Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast – A Beloved Tale About Courage at an Enchanted Castle for Children (Ages 8-12)
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From Newbery Medal–winning author Robin McKinley, this beloved story illuminates an unlikely love story—Beauty and the Beast. This fortieth- anniversary edition features a striking new package for the award-winning novel. Publishers Weekly called Beauty “A splendid story.”Beauty has never liked her nickname. She is thin and awkward; it is her two sisters who are the beautiful ones. But what she lacks in appearance, she can perhaps make up for in courage. When her father comes home with a tale of an enchanted castle in the forest and the terrible promise he had to make to the Beast who lives there, Beauty knows she must travel to the castle, a prisoner of her own free will. Her father insists that he will not let her go, but she responds, “Cannot a Beast be tamed?”Newbery Medalist Robin McKinley’s beloved and acclaimed novel has been delighting readers for more than forty years. ALA Booklist called Beauty “A captivating novel.” “A reader feels as though it’s all unfolding for the very first time.”—The GuardianAn ALA Notable Book for ChildrenA Best Book for Young Adults Read more
Publisher : Greenwillow Books
Publication date : June 19, 2018
Edition : Reprint
Language : English
Print length : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 006280345X
ISBN-13 : 50
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Reading age : 10+ years, from customers
Dimensions : 5.12 x 0.64 x 7.62 inches
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Top Amazon Reviews
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Ok, let me just say I am SO harsh when it comes to reviewing books. I almost never love a book. Usually, I like books, think their decent but would never want to read them again and think some of the book was a waste of time. This book? Absolutely wonderful! The author is so amazing at writing, I've never seen someone be able to weave a story with such beautiful descriptions before without losing the reader's interest. The storyline is great too, like the classic but with enough of added details and character developments to fully engage the reader's attention. I really loved how Beauty's sisters were nice even though they were so beautiful, I was expecting the whole evil stepsister kind of attitude. I also liked the Beast's personality and how it differed between Beauty's father and herself. I liked the minor characters of Ger (one of Beauty's sisters' husbands) and the babies they have and the hints the Beast gives to one of these babies as well as the other characters. I like the neighbors and how self sufficient and kind they are with this heartfelt, rugged aspect the author gives them, like they've adapted to the raw and forlorn landscape they live in physically but without losing their sense of kindness. I love how the author portrays this landscape and how the characters depend on each other, with Beauty being the most independent yet finds a new sense of dependence as the story goes on. She really is an awesome character, one I could so easily be friends with. She's braver than I could ever be but she's an avid reader, knows what its like to stand in her sister's shadows, is a bit insecure about her appearance, is confident in herself mentally and physically but not when it comes to appearances. She's a huge animal lover, particularly of horses, which I really love about the story because I love horses as well so reading about them, what they look like and behave like in this fiction story was great. I really loved Beauty's horse and how he acted like a big puppy, following her around, protecting her, but being scared sometimes himself even though he's this giant draft horse. He reminded me of the white horse in the movie Tangled, he thinks he's a guard dog sometimes lol! I also loved the castle's enchantments, it was wonderful yet almost scary as Beauty began to adapt to it and become a part of it. The only critique I have!! The ending! It was a beautiful ending, predictable yes but we all knew what was going to happen. However, it was just too fast. I was a bit confused as to Beauty actually seeing her family parade through the woods or just see it in the mirror? There's no way it could happen in reality, how could they even know about the wedding let alone get there in a few minutes time frame when the castle was hours away? It was just way too rushed and confusing, I think the author was trying to end the book on a light note but it really could have used a few more pages so that it actually felt real rather than made up. I get the book is supposed to be fiction but the author actually kept a realness throughout the whole novel..up until the very last pages that it. Overall, I love this book to death! I actually had a hard time leaving its story behind, I was so ready to re-read the book again and I think I just might! Living in the author's descriptions felt so real and magical, I just have never felt that in a story before and trust me, I've read hundreds of books! I'm definitely going to be buying more of McKinley's books, but not many seem to get the rave reviews as this one. If anyone has any comments as to which book of hers is most like this one in writing style with a great story to go along with it, be free to comment! There is another Beauty and the Beast story of hers, but I hear its not nearly as good as this one!!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2013 by ilovewoofy
Format: Kindle
I realized when first reading this novel a few years ago, and recently once again, that Disney's story folks are incredibly original and creative, but like most creators, they had sources of inspiration from which they borrowed ideas. I believe that the creators of Disney's Beauty and the Beast found some of their inspirations in the book I am here reviewing, Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley. Granted, that much is different (I said I believe Disney got some ideas, not adapted the work). For instance, "Beauty" is her nickname, not her name, and she is her tomboyish ugly duckling who hatches into a beautiful swan before the end of the story. Other areas of difference are that the household items do not talk, at least not understandably, and the servants that do talk, are invisible, and not meant to be understood by Beauty. In fact, her increasing ability to understand them as the story progresses, is a major plot point. In other words, the enchanted servants, as well as roses and so on that one will see in the novel I believe did inspire the film-makers, but that was it. The story is still quite different. Other similarities exist that I can not properly describe without spoiling the whole book. You'll just have too see for yourselves. The main premise is well-known, but herein is reworked. Beauty lives with her father, sisters, and brother-in-law at his house and smithy. The brother-in-law, is a blacksmith, and a good one at that. He grew up in that part of the countryside where they now live after his father-in-law (Beauty and her sisters' father) suffers financial ruin. He warns the family not to go near the forest, for it is evil and enchanted. Unfortunately, not all of the family listens, and on returning from a business trip, Beauty's father wanders into the woods and gets lost. He comes upon a castle, and angers the Beast who anonymously cared for him there. His life is spared provided that he, or one of his daughters, comes to live with the Beast forever. Once the poor old man arrives home and tells his tale, Beauty volunteers to go. Upon arriving at the castle, she is settled in and meets the Beast. He thinks her beautiful, but she is disbelieving. "Beauty" is only a nickname she assumed when she was young and adorable. Now she is a plain, barely pretty, if that, adult. At least, that is how she views herself. Robin McKinley was a masterful writer, and it shows in this fanciful tale. The mindset of the overly studious Beauty is one that just drinks in the scenery and makes sometimes foolish, sometimes intelligent, but nearly always witty, observations and assessments of whatever situation she finds herself in. Beyond just a talent for prose, McKinley designed an actual system for how the old tale of Beauty and the Beast could work. Why was the Beast connected to Beauty? Why would he die without her? Why? While keeping the original tale's emphasis on love, and the broken heart of the Beast, McKinley suggested something enchanted about Beauty that connected her to the Beast in an almost psychic link that governs the life of the sadly cursed creature. Remember the importance of Beauty understanding the invisible servants that I mentioned earlier? The only part that I did not like was how rushed the ending was. It seemed like a huge buildup, and a wonderful act of world-building on McKillip's part, lead to nothing. Yes, we can see that Beauty and her family are happy, and will live good lives, but that is it. We see the beginning and then it is cut short with barely a couple of pages of description. I felt kind of cheated at that. I wanted to see the family meet the Beast. Read of the celebrations, and learn more of the ins and outs of how everyone came together. It was all so rushed, seemingly, and that detracted slightly from the book. That was, however, the only thing that detracted from the book. All in all, a great read, and now one of my favorite books. I used to love the Disney film version, but the old folk tale best. Now, I also adore this novel as well. That is how good it was. Please read it. Highly Recommended. Rating: 4.5/5 Stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2017 by MereChristian
Format: Kindle
So you may notice that I recently read another retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The reason why I chose to read this one right away is because one of the reviews for the K.M. Shea version left a comment about how her version couldn’t compare to the Robin Mckinley version. I think that is way too strong a statement and I think this person is over fond of the Robin Mckinley version because it is from her childhood. I liked both versions very much. K.M. Shea has a very different take on the story and it is well written and refreshing. I loved the vivid depictions in the Robin Mckinley version. Summary: Beauty lives with her father and two sisters. Beauty’s real name is Honour, but has long gone by Beauty although she notes throughout the book how she is not beautiful like her sisters. Her sister Grace is engaged to be married to a man who works for her father in their shipping business. The business goes on hard times and the family is forced to moved far away and build a new life. The other sister Hope finds a man to marry as well during all of this. Their father makes a trip and on the way back gets lost in the enchanted forest. It is during this time that a deal is struck with the beast in the castle in the enchanted forest. Either the father but die or he must bring one of his daughters to live in the castle. Beauty is chosen and like the story goes she must see past the outward appearance of the beast. I loved everything about this story except the falling in love portion. Beauty, although always saying she is not beautiful, still considers herself far above the beast. She makes a very sudden realization that she loves the beast although prior to that she was adamant about keeping her distance even to the point of running away and appearing quite disgusted when she wakes up in the beast’s arms after fainting. He is always very gracious and patient with her but I found little in her character to warrant such patience. At the very end when the spell is undone, it all happens too fast. He changes back, she wants her beast, but quickly sees he is the beast, but thinks she isn’t beautiful enough, he assures her she is and they go out to meet her family. There should have been more substance to this part. It is the climax and yet it is as though once the spell is broken we must end the story ASAP. No declarations of love, just look how richly dressed your family is as they come to our wedding. It also doesn’t discuss the significance of the week. The beast lets Beauty go for a week and if she doesn’t return he shall die. Why??? For more book suggestions, visit my blog: http://bibliobibulireviews.blogspot.com/
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Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2014 by Tiffany A.
This is a book that I originally bought when it was packaged as an adult fantasy novel with a lovely Boris Vallejo cover. It has since been changed to a children's format and labeled ages 9-12 which is sad because I believe many adults who would love this story will overlook it due to its new age labels and format. First, what this book is not--it is not a slam, bam action book or gigantic doorstopper epic. What it is--a wonderful romantic retelling of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. A widower has three daughters, Grace, Hope, and Honour. As a young child, Honour decides that her name is boring and states she would rather be Beauty, and the nickname stuck with her. Kindly Grace and Hope grow up into great beauties, but Beauty grows into a gawky ugly duckling, little concerned with her looks, but proud of her intelligence and way with horses. They all live happily in the city until disastor strikes and they lose almost all their possessions. They move to the country next to a mysterious old forest and as years pass become used to hard work and the peasant life. Beauty thrives, but still suffers from low self esteem. Then their father goes back to the city to check on one of his lost ships and when he returns, brings her a beautiful rose. You know the story--he met the Beast who demanded one of his daughters in exchange for the father's life, because he dare to pluck the rose. Beauty volunteers to got to the Beast, taking only her warhorse turned plowhorse, Great Heart. She meets the Beast and encounters all the mysteries of his strange castle and invisible servants, some fearful and some wondrous. A sweet and charming romance ensues as the Beast asks her every night for her hand in marriage. The author really makes the character of Beauty come to life--her wry, self-deprecating humor, her love of nature and books, her wonder, and sometimes fear of, the magic surrounding her, the gentle changing and unfolding of her feelings about the Beast. And the Beast is just as wonderful, you can feel his sad yearning for love, his hard-earned wisdom, his patience with Beauty and her fears, his strength and temper and sorrow. There is wit and humor, sadness and joy. This is just a wonderful book that I read again and again.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2001 by Dawn Smoker
Format: Kindle
First thing’s first: Robin McKinley’s writing is absolutely gorgeous. Her descriptions are detailed and immersive; I could practically see the settings like the Hurston’s new home and the grandeur of Beast’s castle. I also greatly enjoyed the picture she painted of Beauty’s relationship with her father and especially her sisters, given that the “ugly duckling amongst a team of swans” idea tends to lean towards the good old trope of unbridled, female animosity. That being said, I feel the pacing was a bit mishandled in some areas. Had McKinley focused on supplying us with as much buildup and background information toward the end of the book as she had done in Beauty’s childhood, my rating would have certainly been higher. However, when the time comes for Beauty to return to her love after being allowed to leave the castle, the process seems rushed and clamored together. I also would have loved if she had spent more time showing the development of Beauty and Beast’s relationship (i.e., more dedication to discreetly explaining details of the curse and giving us tidbits of the truth as opposed inching toward it and then BANG—here’s the whole pie!). All in all, it was an enjoyable book. I can’t help but feel it could have been more, however!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022 by Brittany
Beauty (A Retelling of The Story of Beauty & The Beast) By Robin McKinley Published by Harper Trophy In this charming retelling of the famous fable, Honour nicknamed Beauty, the youngest of three daughters born to a wealthy merchant (and beloved mother since passed), has not yet grown into her lofty nickname. After the collapse of their fathers shipping business the family is forced to move away from the city and into the northern hill country to live a modest life. Beauty takes to the country immediately though the work is hard and their means are limited. The only `rule' they are sworn to is never enter the woods. Unfortunately, a fateful error by their father takes him exactly there; and what he finds is an immense and enchanted castle. After receiving gracious hospitality and much needed rest, he begins to head home, but first cuts a rose from the garden to bring to Beauty; an unknowingly fateful move. The Beast appears immediately, and angered by this act, exacts an ultimatum, in one month either forfeit your life or send Beauty to live here forever. Returning home, the father is resigned to living out the month with his family and then relinquishing his life. Yet Beauty demands that she be allowed to go to the Beast so that her father may live. What she finds when she arrives is wonder, enchantment and a lonely but kind Beast. A friendship is born and Beauty comes to rely on and enjoy the company of her Beast, but when she inadvertently delays a promise, she realizes her love may be lost forever. Perfect for children, YA and adults alike, Beauty is a quintessential coming of age romantic fairytale. Filled with heartwarming morals and values, McKinley stays true to the original fable and enchantments that so delighted us as children. I would highly recommend this endearing novel to any parent as a bedtime story selection.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2010 by W. Burke
Format: Paperback
This was a fun read of a good story.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2026 by Carol
Format: Kindle
The story was amazing. I was kind of on the fence to read it, but I was fascinated by the scenes that were depicted, and the writing was so smooth and I felt the emotions come out of the pages. Beauty was born to a wealthy family. She had other sisters, who Grace and Hope. A successful merchant, and had a fleet of ships at the tides turn the lost everything and the family, who once was waited on hand by servants, lost everything and had to move with Ger whom wanted to marry Grace. But he wanted to Wait because he had nothing to offer until they arrived at the small town where he used to be a bit black smith so the long journey was very hard, and when they arrived the small home Clean but needed a lot of work and none of the girls know how to do it, but they dug in and did the best they could beauty who was not very pretty kind of gangly Was given a horse called great heart that was large and strong, and he was very useful at a great many things. He was devoted to beauty and would do pretty much anything that she required of him. She loved him. She filled her days with work and started to be like a tomboy working With Geier and the horses killing Fields, cutting wood and many many other manly jobs, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Father had to go away because one of his ships were found, and he had to go and sell it and try to help the sailors that survived when he returned many weeks later He was thin, pale and very upset. He told them that he would tell them the tail in the morning he told them that he had Gotten lost in bad weather, and had came across a beautiful castle, and he needed shelter, warmth and food and everything was given to him just after or before the thought he was given a room to rest food and he thanked the house for everything for he saw no people. But when he went to leave, going down a beautiful white road, there were more beautiful roses, and in an arbor, he remembered he wanted to bring beauty back a rose, so he picked one, and everything changed in an instant. A loud roar, and a great beast jumped out screaming you stole from me after everything that I had given you shelter, food, warmth, and yet you stole from me the father apologized and said he appreciated everything but he didn't know that he couldn't pick a rules, but the beast said I'm going to kill you now unless you can offer me a deal the father says I have nothing other than my three daughters The beast says then you will give me one of your daughters. If you will not I will kill you now if you agree on your honor leave & then do not bring me a daughter in three months I will find you and kill you. You will come back to me at this gate and if you do not have the daughter with you then you die but when you bring the daughter and she comes willingly you will live and she will stay with me, no harm will come to her; her father was horrified that he would trade one of his daughters for his life, to live with a wild beast. But her father went home, and had explained to everyone what had happened at the castle and how strange things came about that one of the daughters had to willingly go to the beast, and live in the Castle. Ger had heard these tales of enchantment and curses all his life & knew father was telling the truth. Beauty Listened to the tale about magic and enchantment. She was quite sure she believed her father she knew she had to sacrifice for her father life. So she willingly went, but will she live to tell the tale and be treated well without harm will see
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2023 by Rita