Goodreads Monday is a weekly meme where we randomly select a book from our Goodreads To Be Read list and share it with the world. It’s hosted by Lauren’s Page Turners, so be sure to link back to her site so that we can all see what everyone plans to read!

Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History
by Paul A. Johnsgard and Karin Johnsgard
Fantasy
163 pages
First Published in 1982 by St. Martin’s Griffin

From Goodreads: Is it generally safe to walk by dragon weyrs on sunny days? Do dragons really lay golden eggs? Do dragon teeth have any medicinal value? And what about unicorns: Do some rare ones have two horns, and when aren’t unicorns white? What is a unicorn “sneeze call,” and what exactly is the best way to capture a unicorn, anyway?

Find the answers to these and other questions in this charming and carefully researched book that presents the first scientific look at two of the earth’s most mysterious and elusive creatures. From the evolution and anatomy of dragons and unicorns to their own special skills (fire-breathing in dragons, reliable virgin detection in unicorns), this unique book of whimsical zoology, complete with drawings, will delight and enchant any modern reader.

I didn’t know this book existed until a friend read it and gave it five stars on Goodreads. I immediately wanted it. The fact that I’ve met Dr. Johnsgard on many occasion helps, as he is a charming human being in addition to being one of the U.S.’s foremost ornithologists with nearly sixty books on natural history to his name. I can’t wait to see what scientific ideas he and Karin Johnsgard bring to what must certainly be a whimsical book about some of my favorite fantasy creatures.