Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!

by Julie Berry

Young Godfrey and his family toil for the lord and lady of the castle. But when Godfrey stumbles upon an unfinished Book of Beasts, its splendid pictures of animals make him forget his chores. He invents the story of a brave knight, Sir Godfrey the Glorious, who battles a lion, tames a unicorn, defeats a griffin, conquers a bonnacon, and triumphs over a dragon. Godfrey does not realize that each time he says the name of an animal, it magically emerges from the book, causing mayhem and inadvertently accomplishing his chores.

Written by award-winning author Julie Berry, and featuring fantastical illustrations by April Lee, this children's book also contains engaging back matter with information on life in the Middle Ages and a mini-bestiary showing animals from original thirteenth-century manuscripts. Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! brings the Middle Ages, legendary beasts, and the medieval imagination to life.

Ages 5 and up.

• ISBN10: 1947440047
• ISBN13: 9781947440043
• Publish Date: 10 September 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Getty Trust Publications
• Imprint: Getty Publications
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 36
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! is a humorous children's book based on the idea of a magical bestiary which comes to life, releasing the fantastic beasts described within as young Godfrey goes about his daily chores in the castle.

Due out 10th Sept 2019 from Getty publications, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover format. This is a beautifully illustrated children's book with a simple story full of imagination by Julie Berry and wonderful illustrations by April Lee.

There's a certain amount of magical realism in the book, with an artist/scribe who is more of a wizard and a magical bestiary which leads "Sir Godfrey the Glorious" to his imaginary adventures.

The end of the book has a nice discussion of illuminated medieval bestiaries and some of the realities of daily life for people living in the middle ages.This would be a superlative reading circle read or library selection. There are questions at the back of the book which will stimulate further conversation and (hopefully) research on the part of the young readers. This would also make a great bedtime or 'read-to-me' read; with a fantastic scope for potential silly voices for the person reading.

Four stars. Gorgeous art and a worthwhile subject.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.