Beauty and the Beast The Only One who Didn't Run Away

Name: Beauty and the Beast The Only One who Didn't Run Away
ISBN: 9780545504515

by Wendy Mass

Beauty struggles with her name not matching her looks, while a gangly youth is cursed to be a beast. Only a girl who willingly dances with him can break the spell, leading to a story about seeing beyo

About This Book

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.

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Loneliness & Belonging Empathy & Kindness Love & Family Fear & Bravery Resilience & Perseverance Justice & Fairness Good vs. Evil Friendship & Loyalty Curiosity & Wonder Jealousy & Comparison Being Different Making Friends Growing Up Fairy Tales & Mythology Fantasy & Magic Family & Siblings

Heads up, parents

Scary Scenes

Discussion Prompts

How does Beauty feel about her name, and why is that important to the story?

What does the Beast learn about himself and others throughout the book?

What does this story teach us about judging people based on how they look?

If you could give Beauty or the Beast one piece of advice, what would it be?

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