It is that time of year when the publishers are promoting their future releases. Two of those books that were highlighted are below in this combined review. Neither had a finished online readers copy available, but what they did have made me terribly excited
When I started Monsterlogica: A menagerie of monsters, beasts and magical beings by Martin Maudsley and illustrator Victoria Topping (due September 2026) I was not sure of it. Another monster book? Eh. I mean, sure monsters are fun, they could add some new creatures, but what can be really new about it? Well, I found out what was new. Maudsley and Topping chose monsters that many might not have heard of, but a few others are well known cryptids, folklore animals and more. From all over the world, the different beings pop off the page with Toppings dark, deep, rich, intense, powerful images. These illustrations can almost be disturbing at times, as they are heavily bold. There is nothing damsel in distress about them. Facts, goodies and more are collected on the page to really quench your thirst about learning about the beasts of lore.
Then I found The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable History Facts You Won’t Be Taught in School by Kay Wolfersperger Liz Kay Lauren Radley, Neon Squid, and editor Vicky Armstrong. If you are like me, then you love useless facts. Okay, I don’t mean useless but might not be the most helpful outside of trivia night at the pub or for Jeopardy. Afterall, it is probably not the easiest thing to do to casually enter into conversation which King had a polar bear or which military leader lost a battle to rabbits. It will be a while before the book is ready for purchase (only late July 2026) but I am keeping my eye out for a longer online reader or a physical copy, so I can see what the images are like. What was given was nice, but did not feel complete.
Both books are aimed at the older reader, The Big Book at least six to 10 and Monsterlogica should be paired with the right reader, so know who you are getting it for.
