Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Belle is convinced she has the wrong name, as she lacks her sisters' awe-inspiring beauty. So she withdraws from society, devoting her time to wood carving. Secretly, Belle longs to find the fabled Heartwood Tree. If carved by the right hands, the Heartwood will reveal the face of one's true love. During a fierce storm, Belle's father stumbles upon the mysterious Heartwood -- and encounters a terrifying and lonely Beast. Now Belle must carve the Heartwood to save her father, and learn to see not with the eyes of her mind, but with the eyes of her heart.
Is Belle appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
A gentle Beauty and the Beast retelling with themes of self-worth and inner beauty. Contains mild peril and a father in danger, but no violence, romance, or mature content beyond what's in the original fairy tale.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include captivity and body image issues.
Who'll love this
Readers will love Belle's artistic talent and her journey to see beyond appearances while discovering her own worth.