Early Reader Review: Fabulous Creatures by Cornelia Funke

Source: From Netgalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Fabulous Creatures: Legendary Animals from Around the World by Cornelia Funke, Illustrated by Ruby Warnecke

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 31, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

From beloved, bestselling author Cornelia Funke comes a bright and bold introduction to the world’s extraordinary creatures—perfect for the youngest readers.

Also available in Spanish: Seres fabulosos.

Dragons, unicorns, and thunderbirds are only a few of the fabulous creatures young children will meet in this book!

In this bright and bold introduction to fantastical and magical animals from around the globe, bestselling and celebrated fantasy author Cornelia Funke and illustrator Ruby Warnecke invite children into the fabulous world of myth and legend.

Review: 

This was such a fun and enchanting book about fantastical animals from around the world. I really enjoyed the full-spread illustrations. The artwork is vibrant and fun, and even the smallest background details are whimsical and entertaining (little snails with wings!). The creatures truly take center stage in each spread, and the illustrations give them a bold, magical presence.

The descriptions are just long enough without being overbearing. They are informative, which makes the book easy and enjoyable to read for all ages. I especially appreciated the author’s personal opinions sprinkled throughout the facts that she pulled in. Those little commentary moments made the book feel less technical and more like you’re being guided by someone who genuinely loves these myths and legends.

While I absolutely loved the artwork, what I enjoyed most was learning about all the fascinating creatures. Of course, it includes well-known ones like the unicorn, but I loved that the author shared additional facts about unicorns in different cultures. Even better were the creatures I’d never heard of before, like the Tarand, which was completely new to me and interesting to learn about.

This children's book was a delightful mix of beautiful visuals and captivating folklore. The fact that it’s available in multiple languages also makes it accessible to a wider audience. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology, magical creatures, or simply enjoys imaginative and beautifully illustrated children's books.