Beauty and the Beast

Children's Literature - Carol Kirkham Martin

In this recent title in the "Jump at the Sun Story-time Classic" series, Beauty and her father share a love of books and work together in her father's bookstore. One evening her father sets out to deliver books when a snowstorm hits and causes him to lose his way. Tired and hungry he stops at an old castle to ask directions. The castle door opens to a warm fire and a table set with his favorite dishes, but no one appears. Father eats, grows tired, and falls asleep. In the morning Father cuts a rose for his daughter, but an angry beast appears and threatens him harm. The horses from Father's carriage return to Beauty without him. Concerned for his safety Beauty hurries to the castle where she learns she must stay to earn her father's freedom. In time Beauty and the Beast become friends. The grayish colored illustrations effectively portray the cold winter and dimly lit castle, and the usage of cartoonlike drawings creates the tale's fantasy world. This fast paced multi-cultural remake of a classic tale carries a subtle message of a love for books, and its ‘don't judge a book by its cover' take-away makes it a worthwhile addition for the shelves of schools and libraries.