Author: Retold by Jan Brett
Illustrated by: Jan Brett
Publishing information: (Clarion Books, September 11, 1989, Ages 4-8)
Number of Pages: 32 pages
Genre: Fairy Tale
Summary of Plot:
A man had three daughters. They had just downsized from a rich style life after a misfortunate turn of events. The father had heard that he could get his fortune back if he met a ship that was coming in to port. He offered to get his daughters one thing each that they had missed. One wanted gowns, another wanted a coach and horses, but Beauty, the most modest, just asked for a rose. While on his way he saw some roses. He picked one; that upset the owner of the house they were by, the Beast. As a punishment he made the father give him one of his daughters. Belle went because she felt responsible for the picking of the flower. She lived in his castle and found that the enchanted monkeys were fun to be around. However, she yearned to say goodbye to her family and friends before she stayed there for the rest of her life, like she promised; after denying numerous marriage proposals. He let her go and she returned home, but she forgot the promise. One night she had a dream that she was at the castle and he had died. She quickly returned out of sorrow for forgetting his promise, with the aid of a magic ring which the Beast had given her. Like her dream, he was nearly dead. She broke the curse by saying “I love you”. He was transformed into a human again and they got married the next day. They lived happily ever after.
After knowing the more familiar version of this story, it was strange. I liked it a lot though. The story was pretty much the same. The illustrations were wonderful. Jan Brett does a wonderful job at drawing them. Even though they were pastel colors I still found them eye catching. I think children can learn a lot about looking within the heart, rather than appearance, based on this story. It’s a good message for everyone. Throughout the pictures there was a peacock feather that caught my attention. I don’t know why. That was another great element about the book.
Potential Problems:
Enchanted monkeys are not real.
Also the book implies the idea that if a girl goes to a random man’s house, everything will be grand and they will live happily ever after. That is not accurate because strangers are still strangers. This is a fairy tale, not nonfiction.
Recommendations:
Artists will love the drawings. They are incredible. For those who favor the romantic side of stories, it will be a treat. It is a fun book. I would highly recommend this book. Jan Brett is one of my favorites lately.
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