I’ve always loved fairy tales. One of my favorite books growing up was a collection of folk and fairy tales from around the world. So, I suppose it’s no surprise that when I found Beauty: a retelling of the story of Beauty & the beast, a children’s/YA novel by first-time Warren, Ohio author Robin McKinley, I decided to give it a try. That was back in the early 1980s and since then I’ve probably reread it at least 3-4 times. McKinley has a way of making her world completely believable and she has a way with words that totally draws me in to her character’s lives. In McKinley’s version of the tale, Beauty (her real name is Honour) is the youngest of three daughters of a widowed merchant. When his shipping business goes belly-up they must leave the city and venture inland to a country village where magic is still to be found. Those who know the story can guess that she will meet up with The Beast and break the spell that binds him. If you enjoy a well-written old-fashioned romance with a touch of magic, give this a try. By the way, McKinley went on to write a Newbery Medal winner, The Hero and the Crown. I could have told you she was destined for greatness!
-Janet M
Facebook
NoveList Plus
Twitter
