Hector & The Mythical Creatures — Judith Rossell

Kids will eagerly pick up their pencils and enter Judith Rossell's sumptuously drawn landscape to help young Hector gather a treasure in colorful jewels. Each spread showcases a new gem in the care of a different mythical creature -- including a kraken, yeti, griffin, flying horse, and sphinx. In order to claim the jewel, Hector has to complete a task given to him by the fantastic being. If he (and readers) can finish all the mazes, he'll make a marvelous, magical key from the jewels. Extra puzzles and a final challenge will really stimulate young imaginations. And the intriguingly detailed illustrations, interactive puzzles, and engaging storyline -- which ends with a boy helping a king and his sick grandmother at the same time -- make a winning combination.