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Multicultural Fairy Tales
Beauty and the Beast Stories Around the World: 3 Beloved Tales
Think there's just one fairy tale with a beautiful girl and a monster? Think again! Cultures all around the world have their own Beauty and the Beast stories. Visit France, China, and Switzerland, and find out who asks for a grape instead of a rose, and whose beast is a snake.
32 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Cari Meister
469 books51 followersCari Meister lives on a small farm in Minnesota with her husband, four sons, three horses, one dog and one cat. Cari enjoys running, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and yoga. She loves to visit libraries and schools!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 25, 2026
Very cute, I've heard the 3 stories before but I love how all three tellings are in one sweet book. And the artwork is lovely!
August 8, 2017
What a charming little read! I myself love seeing the differences in what we call Classic Fairytales in other cultures. This one takes you to France, Switzerland, and China. Personally, I liked the China story best.
November 3, 2023
The first book I read about the Beauty and the Beast tale was Beauty and the Beast: Stories Around the World by Cari Meister and was published in 2016. When I decided on the fairytale of Beauty and the Beast I went to the traditional literature section of my library and they had fairytales separated out by subject. I was intrigued to read this book as it contains three Beauty and the Beast fairytale versions all from different countries. I read this book in hardcover and checked it out from my local library.
Beauty and the Beast: Stories Around the World is a picture book that contains three versions of Beauty and the Beast. One from France, which is the traditional version that most are familiar with. Another version from China titled The Fairy Serpent. And a third version from Switzerland called The Bear Prince. The two versions from China and Switzerland were unique yet had the same basic plot as the traditional Beauty and the Beast. In The Fairy Serpent, from China, the father is picking flowers for his daughters and accidentally picks from the Fairy Serpent’s garden who then demands the father send one of his daughters to him for him to marry. In The Bear Prince, the father is trying to find a grape for his daughter and comes across a bear who agrees to give him a grape in exchange for sending the bear “the first one who greets you when you arrive home”. Despite these differences, there are many similarities to all three of these stories. All three have three daughters and the youngest daughter goes with the Beast/Serpent/Bear. All three girls agree to stay with the Beast/Serpent/Bear and the Beast/Serpent/Bear almost dies, but turns into a prince in the end.
Each story was drawn by a different illustrator so they all have a different tone to them. For the most part they are paintings that are realistic in nature, but definitely have a “folk art” feel. They are filled with colors that represent the cultures of each story (Temple et al., 2019). Each one has a different color scheme depending on the country in which it takes place. The characters look different as well to reflect the culture in which they are from. This book promotes diversity because it contains fairy tales from three different cultures. In each story we can see the culture reflected in the text and illustrations. From the clothes they wear to the things they eat to the type of flower they collect, each story shows its individuality based on the culture it comes from. Folk traditions are both unique and universal. Learning about traditional literature is a way of getting to know other cultures while at the same time considering common themes that matter to everyone (Temple et al., 2019). Having three cultural variations in one book allows readers to really see those similarities and differences.
Theme is one literary element that is found very commonly in traditional literature. Many of these books have a moral or lesson for readers to follow. However, in this book the theme is implicit since the theme is not explicitly stated as many readers do not like to have the morals of stories dictated to them (Temple et al., 2019). Even though the theme and the moral are not explicitly stated themes of kindness to others, family comes first, and being true to who you really are shine through. One weak literary element is the characterization. I feel like this book has the condensed version of these stories and the characters do not seem well developed. I would have loved to learn more about Beauty and her character traits, as well as the Beast’s and to see how those traits develop over time. All of the characters in the book are rather flat and the reader does not get to look inside their minds to learn who they truly are.
I think this book would be good for ages 5-9 or about grades K-3. This book would make a great read aloud, especially for younger students. It has several story elements: characters, setting, problem, solution that would be great practice for students to identify. I used to love the fairytale unit we did in school and getting the chance to read and analyze all of the many unique story elements that make up some of these traditional literature tales. Older students can examine the plot structure and determine the different elements of the plot. I would also use this book to compare and contrast the different versions of the same story. It would be interesting to have students really examine how each story follows the same basic plot structure, but is altered based on elements of importance in the culture the story came from.
Beauty and the Beast: Stories Around the World is a picture book that contains three versions of Beauty and the Beast. One from France, which is the traditional version that most are familiar with. Another version from China titled The Fairy Serpent. And a third version from Switzerland called The Bear Prince. The two versions from China and Switzerland were unique yet had the same basic plot as the traditional Beauty and the Beast. In The Fairy Serpent, from China, the father is picking flowers for his daughters and accidentally picks from the Fairy Serpent’s garden who then demands the father send one of his daughters to him for him to marry. In The Bear Prince, the father is trying to find a grape for his daughter and comes across a bear who agrees to give him a grape in exchange for sending the bear “the first one who greets you when you arrive home”. Despite these differences, there are many similarities to all three of these stories. All three have three daughters and the youngest daughter goes with the Beast/Serpent/Bear. All three girls agree to stay with the Beast/Serpent/Bear and the Beast/Serpent/Bear almost dies, but turns into a prince in the end.
Each story was drawn by a different illustrator so they all have a different tone to them. For the most part they are paintings that are realistic in nature, but definitely have a “folk art” feel. They are filled with colors that represent the cultures of each story (Temple et al., 2019). Each one has a different color scheme depending on the country in which it takes place. The characters look different as well to reflect the culture in which they are from. This book promotes diversity because it contains fairy tales from three different cultures. In each story we can see the culture reflected in the text and illustrations. From the clothes they wear to the things they eat to the type of flower they collect, each story shows its individuality based on the culture it comes from. Folk traditions are both unique and universal. Learning about traditional literature is a way of getting to know other cultures while at the same time considering common themes that matter to everyone (Temple et al., 2019). Having three cultural variations in one book allows readers to really see those similarities and differences.
Theme is one literary element that is found very commonly in traditional literature. Many of these books have a moral or lesson for readers to follow. However, in this book the theme is implicit since the theme is not explicitly stated as many readers do not like to have the morals of stories dictated to them (Temple et al., 2019). Even though the theme and the moral are not explicitly stated themes of kindness to others, family comes first, and being true to who you really are shine through. One weak literary element is the characterization. I feel like this book has the condensed version of these stories and the characters do not seem well developed. I would have loved to learn more about Beauty and her character traits, as well as the Beast’s and to see how those traits develop over time. All of the characters in the book are rather flat and the reader does not get to look inside their minds to learn who they truly are.
I think this book would be good for ages 5-9 or about grades K-3. This book would make a great read aloud, especially for younger students. It has several story elements: characters, setting, problem, solution that would be great practice for students to identify. I used to love the fairytale unit we did in school and getting the chance to read and analyze all of the many unique story elements that make up some of these traditional literature tales. Older students can examine the plot structure and determine the different elements of the plot. I would also use this book to compare and contrast the different versions of the same story. It would be interesting to have students really examine how each story follows the same basic plot structure, but is altered based on elements of importance in the culture the story came from.
February 1, 2023
Comprised of Three Stories
"Beauty and the Beast: A French Fairy Tale
Once there was a rich merchant who had three daughter. The two oldest daughters were selfish and greedy. The younger, named Beauty, was kind and good.
The Fairy Serpent: A Chinese Fairy Tale
Long ago in China lived a man and his three daughters. Every day on his way home from work, he would stop and gather flowers. The girls would us the flower sin their embroidery patterns.
The Bear Prince: A Swiss Fairy Tale
One day a merchant was going to market. 'What would you like me to bring back?' he asked his daughters. The eldest daughter answered, 'Pearls.' The middle daughter said, 'A new blue dress.' The youngest daughter answered simply, 'A grape.'"
❤️ I love being able to read three different stories at once. It makes it easier to compare the similarities of the story. I also really liked the intro the book that discusses how, as a story will travel from one region to another, it will adapt to match that culture.
💫 While I understand how tricky it is to tell each story in only a couple pages, I wish the writing was a little more captivating. It feels much more like a book summary with a couple of descriptive words thrown in. I was also a little confused by the end of the Swiss tale. Is this how it actually ends. Beauty is reward for being disobedient? What an odd moral. On the plus side, it makes me want to go hunt down the full story and see what it was originally and a good book will often inspire you to go do something so, mission accomplished!
📆 I'd probably read this book near Valentine's Day as it fits into the "love story" category. If not, it's tricky to place. The first story takes place in winter. The second book is possibly in spring (with all the flowers). The last story seems to be either summer or fall with the grapes being ready to harvest.
My Ranking System:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I absolutely love everything about the book and would buy it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love the book but there are enough “wishes” that I wouldn’t buy it but I’d definitely check it out again
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m glad I read it once, but it is a one-time read and never again
⭐️⭐️ I was bored and wish I had the time back that I spent reading it
⭐️ I really didn’t like it and would advise people NOT to read it
"Beauty and the Beast: A French Fairy Tale
Once there was a rich merchant who had three daughter. The two oldest daughters were selfish and greedy. The younger, named Beauty, was kind and good.
The Fairy Serpent: A Chinese Fairy Tale
Long ago in China lived a man and his three daughters. Every day on his way home from work, he would stop and gather flowers. The girls would us the flower sin their embroidery patterns.
The Bear Prince: A Swiss Fairy Tale
One day a merchant was going to market. 'What would you like me to bring back?' he asked his daughters. The eldest daughter answered, 'Pearls.' The middle daughter said, 'A new blue dress.' The youngest daughter answered simply, 'A grape.'"
❤️ I love being able to read three different stories at once. It makes it easier to compare the similarities of the story. I also really liked the intro the book that discusses how, as a story will travel from one region to another, it will adapt to match that culture.
💫 While I understand how tricky it is to tell each story in only a couple pages, I wish the writing was a little more captivating. It feels much more like a book summary with a couple of descriptive words thrown in. I was also a little confused by the end of the Swiss tale. Is this how it actually ends. Beauty is reward for being disobedient? What an odd moral. On the plus side, it makes me want to go hunt down the full story and see what it was originally and a good book will often inspire you to go do something so, mission accomplished!
📆 I'd probably read this book near Valentine's Day as it fits into the "love story" category. If not, it's tricky to place. The first story takes place in winter. The second book is possibly in spring (with all the flowers). The last story seems to be either summer or fall with the grapes being ready to harvest.
My Ranking System:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I absolutely love everything about the book and would buy it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love the book but there are enough “wishes” that I wouldn’t buy it but I’d definitely check it out again
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m glad I read it once, but it is a one-time read and never again
⭐️⭐️ I was bored and wish I had the time back that I spent reading it
⭐️ I really didn’t like it and would advise people NOT to read it
October 30, 2019
This book is a great find for lesson plans around traditional tales. The story is familiar but engaging, telling Beauty and the Beast through three different cultures.
France: Beauty and the Beast-- The beast locks up the merchant for trying to bring his daughter a rose. Beauty goes to look for him and takes his place. She stays for months, and when she finally leaves, takes a ring to remember Beast. She returns, professes her love for him, and the enchantment is broken. They live happily ever after.
China: The Fairy Serpent-- A man gathering flowers for his daughters enters a serpent's garden. The father is released in turn for a daughter’s hand in marriage. The youngest daughter agrees to go, serves her new husband, and is treated very well. She realizes she is in love with him, and he is transformed into a handsome man.
Switzerland: The Bear Prince-- A merchant goes to the market to bring his daughters back gifts, so he must go to a bear’s vineyard for a grape. The bear gives him a grape in exchange for the first person to greet the father. The youngest daughter greets him first, so must marry the bear. She falls in love with him, and when she lights a match a night he turns back into a handsome prince.
The illustrations are done by three different illustrators to stay true to the different culture's art styles. They add to the style of the tales. The plot is very simplified to get three stories into now book so the writing is not my favorite. This would be a great book for a comparative fairytale lesson for 2nd and 3rd graders but not a read aloud alone. The back of the book includes a glossary, common core questions, and writing prompts, and is a great teaching tool. I would use this book in a future lesson and recommend the Stories Around the World series.
France: Beauty and the Beast-- The beast locks up the merchant for trying to bring his daughter a rose. Beauty goes to look for him and takes his place. She stays for months, and when she finally leaves, takes a ring to remember Beast. She returns, professes her love for him, and the enchantment is broken. They live happily ever after.
China: The Fairy Serpent-- A man gathering flowers for his daughters enters a serpent's garden. The father is released in turn for a daughter’s hand in marriage. The youngest daughter agrees to go, serves her new husband, and is treated very well. She realizes she is in love with him, and he is transformed into a handsome man.
Switzerland: The Bear Prince-- A merchant goes to the market to bring his daughters back gifts, so he must go to a bear’s vineyard for a grape. The bear gives him a grape in exchange for the first person to greet the father. The youngest daughter greets him first, so must marry the bear. She falls in love with him, and when she lights a match a night he turns back into a handsome prince.
The illustrations are done by three different illustrators to stay true to the different culture's art styles. They add to the style of the tales. The plot is very simplified to get three stories into now book so the writing is not my favorite. This would be a great book for a comparative fairytale lesson for 2nd and 3rd graders but not a read aloud alone. The back of the book includes a glossary, common core questions, and writing prompts, and is a great teaching tool. I would use this book in a future lesson and recommend the Stories Around the World series.
May 19, 2019
Beauty and the Beast Stories Around the World: 3 Beloved Tales tells the iconic fairy tale from three different countries. The three stories begin with the traditional France version, then followed by the Chinese version and finally the Swiss version. Each tale has elements of the classic story but also incorporates parts of each culture. There is not a lot of depth to each story, which does provide a lot of literary instruction, but the author does provide some guidance to this issue.
This book could work well in a 2nd or 3rd-grade classroom because it allows students to examine compare and contrast the three tales. The author also provides critical thinking and writing questions that are aligned to the Common Core Standards. Students can compare and contrast how each story is different and why they think they are different.
I found this book on Goodreads' Popular Traditional Literature site.
This book could work well in a 2nd or 3rd-grade classroom because it allows students to examine compare and contrast the three tales. The author also provides critical thinking and writing questions that are aligned to the Common Core Standards. Students can compare and contrast how each story is different and why they think they are different.
I found this book on Goodreads' Popular Traditional Literature site.
April 4, 2025
One of my favorite tales, told flat three ways. Couldn't even really tell them apart, or understand clues about where the two European ones were set. And the Swiss one is actually a truncated version of the Norwegian East of the Sun and West of the Moon which gets more interesting after this one ends. The Chinese one is a little different.
But all were disappointing. And, no, in none of them do we learn the reason for the beast's curse or spell.
But all were disappointing. And, no, in none of them do we learn the reason for the beast's curse or spell.
March 22, 2019
I love Beauty and the Beast stories! And quiet enjoyed reading the different variations of it in this story. This book contains the French, Chinese and Swiss versions of Beauty and the Beast, each lovely and special in its own way.
January 16, 2021
An excellent resource for diversity. I loved learning that the tale of a beautiful girl and a monster is told in other countries. Kids will enjoy visiting France, China, and Switzerland to learn all the “requests” made by daughters as well as the shapes taken by the “monsters”.
February 29, 2024
Back matter includes glossary, critical thinking questions (aligned to CCSS) and writing prompts; series
April 19, 2024
Very cute book! This is a great way to learn other cultures fairytales and make a diverse classroom more inclusive.
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January 14, 2017Young readers will learn that cultures all around the world have their own Beauty and the Beast stories. Variants from France, China, and Switzerland encourage readers to find out who asks for a grape instead of a rose, and whose beast is a snake.
Colorfully illustrated in a variety of folk-art styles, Meister’s anthology is a springboard for discussion on variants, culture, and folk-lore.
Colorfully illustrated in a variety of folk-art styles, Meister’s anthology is a springboard for discussion on variants, culture, and folk-lore.
April 17, 2018
Did you happen to think that there was only one fairy tale with a beautiful Princess and a Beast like I did? Think again because this book will prove otherwise! This book gives us a lovely look at three different versions of the well known fairy tale Beauty and the Beast from the perspectives of different cultures. There are versions from France, China, and Switzerland which are all the same tale just with their own personal cultural touch. It teaches readers about how fairy tales told in different parts of the world may be slightly altered in order to match aspects of certain cultures. Definitely a short and cute read!
This would be a good addition to an elementary classroom as it helps teach children about different cultures and the different values some of them hold. It brings in three different cultures for students to learn a little bit about as they read through each of the stories. This book could be appealing to students looking to learn about different cultures of for students who may come from these cultures looking to see what a fairy tale may look like within this culture.
This would be a good addition to an elementary classroom as it helps teach children about different cultures and the different values some of them hold. It brings in three different cultures for students to learn a little bit about as they read through each of the stories. This book could be appealing to students looking to learn about different cultures of for students who may come from these cultures looking to see what a fairy tale may look like within this culture.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews