Beastly
#1 of 4 in Beastly Series
on Goodreads (177,758)
What’s inside...
A young man named Kyle Kingsbury, who once had everything including perfect looks and wealth, is transformed into a beast by a witch's spell. Set in New York City, he now walks upright as a monstrous creature with fangs and claws, and will remain this way forever unless he can break the spell. He recounts his journey from being the envy of everyone to becoming a creature who hides by day and prowls by night, and the reasons behind the witch's actions.
Character compass
Kyle Kingsbury
Linda "Lindy" Owens
Will Fratalli
Rob Kingsbury
Kendra Hilferty
Mr. Anderson
Magda
Discussion points
How do you think Kyle felt when he was transformed into a beast, and how did his feelings change throughout the story?
What do you think is the importance of looking beyond appearances when judging others?
How do the characters in 'Beastly' show bravery and kindness?
Why do you think Lindy was able to see past Kyle's appearance? How can we apply this lesson in our daily lives?
If you had the chance to break a curse like Kyle, what qualities would you rely on to succeed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own insights on the book’s themes of transformation and redemption, which can create an open environment for discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Kyle’s situation, promoting a deeper connection to the character’s experiences.
Highlight the moral lessons by discussing the consequences of Kyle’s actions and the importance of inner beauty over outward appearances.
Use examples from the book, like Kyle’s relationship with Lindy, to talk about the significance of kindness and looking beyond first impressions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Beastly', the protagonist, Kyle, learns to understand and feel the emotions of others as he transforms from a self-centered individual to someone more compassionate. His journey reflects understanding people beyond their appearances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to appreciate and understand people's feelings and backgrounds, encouraging them to look beyond superficial qualities in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Kyle's transformation into a beast is a direct consequence of his arrogant and cruel behaviors. This pivotal plot point underlines the impact of one's actions on oneself and others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of considering the consequences before acting and fosters a sense of responsibility towards their actions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Inner Beauty
Explanation: The book emphasizes that true beauty comes from within. Kyle's outer appearance as a beast contrasts with his evolving inner kindness and integrity, which ultimately wins him love and respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and cultivate inner qualities like kindness, honesty, and integrity, rather than focusing solely on external appearances.
Example Lesson: Redemption and Personal Growth
Explanation: Kyle's journey is not just physical but also emotional and moral. He redeems himself by changing his ways and doing good deeds, illustrating that it's never too late to change and make amends.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to continually strive for personal growth and to correct their mistakes, fostering a mindset of continual improvement and redemption.
Example Lesson: The Power of Love
Explanation: Love plays a crucial role in 'Beastly'. It is the love that ultimately breaks the curse placed on Kyle, showcasing love's transformative power.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of love, respect, and caring in relationships can help them build strong, healthy relationships in their own lives.