Beauty and the Beast – A Colouring Book

Beauty and the Beast – A Colouring Book  by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve (1685-1755), llustrated by Walter Crane (1845 -1915) Designs and additional illustrations by Eliz Huseyin, Ian Cuncliffe, Lydia Coventry (A Macmillan Classic Colouring Book) PB  RRP $24.99 

ISBN 978-1-5098-3936-0

Reviewed by Bev Murrill

This is a colouring book illustrating the story of Beauty and the Beast with quotations from the original story. Colouring books have become immensely popular over the last few years, but you would have to go a long way to find a colouring book as beautiful in picture and words as this one. Delectable pictures and stunning designs are drawn in ornate detail. Just looking through the book makes one itch to pick up a pack of colouring pencils and get going.

Quotations interspersed through the book only serve to encourage interest in the story and is being released in perfect timing for the new movie coming this year with Emma Watson and Dan Stevens in the starring roles, which will add to its popularity.

This is a book for connoisseurs of colouring rather than small children who are still working on their colouring skills. Modern designs that draw their inspiration from ancient books form a perfect blend of old and new. Teenagers, more likely girls but easily suited to boys as well, will love the beauty and grace and pure femininity of the illustrations. It is also a wonderful book for adults who are looking for colouring-in therapy as a break from the madding crowd. It would be very easy to get lost in this magnificent, beautifully designed book.

If you’re a colouring-in fan, this book is not to be missed.