Author Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrator Gerald Kelley retell the legend of the Jersey Devil, a mysterious and threatening creature said to haunt the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey in this atmospheric picture-book. Believed to have been the thirteenth child of one Mother Leeds, who, not wanting another baby, declared, "Let it be a devil!," the creature had a horse-like head, a wyvern-like dragon body, hoofed feet and a tail. Immediately a sensation in the area, the Devil attracted preachers who railed against it, and animal hunters from New York and Philadelphia, intent on capturing it. All were driven off by the creature, who had made the swampy Pine Barrens his home, and who reappeared from time to time, to remind the world of his presence...

One of the great cryptids of North American folklore - akin to the Hodag of Wisconsin, the Lake Erie Monster, and others - the Jersey Devil dates back to the early 18th century, and has been seen many times over the years. In January of 1909, there were apparently multiple sightings, and the sensationalist news coverage of these events led to the closure of schools, and organized hunts being undertaken for the creature. The New Jersey Devils - the state's current professional hockey team - are named after the famous cryptid. Although long familiar with the existence of this creature, The Legend of the Jersey Devil is the first book I have read about it. I'm glad it was my introduction, as I found Noble's narrative engrossing, and the accompanying artwork from Kelley deliciously spooky. This is one I would recommend, both to young folklore enthusiasts, and to picture-book readers looking for spooky, atmospheric stories. ( )