Beauty and the Beast retold by Alex Field, illustrated by Helene Magisson (New
Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9781925059809
Reviewed by
Rebecca Newman
This is a
retelling of the well-known fairytale in a picture book format. The text of the
story is in large clear type with lots of white space. The pared back narrative
occasionally feels more like a story summary than storytelling — however, this
simpler format might enable younger readers to have a go at reading the story for
themselves.
I’m already a fan
of Helene Magisson’s work as an illustrator and her illustrations glow with
fairytale magic. The use of birdcages and butterflies in the background to symbolise
imprisonment and then freedom will delight the observant child reader. The end
papers give an extra twist to this element.
Beauty and the Beast is just one title in the Happily Ever After series
and will be in bookshops from 1 March 2017. This is a beautifully presented hardcover
book.
About
the reviewer: Rebecca Newman is a children’s writer and
poet. She is the editor of Alphabet Soup’s website and former editor of
Alphabet Soup’s print magazine. rebeccanewman.net.au
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