People have always loved scary stories full of evil ogres, spiteful witches and monstrous creatures that are up to no good. Many of these myths and folktales were created hundreds of years ago as oral tales – stories that were spoken aloud by storytellers. People young and old would gather to listen spellbound to the terrifying tales. They’d gasp when it seemed like the monster would win, and cheer when the hero, often an innocent boy or girl, was finally victorious.

Stories from different places have their own local heroes and villains. They also have their own distinctive details – a house with chicken legs, a witch with green hair, an exploding dragon.

At first, people listened to the storyteller’s words and then created images of giants, witches and magic mountains in their heads. Later, the stories were written down and published in books containing, perhaps, one or two drawings to illustrate each story.

Craig Phillips has joined that long line of storytellers and has chosen his favourite tales to retell. Like storytellers of old, Craig uses his own words to describe the magical places, the strange and scary monsters and the simple heroes who save the day. He has added a dash of humour. But, more excitingly, Craig has brought these ancient stories to life in graphic novel style. They are illustrated by glorious pictures, not just a few, but hundreds of them.

Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts is not only a collection of terrific tales from around the world; it is also a feast for the eyes.

CAROLE WILKINSON

bestselling author of the Dragonkeeper series