Title: Beauty and the Beast
Author: Max Eilenberg
First published November 14, 2006
64 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780763631604 (ISBN10: 0763631604)
Rating: 4.36
Overview
With stunning artwork and an eloquent retelling, the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast is given a new lease of life. In this captivating story, a lovely daughter dreams of meeting a charming prince, but her destiny takes a different turn when she must leave her home to live with a fearsome beast in order to save her father’s life.
Despite the beast’s terrifying appearance, his unexpected kindness and generosity gradually bring the two closer together. Through his compassionate storytelling, Max Eilenberg delivers a heartwarming message that love can conquer all.
Angela Barrett’s exquisite illustrations bring both the grandeur of the palace and the beast’s horrific appearance to vivid life. This enchanting combination of story and illustration is a true masterpiece that will captivate readers young and old alike.
Editoral Review
Max Eilenberg’s Beauty and the Beast is an enchanting retelling of the classic fairy tale, brimming with lively illustrations by Angela Barrett. Published on November 14, 2006, the book has garnered positive reviews for its captivating narrative and charming visuals.
As a retelling of a timeless story, Beauty and the Beast presents no surprises in terms of plot – a young woman named Beauty is forced to live with a hideous beast in exchange for her father’s life, and over time, comes to fall in love with him. However, Eilenberg’s writing and Barrett’s illustrations bring a fresh perspective to the beloved tale, with Beauty portrayed as a curious and empathetic young woman, and the Beast as a complex creature with a layered backstory.
As a children’s book, Beauty and the Beast excels in its simplicity and readability. The narrative flows smoothly, with each chapter ending on a satisfying note that leaves the reader eager to know what happens next.
The central conflict – the Beast’s desire to be loved and Beauty’s struggle to see beyond his appearance – is handled with sensitivity, teaching young readers important lessons about empathy and kindness. One of the book’s major strengths is Barrett’s artwork, which elevates the story to a new level of beauty.
Her use of muted colors and intricate details brings each illustration to life, creating a sense of wonder and whimsy that perfectly complements the narrative. The book is sure to be a hit with children who love stories filled with magic and imagination.
At the same time, Beauty and the Beast does have some limitations. While the writing is solid, Eilenberg’s prose can be somewhat simplistic, lacking the depth and nuance that older readers may expect.
The pace of the story also drags in some areas, with certain chapters feeling overly long and drawn out. Despite its flaws, however, Beauty and the Beast remains an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
It may not satisfy readers who are looking for a novel with complex characters and intricate plotlines, but it is a heartwarming tale that will resonate with children and adults alike. In terms of historical and cultural significance, Beauty and the Beast is a well-loved story that transcends time and place.
Eilenberg’s retelling is no exception, delivering a message about acceptance and inner beauty that is as relevant today as it was when the first version of the fairy tale was written. In our current climate of intolerance, teaching children the importance of kindness and empathy is more important now than ever before.
Overall, Beauty and the Beast is a delightful children’s book that is sure to captivate young readers with its enchanting prose and exquisite illustrations. While it may not be an instant classic on par with the likes of Lewis Carroll or J.K. Rowling, it is a worthy addition to any child’s bookshelf.
We give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
