I was so excited to read The Beast and the Bethany and it was even better than I'd hoped! Such a fun, anarchic tale, with fabulous characters and the best (and blobbiest) of baddies. Ebenezer Tweezer (what a name!) and Bethany make the perfect team. I flew through the story in no time and can't wait for Book 2.

On the hunt for gifts for younger members of the family I came across this book. It is well written for the younger audience with clear text and a story with a few twists and turns to keep young minds engaged. Parts of the story made me laugh out loud and I was keen to know what was to happen next. Recommended for kids who like their characters to be strong, resourceful and a little bit naughty.

I loved this! It was macabre and fun at the same time, completely ridiculous and hugely enjoyable. I loved that both Bethan and Ebeneezer grew as characters and I even enjoyed the beast's droll sense of humour. But, much as I enjoyed reading this one, I'm not sure if I fancy a sequel.

What an enjoyable book to read. At the very beginning I could recognise the Dorian Gray aspect in the clueless vanity of Ebenezer Tweezer. It was all a very selfish and glamorous life until Bethany arrives. Then something starts to change in Ebenezer, and even when he feels that he needs to say sorry he does so in style, thinking carefully about his outfit. There are many details like this in the book and they add immensely to the characters in the story, who are full of personality and strongly drive the narrative. It’s a book to entertain but also to reflect on what are the important things in life, and what is to be good and to be bad. Can we be both? It can prompt some interesting questions that can be discussed with children. It’s a great book for the classroom library and a superb book for home reading too. Highly recommended!

I read this book with Valentina (my 8 year old daughter) and we both found it funny, gruesome and gripping all in one.

This is a story about Ebenezer Tweezer, a 511 year old man who is able to keep himself youthful because he keeps a beast in his attic which can provide him with a potion which keeps him young. However, to be able to get the potion he needs to feed the beast all manner of objects and creatures. Until the beast asks to eat a child! Ebenezer goes to the local orphanage where he meets Bethany. Bethany goes home with Ebenezer unaware of the danger she is in. From then on they have all sorts of adventures.

Both Bethany and Ebenezer are selfish and spoilt brats and we enjoyed seeing how their characters developed. The story is gruesome at times which Valentina enjoyed as well as the many funny moments. It reminded us of Roald Dahl in some ways.

We loved the characters and the story line. Valentina’s favourite character was Patrick (the singing purple parrot) and Bethany. The illustrations are fun and really add to the story.

We thought this would be a great Halloween read!

The Beast and the Bethany is a funny story with just the right level of disgusting that kids will enjoy. I mean, the beast is just so horrible. The wonderful illustrations in this book, along with descriptions of slime and rotten cabbage, bring him to life, so much so that maybe he even becomes a little too close for comfort.

The beast also has a horrid personality – he wants to to eat everything and everyone! That’s not to say that the other characters are wonderful either. While they may not be out to eat anybody, Bethany and Ebenezer also have very few morals and are filled with flaws, albeit still rather likeable.

Kids will enjoy learning whether or not Bethany ends up been eaten by the beast. While most adults will enjoy that storyline too, they will also appreciate the underlying themes of the book: the importance of friendship and standing up to bullies.

Written using simple but impactful language, The Beast and the Bethany is a quick read that all age groups will enjoy. A little birdie told me there is a sequel in the works. I can’t wait!

I haven’t read a good middle grade book for some time and now I have read this book it has raised the bar high. I have a young nephew that doesn’t read but I know that he would love this book. From the Beast and his antics to Bethany and hers. I’m glad to have found an author that appeals not only to children but to adults as well. mean come on we all have our inner child wanting to read a book like this!

The Beast and Bethany is a mixture of laughter, sadness, evil and light. You even have a character arc for not one but two characters in this book. I have found that Jack Meggitt-Phillips has created two very likeable characters that you can’t help but laugh at as well as cheer on.

The book is about Mr Ebenezer Tweezer. He is not the most likeable man to start with, he is selfish and has a Beast that he feeds to get what he wants. One of these things is eternal youth, I mean come on he is 511 years old! He has found himself doing what he wants when he wants and not caring about others. This all starts to change when the Beast is demaning a child to eat.

Yes you read that right! Oh right let me explain. The Beast can create items after you feed him what he wants. I love how this is described as the Beast coughing and then vomiting what Ebenezer desires. The thing is as the years have gone on the Beast has become more demanding and he has now requested a plump child as his next feast. Ebenezer isn’t too sure of this but the Beast refuses to give him the potion to keep him young and alive without being fed first. This is where the book takes a comedic turn.

Ebenezer Tweezer sets off to find a child to feed the Beast. He goes to the zoo where he tried to lure lure a child. This to me as an adult is wrong but I can see the comedic fun. He is banned for life from the zoo and stuck off he goes to the local bird shop. He propostiitons the owner who declines but mentions going to the orphanage.

Again enter more comedic fun with Bethany. She isn’t the kindest and most pleasant child. She is hurtful and doesn’t do as she is told and Ebenezer adopts her to feed to the Beast. His reasoning? she is a horrific child and no one will miss her. Thng is the Beast has found her too skinny so Ebenezer needs to fatten her up!

The relationship between Ebenezer and Bethany is brilliant. They spark off one another and Bethany doesn’t take anything lying down. She is a horror but who wouldn’t after losing her parents so tragically when she was younger and not being shown any love from the mistress of the Orphanage.

Bethany and Ebenezer form an unlikely pair but you can see the friendship forming as the book goes on. Ebenezer grows a consciences and Bethany learns about friendship. Working together they learn how to deal with the Beast and move forward together.

The book is definitely one to read yourself and with children. It has a dark humour and comedic factor throughout which I adored. The book flowed seamlessly and I was able to read it really quickly. There was enough going on that you didn’t get bored and it will hold your attention. The characters are fun and their developments is some of the best I have read in a Middle Grade book. Jack Meggitt-Phillips has definitely created something special with Bethany and Ebenezer and his humour bleeds through every page.

Highly recommend this book.

What a joyous morning! I picked up my copy of The beast and the Bethany and that was it; I was absolutely gripped from the first page. It is a truly wonderful book and the best book for middle age readers that I have read in a very long time. I simply could not put it down until I had finished. It has all the ingredients for a fabulous read for children (and those reading with and to them )- a 511 year old man, a ravenous monster living in the house and a spoilt child taken from an orphanage. The author creates wonderful scenes and these are complimented by the perfectly executed illustrations. This is one of those books I am already itching to recommend and read aloud. A modern classic in the making.

Huge thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me the literary equivalent of a golden ticket.

Oh boy, this was FUN! I love middle grade books, it’s no surprise to anyone, and The Beast and the Bethany is everything I love in those stories. It’s a super fast read, immensely entertaining, laugh out loud funny and overall a great time.

The Beast and the Bethany follows Ebenezer Tweezer, a 511 year old man, who lives a lavish life in a big mansion with… the Beast. Said Beast has a big appetite and requests the most unusual meals and in return supplies Mr. Tweezer with a potion which makes him young and healthy. Throughout the years the Beast has made some difficult requests, yet each and every single time Ebenezer delivered. After yet another outlandish request, Ebenezer sets out to fulfill it and comes across Bethany – a not so well behaved orphan, and the two become most unlikely friends.

I loved both Bethany and Ebenezer and the relationship the two develop throughout the story. They are quite similar in character at the start of the book, both quite selfish and horrible, but instead of causing havoc together (though that they do, too, I suppose), they help each other grow and change. The Beast was probably my favourite character, though. There was just something unsettling and yet hilarious about it, the way it spoke, behaved and treated everyone.

If not the slump in which I still very much am and other obligations, I’m sure I could’ve read it in one sitting. It’s short but it’s also an absolute page turner. I think the writing is great and witty and it appealed to me as a 27 year old, but I’m positive it would also appeal to a young audience. I got big Lemony Snickett vibes off it. I definitely think it has a potential to be a series many young readers grow up with and have a special attachment to.

I’m excited to continue with the series and see what Bethany and Ebenezer get to in the second book. If it’s anything like the first one, I know it’s going to be fantastic and heaps of fun.

The Beast and The Bethany by Jack Meggitt-Philips is the perfect children’s book for this Halloween. The blurb and the cover immediately reminded me of Roald Dahl’s book and A Series of Unfortunate Events. It’s the kind of children’s book that looks at the ugly side of life in a humorous way. Before I even started reading, the pictures already drew me in.

The story isn’t too grand as it has a small cast of characters, with Ebenezer and Bethany in the spotlight. The beast doesn’t have any other name besides beast and I think that’s doing him a disservice. I would’ve liked it if he got a name too. He eats things and spews out something you desire — a skill Ebenezer profited off for five hundred years. Then comes the day that the beast asks to eat a child. Ebenezer already knew the perfect child, one no one would miss. Bethany.

Both characters have their flaws but neither are completely evil. And I really like how they change when they’re together. While their core flaws don’t change, both grow to be kinder people. Ebenezer will always be a little selfish and Bethany likes her mischief. But in moderation, there’s no harm. I do feel bad for the birds though.

I give The Beast and The Bethany four stars. It’s an entertaining, well-written, and beautifully illustrated book. One I’d give to one of my nieces or nephews if they’d read English. I’m looking forward to what the duo will be up to next.

WOW – I LOVED IT!

I read the whole thing in just two sittings and I had to drag myself away from the pages. I loved it. It was clever, funny, fun and a real page-turner.

Great synopsis, right?!?!? It certainly had me chomping at the bit(bones) to sign up for the blog tour.

The Beast and the Bethany doesn’t have much of a run-up – it starts with a bang and the story doesn’t slow down. I thought the pacing was spot on for both the genre and audience. I also loved the writing and description. I thought it was an accessible MG story, but with enough hidden humour to keep the adults among the readers laughing.

After a few minutes of searching, she finally selected a black rucksack and a small, brown suitcase with the initials ‘P.B.’ on them.

“What do the letters stand for?” she asked, when she returned downstairs.

“Peruvian Bear, or something like that. Belonged to a charming little chap who I brought to the beast about a year ago,” said Ebenezer.

P. 192 – TAKEN FROM AN UNCORRECTED ARC
And LOOK at that cover! I was lucky enough to have an ARC so a lot of the illustrations were missing and awaiting finalisation but what was there was GREAT. Isabelle Follath really managed to capture the magic and mischief of Bethany and the aged youngness of Ebenezer. I will be buying a finished copy for my 7 year old – I will most likely buy the audiobook too as I imagine it will be a real hoot on audio.

And I LOVED the last chapter – The Beast and the Author, I think Jack Meggitt-Phillips really does have a talent for humour. The ending was GREAT. That is the ending before the last chapter after the few before – You think I am not making any sense, then I suggest you read the book for yourself or read it along with a special wee someone.

And I loved Patrick – and Claudette. It’s a book where all the smaller characters shine. I can’t wait to read the next book, I will be pre-ordering it just as much for me as I will for my daughter.

The Beast and the Bethany deserves ALL the stars.

I am glad the book is getting a load of (very well deserved) hype! It’s going to be a must buy. I think it’s quite a special read.

Have you been LUCKY enough to read it? Or are you eagerly awaiting its publication date on the 1st of October?

I received a copy of the book for review from the publisher, which was all arranged by the blog tour organiser – Thank you!

Ebenezer Tweezer never cared about anything more than himself. Thanks to his magical “friend” and its potion he was able to stay young and handsome for 511 years. The only things he had to give to the beast in return is preparing the meals he asked for. At the beginning they were small, easy to find things. However, with time it got so much harder. He started to ask for things like rare birds and animals. It was not an issue for Ebenezer, he was able to do everything to get the potion. This is how his life was going on until the beast for the first time requested from him to bring him a living child to eat. It was a shock for the man, but it did not stop him from fulfil the wish. After many tries, he finally found the nastiest and rudest kid that no one would miss and brought it to the beast. However, the beast was not happy with Ebenezer’s choice. The girl he brought Bethany was too thin for him to enjoy the meal. He gave Ebenezer few days to make it right.

Ebenezer is a very shallow person, but it is not a surprise. The biggest surprise for me was his knowledge about the world. From the beginning it looks like he’s living in his own world and don’t look around what is happening in the world. He lives already for 511 years but he did not know that he cannot buy a child in the store. It’s pretty clear that instead of enjoying his life as he was planning to, he devoted it into getting more and more years by fulfilling beast’s wishes. However, he’s purpose changed with time when he met Bethany. I think that the best part in this book is when these two are getting closer to each other.

Bethany, on the other side, is a child who never got any attention she needed from the people around her. That’s where the nasty behaviour comes from. Moreover, she is a very smart girl. She listens to what people are telling to her and she is using it as an advantage. She knows how to trick and manipulate people give her what she wants.

The story overall is very interesting. It’s not long so you can easily read it in one day. The book has a mystery but also a moral in it. However, the most part of this book consisted of a good humor of the characters. A lot of events in this book were hilarious, I could give you some example because I don’t want to spoil too much about this book.

This book is definitely written in a good style with an amazing plot and interesting character. I actually was very interested in it after seeing the seeing the similarity of the style in Coraline, which is one of my favorite middle grade books and I was right. I didn’t read books in this genre for a long while so I was nicely surprised after finishing this story. I am curious how the story will continue in the book 2.

I would like to thank TheWriteReads and Egmont for inviting me to this tour and providing me with a copy of this book. It was exactly what I needed right now while moving abroad. I hope you all enjoyed my review and will experience this book on your own.

The Beast and the Bethany is a brilliantly fun and darkly humorous debut novel from Jack Meggitt-Phillips. The story centres around Ebenezer Tweezer, a selfish 511 year old, who feeds the beast in his attic whatever it desires in exchange for magical gifts. When only a juicy child will do Ebenezer adopts an child from the local orphanage… but Bethany is not your average orphan!

Ebenezer Tweezer is greedy, selfish and stubborn. He cannot think past his next magical potion from the beast, which keeps him youthful despite his old age. I am sure that it is not a coincidence that he shares his first name with Scrooge from A Christmas Carol. As the story progresses we learn why he has become the man that he is and, like with his namesake, whether he can learn the error of his ways.

Bethany is a fantastic character! She bold, brave, decisive and rather rude. Kids will love her. She is certainly not the mild mannered orphan that you would expect Ebenezer to adopt. Bethany is hated by the lady who runs the orphanage and, let’s be honest, the kids are not particular fond of her either. Bethany can be very naughty but does she deserve to be fed to the beast? You’ll have to give the book a read to find out.

The writing style of The Beast and the Bethany reminds me of both Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket, which signifies this is a classic in the making! Indeed, many advanced readers have made the same comparison. It is easy to read and the illustrations are wonderful too.

The humour in the book is definitely macabre. I would recommend parents read the book in advance if they plan to read it to small children as it is a middle grade novel. As an adult I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Beast and the Bethany and would definitely recommend it to adults who enjoy Middle Grade books too!

I love this book and I am sure that kids will love it too. Indeed, I will be buying and gifting a fair few copies for Christmas this year! The Beast and the Bethany has everything a good children’s book should have; A fun cast of characters, a straight-forward but interesting plot and enough reference points to keep adults giggling along too. I can’t wait for book two to find out what happens next!

The story
The Beast and the Bethany is a middle-grade fantasy story in which all the main characters are deeply (and disturbingly) flawed and fairly unlikeable. If we move past the witty and snarky comments, the story offers some valuable messages to the young readers. Mean, wit, snarky comments, but also some very valuable and important messages. Often ill-spirited, selfish, and cruel people are so because of their troubled pasts, but friendship can bring light to the darkest of souls. Well except for the beast, there is no redemption for the beast!

The Characters
We have three main characters, all morally gray for different reasons who get a chance to redeem themselves through friendship.

Ebenezer sold his soul to the devil (in this case the beast), so to speak, for eternal youth. As such, at 511 years old he doesn’t appear older than 20. To receive the magic potion he has to feed the beast in his attic whatever it wants. This makes him greedy and emotionally detached since the time the beast requested his cat. Now he won’t get emotionally invested in anything other than himself.

The beast in the attic has been Ebenezer’s companion since he was a child. When Ebenezer found it, the beast was tiny and harmless and it grew because he nurtured it and fed it. In return, the beast offered him gifts. But the more it grew, the more it demanded, and although, usually the requests were random, meaningless objects, now it wanted to try a child and won’t give Ebenezer the magic potion until he fulfills the beast’s wish. Reluctant at first, Ebenezer agrees as soon as he sees the first wrinkles starting to form around his eyes. After failing to abduct a child at the zoo, he decides to adopt one from the orphanage. To ease his remorse, he picks the most ill-behaved child he finds there: Bethany.

Bethany is a bully, ill-mannered, and liked by no one. After having been returned by several families who tried to adopt her, the orphanage director is all too happy to be rid of her. Ebenezer takes her to the beast but instead of eating her, it wants to wait until she puts some meat on, being too skinny for the beast’s linking.

“Try not to be scared,” said Ebenezer. “It won’t like you if you’re scared.”

“If it tries anything scary, it won’t like me!” said Bethany.

[…]

“Ah, but not just any child. I said I wanted a juicy, plump child! I want one with lots of flesh that I can sink my teeth into, not this little thing that you’ve brought me. When I eat my first child, I want it to feel like a meal, not a snack, and I want to chew on more than just a sack of bones.”

Now, if he wants the magic potion, and he wants it badly, Ebenezer has the task of fattening her up.

“His first thought was that he should sneak into the hospital, steal some needles, and inject several packets of chocolate biscuits into Bethany. It looked like it was going to be a solid plan, right up until the moment Ebenezer remembered that he was squeamish around any sort of medical equipment.”

Trying to make her gain weight is funny. She loves antagonizing everyone but it doesn’t work as planned with Ebenezer. For instance, when asked what she wants for breakfast she says cake expecting to be denied and offered healthier foods. But Ebenezer doesn’t care and gives her exactly what she asked for happy that she’s eating and gaining weight. He craves the magic potion so badly that he feeds her several cakes when she asks for more just to spite him.

As days go by they bond and when the beast hurts her feelings he starts to reconsider feeding Bethany to the beast.

Throughout the story, both Bethany and Ebenezer grow as characters, and through their unlikely friendship, they become better people, capable of great sacrifice for one another. The beast, however, remains unchanged until the end.

“Ebenezer, I told you that I would help you control her. I never said that I would be nice about it.” The beast yawned. “Now leave me alone. I want to finish my sleep.”

The illustrations accompanying the events, brought the story to life, increasing the charm. I loved seeing the characters grow together and become better people. In the end, friendship saves the day and through collaboration good overcomes evil.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE BEAST AND THE BETHANY ABOUT?
Ebenezer Tweezer has one goal in life—to keep on living. And he's been doing a good job of that for over five centuries. He's able to do this because of potions given to him by a magical Beast he met as a child. To keep the potions coming, he has to bring food to the Beast (who is only slightly more mobile than a caged bird). In return, the Beast magics money, treasures, and other gifts for Ebenezer.

The thing is, The Beast has peculiar tastes—monkeys, cacti, Ebenezer's beloved cat, endangered species, and so on. Now, it has a specific task for Ebenezer. The Beast wants to eat a human child. A nice plump one with rosy cheeks. Initially horrified, Ebenezer decides that he's really more interested in prolonging his own life enough that he can probably find a child easily enough.

It's actually not as easy as he initially thought, but he eventually brings one home and sets to fattening it up a little bit for The Beast. In those few days, Ebenezer starts to think that maybe there are things more important than living to 512.

THE BEAST
Shockingly, The Beast is the least interesting thing in this book. It's a large, grey, probably hideous looking, blob with tiny hands and feet. Its mouth is anything but small, much like its appetite. And that's the problem.

This amorphous and amoral antagonist has an avaricious appetite. It has an overwhelming desire for more and for novelty. It's not satisfied with being gluttonous, it wants something new, new experiences, new tastes, new flavors. If, like with its first victim in the book, the food happens to be rare, that's all the better. But what seems to drive it more than anything else is something it hasn't had before. For parents, caretakers, teachers who like to make young readers think about what they read will probably have a lot of fodder there.

But let's not get bogged down in that—it's mean, it's greedy, and it's not that bright and fairly helpless. It's these two things that will help the protagonists.

THE BETHANY
(I love that the title uses the definite article for her...I can just see the beleaguered teachers at her school doing that. "Oh, you've got The Bethany in your class this term? Better you than me..." "Did you hear what The Bethany did today?")

Bethany is...and I mean this in the strictly technical sense...a horrid, obnoxious, pill. And yes, yes, there are reasons for that, and we ought to understand that and exercise empathy toward her and try to help her. But at the beginning of this book, that's not the point. The point is that she's an ill-mannered bully, and that if Ebenezer had to pick a child to feed to the monster, you can certainly grant that she'd make a worthy nominee. Put in a slightly less homicidal way, Bethany is precisely the kind of girl who'd make Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle think of retiring.

Until—and this is the key—until she's shown some kindness (unintentionally, sure, but that's not important). When Ebenezer does nice things for her, extends her some courtesy—and inadvertently acts like a friend. That makes all the difference to Bethany, and she responds in kind (and probably ends up losing her definite article along the way). Those parents, caretakers, and teachers I mentioned earlier can really camp out on this point, I'm sure.

EBENEZER TWEEZER
When the book starts, it's easy to write off Ebenezer as merely The Beast's errand-boy. Sure, a 511-year-old errand boy, but an errand boy nonetheless. Then once you understand what he's doing and why...well, you lose pretty much all sympathy for him. Sure, some sort of alien, magical creature that only wants to eat is one thing, you can get that impulse. But Ebenezer has sold his metaphorical soul to him, in his Faustian bargain for a long life, Ebenezer has helped facilitate a swath of destruction through this world. And that just seems worse than The Beast's actions.

And for what? Money, years, and nice things? He might as well be Smaug.

But as soon as you're about to name him the true villain of the piece, he shows a little bit of a conscience. A teeny, tiny hint of one, but a conscience. Then, like the Grinch's heart, that conscience grows three sizes. And once he accidentally befriends The Bethany? Suddenly, this villain becomes something approximating a hero. Then when Bethany reciprocates his kindness, his friendship, well, then you can't help but cheer him on and wish him all the success. Parents, caregivers, teachers—you get where I'm going with this.

Throw in a backstory worthy of Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Ebenezer Tweezer turns out to be a character that could become a favorite after a re-read or two.

A BIT ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATIONS
I've proven time and time again, that I'm just not that good with describing visual art or my reactions to it. So let me start with the simple—I liked Follath's work, it seemed to fit the flavor and feel of the text. Which is just what you're looking for, right?

My memory of Quentin Blake's work is pretty dim, but I can see why people would compare these illustrations to his work (although most of that probably has to do with comparisons to Dahl, see below). But the artist that came to mind—repeatedly—for me while reading this was Jules Feiffer. Stylistically, there's a lot to distinguish the two—but there's some quality that I can't put a name to that made me think of Feiffer.

I'm also not sure how big the art is in hard copy, how much of a page it'll take up. In my eARC, the illustrations are typically pretty small—like they wouldn't take up much room on a page. That's a shame—if that's true for the hard copy, I'd recommend getting a magnifying lens, so you can take in the detail. If you're reading an e-copy, you should be able to zoom in/magnify the pictures with a click or a reverse pinch. Do so, you'll be glad you did.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE BEAST AND THE BETHANY?
I think it's pretty clear that I liked The Beast and the Bethany—I've certainly talked enough about it. It's a solid story with great characters, told in a clever way—just enough humor and wit to make this truly disturbing tale pretty entertaining and diverting. There's even a nice little moral or two embedded in the text, but delivered in such a way that the target audience can ignore them so they can focus on Bethany's efforts not to get eaten.*

* While the morals percolate in the reader's subconscious, where it'll do some good.

I've seen a lot of comparisons to Roald Dahl used in discussions of this book. Those may be fair and apt, I don't remember enough of Dahl's work to make them myself (nothing against the guy, I remember positive experiences with his works, but he was never a favorite). For me, this reads like a latter-day Daniel M. Pinkwater.* I don't know what kind of audience he has today (I certainly had a hard time finding his stuff when I had kids the right ages), but I remember spending a lot of time in elementary school rereading and rereading books like Lizard Music, The Hoboken Chicken Emergency, I Was a Second Grade Werewolf—which combined horror elements, odd humor, and snappy writing. Just like this book. I couldn't tell you the last time I thought about him—but I wasn't far into this book when I started thinking about Pinkwater.

* It may not be fair to say latter-day, as Pinkwater's still putting out books.

Put another way, this is the kind of book to give a middle grader that you want to turn into an A. Lee Martinez fan. I'm not sure how many people have that as a goal (it'd be a worthy one), but it'd work. If you are an A. Lee Martinez reader and are thinking about reading this book yourself or getting it for someone younger, this is right up your alley.*

* Conversely, if you're looking for something like this written for adults, check out Martinez.

For laughs, for a warm fuzzy or two, for a little bit of horror, for a fun read for readers of all ages, The Beast and The Bethany is an almost sure-fire winner.

This book was a hoot from start to finish! As an adult I never quite know what to expect when reading children’s/middle grade books, but this one really knew how to appeal to multiple ages.

The premise is pretty dark–so keep that in mind if you want your kids to enjoy this–but each issue is tackled with a never-ending sense of humor that made it light and easy to read. I laughed several times while reading this book and I can easily imagine that it will be a 5-star hit with adults, teens, and pre-teens alike.

On occasion, I love reading middle grade books because if there's one thing they are, it's entertaining! The Beast And The Bethany was that and more. From the illustrations to the characters to the plot that had me so engaged, I couldn't put the book down! The illustrations really do add to the book and make it so interesting, as they are spot on. This is a book that's both plot based and character based which to be honest, is a fantastic combination. You get a little bit of everything.
The story follows a magical beast, a vain man and bratty child. What a trio! The characters shine on their own way, with a clear distinction on who plays which role. The author leaves nothing to chance & I love how he doesn't try to make excuses for the character's flaws. (you have to read the book to get what I mean)

The story flows and the writing is easy going. With an odd twist at the end, the book will have you on edge. With a hint of paranormal & an a fantasy aspect, the book is fun & light and a quick read to get through. I loved it.

Jack Meggitt-Phillips’ debut read is cracking original story-telling featuring a rather unpleasant man, a very unlikeable little girl and a repulsive beast. It makes for a ‘mouth-wateringly’ good read and I devoured it in one go, much like the Beast eats his ‘food’.

Ebenezer Tweezer is approaching his 512th birthday. He has managed to reach such a ripe old age thanks to the Beast that he keeps in his attic. The Beast has the power to grant whatever Ebenezer desires and keeps him looking young with a magical potion that it vomits up in return for a special ‘feed’. The Beast demanded only small things in the beginning but over the years it has grown and now only the best and tastiest things will satisfy its hunger. And what is tastier than a child? When the Beast makes its most demanding request yet, Ebenezer has no qualms in setting off to find the perfect child.

After seeking guidance from a rather confused pet shop owner, Ebenezer finds himself at the orphanage which is where he meets Bethany. Before she is ready to be fed to the beast she needs fattening up and so the two are forced to spend a few days in each others company at Ebenezer’s house. But orphan Bethany is not your average little girl and there is time for bad behaviour, practical jokes and plenty of food before the big feed. But when the big day arrives will the Beast get his feed or has Bethany got one more trick to play?

This is a thoroughly engaging fantasy read that children will devour. It is fun, dark and humorous all rolled into one delicious serving. Be warned, there are some gruesome parts as Meggitt-Phillips is not afraid to portray the beast in all it’s gruesome glory, happily feeding both animals and people to it!

None of the characters are at all likeable at the start. Ebenezer lives a lonely existence. He is vain, self-indulgent - enjoys getting things from the Beast that he has no need for just so he can show off his wealth to passers by, and is willing to pay whatever price to look forever young. As such, he has become detached from life and and his naivety of the real world is exhibited on more than one occasion - failing to sell a child sweets for hundreds of pounds, attempting to buy a child from a pet shop and the trying to smuggle a child out of the zoo. Bethany is mouthy, naughty and a right little horror. She takes great joy in making the lives of others miserable and always has a sharp comeback in any conversation. The skill of Phillips’ writing is transforming these characters into people that you root for as a reader. As details of their pasts are revealed, two characters who I really couldn’t have cared less for at the start had me feeling differently at the end and I did not want Bethany to be fed to the Beast or Ebenezer to die.

The story has important messages on valuing what is important in life. This is explored through the changing of the two characters and also a day out where activities are ticked off a bucket-list.’ There are also messages on loss, friendship and what it means to be good.

I must add that I love the character names; Ebenezer Tweezer and Miss. Fizzlewick - brilliant. The illustrations by Isabelle Follath that feature throughout the book are great and bring the characters to life. I was most thrilled to find that the ending of the story perfectly sets it up for the next course and I can hear my stomach grumbling loudly for it already.

The Beast and the Bethany is a book that readers will be sure to gobble up, bon appétit!

Recommended for 7+.

With thanks to Netgalley and Egmont for the review copy.

Oh my goodness, I am excited to share this book review with you! There are many books out there for kids with so many characters, that many of them have a hard time trying to maintain who did what. The Beast and the Bethany is totally different. There is a small loveable cast, and they are memorable. Kids will not have any difficulty reading through this book, and remembering who is who! 

While I was reading through this book, I kept thinking, this is something that my kids would love! I may incorporate this as one of the books that I read to my students in the future, as it was one of those that will have you giggling, slight bursts of irritation, and then, the story redeems with a memorable ending. 

Get to know Ebeneezer Tweezer, Bethany, and the Beast in the attic, as this story takes you on an adventure that you will not quickly forget! This book will release in early December, and that makes it perfect for a Christmas present, or a just because gift!

Q - What do you get if you cross three unsavoury characters in the form of an arrogant and vain 511 year old man, a bad tempered orphan and a stinky, disgusting monster who lurks behind the curtain?
A – Possibly the most fun and captivating children’s book that I have ever read.
Let’s begin with the stars of the show……
Mr Ebenezer Tweezer is a gentleman who has lived far longer than he should have in opulent style thanks to a special deal he has made with The Beast. Mr Ebenezer is one of those characters who is neither good, nor bad – just misguided and lost. I warmed to hm fairly early despite his choices as I felt there was a different side to him.
The Bethany is a grumpy orphan who bullies her way through life and is determined to the same with Ebenezer Tweezer. Bethany’s character had a huge development throughout the novel and although was meant to quite rude and awful in the early stages, with my professional hat on all I saw was a child with some emotional issues needing love and boundaries. I have to admit that even her ‘bad’ actions had me chuckling.
The Beast is a magical creature who is used to getting what he wants and will stop at nothing. He is selfish and lazy and heavily reliant on others to do his bidding. He is truly the baddie of this story but I love the way he is part disgusting bad guy and part spoiled brat.
The trio of main characters come together beautifully in a cleverly entertaining plot that will bring a smile to any reader’s face. Yes, it’s a middle grade book but I defy any adults not to be transported back to their childhoods where reading was truly a magical and pleasurable experience and stories were simple and pure fun. I adored every single thing about the plot and loved how it combined very gentle horror with all the silly things children find funny.
An fabulous middle grade book that will engage even the most reluctant reader and I cannot wait for book 2.