Beauty and the Beast, the Only One Who Didn’t Run Away (Twice Upon a Time #3)
#3 in The Half Upon a Time Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (3,278)
What’s inside...
Wendy Mass presents a unique take on the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, with relatable characters who defy traditional expectations. Beauty, named for qualities she feels she lacks, must figure out her true identity as she faces unexpected challenges. Prince Riley, far from the typical prince, must also come to terms with his unconventional interests and sudden transformation. Together, they learn to embrace their differences and redefine what it means to be beautiful and brave. This fresh spin on a timeless tale explores themes of self-acceptance and inner beauty.
Character compass
Beauty
Prince Riley
Discussion points
How did Beauty's perception of the Beast change throughout the story and why do you think that happened?
What qualities do you think make someone truly beautiful? How do these compare to the characters in the story?
If you were in Beauty's place, how would you have handled the situation with the Beast?
What lessons can we learn about kindness and understanding from Beauty and the Beast's relationship?
How did the characters' actions lead to changes in their lives and those around them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their decisions. Use examples from the book to discuss real-life scenarios where similar themes of kindness and understanding could be applied. Highlight the growth of characters over time to help your child understand the value of personal development and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Beauty, shows kindness and understanding towards the Beast despite his appearance and rumors surrounding him. This fosters a bond between them, demonstrating the importance of looking beyond external appearances to understand others' true selves.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their peers with empathy, promoting inclusiveness and reducing judgments based on superficial traits.
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-Discovery
Explanation: Beauty’s journey is not just about her physical travels but also her inner journey towards self-discovery and bravery. Her courage in facing the unknown helps her grow as a character.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities, and embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the story, the significance of family and maintaining strong relationships with family members is emphasized, supporting Beauty in her choices and adventures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture their relationships with family members, understanding the strength and support family can provide.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Beauty faces numerous challenges but her resilience helps her to overcome them. Her determination and persistence are key to her success in the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of resilience when confronted with difficulties, underlining the importance of perseverance to achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: The Power of Redemption
Explanation: The Beast’s character transformation provides a powerful narrative on redemption and the capacity for change, regardless of past mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it’s never too late to make positive changes and that everyone has the potential for redemption through good actions and intentions.