Discover 50 legendary creatures from around the world in this quirky, illustrated guide that blends folklore and history to explore why humans can’t stop believing in monsters.

While most field guides identify known flora and fauna, this book focuses on the mythical beings known as cryptids—legendary creatures who exist in folklore, but who have never been proven to exist. Every page provides a new description of a hidden creature you may never have heard of, along with the history and storytelling traditions that have kept their legends alive. The Spotter’s Guide to Cryptids covers these beings from around the globe, with chapters organized by continent. Monster expert Dr. Emily Zarka's first book makes every reader a cryptozoologist, providing a thoughtful and global look at cryptids and what we can learn from them about human nature and imagination.