The Beast and the Bethany (Beast and the Bethany #1)

At 511 years old, Ebenezer Tweezer has a wonderful life, despite doing nothing to deserve it. Every year he receives an anti-aging potion from a beast, and all he has to do in return is feed the beast whatever it wants—from statues to house cats to a rare purple-breasted parrot. But Ebenezer gets quite a shock when the beast decides what he really wants to try is a human child. Ebenezer adopts the obnoxious orphan Bethany, thinking she'll be easy to sacrifice. But much to their mutual surprise, the two have a lot to learn from each other. This book is delightful from the first sentence, reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman at their cleverest. Ebenezer and Bethany are excellent foils, each despicable in their own way while slowly drawing out the other's best qualities. The story is at turns funny, shocking, and redemptive, and flows well through each twist. Side characters, while not taking up much scene time, are well developed and add depth. Follath's black-and-white illustrations emphasize the whimsical, and sometimes dark feel of the book. The ending, however, may give readers pause: While adding a darker tone, it feels out-of-place and opposes the hard-won redemption from the previous chapter. VERDICT This book will appeal to readers because of its clever humor, despicable characters, and shocking reveals. It will fit nicely alongside zanier books like those from Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman's Fortunately, the Milk, and Lois Lowry's "The Willoughbys" series.—Kristin Brynsvold, Tuckahoe Elem. Sch., Arlington, VA

Ebenezer Tweezer, "a terrible man with a wonderful life," is a solitary, golden-haired person possessed of a Beast in his attic, who gives him his heart's desires for a price: feasts in the form of rare objects and beasts. Approaching his 512th birthday, Ebenezer has most everything he wants--refrigerators full of food, a home "fifteen stories tall and twelve elephants wide"--save for the potion that keeps him young and handsome, which the Beast plans to withhold unless Ebenezer produces a human child for consumption. Acquiring Bethany Bogoff, an orphan who has been "nothing but trouble" since her parents died in a fire, Ebenezer finds himself saddled with a girl as contrary and spiteful as he is, one whom he has three days to fatten up as the two engage in a war of manipulations--over breakfasts, comics, and strong wills--until they find common ground. Debut author Meggitt-Phillips presents an archly told story filled with devious pranks and an appreciable, skillfully played redemption arc that heightens the emotional heft. Crisp black-and-white art by Follath (Joy) adds atmosphere. Ages 9-13. Author's agent: Rachel Mann, Jo Unwin Literary. (Dec.)