The Beast and the Bethany – BLOG TOUR

What do you get when you feed a Beast a whole heap of Dorian Gray, a pinch of Roald Dahl, a dash of Lemony Snicket and a sprinkle of Tracy Beaker? Well, if you’re lucky, the Beast might give you something like this book.

Rating: 5 bites. Would/Already have recommended.

Release Date: 1 October 2020

Publisher: Egmont

Author: Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Illustrator: Isabelle Follath

Major film deal announced with Warner Brothers and Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts producer, David Heyman.

The most exciting new children’s book of 2020 and a modern classic in the making. The Beast and the Bethany has all the classic macabre humour of Roald Dahl with the warmth and charm of Despicable Me, finished off with a gleeful bite of Little Shop of Horrors! This book should be on every little monster’s birthday and Christmas list.

Ebenezer Tweezer is a youthful 511-year-old. He keeps a beast in the attic of his mansion, who he feeds all manner of things (including performing monkeys, his pet cat and the occasional cactus) and in return the beast vomits out presents for Ebenezer, as well as potions which keep him young and beautiful. But the beast grows ever greedier, and soon only a nice, juicy child will do. So when Ebenezer encounters orphan Bethany, it seems like (everlasting) life will go on as normal. But Bethany is not your average orphan . . .

I was so excited to receive a proof for this book (thank you, The Write Reads!) and, I’ve got to say, that excitement really rocketed when I had the book in my hands. Although it looks like I may have got a copy that a certain Beast got hold of first because there are a few… bite marks and slobber stains on it.

This was a very quick, fun middle grade. It definitely feels like the kind of book any child would gobble up (I only wish my 10 year old cousin was here two days earlier to give me her opinion too!) It had so many twists and turns that I couldn’t predict. Every page was a delight, especially when I saw the few illustrations that had been included in the proof. I also loved reading about all the adventures Bethany and Ebenezer went on.

I loved Bethany. An orphan, with a knack for burying her feelings below misbehaviour and worms, she was really fun to watch grow (as she was fed countless dinners). I enjoyed seeing her develop from just “Bog off” to the occasional “Sorry”. She was loud and boisterous, perfect for showing girls they don’t have to be prim and proper (despite what everyone wants to teach her). She wasn’t perfect, but she was brave and spoke her mind, and she dragged Ebenezer with her on her quest to be better.

Speaking of Mr Tweezer… Ebenezer was a fun young… old… basically fossilised man. He approached problems with a unique mind, didn’t really know how money worked and loved what he loved. Although you’re introduced to him as, well, historically a very selfish person, I was glad to see him mature as much as Bethany – and he even ended up brave in his own Ebenezer way.

And The Beast? Well, maybe best not to say anything about the Beast lest he develop a sudden taste for redheaded book bloggers. Bethany’s name is already eerily similar…

Author Bio

Jack Meggitt-Phillips is an incredibly exciting new talent. He is an author, scriptwriter and playwright whose work has been performed at The Roundhouse and featured on Radio 4. He is scriptwriter and presenter of The History of Advertising podcast. In his mind, Jack is an enormously talented ballroom dancer, however his enthusiasm far surpasses his actual talent. Jack lives in north London where he spends most of his time drinking peculiar teas and reading PG Wodehouse novels.

Illustrator Bio

Isabelle Follath is an illustrator who has worked in advertising, fashion magazines and book publishing, but her true passion lies in illustrating children’s books. She also loves drinking an alarming amount of coffee, learning new crafts and looking for the perfect greenish-gold colour. Isabellelives in Zurich, Switzerland.