Activities

Make Your Own Graphic Novel

What story would you tell in a graphic novel? Take a look at some of the resources below for inspiration, and use our downloadable graphic novel pages to start your own visual story!

Where Do I Start?

Get an overview with this video: "How to Make a Comic Book" by Art Projects for Kids

Get Inspired

Take a look at this reading list from the American Library Association for some great kids' graphic novels!

What's the Word for That?

Check out this creator's guide to comics devices at https://comicsdevices.com/

Take it to the Screen

Common Sense Media has a list of apps and websites for kids who want to go from comic fans to comic creators.

The Real Fisheries Museum
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Mr. McLeod got his wish—there is a real Fisheries Museum in Anstruther today, though it wouldn't have existed in his lifetime! 

Their mission is to interest people of all ages, in Scotland and beyond, in the story of Scotland's commercial fishing industry. 

• Take a look at their exhibitions and upcoming events. Is there anything you'd be excited to see?

• Look up museums in your local area. Do you have a similar museum nearby? 

• What's the difference between a museum of industry and a museum of art? What are some similarities? 

Visit Fife . . . Virtually!

Use the map below to explore the real Anstruther.
Where do you think the sea dragons' island might be?

Create Your Own Sea Dragon

What would your sea dragon look like? Would it be a master of disguise like the dragon Cat and her friends hunt, or would it have other abilities? 
The real animals below may not be the kind of dragon you would call a Royal & Ancient team to fight, but they do exist! Maybe they'll inspire you.

Imagination Zoo Walk

The Edinburgh Zoo plays an important role in Monsters of Fife: Terror Birds. The next time you visit the zoo, try imagining monsters and mythical creatures in each exhibit. Which exhibit would be best for sea dragons? Which would be best for terror birds? 
For US-based readers, you can find a zoo or aquarium near you through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or a wildlife sanctuary near you with America's Wildlife Refuges. 

Book 1: Sea Dragons

by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Celia Lowenthal

Cat is the first girl to join the Royal & Ancient society of monster hunters. Her role? Bait. 

This rollicking hybrid graphic novel adventure dives into an alternate 19th-century Scotland full of monsters and mysteries as Cat and her teammates learn to trust each other and themselves. 

Book Cover: Monsters of Fife (Book 1) Sea Dragons, with a sea dragon jumping out of the sea at a boat full of kids in armor

Book 2: Terror Birds

by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Celia Lowenthal

It's been a quiet seven months since Cat and her friends faced off with the sea dragons. Then Cat finds a new companion—the legendary Black Dog, a warning of a terrible new threat on the horizon.

The high-octane adventure continues in this sequel to Sea Dragons!