Books About Legendary Creatures

The Best Legendary Creatures Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about legendary creatures? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#15 in Series

Graphic Nov.

#3 in Series

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Legendary Creatures

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Greeking Out

By Kenny Curtis, Jillian Hughes, Javier Espila (Illustrator)

Explore Greek myths with daring heroes, cunning gods, and epic adventures.

192 pages· 39,549 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.5 Goodreads · 284 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into a world where Persephone braves the Underworld and Heracles faces daunting labors. Meet gods, heroes, and monsters in a playful retelling of Greek myths, blending humor with ancient tales. Will these legendary figures triumph or falter in their epic quests?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2014

Roman Myths

By Diane Namm, Eric Freeberg (Illustrator) · Classic Starts series

Discover Rome's origins and legendary tales in this mythic collection.

160 pages· 18,461 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 144 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey through ancient Rome's legendary tales, from the founding of the city by Romulus and Remus to the enchanting love story of Cupid and Psyche. Unravel the mysteries of Oedipus and the Sphinx, and explore a pantheon of gods and goddesses with a detailed family tree. This collection offers a captivating glimpse into the myths that shaped Roman culture, inviting readers to explore timeless stories of heroism, love, and fate. What secrets do these ancient legends hold?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2017

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes

By Rick Riordan

Discover the daring deeds of Greek heroes through the eyes of a demigod.

528 pages· 129,864 words· Est. 14.5 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 56,709 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join Percy Jackson as he humorously recounts the legendary exploits of Greek heroes like Perseus and Atalanta. From decapitating monsters to raiding the Underworld, these tales reveal the original hard luck cases of mythology. With vibrant illustrations, this collection promises adventure, humor, and a touch of tragedy. Ready your spear and shield for a journey back in time where heroes boldly screwed up like never before. Will they triumph or meet tragic ends? Dive into the chaos and find out!

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1994

Swamp Angel

By Anne Isaacs, Paul O. Zelinsky (Illustrator)

A fearless woman faces a ravenous bear in a legendary showdown.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1994)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1995)Caldecott Honor (1995)

48 pages· 1,267 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 2,111 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the heart of Tennessee, a fearless woods-woman named Swamp Angel takes on the challenge of a lifetime: hunting the insatiable bear, Thundering Tarnation. As the other hunters mock her, she vows to turn the tables with a bear pie. With her extraordinary strength and wit, Angel's epic battle stirs mountains and shapes prairies, leaving a mark as vast as the heavens. Will her legendary skills be enough to conquer the beast and prove her mettle? Dive into this tall tale of humor, bravery, and monumental adventure.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1998

Viking Ships at Sunrise

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #15 in the Magic Tree House series

Two siblings travel back in time to ancient Ireland to retrieve a lost story, encountering Vikings and a magical serpent along the way.

73 pages· 5,725 words· Est. 1 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 11,247 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jack and Annie are transported to ancient Ireland, landing on a misty cliff. With a Viking invasion looming, they must rely on a cheerful monk and their own bravery to uncover the story they need. Will they succeed before the Vikings arrive? Join their thrilling quest in 'Viking Ships at Sunrise' and discover if courage and friendship can conquer the past's challenges.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Shark Summer

By Ira Marcks

A film contest leads to a mysterious shark hunt on Martha's Vineyard.

304 pages· 5,170 words· Est. 58 min read

3.7 Goodreads · 1,004 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Disgraced pitcher Gayle Briar sees a chance to redeem her summer when a film crew arrives on Martha's Vineyard. Teaming up with aspiring cinematographer Elijah and moody director Maddie, they dive into a youth film contest. But as they chase the island's phantom shark, they uncover more than they bargained for. Can they capture the truth on camera, or will the lurking dangers pull them under? Join this unlikely trio as they navigate friendship, mystery, and the shadows beneath the waves in a quest for redemption and discovery.

Fabulous Creatures: Legendary Animals from Around the World

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$2085

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

Fabulous Creatures: Legendary Animals from Around the World

By Cornelia Funke, Anna Schmitt Funke (Translator), Ruby Warnecke (Illustrator)

Dragons, unicorns and thunderbirds await in legends from around the globe.

48 pages

4.3 Goodreads · 68 ratings

$21.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Cornelia Funke introduces young readers to the magical creatures of legend from around the world, from dragons and unicorns to thunderbirds and many less familiar beasts. Ruby Warnecke's bright, bold illustrations bring each creature to life.

Sale price

$3251

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Dragons

By Grace Hansen · World of Mythical Beings series

Where did dragon legends begin, and what did these creatures mean to people?

24 pages· 238 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.6 Goodreads · 8 ratings

$34.22Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: This beginning reader explores dragons in the stories of many cultures: where the legends came from, what dragons symbolized, and how they are shown today. Historical photographs and full-color images lead to back matter on dragons from around the world, such as the Asian lung.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Disney Moana (Graphic Novel)

A teenager sails on a daring quest, facing fiery creatures and impossible odds.

64 pages· 575 words· Est. 6 min read

3.9 Goodreads · 62 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Moana, a spirited teenager, embarks on a daring ocean voyage to prove herself as a master wayfinder and complete her ancestors' quest. Alongside the once-mighty demi-god Maui, she faces enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. Will Moana fulfill her destiny and navigate the treacherous waters to success?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2021

Night Hunt

By Jordan Quinn, Glass House Graphics (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series

A young dragon competes in the Night Hunt, a legendary scavenger hunt, to prove his bravery and worth, but things take a dark turn when a ghost dragon is unleashed

144 pages· 4,433 words· Est. 46 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 586 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ruskin, the scarlet dragon, unexpectedly joins the Night Hunt in Crestwood, stirring tension with friends Cinder and Groth. As they vie for victory, suspicions arise about Ruskin's motives. But when the contest defies all expectations, the stakes soar beyond glory. Can these dragons overcome rivalry and unite to save Wrenly from impending peril? Discover the twists of this thrilling adventure.

The Bookroo Book Club