Impossible Creatures — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
*This spectacular book features foil and embossing on the jacket, full-color designed endpapers, red stained edges, and a red case cover with gold stamping.*
“An instant classic from one of the most gifted storytellers of our time, Impossible Creatures is an astonishing miracle of a book.” —Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winner for The One and Only Ivan
A WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR • A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, KIRKUS REVIEWS, AND SHELF AWARENESS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
The day that Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever.
It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago—a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal—a girl on the run, in desperate need of his help.
Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what’s happening, the clearer it becomes: no one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.
Katherine Rundell’s story crackles and roars with energy and delight. It is brought vividly to life with more than 60 illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.
Frequently asked questions
Is Impossible Creatures appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains multiple instances of violence, including violent confrontations, attempted murder, and scenes involving weapons and threats. Specific examples include a character's encounter with a murderer and various violent struggles throughout the story. The narrative includes elements that could be considered scary, such as violent confrontations and the presence of a murderer. These aspects may create a tense atmosphere for younger readers.
Does Impossible Creatures have violence?
The book contains multiple instances of violence, including violent confrontations, attempted murder, and scenes involving weapons and threats. Specific examples include a character's encounter with a murderer and various violent struggles throughout the story.
Does Impossible Creatures have scary content?
The narrative includes elements that could be considered scary, such as violent confrontations and the presence of a murderer. These aspects may create a tense atmosphere for younger readers.
Does Impossible Creatures have religious themes?
The narrative contains elements that could be interpreted as having a Christian vision, particularly in themes of empowerment and the importance of children in saving the world. This is noted in various reviews, suggesting a subtle Christian undertone.
Does Impossible Creatures have racial/cultural content?
There are no explicit themes of racism or discussions of race as a central plot point in the book. The search results do not indicate any focus on racial issues or identity politics.
Does Impossible Creatures have profanity?
The book includes mild obscenities and one anatomical term, which are noted in reviews. This suggests that while the language is not excessive, it does contain some inappropriate terms for younger readers.
Does Impossible Creatures have climate change?
The narrative addresses themes of climate activism and the dangers of environmental destruction, portraying the characters' mission as a fight against those who would exploit natural resources for greed. This theme is woven throughout the story.
Does Impossible Creatures have sexual identity?
There are mild references to romantic feelings, including a mention of a man and woman regarding each other with love. Additionally, the appendix discusses a mythical creature's same-sex relationship, indicating some exploration of sexual themes.
Does Impossible Creatures have gender roles?
The book features a strong female character and discusses themes of independence and empowerment, but it also presents traditional gender expectations, such as the portrayal of a feminist character who engages in specific activities like wearing trousers and learning geography.
Does Impossible Creatures have lgbtq+ themes?
The book includes a mention of a same-sex relationship in the notes of the bestiary at the back, indicating some representation of LGBTQ+ themes. However, the overall emphasis on LGBTQ+ content is described as lacking in the main narrative.
