Of all the Lovecraftian inspired works I've read, one of the most horrifying, amusing, and unexpected was Baby's First Mythos, written by C. J. Henderson and illustrated by his daughter, Erica Henderson. The book takes its readers on an ABC and 123 journey through the Mythos, from Azathoth to Zarnak. 

Each entry in this children's collection features an illustration and a short poem. There is one entry for each letter of the alphabet, and for the numbers zero through nine. These are followed by a nursery rhyme, “Little Old Ones.” The rhyming poems are a tongue in cheek humor style, that make one laugh and squirm at the thought of actually introducing the Mythos to a baby. The illustrations capture the horror of Lovecraft in black and white sketches.

The publication was originally in the form of a chapbook, released by Die Monster Die! In 2003. This version of the book omitted an entry for the letter “X” and had only illustrations and rhymes for the alphabet. In 2004, the hardcover form came off the press.

Although the administrators and owners of this website do not condone actually finding small children with the express purpose of exposing them to the world of Lovecraft using this book, I fully support and even encourage such actions. Where better to learn about Tindalos and its hounds (T), the wastelands of Kadath (K), and, of course, the Elder Gods (E)? And counting becomes a joy to learn with our friends, the Mi-Go. The kids have to learn about this stuff some day, and it's better to start when they're young. The Hendersons have given us the perfect vehicle to introduce a world of dark amusement to our little ones.

It must also be stressed that this book isn't, of course, just for toddlers. Seasoned readers of the works of Lovecraft and his ilk are bound to look on this work with smiles. The artwork of Erica Hendreson is truly stunning, with a tone that is very suggestive of the strange worlds that live inside the heads of Mythos writers. The images are sometimes chilling, and always intriguing. When coupled with her father's singsong rhymes, the effect is something any fan of this genre will be more than happy to indulge in many times over.