How To Spot A Magical Woodland Creature by Sarah Glenn Marsh & Lilla Bolecz

Wahey, I’m back to my regularly scheduled review programming! And what lovelier way to return than with a gorgeously illustrated children’s book that artfully blends science with fantasy, for a delightfully whimsical read.

This field guide to enchanted creatures starts with several very important caveats to young readers, in a way that absolutely aligns with its mission for people to see outside their usual boundaries and consider the magic contained in the everyday. Before plunging into descriptions of the fantastic, Sarah Glenn Marsh reminds readers of all ages of the importance of respecting the woods, and of the limitations of any field guide. The disappointed child of decades past in me deeply appreciated how she stated exactly what kind of terrain her book covers: the flora and fauna of temperate forests are quite different from what you can expect of other kinds, and the fact that she clearly delineates her area of coverage makes it clear that she’s thought of readers who don’t have physical access to that kind of wilderness. There’s no leading eager youngsters along in search of the familiar, only to disappoint them in the end because our differences and needs are never recognized. That might seem like a very small thing to people who’ve always been catered to by the mainstream, but it means a lot to a reader who rarely saw herself addressed in manuals like these growing up.

The caveats over, the contents themselves riff on established fact to create a world of whimsy for budding naturalists who love animals but who love magic as well. Ms Marsh compares the enchanted version of each creature with its mundane representation, building not only a solid scientific basis but also making it clear that magic is distinct and unusual and a springboard for the imagination. Throughout, she emphasises the importance of respecting wildlife while not being afraid of getting your hands a little dirty in the process of learning more.

This would be such a refreshing way to approach general biology even if it weren’t accompanied by Lilla Bolecz’s astonishing illustrations. Due entirely to my own hectic schedule, I wasn’t able to appreciate the whole book in full-color glory, but the pages I did see perfectly captured that sense of awe with which the natural world should be appreciated. Seeing the art in black and white doesn’t do it justice, as her glowing colors really do bring magic to the page. The commitment to diversity in the representation of the children exploring the forest was also commendable. Going out in the woods and learning more about nature really should be for everyone.

The book concludes with several fun projects and quizzes to help kids learn more about the natural world and themselves. This is the perfect book for any kid with a healthy curiosity who appreciates both fact and fiction in their entertainment. It is truly delightful.

How To Spot A Magical Woodland Creature by Sarah Glenn Marsh & Lilla Bolecz was published April 1 2025 by Running Press Kids and is available from all good booksellers, including