by Cynthia Rylant
The story of Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a girl named Beauty who has a previously rich father and two sisters. One day Beauty’s father received news from the port that a lost ship with some of his riches was on the boat. Thrilled of the good fortunes, Beauty’s sisters asked for jewels, yet all Beauty wanted was a rose. Unfortunately, when Beauty’s father arrived at the port, everything had been stolen and he headed back home empty handed. Then a blizzard appeared, and he became lost. Beauty’s father stumbled upon a castle where there was warmth, food, and a bed. When he left in the morning to go home, he saw on rose in the garden and cut it for Beauty. Then, a terrible beast appeared and gave Beauty’s father an ultimatum. Sacrifice his life or Beauty’s. While determined to sacrifice his life, Beauty offers her own and heads back the castle. Yet to Beauty’s surprise, the Beast was very kind and took great care for Beauty. Then one day, the Beast asked Beauty to marry him and she said no because she does not love him. That same night she had a dream that her father was sick and asked to go home. The Beast let her go because he loved her. After nursing her father back to health, Beauty had a dream that the Beast lay dying in the garden. She quickly returned to the castle to find him and she professed her love for him. When she did that, he turned into a handsome prince.
Amber H.