Publisher's Weekly Review

Gr 2-3-As a merchant returns home from a long trading journey, he suddenly realizes he has forgotten to obtain the special flower requested by Beauty, his youngest daughter. He frantically looks around in unknown territory and, fortunately, encounters a lovely garden nearby. After choosing the most beautiful flower, however, a horrific beast approaches. Upset that a trespasser has invaded his garden, the Beast gives the merchant the choice of being punished or sending his lovely daughter to his castle. When the merchant returns home, he hesitates but ultimately allows Beauty to go. After spending several weeks with the beast, the pretty woman begins to feel very comfortable with him. Although she misses her family, Beauty demonstrates her true love for the beast as another fairy tale ends happily. Illustrations use vibrant colors to portray characters with realistic expressions. The limited text will support budding independent readers, while this version is also appropriate as a read-aloud. Also available in this handsome bilingual collection are Hansel and Gretel (see review August, 2005), The Musicians of Bremen (see review August, 2005)], The Ugly Duckling, and others. Highly recommended for all libraries and bookstores.-Paul M. Kienlen, Northside ISD Bilingual/ESL Department, San Antonio, TX (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.