The Beast of Monsieur Racine

This is an odd little story. It is about a man, who befriends a “beast” who is stealing pears from his tree. Not only does he befriend the beast but convinces the beast to be shown to the science of animal groups, where no one can believe this wonderous new creature. This book is historically banned for violence, and for not being age appropriate. I find that odd. It’s a picture book, for picture book age ranges. To this reader, the oddest thing about this book, is that anyone for a second could be fooled into thinking the beast was anything besides what it was. I would have thought the book to be banned for showing characters too dumb or uneducated enough not to know what the best was. But no, a man mad that people are stealing show more from him is too violent. All the banners have done, is make sure people to like me continue to read and talk about this book, whenever book banning comes up. show less

I love the matter-of-factness of the twist ending.

On the youtube edition, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beFawkWS3is, I did not see the gore and zombies some other reviewers mention. Maybe if I had I would have given it only three stars. Maybe not - some kids revel in that stuff, and there should be books that delight them as well.

great illustrations with parts protruding out of the frame. funny story too

Charming, imaginative

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