The Beast and the Bethany Despicable Collection (Boxed Set)

Ebenezer Tweezer, a 511-year-old man, has remained beautiful by feeding a ravenous beast in the attic of his mansion. In exchange for meals of performing monkeys, statues of Winston Churchill, and even the occasional cactus, Ebenezer receives potions that keep him young and beautiful, as well as other presents. However, the beast's appetite grows ever more insatiable, and one day it demands a "nice, juicy child" as its next meal. Ebenezer, desperate to maintain his wonderful life, sets out to find the "absolutely snottiest, naughtiest, and most frankly unpleasant child" he can and prepares to feed her to the beast.

The child in question is Bethany, who turns out to be more than Ebenezer bargained for. Despite her rude behavior as a houseguest, Ebenezer finds himself wishing she didn't have to be devoured by the beast. Could it be that Bethany is less meal-worthy and more... friend-worthy?

This delightfully strange middle-grade series, a blend of Lemony Snicket's macabre wit and Roald Dahl's darkly humorous sensibilities, follows the unlikely trio of a hungry beast, a vain immortal man, and a not-so-charming little girl. The paperback boxed set includes three thrilling installments: "The Beast and the Bethany," "Revenge of the Beast," and "Battle of the Beast."

The series has been praised as "wickedly funny" by bestselling author James Ponti, promising a deliciously macabre reading experience for young readers. With vivid illustrations throughout, this captivating series explores the high price of beauty and the unexpected bonds that can form, even in the most peculiar of circumstances.

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