“An ocean without a monster lurking in the depths of its deep dark water is like a haunted house without creepily creaky floorboards...” -Andrea Aste

What began as a storytelling game I played with my nephews, narrating tales of mythological creatures in a quirky and eccentric style, quickly spiralled out of control for our amusement. It transformed into a journey across the Seven Seas that led us to the most outlandish corners of the world in search of the most extravagant beasts. This book is the culmination of our explorations — a labor of love and passion that provided us with countless hours of joy and laughter.

I hope you enjoy this menagerie of menacing monsters, creepily cruel creatures, and beautifully benevolent beasts.

  Mind The Kraken and Other Curious Creatures
Wins 2024 IAN Book of the Year Award

I am thrilled to announce that Mind The Kraken and Other Curious Creatures has been named the Outstanding Children's Middle Grade Category Winner in the prestigious 2024 IAN Book of the Year Awards!

Synopsis

Embark on a captivating journey alongside Aar Adesten, a fictional eccentric Elizabethan explorer, as he navigates uncharted territories in pursuit of extraordinary mythological creatures. From the legendary Kraken to the haunting Harpies, from the endearing Jackalope to the enigmatic El Coco and the brilliantly kaleidoscopic Simurgh, readers are invited to plunge into a mesmerizing odyssey through the realms of human imagination and folklore.

Blending the mystery of a travelogue with the cunning observations of a naturalist's diary, this anthology weaves a tapestry of short stories that vividly depict most peculiar creatures. The tales are spun with a captivating and fresh narrative, accompanied by vibrant illustrations that brim with humour and life.

Most Relevant Points
Mind the Kraken stands as a testament to inclusivity, drawing together a pantheon of captivating mythological creatures from diverse cultures and epochs: Pre-columbian America, Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece, Edo Japan, contemporary North America, Viking sagas, and beyond.

The book is enriched with a quirky dictionary of Adestian English; a collection of whimsical and quixotic words crafted by the author to foster irony, mystery, and playfulness that transcends the ordinary.

Reimagining the classic format of Middle Ages bestiaries, this book infuses humour and modernity, all anchored in meticulous historical and literary research.

Age 
The ideal reader for 'Mind The Kraken' is around 10, but we happily welcome anyone up to 98. Just a word of caution: those beyond might unexpectedly unleash their inner Elizabethan explorer, yearning for new lands to discover and an insatiable thirst for adventure!

With its playful language and whimsically imaginative stories, this book is designed to captivate readers of all ages. Young minds will revel in fantastical characters and adventures filled with nonsensical situations, while older readers will delight in the nuanced wordplay and deeper layers of meaning.

A Note

By purchasing 'Mind The Kraken' directly from my website, you're not only acquiring a beautifully illustrated book you're also investing in and supporting me as an independent artist. Your support fuels my ability to craft more beauty and wonder in this world. That means everything to me. As a small token of my gratitude and appreciation, I have personally signed each copy purchased via my website with a hand drawn illustration, making each book unique and special.

You can alternatively purchase ‘Mind the Kraken’ for a slightly lower price, albeit minus the unique hand-drawn illustration, via Amazon. I would hope you prefer to support the artist and buy directly from my website…

Thank you and enjoy ‘Mind the Kraken’ and its company of curious creatures.

Shipment

Price includes free worldwide shipping – this does not include custom charges (if any)

Each Book will be wrapped and packaged carefully to ensure safe travel, and it will be delivered to you via Royal Mail.

Delivery to UK usually takes approximately one week from ordering, and international delivery usually takes approximately two weeks.

Specifications

82 pages
Hardcover
Full Colours
215x285mm (approx 8.46x11.22 in.)

Author and illustrator: Andrea Aste
Forward: John Matthews