( He nearly jumps at the sudden NO! blotted across his page, but he replies with a hesitant sort of smile. )

No? Well, that's too bad then! I hope you'll be able to convince your parents into it eventually. It's a good subject to learn, especially if you're interested in dealing with creatures as a career!

And monster book? ( Thinking... Thinking... ) Ah! Do you mean the silly one that bites you?