A Beasty Story [Hardcover]

Bill Martin Jr (Author), Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 1999 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

In a dark, dark house, in a dark, dark wood lurks a creepy, beasty . . . BEAST! But fear not--this beast may not be so beastly after all. The talents of Bill Martin Jr and Steven Kellogg come together for the first time to create a ghoulish story that’s both scary and snug. Cuddle up but beware--you’re in for a big, beasty surprise!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"In a dark, dark wood there is a dark, dark house..." So begins this tongue-in-cheek rodent tale of intrigue. Four brave and curious mice follow the trail of a big, scary beast, down the dark red stair, into the dark blue cellar, inside the dark green bottle in the dark purple cupboard. Young readers will squeal in delighted fright when the yellow-eyed monster ("A BEAST!") flies out and across the cellar, up the stairs, out of the house, and into the night. The perpetually rhyming, color-obsessed mice follow in hot pursuit. But is the beast really as horrible as it seems?

Two of the best-loved creators of children's books have collaborated on this utterly charming picture book. Using repetition, color progression, and rhymes, Bill Martin, Jr. (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?) and Steven Kellogg (A-Hunting We Will Go!) conjure up a story that will beguile any small reader in search of a thrill. Comical, cartoonish illustrations depict shadowy figures and deep, rich colors, leading up to the spooky surprise ending. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

"Nick's Tricks and Hank's Pranks, Incorporated" are the words painted on the side of a truck rolling through the forest on the front endpaper of this mischievous caper; mice Nick and Hank themselves surface on the title page, offering observant youngsters a clue to the plot that lies ahead. In large type well geared to beginning readers, the text sets the scene for each spreadAand reinforces knowledge of colors: "In a dark, dark wood there is a dark, dark house./ In the dark brown house there is a dark, dark stair." Appearing in speech balloons within the whimsical illustrations, the ingenuous, rhyming dialogue of four wide-eyed mice supplements the narrative. The intrepid mice venture into the shadow-filled house and creep down a dark, dark red staircase to a cellar with dark, dark blue walls, and so forth, until they find a dark, dark green bottle. The "beast" that floats out of it is only the first of the book's surprises. A high-spirited balance of concept book and adventure tale, this should find an enthusiastic reception among the many fans of Martin (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?) and Kellogg (Is Your Mama a Llama?). Both artist and illustrator shine as they playfully illuminate this "dark, dark" setting. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (August 2, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 015201683X
• ISBN-13: 978-0152016838
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,029,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Martin Jr, an elementary-school principal, teacher, writer, and poet, held a doctoral degree in early childhood education. His many books, among them the bestselling classics Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?; Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?; Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?; and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, are a testament to his ability to speak directly to children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A scary book - preschool style, April 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Beasty Story (Hardcover)

Preschoolers will love to explore the "dark, dark house" with the four brave mice. They'll also love the rhyme and references to colors. The text is brief to match the attention span of young children. The opening illustrations foreshadow the ending; preschoolers might not notice the first time through, but when they do notice, they'll be delighted. Best of all, the beast is scary, but not TOO scary.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for preschoolers, November 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Beasty Story (Hardcover)

My daughter (3 1/2) and son (20 months) both loved this book when we borrowed it from the library. It is full of suspense yet not scary. The rhymes are wonderful! It teaches colors as well. My daughter loved repeating the sentences.
A cute and educational book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book for new readers and parents to share together!, March 31, 2001

By 

Sarah Melissa Montambo - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Beasty Story (Hardcover)

Bill Martin Jr.'s knack for rhyme and rhythm are the base for this exciting tale. Steven Kellogg illustrates the 'dark, dark woods' and the charming mice whose adventure we are sharing. This book is perfect for beginning readers and adults to share the reading. Children can easily memorize and 'read' the subtly changing text. Adults can chime in as the mice. I love to watch my Kindergartener's read this book 'outloud to themselves'. They cannot help but add dramatic touches to the reading. A new classic from these two great contributors to children's literature.