Monsters 101 by Cale Atkinson

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It will be released August 4th, 2020 by Penguin Random House Canada.

Cale Atkinson knows his stuff. First he wrote a scientific textbook about unicorns and here he is this time with one about monsters. 

This compendium of monster information is delightful. Like Unicorns 101, the similar format is bursting with important (and often hilarious) facts for readers who want to know more about these elusive creatures. 

It begins with a page identifying the Masters of Monstronomy: a collection of experts in the field. I suspect he must have studied with these wise ones to become such an authority himself. 

Next is a checklist for how to identify a monster. Readers can use it to see if the creatures on the next page have any of these characteristics. 

Atkinson deals with many aspects of monster life. The biology section includes common and scientific names as well as a cross section of what the inside of a monster looks like. The page on daily life explains how monsters look after themselves, dress up as humans, and have fun. A monster's diet is not really for the faint of heart. At least, this is not my idea of a delicious BLT!

The chapter on history identifies famous monsters. Later on readers will discover what monsters are afraid of and how to get along with any monsters they might meet up with. 

 In the back matter there’s a Monstronomy Diploma readers can fill in thus proving they are officially Monster Scientists. 

Cale Atkinson's knowledge of monsters is obvious in the comical colourful illustrations. A note in the title verso claims they were created with Photoshop, slime and zombie pus.