Beauty and the Beast

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What to expect

A captivating retelling of the nation’s favourite fairy tale, from the nation’s favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.

After encountering a fearsome beast at a mysterious palace, down-on-his-luck merchant Marco is forced to make a promise in exchange for his life: he must persuade one of his three daughters to return to the palace in his place – but she must come of her own free will.

Beautiful, kind-hearted Belle agrees at once to return to the palace, and there she and the Beast exist companionably, with the Beast asking of Belle the same question at the end of each day: “Dearest Belle, will you marry me?”

After a return home to consult with her father, Belle resolves to follow her heart and return to the Beast, but her plans are thwarted by the trickery of her jealous sisters. When, at last, Belle is able to find her way back to the palace, she finds her beloved Beast lying as still as death on the ground. As Belle’s tears fall on his face, the Beast is transformed into a handsome prince – the ancient spell upon him broken by Belle’s tears of true love…

Critics Review

  • Praise for Michael Morpurgo:
    “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” – The Guardian

    “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” – Daily Telegraph

    “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” – Daily Express

    “Morpurgo’s gift is to make this long-ago world of danger and heartbreak accessible without ever patronising his young readers.” – Sunday Mercury

    “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”
    Elizabeth Reilly – British Council

    “The former children’s laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” -The Guardian.

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