Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures That May or May Not Exist

Everyone loves stories of cryptids.

These mysterious creatures have been hiding―some of them for centuries―from the seeking eyes and minds of top scientists, cryptozoologists, and everyday folks. And along the way, some surprises have come about.

Hoaxes have been exposed, such as the Fiji mermaids, really only man-made statues of monkey heads and fish tails. Mysteries have been solved, such as the "extinct" prehistoric fish, the coelacanth, living in the deep oceans near Africa. But most cryptids remain hidden.

Learn more about Mokele-mbembe (Africa), Kongamato, Shunka Warak'in, Mapinguari (South America), Megalodon, Chupacabra, and Mothman from both cryptozoologists and experts who strongly believe they do not exist.

In the dark forests, high mountains, and murky waters around the world, could there a Bigfoot, a Yeti, or a Loch Ness Monster?

Kelly Milner Halls is a full-time children's writer, specializing in quirky topics for reluctant readers. Kelly lives in Washington with her two daughters, one dog, too many cats, and a four-foot rock iguana.

Rick C. Spears is an artist and author who has always been fascinated with dinosaurs. After college that Rick rekindled his love of prehistory and began to fancy himself a paleoartist. Since then, his artwork has found its way into museum displays, books, magazines, and even a board game. Rick resides in Georgia with his wife, Darlene, who patiently tolerates all this dinosaur/monster/alien stuff as a part of everyday life.

Roxyanne Young is an author and photographer currently based in San Diego, California. She teaches writing to adults and elementary students.