Yolen, Jane. Sea Dragons. Celia Lowenthal, Illus. Monsters of Fife: Book 1. Charlesbridge, 06/2025. 111pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-473-7. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.
The place: Scotland. The time: the 1880s. The action: monsters causing problems. As the older students in their town’s small, one-room school, Cat and her two friends are part of the Royal and Ancient Society (monster hunters). In the first of a new series, this trio (plus their headmaster) take on three different monsters, one on land and two at sea. Readers might struggle with the beginning of the story while trying to pronounce the many unfamiliar Scottish locations, phrases, and words. Those that persevere will be intrigued by how these kids work together, as well as by each monster’s description and actions. A mix of color illustrations and short graphic novel interludes break up the text while giving the reader visual clues about the action, including the Scottish people and places.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library