Beautiful edition. ( )

The illustrations are gorgeous, although I was hoping for more, or at least larger, illustrations throughout the book. ( )

I just love fairytale picture books and this one has such beautiful illustrations.
http://chetvergvecher.livejournal.com/224569.html

Looks like a picture-book, but much too long for little ones.  I, personally, don't care for the pictures, though some of the ideas for castle decor were intriguing.  The story was pretty straightforward, including no mention of why the Beast was bespelled. ( )

Stunningly beautiful illustrations coupled with a lovely rendering of this magical tale lured me into reading this book twice.

The illustrations are simply incredible, leaving me grasping to find a word to do them justice.

When a rich merchant looses his fortune, it is his daughter Beauty who stays by him while his other two selfish daughters whine and complain and are of no emotional support.

When the merchant seeks recovery of one of his lost ships carrying precious cargo, he learns it is of no avail in helping him out of debt. Weary and lost in a blizzard, he stumbles upon a magnificent castle where food, shelter and new clothing is found.

Grateful for his accommodations and the kindness provided, he does not know the benefactor until he plucks a beautiful red rose from a lush garden.

Immediately, an angry beasts demands payment via one of his daughters who must return to the castle and remain there. When the merchant returns home saddened and very upset, it is beauty who volunteers to return to the castle.

Wanting nothing in this beautiful castle, while at first horrified by the beast, she soon learns of his inner soul of kindness and grows to think of him as a friend. When he asks for marriage, she refuses. Asking only to return home for one week, she is transported back. Staying longer than the week, she has a vision that the beast is dying. Quickly returning, in grief, she vows to marry the beast, whereupon he turns into a prince and the live happily ever after.

This particular illustrated book will remain one of my favorites. The images call to be savored time and time again. ( )