Beauty & The Beast by An Leysen

Genre: Picture book, Fairytale, Children’s book

Pages: 29

Expected Publication October 1st 2017 by Clavis

Synopsis:

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a merchant with his two daughters. The eldest daughter was spoiled and vain, and the youngest preferred to read all day. She was so pretty everyone called her -Belle-. One day, the merchant got lost in the forest and stumbled upon a castle that looked enchanted. Suddenly, he stood face-to-face with the castle’s sole inhabitant: a beast! The Beast would spare the merchant’s life on one condition: he must send one of his daughters to live in the castle. Against her father’s will, Belle went to the Beast’s castle…. The cheerful Belle and the good-natured Beast come to life in this beautiful picture book by An Leysen. For everyone who loves timeless fairy tales.

My Thoughts

These illustrations are so beautiful, they also help to throw the children into the story. I read this to my children at night and even my son who is adamant that Princess stories are not for him enjoyed this tale. It is not like the Disney movie, so don’t have your heart set up, it plays closer to the original story.

While this does run closer to the original it is definitely muted for children, in that the Beast is more misunderstood and isn’t exactly a vicious monster.

Gauging my children’s reactions and the fact they didn’t want this story to end, plus my love for the illustrations? It is reflected in the rating. I will definitely be buying a physical copy to put into my youngest’s library.