Beauty and the Beast for Children   By: Madame (Jeanne-Marie) Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1780)

Beauty and the Beast for Children by Madame Leprince de Beaumont is a timeless tale that is sure to captivate young readers. This beautifully written story has all the elements of a classic fairy tale – magic, adventure, and a heartwarming message about the power of love and inner beauty.

The book follows the journey of Beauty, a kind and gentle young woman, who finds herself trapped in a castle with a fearsome Beast. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a mesmerizing journey, witnessing Beauty's transformation from fear to understanding, and eventually to love.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the author's ability to paint vivid and imaginative scenes. From the enchanting castle to the mysterious rose garden, every detail is carefully crafted to stimulate the reader's imagination. The descriptions are rich and eloquent, creating a vivid world that children will be eager to explore and imagine.

Furthermore, the character development in this book is outstanding. Beauty is a relatable and admirable protagonist, with her kind heart and unwavering determination. The Beast, initially portrayed as a terrifying figure, gradually reveals his inner vulnerability and his capacity for love. Through their interactions and dialogues, children will be able to grasp valuable life lessons about compassion, empathy, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

Additionally, the book carries a significant moral message about the true nature of beauty. It teaches children that true beauty lies within a person's character, rather than their external appearance. In a society often focused on superficiality, this is a valuable lesson for young minds to learn.

While some aspects of the story may be a bit predictable, the overall narrative is incredibly engaging. Leprince de Beaumont's writing style is elegant and accessible, making it suitable for both younger and older children to appreciate. This book provides an excellent opportunity for parents to engage in discussions with their children about the themes explored and the valuable lessons learned.

In conclusion, Beauty and the Beast for Children is a classic fairy tale that transcends time. It offers a delightful reading experience for young audiences, weaving together elements of magic, adventure, and profound lessons about love and compassion. Madame Leprince de Beaumont's storytelling prowess and the enduring message make this book a must-read for children and adults alike.

First Page:

There was once a very rich merchant, who had six children, three sons, and three daughters; being a man of sense, he spared no cost for their education, but gave them all kinds of masters. His daughters were extremely handsome, especially the youngest; when she was little, every body admired her, and called her The little Beauty; so that, as she grew up, she still went by the name of Beauty, which made her sisters very jealous. The youngest, as she was handsome, was also better than her sisters. The two eldest had a great deal of pride, because they were rich. They gave themselves ridiculous airs, and would not visit other merchants' daughters, nor keep company with any but persons of quality. They went out every day upon parties of pleasure, balls, plays, concerts, etc. and laughed at their youngest sister, because she spent the greatest part of her time in reading good books. As it was known that they were to have great fortunes, several eminent merchants made their addresses to them; but the two eldest said they would never marry, unless they could meet with a Duke, or an Earl at least... Continue reading book >>