Beauty and the Beast and Other Stories (Scolastic Junior Classics)
#1 of 7 in Scholastic classics Series
What’s inside...
Retells the story of a young woman's struggle against her sisters' cruelty, her family's lost fortune, and her dealings with a frightful beast who wishes to marry her, in this book containing two other classic tales. Three classic tales of love and enchantment! Poor Beauty! Her family has lost its fortune, her sisters are snobby and cruel, and her father just angered a hideous beast -- a beast who wants to marry her! Now Beauty must live with the beast in an enchanted castle, far from everyone she knows. Can she ever learn to love a beast? Read 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'The Lady and the Lion,' and 'The Frog Prince' inside this collection. Here are some of the greatest stories of all: Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Golden Mermaid, Felicia and the Pretty Pines, Snow White and Rose Red, The Goose Girl, Dorani, and Little Wildrose.
Discussion points
How did the characters’ feelings change throughout the story of Beauty and the Beast?
What would you do if you were in Beauty’s place when meeting the Beast?
What do you think the Beast learned about friendship and kindness?
How does showing kindness affect the people around us, as shown in the tale?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters and their choices. This helps develop empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story. Ask your child what they learned and how those lessons can be applied in their daily lives.
Relate the story's themes to personal experiences. Share a story from your own life where kindness transformed a relationship, just like in Beauty and the Beast.
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life. This will make the storytelling session more engaging and memorable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates empathy through the Beast's transformation, which is driven by Belle's ability to look beyond his appearance and understand his true self.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of seeing beyond outer appearances and understanding others' feelings and perspectives, promoting compassionate interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: Belle's kindness towards the Beast, even when he initially appears frightening, ultimately leads to mutual respect and love.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice kindness in their daily interactions, fostering positive relationships and community.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Belle shows bravery when she agrees to stay at the Beast’s castle in exchange for her father’s freedom, facing her fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of confronting their fears and the growth that comes from stepping out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: The impact of selfishness
Explanation: The story begins with the prince being turned into a beast as a result of his selfish behavior, highlighting the negative consequences of such traits.
Real-World Application: This serves as a cautionary tale for children about how selfishness can lead to personal downfall and affect others around them.
Example Lesson: Redemption and second chances
Explanation: The Beast’s transformation back into a prince after learning to love and earn Belle’s love in return shows that change and redemption are possible.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the power of forgiveness and that everyone deserves a chance to make things right and improve themselves.