Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature

"Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature , the catalogue from an exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London, is a lovely spin-off from Fantastic Beasts . The original book was ostensibly written by magizoologist Newt Scamander as a guide to the magical beasts of the wizarding world. The exhibition highlights parallels between the film and animals in real life, which can be every bit as magical. The catalogue contains a foreword by Sir Ranulph Fiennes and chapters by various experts in aspects of natural history, animal behaviour and biodiversity. In terms of visuals, there are illustrations by, among others, Olivia Lomenech Gill (who has authored one of the chapters as well), and wildlife photographs. Delightfully, there is a reproduction of the intriguing Olaus Magnus marine map from 1539. A perfect gift book, it is available in either hardcover or paperback and – like the exhibition – is something that adults and children can enjoy together."