Are monsters real? Has anyone ever really seen one? That’s the question on every kid’s mind when they learn about them while growing up, hoping never to encounter one until they are big enough to take a stand.
You can read about them in this Usborne classic, The World of the Unknown — All About Monsters, which has recently been reissued by popular demand. First published nearly 50 years ago, this edition features every monster you might have dreamed about and explores their origins and whether they are real.
Written by Carey Miller and illustrated by multiple artists, this cult classic delves into mysteries, such as whether the Loch Ness Monster exists or whether dragons really inhabited the planet alongside humans. Divided into four parts, it also explores some of the most frightening creations of myth and legend.
The first chapter deals with monsters from Greek mythology, such as the Minotaur, Medusa and Grendel. If that sounds Greek to you, you must get to know these interesting creatures that never existed.
The next section is about our favourite dinosaurs in detail, making it read like an engaging documentary. There is another section about sea monsters, which will make the giant mechanical shark in Jaws look like child’s play, followed by today’s monsters, the ones that might even exist in the present era.
If you didn’t know that the Abominable Snowman and Sasquatch are different entities or that there could be as many as three kinds of Loch Ness monsters, you’re in for a treat with this book.
It was news to me that Yetis (Abominable Snowmen) have been sighted in northern Pakistan, bringing us very close to what could be a present-day monster. The book also examines the many man-made monsters created by filmmakers, such as King Kong, Frankenstein, Godzilla, The Mummy and the giant squid in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas.
All About Monsters ends with a fascinating dictionary of monsters and a guide to similar books. Trust me, the way this book makes you understand that while some monsters aren’t real and some might be harmless, you might change your opinion of such creatures for good.
Published in Dawn, Young World, May 16th, 2026
