Share your thoughts in a quick Shelf Talk!
The Creature of the Pines by Adam Gidwitz
When a field trip leads to a hidden legend, two new friends are swept into a secret world of mythical creatures and daring rescues. Fast-paced, funny, and full of wonder, The Creature of the Pines is a gateway to adventure that sparks curiosity with every page.
Have you read this book? Share what you liked (or didn’t), and we’ll use your answers to recommend your next favorite read!
Love The Creature of the Pines but not sure what to read next?
These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for The Creature of the Pines below.
In The Creature of the Pines, did you enjoy ...
... the snappy, laugh-out-loud banter during monster-sized mishaps?
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
If the quippy chaos of Elliot, Uchenna, and Professor Fauna rescuing the Jersey Devil made you grin, you’ll love the rapid-fire wit of Skulduggery Pleasant. A wisecracking skeleton detective teams up with a sharp kid, Stephanie, to tackle magical mayhem in the real world—complete with ridiculous close shaves and outlandish villains. It delivers the same laugh-first, gasp-second vibe that made the Pine Barrens caper so fun.
... modern kids stumbling on hidden folklore creatures in our world?
The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black
Loved watching Elliot and Uchenna find a very real Jersey Devil in the Pine Barrens? In The Field Guide, the Grace siblings move into a creaky old house and uncover a secret guide to faeries—then discover goblins and other creatures lurking just outside. Like the Unicorn Rescue Society’s first mission, it blends everyday life with startling encounters that prove myths are living right next door.
... chasing eerie clues to protect a hidden being while uncovering secrets?
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
If tracking signs and sneaking around to safeguard a misunderstood creature (like Elliot, Uchenna, and Professor Fauna do for the Jersey Devil) hooked you, City of Ghosts leans into that investigative thrill. Cassidy can cross the Veil to see ghosts, and when strange accidents stack up in Edinburgh’s haunted closes, she follows a trail of clues to stop a dangerous spirit. It’s the same solve-the-mystery momentum—just with ghosts instead of cryptids.
... an unlikely, growing bond between a cautious rule-follower and a bold risk-taker?
Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
If watching careful, anxious Elliot team up with fearless Uchenna was your favorite part, Sal and Gabi Break the Universe gives you another dynamite duo. Sal’s reckless “magic” (tearing holes between universes!) crashes into Gabi’s driven, no-nonsense brilliance, and their friendship deepens as they problem-solve wild consequences together—much like Elliot and Uchenna learning to trust each other on their Jersey Devil rescue.
... befriending and protecting a ‘monster’ who turns out to be a gentle ally?
The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors
If your heart melted when the Jersey Devil proved more friend than fiend, The Sasquatch Escape hits that same sweet spot. Ben and Pearl discover a veterinary clinic for imaginary creatures, then scramble to help a frightened sasquatch on the loose. Like Elliot and Uchenna’s pledge to protect cryptids, this adventure turns ‘scary’ into sympathetic—and makes rescuing magical beings feel joyful and urgent.
Unlock your personalized book recommendations! Just take a quick Shelf Talk for The Creature of the Pines by Adam Gidwitz. It’s only a few questions and takes less than a minute.