Strange Creatures

An entertaining contemporary fable with a stark and timely message about conservation.

One day, while all the forest animals are at a party, their homes disappear. Shocked and devastated, they try to make do. But when that doesn’t work, they go searching for their homes and discover they’ve been cut into pieces by some strange creatures. The animals try to explain to the creatures that they need their homes. Only, they won’t listen. Luckily, the creatures’ small guardians do listen, and they help the animals come up with a plan to get their homes back. As wild as the idea is, it just might be the thing that finally gets the creatures’ attention!

With spare text and busy, colorful illustrations, Cristóbal León and Cristina Sitja Rubio have created a deceptively simple tale full of surprising turns and poignant moments that’s sure to open young children’s eyes about how humans’ actions affect other creatures in the world. The playful and irreverent tone keeps the story fun while it imparts a critical environmental message about habitat destruction. Uniquely described from the animals’ point of view, this book is a great discussion starter about the importance of conserving our natural environments. The book would align well with life-science lessons on habitats and the needs of living things.

Cristina Sitja Rubio was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and studied fine art in Montreal, Quebec, specializing in printmaking. In 2007, she decided to become an illustrator, and has since created a number of successful picture books, such as Strange Creatures and Amis Retrouvés (Éditions Les Fourmis Rouges). Cristina lives and works between Berlin, Germany, and Barcelona, Spain.