Wendy Mass offers a fresh, contemporary take on the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. This chapter book delves into the emotional lives of its protagonists: Beauty, who feels her name doesn't fit her appearance, and a young man cursed to be a beast, living in the shadow of his brother. The narrative explores themes of self-acceptance, empathy, and the true meaning of beauty, focusing on the internal struggles and the power of kindness to overcome outward challenges. It's a gentle yet poignant story suitable for children aged 4-11, encouraging discussions about self-worth and judging others.
Struggling with looks that she thinks do not reflect her name, Beauty meets a gangly youth who lives in the shadow of his older brother and who a witch enchants to assume the form of a beast until a girl willingly dances with him.