The Beast Within

The Beast Within by Serena Valentino (Parragon Publishing) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781474840828

Reviewed by Ellie Royce

They’re fairytales, but not as we know them! This book from the Disney Villains series tells the tale of Beauty and the Beast from an unknown perspective -- the Beast's. How did a handsome prince, once jovial and beloved by his people, become a bitter and reclusive monster? Find out in this story of vanity and arrogance, of love and hatred, of beastliness and, of course, beauty. It's a fascinating journey into the characters we didn’t meet and the story we didn’t hear in Beauty and The Beast.

Have you ever wondered just how the beast became cursed and alone? Then this is the tale for you. It’s an engaging read that builds on what we already know without repeating it, as well as introducing us to some wonderful new characters. Less like a fairy tale and more like a myth or legend where actions have consequences and villains are not cardboard cut outs but realistic characters facing choices and dilemmas, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Definitely worth a read it’s suitable for readers aged 12 years and up.

The Invisible Tree: Peace

The Invisible Tree: Peace by Kirrily Lowe, illustrated by Henry Smith (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $18.99

ISBN 9781-925139-143

Reviewed by Peta Biggin

Polly has found herself in the middle of a storm.  Coming to her aid is a prince called Peace.  He stays with her, keeping her calm and safe until the storm passes.  Polly learns the importance of finding peace within herself – that it will not only help her through chaotic, scary times but allow her to help others.

Peace is the third book in The Invisible Tree series written by pastor Kirrily Lowe.  Each themed book aims to encourage personal attributes in young children; this edition focusing, as the title suggests, on finding inner peace when faced with difficult and stormy situations. 

The story is told in rhyme and is easy to read, making it a great read-aloud book for pre-schoolers or early primary children.  The concept of the series has been based on a biblical scripture however the overall tone of the book is not particularly religious.  Although there is one reference to God, the book is written in such a way as to make it accessible to all children.  The personal attribute of Peace is personified and appears as a young prince, coming in to save Polly from panic. 

 

As with the previous books, Henry Smith has created the illustrations for Peace and they are lovely.  Throughout the book, he has combined hand-drawn pictures with collages of newspaper, writing or wrapping paper – creating a visual texture on every page.  The collage theme also extends to the presentation of the text with seemingly random words being presented as if cut from a newspaper or magazine.

Kirrily Lowe is a mum to three boys and a pastor together with her husband Tim at the C3 Church City Campus in Darlinghurst, Sydney. She is passionate about filling young lives with great values in a fun way.  The Invisible Tree is her first series of books.  Subsequent books planned are: Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.  She can be found online at:  http://theinvisibletree.com.au/

Henry Smith is a graphic designer and film maker from the production company Taste Media.  His work ranges from handcrafted claymation films to drawings and designs. All of the illustrations in The Invisible Tree series were created from recycled & hand-made papers.