Ebenezer Tweezer is a youthful 511-year-old. He keeps a beast in the attic of his mansion, who he feeds all manner of things (including performing monkeys, his pet cat and the occasional cactus) and in return the beast vomits out presents for Ebenezer, as well as potions which keep him young and beautiful. But the beast grows ever greedier, and soon only a nice, juicy child will do. So when Ebenezer encounters orphan Bethany, it seems like (everlasting) life will go on as normal. But Bethany is not your average orphan . . .
Here we are, here you are on my day of the The Beast and the Bethany blog tour. When Dave approached me to take part I knew that this was the exact book that I needed to tug me away from that book slump feeling (he knows me so well!) Thanks to The Write Reads tours for the tour invite and to Egmont Books for providing a Netgalley arc to read in preparation of the tour. This exquisite middle grade read is published on the 1st of October and you can purchase your own copy here.
I don’t even know where to start with this bite sized piece of joy. I’m going to start with the most eye catching part of the novel, of course the illustration that have been created by the talent that is Isabelle Follath. Inclusions of these wonderful images brings more fun to the story, whether you’re reading it for yourself, with a younger child or the younger child is reading it, what isn’t fun about illustrated stories? The front cover is gorgeous and the same artistic attention to detail flows throughout the whole book.
The storyline of this novel is fun, menacing and utterly brilliant with lessons laced throughout, this is truly a special book indeed. We have Ebenezer Tweezer a selfish man who has gained many things from life by sacrificing morals and his childhood cat, to his only friend, a greedy beast that lives on the 15th floor of Ebenezer’s house. When the beast requests a child to lunch upon, Bethany is chosen to be sacrificed – with no parents, or family to love her, this naughty child is a great exchange for an elixir that will keep Ebenezer young. It is this choice that completely spins everyone’s world on its head and I adored every single second of it! The Beast and the Bethany was a five star read for me, if I could have given it more I would have, it made me smile and laugh (also made me want cake!), it’s also something I want everyone to read when they are having a bad day! Reminded me of Coraline vibes with more humour and loveliness – I enjoy a read that has a masked ‘moral of the story’, one that fulfils all my bookish needs, one that leaves me wanting more. I am not usually one to read middle grade books, not because I don’t think they’re for adults, but because none have really peaked my interest. Thank you Jack Meggitt – Philips for opening the door to a whole new genre for me.
Thanks again for popping over to read my thoughts on this cracking MG novel, why not treat that person in your life to a book this Halloween season! I know I will be. Make sure to follow the tour for this INCREDIBLE book using #TheBeastAndTheBethany hashtag.
Until next time.
Happy reading!
The Reading Closet 