The Beast and the Bethany (for Children)

In this "wickedly funny" (James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author) tale, the macabre and highly illustrated story blends the styles of Lemony Snicket and Roald Dahl. It follows the journey of a hungry beast, a vain immortal man, and a not-so-charming little girl who is about to be eaten, unaware of the fate that awaits her.

Beauty, it seems, comes at a price, and no one understands this better than Ebenezer Tweezer, who has retained his youthful appearance for 511 years. The secret to his ageless beauty lies in the beast dwelling in the attic of his mansion. In exchange for meals consisting of performing monkeys, statues of Winston Churchill, and the occasional cactus, Ebenezer receives potions that keep him forever young and beautiful, as well as other valuable gifts.

However, the beast grows increasingly greedy with each passing meal, and one day, it demands a new delicacy – a "nice, juicy child." Ebenezer, despite his long-standing vanity, has never done anything this terrible to preserve his wonderful life. Nevertheless, he sets out to find the "absolutely snottiest, naughtiest, and most frankly unpleasant child" he can, intending to feed her to the beast.

Enter Bethany, the child Ebenezer selects as the beast's next meal. She proves to be a rather rude houseguest, but Ebenezer finds himself wishing that she didn't have to be devoured after all. Could it be that Bethany is less suitable as a meal and more deserving of Ebenezer's friendship?

As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into a deliciously macabre world where the lines between predator and prey, beauty and ugliness, and friendship and enmity become blurred. The highly illustrated nature of the tale adds to the whimsical and dark atmosphere, creating a reading experience that is both engaging and unsettling.

Through the juxtaposition of Lemony Snicket's wry, sardonic tone and Roald Dahl's penchant for the fantastical and the grotesque, the narrative weaves a captivating tale that explores the complexities of human nature, the consequences of vanity, and the transformative power of unlikely connections.

As Ebenezer grapples with his conscience and Bethany navigates the peculiarities of her temporary home, the reader is left to ponder the boundaries of morality and the redemptive potential of even the most flawed individuals. The result is a truly unique and unforgettable story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

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