Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird and Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State

**A 2024 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARD FINALIST (Regional Non-Fiction category)**

**THE INGRAM SPARK #1 BESTSELLER (New England History subject category)**

Dear Curious Reader,

Maybe you've heard of the Black Dog of the Hanging Hills or the Winsted Wildman. But did you know that these are just a few of the mythical creatures that call Connecticut home?

It's true! The Nutmeg State is full of "cryptids" - or creatures that are believed to exist but never proven to exist. And all of these mysterious beings are documented right here, in this exhaustively researched and fully illustrated field guide.

Whether you're a newcomer to the field of cryptozoology or a veteran Sasquatch seeker, this is the only book you'll need to undertake your own search for CONNECTICUT CRYPTIDS!

Patrick Scalisi is a writer, editor, journalist, and communications professional from Connecticut. He has published short fiction in a number of magazines and anthologies, and served as the editor of the bestselling steampunk collection The Ghost Is the Machine. Pat's debut novel, The Key to the Universe, was released by Owl Hollow Press in 2019. In addition to his fiction work, Pat is also an award-winning journalist with a particular interest in pop culture and storytelling. He lives in Connecticut with his partner, Crystal, and their cadre of cats. Learn more at patrickscalisi.com.

Valerie Ruby-Omen is a Connecticut-based freelance illustrator. Connecticut Cryptids is her second published work, preceded by the children's book Tennille and the Tale of Princess Penelope. She also recently partnered with Armada Brewing in New Haven to design the label artwork for Queer Occult, a Pride Month beer collaboration with local retailer Strange Ways. When Val is not creating art, she is an event coordinator and organizer in Connecticut queer artist communities. She lives blissfully in Connecticut with her partner, Dee, and their tiny black cat named Ashiok.