includes a glossary.
Green, John. Mythical Creatures Stained Glass Coloring Book. Dover Publications,
1994. ISBN: 9780486281896.
This is a collection of coloring pages featuring several mythical creatures.
Hercules [video]. Walt Disney Home Video, 1997. 93 min.
Hercules must become a true Greek hero by battling the evil creatures
around him.
How to Train Your Dragon [video]. Paramount Home Entertainment, 2010. 98
min.
A young Viking boy meets a dragon that changes his whole view on the
world around him.
Kennedy, Paul E. Fun with Mythical Creatures Stencils. Dover Publications, 1994.
ISBN: 9780486282060.
This book contains stencils to create several different mythical creatures.
Mayo, Margaret. Mythical Birds & Beasts from Many Lands. Dutton Childrens
Books, 1996. ISBN: 0525457887.
This is an illustrated look at several different traditional tales featuring
mythical creatures.
Pledger, Maurice. Sounds of the Wild: Mythical Creatures. Silver Dolphin Books,
2010. ISBN: 9781607100737.
This book explores what sounds several different mythical creatures might
have made, if they really did exist.
Prelutsky, Jack. Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant: And Other Poems. Greenwillow
Books, 2006. ISBN: 9780060543181.
Fantasy and other made-up creatures are featured in this collection of funny
poems.
Whipple, Laura. Eric Carles Dragons Dragons and Other Creatures that Never Were.
Philomel Books, 1991. ISBN: 0399221050.
This book is a collection of poems about mythological creatures from many
different authors, accompanied by illustrations by Eric Carle.

Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades K-2
Yolen, Jane. Animal Fare. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1994. ISBN: 0152035508.
This storybook, great for read-aloud, uses verse to describe a variety of
imaginary animals.

Webliography

Dragon Printables for Kids. http://www.printactivities.com/Theme-Printables/Dragon
-Printables.html
This website has extensive lists of printable items for kids, including puz-
zles and mazes. You can also find other creatures, like unicorns.
Kids DomainMagical Creatures. http://www.kidsdomain.com/kids/wizard/
creatures.html
This site features lists of books and other stories with further information
on magical and mythical creatures.
Mythical Creatures [video]. NWHerald, 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ueRAED603pQ
This video describes the new exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago on
mythical creatures, and some of the cultural information behind it.
Mythical Creatures & Beasts Wiki. http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/
This website is a user-generated database and encyclopedia of informa-
tion on mythical creatures and beasts of all cultures.
Mythical Creatures Coloring Pages Printables. The Coloring Spot. http://
thecoloringspot.com/mythical/
This website contains printable coloring pages of mythical creatures suit-
able for a young audience.
Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids. http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
mythiccreatures/
From the Field Museum in Chicago, this site features an exhibition on
mythical creatures, including photos and educational resources.
Top 10 Mythical Animals: Creature Countdowns: Animal Planet. http://
animal.discovery.com/tv/a-list/creature-countdowns/mythical/mythical.html
This site is an article from Animal Planet on the top ten mythical animals.


Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades K-2
Activities

Internet Activities
Supplies Needed
Access to a computer

Instructions
Visit the British Councils website for a variety of interactive activities involving
mythical creatures. These activities are especially good for children learning to
read or learning English as a second language. Websites are listed below.
What Can It Be? An interactive song that sings about mythical creatures and
the real life animals (and people!) they are created from.
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/songs/what-can-it-be
Nessie. An interactive fill-in-the-blank game about the Loch Ness monster.
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/language-games/fill-the-
gaps/nessie
Spot the Dragon. A game where children can listen to a description, then must
select the correct dragon.
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/practise-listening/spot-
the-dragon
Fantasy animals. An interactive quiz and trivia game where children can
learn about mythical creatures.
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/language-games/read-
and-choose/fantasy-animals
Flashcards of mythical animals. Printable flashcards with pictures and names
of mythical creatures.
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/practise-your-english/
flashcards-mythical-animals
Monsters of mystery. A trivia game about monsters around the world.
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/language-games/read-and-
choose/monsters-mystery
For more games, visit the British Councils LearnEnglish Kids website
and search for mythical creatures.
http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/games


Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades K-2
Mythical Creature Sounds
Supplies Needed
None
Can use any household items desired to help create sound effects.


Instructions
This activity incorporates the ideas in the book Sounds of the Wild by Maurice
Pledger.
After reading the book, Sounds of the Wild, have the child come up with some
ideas for sounds of their own.
Explore the mythical creatures found in Pledgers books and others found in the
kit. Point out mythical creatures and come up with sounds.
Many sounds of the creatures can be based on real animal sounds, such as the
unicorn may sound like a horse.
With 2 or more children, a Guess the Creature game can be played. One
child can create a sound for a certain creature. The other child must try and
guess what creature makes that sound.

Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades K-2
Crafts

Create Your Own Mythical Creature Mask
Supplies Needed
Paper plates (PROVIDED).
Popsicle sticks (PROVIDED).
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons (or any other type of medium for coloring).
Craft supplies, including colored paper, sequins, feathers (PROVIDED).
Any other additional craft materials desired.

Instructions
Using the paper plate, create a mask based on a mythical creature from one of
the books in the kit, or the childs own idea.
Use the craft supplies provided, or supplies of your own to color or glue materials
onto the paper plate.
The mask can have holes for the eyes, mouth, and nose, or not!
When finished, attach the popsicle stick to the bottom so the child can hold the
mask up to their face.
Use the mask to pretend you are the mythical creature. Make noises and ac-
tions that your mythical creature would make (see the Activities for a mythi-
cal creature sound activity).
Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades K-2
Mythical Creatures Kit K-2 Supplies Budget Melissa Higey
Item Cost
Library Items (see Bibliography in Kit for full info)
Magical Creatures: Man-eating Meg, Loch Ness Lucy 19.95
Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary 17.99
Cock-a-doodle-moooo!: A Mixed-up Menagerie 21.99
Mythical Creatures Stained Glass Coloring Book 1.50
Hercules [video] 13.99
How to Train Your Dragon [video] 16.99
Fun with Mythical Creatures Stencils 1.50
Mythical Birds & Beasts from Many Lands 14.95
Sounds of the Wild: Mythical Creatures 13.22
Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant: And Other Poems 11.55
Eric Carle's Dragons Dragons 10.39
Animal Fare 14.95
Craft Supplies
Paper plates (4) 1.00
Popsicle sticks (4) 1.00
Colored paper (6 sheets) 1.50
Sequins 1.00
Feathers 1.00
Misc Supplies
Documents for Kit (8 sheets of paper) 2.00
TOTAL COST 166.47
Library items 158.97
Replaceable items 7.50
Mythical Creatures
and Beasts
A Kit Provided by Your Library

Introduce your child to
mythical creatures and beasts
from cultures across the
world. This kit includes
books, audiovisual items,
crafts, and activities suitable
for 3rd-5th grade.




FOR MORE INFORMATION, please
contact the Childrens Librarian.


Concepts and Goals
Mythical creatures have appeared in literature for centuries and are
central to many cultures folklore and legends. Learning about mythi-
cal creatures is a way for a child to learn about the stories passed
down in many different cultures, as well as a way to encourage crea-
tive thinking. Mythical creatures have had a resurgence in childrens
fiction and popular culture today, as shown by the Percy Jackson books
by Rick Riordan.

This library kit will introduce a child to mythical creatures from a vari-
ety of cultures through informational books, fiction, audiovisual, and
creative works. This kit also includes several crafts and activities that
can be completed with a child in order to further the concepts learned in
the kit items. A bibliography of all of books and audiovisual items in-
cluded in this kit is provided for you, as well as an additional webliogra-
phy that contains websites with further resources on mythical creatures
and beasts.

Goals
To introduce a child to a variety of mythical creatures through
a variety of mediums, including general fiction, poetry, infor-
mational texts, art, and audiovisual materials
Encourage creative thinking about the concepts introduced
through crafts and activities
Encourage physical or intellectual activity through the use of
activities related to the concepts
Develop a base knowledge of mythical creatures and encour-
age an interest in learning more about cultures and myths/
legends of the world









Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades 3-5
Contents of Kit

Contents to be Returned to Library
All items listed in Bibliography
30-second timer
Bingo chips

Contents to be Used or Kept (Do Not Need to be Re-
turned)
All documents included with kit
Blank paper
Bingo sheets
Slips of paper with names of mythical creatures
Mythical creatures information sheets
Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades 3-5
Bibliography

Ames, Lee J. Draw 50 Monsters, Creeps, Superheroes, Demons, Dragons, Nerds,
Dirts, Ghouls, Giants, Vampires, Zombies, and Other Curiosa Doubleday, 1983.
ISBN: 0385176379.
This book includes step-by-step instructions for drawing all sorts of fantasti-
cal and monstrous creatures.
Baynes, Pauline. Questionable Creatures: A Bestiary. William B. Eerdsmans, 2006.
ISBN: 9780802852847.
This book details the creatures that were found in medieval bestiaries and
the myths behind them.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe [video]. Walt Dis-
ney Home Entertainment, 2006. 132 min.
Four children are whisked away to a fantasy land where they must help the
animals of the land overcome an evil queen.
Edwards, Katie. Myths and Monsters: Secrets Revealed. Charlesbridge, 2004. ISBN:
1570915814.
This book looks at fantasy creatures and explains some of the history and
science behind them.
LaFevers, R. L. Flight of the Phoenix, Beastologist, Book 1. Houghton Mifflin Books
for Children, 2009. ISBN: 9780547238654.
After Nates aunt is kidnapped, he must use all of his skills as a beastolo-
gist in order to rescue her as well as a phoenix.
Larios, Julie. Imaginary Menagerie: A Book of Curious Creatures. Harcourt, 2008.
ISBN: 9780152063252.
In this book of poetry, Larios describes mythical creatures from cultures
worldwide.
MacLeod-Brudenell, Iain. Animal Crafts. Gareth Stevens, 1993. ISBN:
0835811518.
In this multicultural craft book, children can create a variety of crafts based
on myths, legends, and real and mythical creatures, using easy step-by-step
instructions.
Riordan, Rick. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Miramax
Books, 2005. ISBN: 0786838655.
In the first of a 5-book series, Percy Jackson discovers he is the son of the
Greek god Poseidon, and must go on a quest, fighting against many mythi-
cal creatures, in order to retrieve a magical lightning bolt.
Schamander, Newt [J. K. Rowling]. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Ar-
thur A. Levine Books, 2001. ISBN: 0439295017.
Written as a supplement to the Harry Potter books, this small book contains
information on over 70 different magical beasts, many of which are found in
myths and legends.

Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades 3-5
Sparrow, Giles. Field Guide to Fantastic Creatures. Book Sales, 2009. ISBN:
184855026x.
This book contains an illustrated look at over 100 fantasy creatures,
including myths and the latest research.
Steer, Dugald A. Dr. Ernest Drakes Monsterology: The Complete Book of Mon-
strous Beasts. Candlewick Press, 2008. ISBN: 9780763639402.
This interactive book including booklets, samples, and items features infor-
mation on a variety of mythical creatures, from centaurs to kraken.
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep [video]. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment,
2007. 112 min.
Angus lives in Scotland during World War II and discovers a creature living
in a lake, which comes to be known as the Loch Ness monster.
Webliography
Bryner, Jeanna. Science World: Mythical Creatures Revealed. Scholastic.com, May
8, 2006. http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11846
This article from Science World discusses with an anthropologist some of
the origins of the myths and legends of mythical creatures.
Mythical Creatures [video]. NWHerald, 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ueRAED603pQ
This video describes the new exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago on
mythical creatures, and some of the cultural information behind it.
Mythical Creatures & Beasts Wiki. http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/
This website is a user-generated database and encyclopedia of informa-
tion on mythical creatures and beasts of all cultures.
Mythical Creatures and Monsters. http://www.timelessmyths.com/classical/
beasts.html
This website provides information on mythical creatures from Greek and
Roman mythology.
Mythical Creatures Coloring Pages | Fantasy Jr. http://www.fantasyjr.com/category/
printable-coloring-pages/mythical-creatures-coloring-pages/
This website contains printable coloring pages for mythical creatures.
Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids. http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
mythiccreatures/
From the Field Museum in Chicago, this site features an exhibition on
mythical creatures, including photos and educational resources.
Mythical Creatures Movies and TV Shows on Fancast. http://www.fancast.com/tags/
Mythical-Creatures/8967/main
This website has a database of information on TV shows and movies featur-
ing or related to mythical creatures.
Top 10 Mythical Animals: Creature Countdowns: Animal Planet. http://
animal.discovery.com/tv/a-list/creature-countdowns/mythical/mythical.html
This site is an article from Animal Planet on the top ten mythical animals.

Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades 3-5
Activities

Guess the Mythical Creature Game
Supplies Needed
Slips of paper with names of mythical creatures written on them.
A 30-second timer (PROVIDED).

Instructions
Cut out several slips of paper from blank sheets of paper.
Write the names of several mythical creatures (at least 5-10 per person, as many
as you want, depending on how many people are playing) on one side of the slips
of paper. Use names of mythical creatures the child has learned about in the
books in the kit.
This game needs 2 or more people to play.
Each person will receive an equal amount of creatures. Place the stack of slips in
front of each person, face down.
Place the timer in the middle of the group of people.
The goal of the game is to try to guess the mythical creature within 30 sec-
onds. If you guess the creature correctly, you keep the slip of paper and earn 1
point.
One person will describe the mythical creature to the other. The person must
not say the name of the mythical creature. Within 30 seconds on the timer, the
other person must guess the creature.
If there are two people playing, each takes turns giving clues to the other.
With 3 or more people, each person gives clues to the person on their right,
and play goes around the circle.
When every person has given clues for all the creatures in their stack, the game
is over, and the person with the most slips wins!
Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades 3-5
Mythical Creature Bingo
Supplies Needed
Bingo Sheets (PROVIDED).
Bingo chips (PROVIDED).
Slips of paper with names of mythical creatures.

Instructions
Have as many pre-printed bingo sheets available as necessary. Make copies if
needed. Blank sheets are also provided to create your own game.
Each bingo sheet has names of mythical creatures. Children will need to match
the name of the creature called with the name on the card.
The caller will draw slips of paper from a bowl or hat and the children playing
the game will use the chips to mark the creature on their sheet.
The child that creates a line, diagonal, horizontal, or vertical first wins the
game.
Other variations include 4 corners, a box, a T, a U, or a full card.
This game requires at least 3 peopleone person to call and at least 2 to
play.
Instead of calling the name of the creature, the caller can describe the crea-
ture, and the players must guess the creature and mark them on their sheet of
paper.

Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades 3-5
Cut out squares below and use as calling cards for BINGO!
selkie hippogriff minotaur chimaera undine
wyvern gargoyle manticore basilisk kraken
sphinx brownie unicorn cyclops hydra
dragon centaur phoenix elf yeti
griffin boggart troll siren pegasus



























































Mythical Creatures BINGO!





Mythical Creatures BINGO!





Crafts

Create Your Own Mythical Creature
Supplies Needed
Blank paper in any color (PROVIDED).
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons (or any other type of medium for coloring).
Pre-printed mythical creature information sheets (PROVIDED).
If desired, pre-printed coloring sheets can be printed from one of the following
websites:
http://thecoloringspot.com/mythical/
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/coloring-pages/Fantasy-Creatures.html
http://www.fantasyjr.com/category/printable-coloring-pages/mythical-
creatures-coloring-pages/

Instructions
Provide child with blank paper (OR pre-printed coloring sheet) and coloring
supplies.
Have the child create a mythical creature of his or her own creation using the
paper and coloring supplies. The child can combine two real animals or base
their creation off of a mythical creature they have learned about from the
books provided in the kit. Anything goes!
To help explain their creature, the child can then fill out one of the pre-printed
mythical creature information sheets with further information on their per-
sonal creature.
Older children may be interested in creating a legend or myth about their
mythical creature. They can create a myth on how the mythical creature came
into being, or create an adventure about their mythical creature, for example.
See the attached sheets for an example of this craft!
Mythical Creatures and Beasts
A Library Kit
Grades 3-5
Mythical Creature
Information Sheet

Name of Creature: _______________________________

Describe Your Creature: _________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Describe the Creatures Special Powers: _________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Where Does Your Creature Come From? _________

___________________________________________________


Mythical Creatures Kit 3-5 Supplies Budget Melissa Higey
Item Cost
Library Items (see Bibliography in Kit for full info)
Draw 50 Monsters, Creeps, Superheroes 8.95
Questionable Creatures 14.04
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 14.99
Myths & Monsters: Secrets Revealed 15.26
Flight of the Phoenix 5.99
Imaginary Menagerie 13.68
Animal Crafts 14.95
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief 7.99
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 10.19
Field Guide to Fantastic Creatures 10.19
Dr. Ernest Drake's Monsterology 10.39
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep 7.99
Activity Supplies
Blank paper (4 sheets) 1.00
30-second timer 2.99
Bingo sheets (6) 1.50
Bingo chips 4.99
Calling card (1) 0.25
Blank bingo sheet 0.25
Craft Supplies
Blank paper (4 sheets) 1.00
Mythical creature information sheets (4) 1.00
Misc Supplies
Documents for Kit (10 sheets of paper) 2.50
TOTAL COST 150.09
Library items 142.59
Replaceable items 7.50