This slight animal [the Moot] is considered a deity by local Indigenous peoples and feeds exclusively on their offerings. In return, they ask it questions and the moot replies by performing strange movements with its long legs, which are then interpreted by the locals.
Exquisite in detail, Animals That Might Exist is presented as an old-fashioned biological catalogue of imaginary creatures, from “soft” and “supernatural” to “drooly” and “shifty”. Each creature has its own dedicated two-page spread with a labeled scientific illustration, a miniature world map showing its supposed habitat, and distinguishing features, such as “loves smoked sausages” or “loves songs from the ‘80s and the radio in general.” The creatures, themselves, resemble real or extinct animals, with one or two slight modifications (or even combinations of features), such as a pterodactyl-like “Bouffandactyl,” featuring a bouffant hairstyle. A one- or two-paragraph offering a more extensive description of each creature is also included. Rounding out the “information” is a figure depicting each animal within its habitat, usually in the form of a comic strip.
While it is in keeping with the usage of antiquated natural history texts, reference to “local Indigenous peoples”, especially accompanied by illustrations of cartoon-style fierce and primitive barbarians, is objectionable. It is for this reason that the title cannot be recommended.
Roxy Garstad is the Collections Librarian at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta.
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