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geekwayne's review
3.0
'Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!' by Julie Berry with illustrations by April Lee is a picture book to teach about medieval bestiarys.
Godfrey is a young peasant boy working in a courtyard. He finds a bestiary. He starts making up a story with the animals drawn within. Before he knows it, there is a lion running around, then a unicorn, a griffin, and others. Godfrey finds himself in trouble, until he gets some unlikely help.
The book finishes with information about read bestiaries as well as medieval life. The story is fun and the illustrations are really nice.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Getty Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Godfrey is a young peasant boy working in a courtyard. He finds a bestiary. He starts making up a story with the animals drawn within. Before he knows it, there is a lion running around, then a unicorn, a griffin, and others. Godfrey finds himself in trouble, until he gets some unlikely help.
The book finishes with information about read bestiaries as well as medieval life. The story is fun and the illustrations are really nice.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Getty Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
alongreader's review
5.0
What an absolutely beautiful picture book. Godfrey, a young peasant boy in Medival England, happens to glimpse a Beastiery as he's going about his chores. He entertains himself by spinning a story about brave Sir Godfrey and the beasts he encounters, unaware that every time he says an animal's name it appears from the book! Chaos ensues as Godfrey tries to get his chores done and more importantly - hide the beasts from his mother!
I love the art style in this book - lots of picture books are stylised, but this is very realistic, even though it's dealing with some fantastical topics. Godfrey is good natured and I enjoyed following the story. Kids will love pointing out all the choas he's oblivious to as he goes about his day. A great read.
I love the art style in this book - lots of picture books are stylised, but this is very realistic, even though it's dealing with some fantastical topics. Godfrey is good natured and I enjoyed following the story. Kids will love pointing out all the choas he's oblivious to as he goes about his day. A great read.
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! is a humorous children's book based on the idea of a magical bestiary which comes to life, releasing the fantastic beasts described within as young Godfrey goes about his daily chores in the castle.
Due out 10th Sept 2019 from Getty publications, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover format. This is a beautifully illustrated children's book with a simple story full of imagination by Julie Berry and wonderful illustrations by April Lee.
There's a certain amount of magical realism in the book, with an artist/scribe who is more of a wizard and a magical bestiary which leads "Sir Godfrey the Glorious" to his imaginary adventures.
The end of the book has a nice discussion of illuminated medieval bestiaries and some of the realities of daily life for people living in the middle ages.This would be a superlative reading circle read or library selection. There are questions at the back of the book which will stimulate further conversation and (hopefully) research on the part of the young readers. This would also make a great bedtime or 'read-to-me' read; with a fantastic scope for potential silly voices for the person reading.
Four stars. Gorgeous art and a worthwhile subject.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! is a humorous children's book based on the idea of a magical bestiary which comes to life, releasing the fantastic beasts described within as young Godfrey goes about his daily chores in the castle.
Due out 10th Sept 2019 from Getty publications, it's 40 pages and will be available in hardcover format. This is a beautifully illustrated children's book with a simple story full of imagination by Julie Berry and wonderful illustrations by April Lee.
There's a certain amount of magical realism in the book, with an artist/scribe who is more of a wizard and a magical bestiary which leads "Sir Godfrey the Glorious" to his imaginary adventures.
The end of the book has a nice discussion of illuminated medieval bestiaries and some of the realities of daily life for people living in the middle ages.This would be a superlative reading circle read or library selection. There are questions at the back of the book which will stimulate further conversation and (hopefully) research on the part of the young readers. This would also make a great bedtime or 'read-to-me' read; with a fantastic scope for potential silly voices for the person reading.
Four stars. Gorgeous art and a worthwhile subject.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
tmefoster's review
4.0
I loved the fantastical creatures and the gorgeous art! The story is told as if a story would have been told in the medieval ages from a child his age.
As Godfrey does his chores, he spins a tale and each time he says the creature's name, they are able to leave the book. As a fluke the mayhem they cause also helps Godfrey do his chores, but he doesn't notice until the end of the day, and back in the book they go for the day.
Thank you to Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
#DontLetTheBeastiesEscapeThisBook #NetGalley
As Godfrey does his chores, he spins a tale and each time he says the creature's name, they are able to leave the book. As a fluke the mayhem they cause also helps Godfrey do his chores, but he doesn't notice until the end of the day, and back in the book they go for the day.
Thank you to Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
#DontLetTheBeastiesEscapeThisBook #NetGalley
fernandie's review
4.0
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
emersonernest's review
5.0
This was absolutely adorable and reminds you that children of all ages and all eras can use their imagination. The artwork was really good too.
scostner's review
3.0
A picture book inspired by an exhibit at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! follows a medieval peasant boy named Godfrey through his day. Although his mother gives him a list of chores to do and reminds him that he must not forget any of them, Godfrey is distracted by the book being created for the lady of the castle. He borrows the book to look at the illuminated images inside and begins to make up a story about the beasts in the pictures. Godfrey doesn't realize that saying the names of the beasts will summon them from the book. A lion, unicorn, griffin, bonnacon, and dragon all appear as the tale of "Godfrey the Glorious" becomes more and more elaborate. Luckily, even though Godfrey is distracted by the adventure he imagines, the creatures manage to complete all his chores for him without his notice - until the dragon lights the fire in the cottage.
Back matter includes an explanation of what a bestiary was, and about how life in a medieval castle worked. Families like Godfrey's would not have their own books, but would hear tales of fantastic beasts. Those tales were a mix of true facts from distant explorers and myths and legends. Without cameras, television, and other media we are accustomed to today, people had no way of knowing which stories were true or not. Examples of various beasts shown in the books form the exhibit are shared along with descriptions of the beasts and their powers.
This would be a helpful book to use when talking about fake news. The comparison of tales from beastiaries and the incredible stories shared across social media and the Internet could start a discussion about what can be proven and what is only rumor. It is also a fun book just for the glimpse into medieval life and fantastic beasts.
Back matter includes an explanation of what a bestiary was, and about how life in a medieval castle worked. Families like Godfrey's would not have their own books, but would hear tales of fantastic beasts. Those tales were a mix of true facts from distant explorers and myths and legends. Without cameras, television, and other media we are accustomed to today, people had no way of knowing which stories were true or not. Examples of various beasts shown in the books form the exhibit are shared along with descriptions of the beasts and their powers.
This would be a helpful book to use when talking about fake news. The comparison of tales from beastiaries and the incredible stories shared across social media and the Internet could start a discussion about what can be proven and what is only rumor. It is also a fun book just for the glimpse into medieval life and fantastic beasts.
lacyduckie's review
3.0
A super cute and highly imaginative fantasy picture book where all the legendary beasties come to life! There wasn't much of a plot but that's okay. It's still a fun read. I wish the beasties had been fleshed out and stuck around a little longer. I do like how the different creatures were explained at the end of the book. My absolute favorite part was the lion protecting the kittens throughout the story! π»π¦ππΎπ
***All the gratitude to Netgalley and Getty Publications for the review copy.***
***All the gratitude to Netgalley and Getty Publications for the review copy.***
jennyfer's review
5.0
The following review was written by my 7yo:
1: What was the book title?
Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!
2: What was the book about?
A little boy -called Godfrey- who was told to do his chores.
Unfortunately, he found the book of monsters, and then lots of beasts appeared when he said their names.
It did NOT help him do his chores.
3: Did you like the story? Why/Why not?
Yes, I liked the words, and the character Godfrey, but I didn't like the way the pictures were drawn.
4: What was the best bit about the story?
All of it.
5: What was the worst bit about the story?
None.
6: Would you recommend the book? Why/why not?
Yes and 3 year old's +.
7: How many stars would you give this book out of 5? 5
===
Set in medieval times, Godfrey, a young peasant boy, is tasked with household chores, but cautioned firstly not to daydream and not secondly to disturb a visiting artist who is working on an illuminated bestiary. Godfrey, of course, discovers the book, and as he goes about his chores imagines himself battling ferocious, mythical beasts and from Lions to Dragons and others in between.
Beautifully illustrated, Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book is a delightful read, showing the power of a child's imagination in getting things done.
I liked the inclusion, after the story, of excerpts from actual Bestiaries, and the encouragement for children to imagine themselves in the 13th century, not knowing about all of the weird and wonderful animals we take for granted in the 21st century.
The kindle version didn't do the book justice, splitting pages and breaking the flow of the text and images. It looked far nicer through Digital Editions on my desktop (and I'm sure will be nicer again in print).
**I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
1: What was the book title?
Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!
2: What was the book about?
A little boy -called Godfrey- who was told to do his chores.
Unfortunately, he found the book of monsters, and then lots of beasts appeared when he said their names.
It did NOT help him do his chores.
3: Did you like the story? Why/Why not?
Yes, I liked the words, and the character Godfrey, but I didn't like the way the pictures were drawn.
4: What was the best bit about the story?
All of it.
5: What was the worst bit about the story?
None.
6: Would you recommend the book? Why/why not?
Yes and 3 year old's +.
7: How many stars would you give this book out of 5? 5
===
Set in medieval times, Godfrey, a young peasant boy, is tasked with household chores, but cautioned firstly not to daydream and not secondly to disturb a visiting artist who is working on an illuminated bestiary. Godfrey, of course, discovers the book, and as he goes about his chores imagines himself battling ferocious, mythical beasts and from Lions to Dragons and others in between.
Beautifully illustrated, Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book is a delightful read, showing the power of a child's imagination in getting things done.
I liked the inclusion, after the story, of excerpts from actual Bestiaries, and the encouragement for children to imagine themselves in the 13th century, not knowing about all of the weird and wonderful animals we take for granted in the 21st century.
The kindle version didn't do the book justice, splitting pages and breaking the flow of the text and images. It looked far nicer through Digital Editions on my desktop (and I'm sure will be nicer again in print).
**I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
alstrath's review
5.0
I read this book to my children as a bedtime story.
They loved it. My daughter said it was "Amazing" and my son said "I'm so glad they didn't kill the dragon!"
The illustrations were the best part of this book for me - so bright and detailed. The story was cute and a great length for bedtime story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing us the chance to experience this book.
They loved it. My daughter said it was "Amazing" and my son said "I'm so glad they didn't kill the dragon!"
The illustrations were the best part of this book for me - so bright and detailed. The story was cute and a great length for bedtime story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing us the chance to experience this book.