CRYPTID CATCHER: Cryptozoology Research Game

Best Users: Librarians, Booksellers, Educators, After School Organizations
Best Audience: Children Grades 03-09

 

RESEARCH GAME

Librarians have seen a rise in both reader interest in cryptozoology and the availability of new materials. How can public librarians use this interest to create reader exploration and circulation? How can schools use this interest to teach media literacy and meet Next Generation Science standards? Curious City teamed up with Loren and Jenny Coleman of the International Cryptozoology Museum and award-winning STEM educator Suzanne Costner to offer these ideas for a Cryptozoology Research Game.

cryp·​to·​zo·​ol·​o·​gy: the study of and search for animals and especially legendary animals usually in order to evaluate the possibility of their existence. 
(Source: Merriam-Webster)

“To evaluate the possibility of their existence” is the purpose of this Cryptozoology Research Game. Investigating the collected stories, sightings, and theories about cryptids, your readers will develop a Crypto-Research Card noting the cryptid’s appearance and traits, location, and history. These Crypto-Research Cards are based on the dossiers the Myth Blasters create for Clivo Wren in the novels The Cryptid Catcher and The Cryptid Keeper by Lija Fisher (FSG).

The game kit contains:
— Event Poster
— Cryptozoology Bibliography
— Reader Theater Script
— Crypto-Choices for Research Assignments
— Crypto-Research Card Worksheets
— Crypto-Conceivability Chart
— International Cryptozoology Museum Free Admission Cards

Cryptozoology Research Game
DOWNLOAD Cryptozoology Research Game (PDF)

Cryptozoology Event Poster
DOWNLOAD Cryptozoology Event Poster (JPG)

Standards: Cryptozoology Research Game
DOWNLOAD Cryptozoology Research Game: Standards (PDF)

EXPLORE Cryptid Research Links provided by Suzanne Costner.
 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Cryptid Catcher
By Lija Fisher
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN-13: 9780374305543
Age Range: 8 – 12 Years

Clivo Wren has just discovered that his recently deceased father was not an archeologist, but a Cryptid Catcher, a man on a mission to capture, test, and release the cryptids of the world for their protection. Clivo has also discovered that he is supposed to continue his father’s life mission, and the only clue about where to start is a business card for the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine. A stop at the museum and a tussle with a fake cryptid lead him to a suburban Maine basement. In that basement he meets the Myth Blasters, a group of middle school crypto-researchers. Can the Myth Blasters help Clivo find the remaining cryptids before it’s too late?

The sequel in the duology, The Cryptid Keeper, will release in August 2019.

“[Fisher] dishes up an action-oriented romp, puts a resourceful but not superhuman protagonist at the head of a colorful, diverse (of species as well as race) supporting cast, and salts the plot with tantalizing hints that the stakes are about to broaden.”
—Booklist, Starred Review
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“Newly orphaned Clivo Wren’s about to discover a monstrous family secret.After 13-year-old Clivo’s archaeologist father dies on a dig in Colombia (his mother passed away previously), eccentric Aunt Pearl, who used to care for Clivo during his dad’s frequent expeditions, moves in with her cats. Clivo’s ready to settle into his average life when Douglas Chancery, a pushy stranger, visits to inform Clivo that his father, Russell, was actually a cryptid catcher traveling the world hunting for legendary creatures. Russell was trying to locate a specific cryptid whose blood is the key to immortality. Russell and Douglas had an agreement that, should something happen to Russell, Douglas would hire Clivo to do the job. Suddenly, all the martial arts, language classes (in Japanese, Hindustani, Arabic, and Russian), and survival training Clivo’s parents put him through makes sense. Clivo agrees to help grumpy Douglas find the one Russell was looking for and keep it out of the hands of evildoers…but Clivo’s going to need more help than Douglas’ money can buy. Fisher’s debut, the first half of a duology, delivers adventure and laughs to readers…Though there’s a bit of closure, readers will be ready for the sequel when they turn the final page.”
—Kirkus Reviews