Beauty and the beast : $b An old tale new-told, with pictures

In a bustling, nameless city a widowed merchant raises three daughters, two proud and fashionable, and a youngest whose gentle beauty and boundless compassion earn her the singular name “Beauty.” From childhood she comforts stray animals, tends wilted herbs, and spreads kindness to anyone in need, while her sisters’ envy grows with each whispered praise. The family’s lively household is marked by feasts, music, and the everyday drama of a tight‑knit household where love and rivalry coexist.

One cold March morning, Beauty’s simple act of wrapping an old watchdog in her new scarlet cloak hints at the larger forces that will soon intrude upon her world. A mysterious garden, a hidden door, and a fearsome creature waiting beyond the walls set the stage for an unexpected journey that will test her generous spirit. As the story unfolds, listeners will discover how true beauty can bridge the gap between the ordinary and the enchanted, inviting reflection on the power of kindness.