The Mythical Creature Conservatory

by Sara Axelbaum, with contributions and illustrations by Hudson Axelbaum (age 10)

A shield-shaped logo featuring a black creature with a beak and blue crest, with an orange monogram 'MCC' in the center, and an orange banner with black text reading 'Mythical Creature Conservatory'.

A debut novel by Sara Axelbaum for kids 8-12

What happens when the only chance for the survival of mythological creatures is in the hands of the most anxious kid in 5th grade?

THE MYTHICAL CREATURE CONSERVATORY is a middle grade novel that follows Jack as he joins a globally diverse team of kids recruited not for magic, but for compassion, to rescue mythological creatures and preserve their stories before they're lost forever.

Mythical creatures are fading from the world, and the last refuge for their stories is the Mythical Creature Conservatory, where poachers are lurking right outside the enchanted gates. Ten‑year‑old Jack earns an invitation to this dreamlike sanctuary, where trees hum, clouds serve as transport, and legends from every culture walk the halls. But it’s not all smiling bees and unicorn groves.

Jack quickly discovers that the invaders know too much and that they may have something to do with a long missing phoenix.

Can Jack face his fears and anxiety to save the creatures and solve the mysteries?

"Your story differs from that of most fantasy fiction... [with a] fresh approach to the subject... reshaping traditional material for our own time."”

— Joseph Nigg, foremost expert on fantastical creatures, whose books were sourced for much of the research that went into this novel.
Joseph Nigg’s books include The Phoenix: An Unnatural Biography of a Mythical Beast, How to Raise and Keep a Dragon, and The Book of Fabulous Beasts: A Treasury of Writings from Ancient Times to the Present

“I love the characters - I really felt like I knew them and felt something for them! Love that some of the characters were neurodiverse. And I think a story where a kid has something "special" is a great hook.”

— Beta Reader

“The characters and story felt so real. It was the first time I’ve read the thoughts of someone experiencing anxiety like I do. And I use the same coping mechanisms that Jack uses!”

— Beta Reader

What people are saying about THE MYTHICAL CREATURE CONSERVATORY:

The MCC Playlist

Get into the groove of the Mythical Creature Conservatory.

This playlist was built to set the mood for the story.