The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asia’s Mythical Creatures

In this captivating collection of cryptid chronicles, Alkaf (Night of the Living Head) brings together 17 authors—including Brandon Hoàng, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Jesse Q. Sutanto—to delve into the beings that populate Southeast Asian myth and folklore. Creatures such as the “playful and mischievous” tree-dwelling kapre from the Philippines and the aquatic merlion of Singapore feature in largely joyful, sometimes cautionary stories that showcase intersectionally diverse characters’ experiences with the beasts. For some protagonists, these meetings are transformative: in Mae Respicio’s emotionally charged story “Oliver Santos and the Best Birthday Yet,” a 12-year-old uncovers untapped strength. For others, these encounters bring catharsis, as in Alkaf’s hopeful tale “The Curse of Sang Kelembai,” in which a tween navigates pain from a caregiver’s abandonment. Each story is preceded by evocative grayscale illustrations by the Wibowos (Weirdo), which portray a creature, convey ambiance via facial expressions and expert use of light and shadow, and provide facts about the beast’s temperament, habitat, and lore. This assemblage of brief tales makes for a fun, informative, and thoughtful introduction to creatures—and cultures—from Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and more. Ages 8–12. Editor’s agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary. Illustrators’ agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative Management. (Oct.)

Correction: This review has been updated for clarity.