This Italian language bestiary puts the focus on the mythical, monstrous children of Echidna, plus a few additional creatures. Some of the monsters featured her are Cerberus, the Hydra, the Sphynx, ands Medusa. Non-Echidnan creatures include Argus, the phoenix and the manticore. The collection makes the interesting choice to tell the myths associated with each monster, with them as the focus. As a result, Heroes seem to come out of nowhere to slay the monsters, without any explanation as to why. Younger readers won’t need a reason to kill monster (after all, that’s what monster are for), but older readers may be inspired to read other mythology collection to get the full story. The perspective does bring out some surprising qualities, though. Argus always seems like a minor villain in the myth of Io, but this collection brings out that he is a hero in his own right. 

Marsia Vestita’s collage-like illustrations also deserve praise. They are deceptively simple and highly appealing, perfect for very young readers who aren’t up for the business of a crowded page. The compositional choices are full of charm. I especially love Odysseus’ men’s over-sided heads popping out from the Cyclops’ wool sheep. I’m not a good enough reader of Italian to gage the text’s reading level, but I didn’t have any trouble with it. I’d recommend this book for readers of all ages. – Krishni Burns