Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspired narrative, world-building in luminous series debut.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Life changes fast for animal-loving Christopher, visiting his grandfather in the wilds of Scotland, when he's out in the woods and a herd of unicorns dashes past: A portal is opened to a world where IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES have lived in magic-protected safety ever since humans tried to wipe them out centuries ago. In the chaos, he rescues a drowning baby griffin, who is soon followed by Mal, a girl about Christopher's age who's desperately seeking him. Amid the happy reunion, she tells Christopher that something is killing all the magical beings and quite a few other residents of the Archipelago—and also trying to kill her for reasons she hasn't figured out yet. She needs his help now—and soon Christopher is in a world he only imagined existed, needing to help his new friend save it.
Is It Any Good?
"Instant classic" doesn't do justice to Katherine Rundell's brilliantly visualized, beautifully written tale of two kids and their friends in a mad rush to save the world and also dodge a murderer. Ashley Mackenzie's lively illustrations draw you into the world of the Impossible Creatures and the people trying to save them. Thanks to the writing, the characters are instantly engaging and impossible to resist as they navigate many perils and dodge death along the way. The book is not only beautifully written, but it's gorgeously produced, with a red and gold cover, red-edged pages, and Mackenzie's plentiful maps and illustrations bringing the story vividly to life. The next installment is due in September 2025.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Impossible Creatures, where the magical world coexists with the one we live in. Why do you think this theme is so popular, and what stories do you think explore it really well?
Many different cultures have magical beings in their tales. Some of them are kind, some of them are scary, some of them are just different. Have you found any you thought were especially interesting—and what was their story?
Have you ever seen or been to a place that seemed like it might be a portal to another world? Where was it, and what made it seem that way?
How do Christopher, Mal, and other characters model courage and teamwork as they fight to save their worlds and protect those they love? Where do they find their courage, and what are the different strengths or skills they bring to the fight?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ashley Mackenzie
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Activism , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 10, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 13
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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