In this remarkable retelling of Beauty and the Beast , award-winning illustrator Pat Cummings creates an enchanted fairy-tale world flavored by the art, architecture, and culture of West Africa, while writer H. Chuku Lee stays true to the story of this beloved classic. With breathtaking palatial settings inspired by the Dogon tribe of Mali and dazzling costumes reminiscent of the clothing seen on Cummings's own trip to Africa, Beauty and the Beast becomes so much more than just a story—it's a visual and cultural experience. When her father is taken prisoner by a fearsome Beast, Beauty begs the captor to take her instead. The Beast agrees, locking her away in his palace. Though he will give her whatever her heart desires—jewels, gowns, her own living quarters—she is forbidden to leave. Over time, however, Beauty sees the gentler side of the Beast, and an unexpected bond forms. But will it be strong enough to break a curse that threatens the Beast's life? Supports the Common Core State Standards Gr 3–6—Set in West Africa, this ageless tale of love kindled through the graciousness and devotion of an outwardly hideous "Beast" is smartly narrated in clipped, contemporary first person by Beauty, the youngest and most devoted of four daughters, who asks her father for a rose, while her sisters request a list of finery. ("How could I know his promise to bring me a single rose would change all our lives forever?") Beautifully executed full- and double-page folk-style illustrations combine the vivid hues of watercolor, the softness of pastel, and the texture of gouache. Bold African patterns; elegance in design of clothing, jewelry and coiffures; and the unique architectural style of the Beast's enchanted palace, with influences from the ancient Dogon buildings of Mali, add to the book's distinctiveness. The palace's invisible servants watch from eyes in a cabinet's wood grain, stone faces on pillars, and masks on the walls. Lee's retelling retains the major elements of the original story while providing a fresh approach that demands consideration for all collections.—Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Public Library, OH This charming retelling of the classic fairy tale tackles age-old themes of friendship, love, and loyalty with a fresh sophistication. Told from Beauty’s first-person perspective, the story has a quiet, calm tone that mitigates the creepiness of Beast’s possessive love. In Cummings’ illustrations, however, his face is kindly—not a bit ominous—so readers are encouraged to be empathetic even while he keeps Beauty apart from her family. Ultimately, of course, Beauty learns that she can love a father and a husband and never have to leave the palace, and thus keeps everyone happy. “Now,” says Beauty in the final turnaround, “I would not leave!” Vibrant watercolor-and-gouache paintings based on West African architecture, landscape, and cultural motifs set this tale apart from the European versions, reminding readers that there is beauty to be found in beasts all over the world. Grades K-3. --Amina Chaudhri “Ethnically rich retelling. Readers who attend to detail will delight.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Beauty’s appearance will draw readers of color who long for fairy tale heroines who look more like themselves...Unexpectedly powerful.” - Publishers Weekly “Lushly detailed paintings. The retelling is crisp, the drafting is skillful, and the compositions are dramatic. - The Horn Book “Beautifully executed illustrations with influences from ancient Dogon buildings of Mali. Lee’s retelling provid[es] a fresh approach that demands consideration for all collections.” - School Library Journal A father’s promise. A daughter’s sacrifice. A curse that only love could break. Never has Beauty and the Beast been more lovingly retold and pictured. With amazingly fresh vision, Pat Cummings has created a vibrant fairy-tale world where the Beast’s richly ornamented palace draws inspiration from the cultural imagery of West Africa and the architecture of the Dogon of Mali. H. Chuku Lee lets Beauty tell her story simply, giving a powerful immediacy to a message that’s proven timeless. This stunning picture book is a treasure. Pat Cummings was born in Chicago but grew up traveling with her military family all over the world. She has been writing and illustrating children's books since she graduated from Pratt Institute and is the author and/or illustrator of more than forty books. In addition to her art for the Coretta Scott King Award winner My Mama Needs Me by Mildred Pitts Walter, Pat's luminous work includes Angel Baby ; Clean Your Room , Harvey Moon! ; and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner Talking With Artists . She teaches children’s book illustration and writing at Parsons School of Design, the New School, and Pratt Institute. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. You can visit her online at www.patcummings.com.