Beauty and the Dreaded Sea Beast: A Graphic Novel

by Louise Simonson, Otis Frampton (Illustrator)

Beauty is sailing the ocean when pirates attack and her dad is thrown overboard. Just as he sinks beneath the waves, something horrible rises--a kraken! Without hesitation, Beauty makes a deal to become the giant squid's prisoner if it rescues her dad. But as Beauty explores the island she's now marooned on, the girl discovers secret treasure that may hold the key to saving herself . . . and the sea beast. Experience Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont's classic "The Beauty and the Beast" like never before in this graphic novel retelling for kids. Each Far Out Fairy Tales adventure includes info on the original tale, a guide to the story's twists, and visual discussion questions to critically engage readers.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Graphic Novels Manga, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics

33 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2019

About the author

Louise Simonson (born Mary Louise Alexander and formerly credited as Louise Jones, when married to artist Jeff Jones) is an American comic book writer and editor. She is best known for her work on comic book titles such as Power Pack, X-Factor, New Mutants, Superman, and Steel. She is sometimes referred to by the nickname "Weezie".

Since 1980 she is married to comic book writer and artist Walter Simonson

Reviews

[Pam]

Graphic Novel
Beauty and the Beast reimagined as a pirate tale. Beauty learns to control her impulsive behavior and think before acting. She masters this after being rescued by the Kraken. She finds the Pirate Mage's spells book and changes the Kraken back to... her dad. A nice twist to make a point about family and love.

[Cheryl]

I can't help but round up to four stars. Such an engaging story, and so perfect for the target audience with its theme of stop & think first. And an inspiring twist on the original, especially for girls. And, as usual, valuable enrichment in the back matter.

Confession - the original was one of my favorite tales as a girl. I wanted to win over someone that nobody else liked with my kindness, patience, good nature, etc. Not like the stereotypical 'bad boy' but more like a gentle beast. Anyway, if I'd read this book back then, I might have made some smarter decisions re' various boyfriends....

I like this series, and though I can't imagine reading them all, I'd like to read more by Simonson.

[Andrew]

Beauty and her Father are traveling the high seas, when her father falls overboard. A terrifying Kraken rises from the depths so Beauty agrees to do whatever it asks, to save her father.

This is definitely not your Disney fairytale. If anything, this is a much more fun, action-packed, romance absent retelling of the beloved French story.
A vibrant cast of characters, a super strong leading lady (more so than any other version of the story I've seen or read), delightful illustrations by Otis Frampton (perfect for any Pirate or Seafaring story lover), and fun text by Louise Simonson make this a bedtime story adventure, perfect for any adventurous kid (or kid at heart).

[Nicola]

Beauty is the daughter of a Merchant Ship Captain who once stole treasure from an evil Pirate Mage. The Pirate Mage takes his revenge and Beauty finds herself alone on an island guarded by a sea kraken. She finds a spell book and is determined to lift the curse and free the Beast.

Miss 7 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Elspeth]

Such a cute retelling of Beauty and the Beast. In this case the Beast is a Kraken, and Beauty is the daughter of a sea captain. Beauty gets to again be the hero of the story but in this case it's because she saves the ship, her dad, and the Kraken!

[Dax]

This was a cute retelling that's all fluff and adventure.

[Aurora]

This is another one so far removed from the original tale that I’m left wondering “what’s the point…?” a little bit. The art was…fine.

[Kara]

A very different take on Beauty and the Beast, giving Beauty a lot more agency and character development, but still, I thought the ending was weird.

[Susan]

This was really good. It had a great ending.

[Amber Greer]

It’s cute. It’s a different reimagining of The Little Mermaid which I enjoyed. Instead of Belle being a peasant she’s a pirate.