Beastly Beauty (eBook)

This gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast offers a revolutionary take on the classic fairy tale, transforming familiar themes of beauty and power into a thought-provoking exploration of inner worth. Carnegie-award-winning author Jennifer Donnelly masterfully reimagines the traditional roles, creating a narrative that challenges conventional fairy tale dynamics and encourages readers to question societal expectations about appearance and strength. The story maintains the magical atmosphere of the original while introducing fresh perspectives on what it means to follow one's heart and see beyond surface appearances.

What makes this fairy tale retelling particularly compelling is how it empowers young readers to think critically about gender roles and personal identity through accessible fantasy storytelling. Children who enjoy strong character development and moral complexity will find themselves deeply engaged with the protagonist's journey toward understanding true beauty and authentic power. The novel's sophisticated yet age-appropriate handling of these themes makes it an excellent choice for sparking meaningful conversations between parents and children about self-worth and emotional intelligence.