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Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Library: A Collection of Literary Quotes and Inspirational Musings
Disney's Belle is one of the best fictional bookworms around. But what exactly is on her reading list? In this unique literary journal, enjoy inspiring quotes from some of Belle's favorite books, as well as her insightful notes and colorful drawings.
Includes a forward by noted Disney screenwriter Linda Woolverton.
Includes a forward by noted Disney screenwriter Linda Woolverton.
201 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
April 14, 2018
CHARMING! I had a lot of fun reading this book. It is set up with a quote on one page from a famous work of literature that Belle is reading and on the opposite page is Belle's thoughts about the quote and she relates it to characters from the movie.
I really enjoyed this and I'm going to see if my niece wants to read this. It is a beautiful and well done book. There are about 12 or so classic books they are quoting from.
I really enjoyed this and I'm going to see if my niece wants to read this. It is a beautiful and well done book. There are about 12 or so classic books they are quoting from.
February 25, 2017
I love books, so naturally a book about books is on top of my to-read list.
This was such a fun book. It is filled with quotes from classic literature as well as commentary from Belle. I actually hadn't heard of quite a few of these books. Some of these quotes were incredibly insightful.
I also really loved how cute this book is in person. It even has a ribbon bookmark!
This was such a fun book. It is filled with quotes from classic literature as well as commentary from Belle. I actually hadn't heard of quite a few of these books. Some of these quotes were incredibly insightful.
I also really loved how cute this book is in person. It even has a ribbon bookmark!
July 30, 2017
Ein absolutes Must-Have für diejenigen, die schöne Zitate und Belle lieben ❤️
August 27, 2017
¿Puede ser un libro tan bonito y cuqui por dentro y por fuera?
Estuve muchísimo tiempo dudando sobre si hacerme con este pequeño tesoro o no... y ¡menos mal que decidí hacerlo!
Lo primero que debo mencionar es la edición tan cuidada que tiene, lo bonito que es y los dibujos hechos con acuarelas tan preciosos que contiene. Digno de cualquier estantería ya solo por eso. Pero es que por dentro, el contenido literario en sí es genial. Bella nos expone aquí sus frases favoritas de muchas de las grandes obras de la literatura universal y al lado, una breve opinión sobre por qué le gusta esa frase. Me parece un libro cargado de valores, la mayoría de las frases me parecieron una delicia y los comentarios de Bella me parecieron aún más geniales.
Al final viene un glosario con todos los libros que han sido utilizados (aunque siempre viene junto a la frase, pero por si queréis saber más sobre esas obras, viene información extra al finalizar el libro ^^).
Si eres fan de La bella y la Bestia, no puedes perderte este libro.
Estuve muchísimo tiempo dudando sobre si hacerme con este pequeño tesoro o no... y ¡menos mal que decidí hacerlo!
Lo primero que debo mencionar es la edición tan cuidada que tiene, lo bonito que es y los dibujos hechos con acuarelas tan preciosos que contiene. Digno de cualquier estantería ya solo por eso. Pero es que por dentro, el contenido literario en sí es genial. Bella nos expone aquí sus frases favoritas de muchas de las grandes obras de la literatura universal y al lado, una breve opinión sobre por qué le gusta esa frase. Me parece un libro cargado de valores, la mayoría de las frases me parecieron una delicia y los comentarios de Bella me parecieron aún más geniales.
Al final viene un glosario con todos los libros que han sido utilizados (aunque siempre viene junto a la frase, pero por si queréis saber más sobre esas obras, viene información extra al finalizar el libro ^^).
Si eres fan de La bella y la Bestia, no puedes perderte este libro.
June 1, 2017
It's a dear part of my collection not only because my best friend gifted this book to me, but because...well...Beauty and the Beast! But it's not the best thing that I've read and some of the 'explanations' that Belle offers for the quotes are quite...common sense...after reading the quote. Still, it's a cute read.
April 3, 2018
If you are a fan of Beauty and The Beast, you need to read this. It was fascinating understanding the process of creating Belle, the books she would love and what she thought of them. There are many wonderful quotes to ponder on.
What more can I say? 5 stars.
What more can I say? 5 stars.
October 7, 2021
As a Disney fan this is a MUST have! Some beautiful quotes, lovely sketches and thoughtful notes from Belle. A great additional to any readers library, especially Belle's.
March 21, 2017
This is a quick, fun read. I love the insightfulness it gives the reader and it was interesting how the author wrote this book. The reader is getting Belle's prespective on her favorite quotes from her favorite books and I enjoyed this.
February 21, 2017
A quick read, a nice collection of quotes, and lovely illustrations. I enjoyed it.
December 9, 2019
Que libro tan fantástico!
Me ha parecido precioso por fuera y por dentro.
En él nos cuenta frases de libros que le gustan a Bella, y al lado de cada frase el porqué de que le guste.
Los dibujos en acuarela son monisimos.
Si eres fan de la bella y la bestia lo tienes que tener indudablemente.
El único pero que le voy a poner, es que no esté en español. Pero el inglés que tiene es muy fácil de entender.
Me ha parecido precioso por fuera y por dentro.
En él nos cuenta frases de libros que le gustan a Bella, y al lado de cada frase el porqué de que le guste.
Los dibujos en acuarela son monisimos.
Si eres fan de la bella y la bestia lo tienes que tener indudablemente.
El único pero que le voy a poner, es que no esté en español. Pero el inglés que tiene es muy fácil de entender.
February 13, 2017
An interesting collection that is suppose to resemble Belle's literary journal if she were but to keep one as some of us actual readers are sometimes encouraged to. The reason that I chose to give this one so little a ranking when others seem to highly compliment is for two really different reasons and in many cases others may strongly disagree with me as to allowing these reasons remove from the actual ranking of this book.
My first reason as to cutting the ranking of this book is the fact that although we were raised with the fact that Belle loves books this is only coming out based upon the live action film - basically a promo that also gives off parts of that same still movie while at the same time trying to get readers to become even more curious to this upcoming film. And as a result the illustrations used for the "staff" of the castle are the creepy-looking versions instead of the warm ones that we were introduced to in the film. Why can't you be treating me to books like this based off the older version where the watcher wasn't even given hints as to the titles of the books used?
And my second reasoning for the decline of the star ranking is that although some of these books are pretty decent and do sound like something that Belle would be interested in the dates make it harder for the reader to place the film. For those historical loving types we know that it takes place during a monarchy where castles are still around, magic still rules and small towns still dress in older fashions but at the same time with some of the newer titles this dating system clashes. Basically the book loses any chance to be set in a modern background realistically since of both the ideas that are conveyed by the characters and times versus the literary background unless credence is given like some variations where Beast's library magically had books from the future in which they hadn't even been written yet.
Otherwise the book itself was just a mere taste for the listing of books is just a drop of water for a character to have read such as Belle, whom I would have thought would have read more than likely even more than what was presented. And even if we take the fact that not many different types of books were published in those years we are still given a few centuries in the ages of the books included that there still would have been a bit longer listing and with maybe such titles as the Bible included for Belle's religion.
I did enjoy a bit more, though, the second part of the book where a quote was taken from a work and the title given along with the author. This was followed on the next page with "Belle's" thoughts as to the subject matter but no matter how much I tried to read it with her voice there were just some spots that didn't sound like Belle or at least the older version so I guess eventually I may have to see this film.
And for those who like to know a bit more the appendix is arranged rather loosely with the various books that were used for quotations. They give a timeframe when the story was published or thought to be, its history, a bit of the plot and how Belle would find it interesting and also if it shows up in the new movie or not.
All in all this can be a fun read and one that if you don't mind the promo aspects of it or the lack of some good works included than a good one to give another aspect to Belle. Otherwise if you had Belle built up to your own desires than I may think about trying to avoid this particular work instead.
My first reason as to cutting the ranking of this book is the fact that although we were raised with the fact that Belle loves books this is only coming out based upon the live action film - basically a promo that also gives off parts of that same still movie while at the same time trying to get readers to become even more curious to this upcoming film. And as a result the illustrations used for the "staff" of the castle are the creepy-looking versions instead of the warm ones that we were introduced to in the film. Why can't you be treating me to books like this based off the older version where the watcher wasn't even given hints as to the titles of the books used?
And my second reasoning for the decline of the star ranking is that although some of these books are pretty decent and do sound like something that Belle would be interested in the dates make it harder for the reader to place the film. For those historical loving types we know that it takes place during a monarchy where castles are still around, magic still rules and small towns still dress in older fashions but at the same time with some of the newer titles this dating system clashes. Basically the book loses any chance to be set in a modern background realistically since of both the ideas that are conveyed by the characters and times versus the literary background unless credence is given like some variations where Beast's library magically had books from the future in which they hadn't even been written yet.
Otherwise the book itself was just a mere taste for the listing of books is just a drop of water for a character to have read such as Belle, whom I would have thought would have read more than likely even more than what was presented. And even if we take the fact that not many different types of books were published in those years we are still given a few centuries in the ages of the books included that there still would have been a bit longer listing and with maybe such titles as the Bible included for Belle's religion.
I did enjoy a bit more, though, the second part of the book where a quote was taken from a work and the title given along with the author. This was followed on the next page with "Belle's" thoughts as to the subject matter but no matter how much I tried to read it with her voice there were just some spots that didn't sound like Belle or at least the older version so I guess eventually I may have to see this film.
And for those who like to know a bit more the appendix is arranged rather loosely with the various books that were used for quotations. They give a timeframe when the story was published or thought to be, its history, a bit of the plot and how Belle would find it interesting and also if it shows up in the new movie or not.
All in all this can be a fun read and one that if you don't mind the promo aspects of it or the lack of some good works included than a good one to give another aspect to Belle. Otherwise if you had Belle built up to your own desires than I may think about trying to avoid this particular work instead.
August 2, 2017
A friend took this for me while she was on USA, and I'm so happy! I even didn't know this book existed before she gifted it to me.
*I had some difficulties choosing my favorite quotes, I mostly like them all!*
I loved it! First, the edition is absolutely gorgeous. I'm not a fan of yellow color, but the cover is a soft shadow of yellow that matches Belle's dress and it makes me want to paint my walls this color. And inside you'll find a quote from a book on Belle's library on one page and her thoughts on the other, along with some pretty drawings. Really, I would have bought this book for the pretty edition only!
(I'm not good at taking pictures, but look at this)
But let's not judge a book by it's cover (OK YES I DO THAT ALL THE TIME), because the book's quotes and Belle's notes on them are so incredibly inspiring and positive that I don't know how this book isn't more popular.! The quotes are all from classics that mostly I haven't read yet, but that's not a problem, you don't need to have read them or know the story to understand them, but in the case that you want to know more about them there's an appendix where you can get more details on the titles.
This would make a great gift for kids and Beauty and the Beast's fans!
"And here is a king who is not so ideal. Learning about other cultures and customs is specially important for one in power. Such knowledge can create a certain openness, a society of mutual betterment, and a celebratory fraternité across different lands, which will only strengthen us all."
"I couldn't agree more. You cannot simply wait for your circumstances to change or for someone to save you. If you do not try to help yourself, who will?"
*I had some difficulties choosing my favorite quotes, I mostly like them all!*
I loved it! First, the edition is absolutely gorgeous. I'm not a fan of yellow color, but the cover is a soft shadow of yellow that matches Belle's dress and it makes me want to paint my walls this color. And inside you'll find a quote from a book on Belle's library on one page and her thoughts on the other, along with some pretty drawings. Really, I would have bought this book for the pretty edition only!
(I'm not good at taking pictures, but look at this)
But let's not judge a book by it's cover (OK YES I DO THAT ALL THE TIME), because the book's quotes and Belle's notes on them are so incredibly inspiring and positive that I don't know how this book isn't more popular.! The quotes are all from classics that mostly I haven't read yet, but that's not a problem, you don't need to have read them or know the story to understand them, but in the case that you want to know more about them there's an appendix where you can get more details on the titles.
This would make a great gift for kids and Beauty and the Beast's fans!
March 22, 2017
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I thought it was going to be a nifty companion piece to the live action film with young girls in mind, but it's actually quite thoughtfully put together. The books represented were expertly selected and would have been available to Belle in France in the 1800s. I really appreciate this. It's not just commonly known works like Shakespeare, either; there are some less known pieces. The quotes are relevant to the story and also plain lovely and insightful. Belle's observations are more in line with what I originally expected, being sweet if fairly simple. The design of the book is beautiful with lovely illustrations and an appreciated ribbon bookmark. I don't much care for the film designs when it comes to Mrs. Potts and Chip, but I understand why they were used for this book and I accept them. The use of French at times strikes me as strange, but the same thing is done in the animated film (which has few French accented characters despite taking place in France?), so at least it's consistent.
I especially enjoyed the appendix with a list of the books and thoughtful reasons why they were included and why Belle would have enjoyed them. The introduction by screenwriter Linda Woolverton set the tone and made me happy.
As a lifelong Beauty and the Beast fan (seriously, it's the first movie I remember seeing in theatres), I heartily recommend this book. It brings Belle closer to real life and invites the reader to enjoy the books she loves along with her.
I especially enjoyed the appendix with a list of the books and thoughtful reasons why they were included and why Belle would have enjoyed them. The introduction by screenwriter Linda Woolverton set the tone and made me happy.
As a lifelong Beauty and the Beast fan (seriously, it's the first movie I remember seeing in theatres), I heartily recommend this book. It brings Belle closer to real life and invites the reader to enjoy the books she loves along with her.
March 10, 2017
Enjoyable quick or long read depending on if you need a quick something or if you want to savor it. Very cute design with very good reminders of what is really important in life.
October 26, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars
This was very cute and felt as if Belle had kept a bullet journal. The only thing I’d say though is mixing tiny bits of French with English and then having Belle y’all about wanting to know another language was a little jarring but other than that a cute Disney book
This was very cute and felt as if Belle had kept a bullet journal. The only thing I’d say though is mixing tiny bits of French with English and then having Belle y’all about wanting to know another language was a little jarring but other than that a cute Disney book
October 22, 2019
I enjoyed reading Belle’s opinions on certain subjects! They may have been a little too modern for someone from the 1700’s however, her thoughts and musings are easily applicable to our own lives.
September 21, 2020
Cute little kid’s book. Though some adults should take a gander at some quotes in here 😂
September 1, 2018
Mil gracias, Gema (Gema Bonnín), por regalarme esta joyita de libro, que he disfrutado muchísimo 💜. Si, como yo, sois fans de Beauty and the Beast, os lo recomiendo bastante 🌻.
June 30, 2019
The books, the illustrations, the idea, everything is so wonderful about this little gem 😍
February 6, 2017
I feel as if this book gives you another glimpse into the mind of Belle. She uses literary quotes to talk about Gaston, her father, the Beast, even each of the castle members, and Philippe. The art work is beautiful and is made to look as if Belle drew it in. The quotes might be harder for younger readers as they do come from Shakespeare and earlier era of writing, but the summary by Belle about the text does a nice job describing what that quote stands for or talks about. A lovely little addition to anyone's library, and perfect even for adults. The back also gives you a bit of a reading guide and explains why each classic book was picked and why Belle would have liked it.
March 21, 2019
This was a cute book. Had a bunch of quotes and lists of books Belle would like but I didn’t think it was anything special. It’s a pretty book but the content was meh. The illustrations were nicely done. I actually bought it for a friend who loved it because she’s a huge Beauty and the Beast fan but she pretty much likes anything that has to do with it. So 3 stars.
March 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, one of my favorite parts is the Foreword by Linda Woolverton and reading Belle's journal made her more relatable.
The cover is gorgeous, it has some wonderful quotes and beautiful ilustrations.
The cover is gorgeous, it has some wonderful quotes and beautiful ilustrations.
August 27, 2017
well, that was a cute little read!
February 4, 2018
This is a cute, frothy little read for when you want to pick it up and skim a few pages. I like that it talks about the history of the books Belle might have enjoyed.
June 17, 2019
3 Stars.
Quick, light read. Many lovely quotes from great novels with the added extra fun of the Belle journal style notes.
Quick, light read. Many lovely quotes from great novels with the added extra fun of the Belle journal style notes.
September 21, 2018
I love the quotes in this book, but I think this book is kind of boring.
May 19, 2018
"And here is a king who is not so ideal. Learning about other cultures and customs is specially important for one in power. Such knowledge can create a certain openness, a society of mutual betterment, and a celebratory fraternité across different lands, which will only strengthen us all."
Lovely collection of quotes from some amazing classics! I wish Peter Pan, Little Women, Great expectations and Les miserables would be in this book too since they are marvellous classics and I think Belle would've enjoyed them very much. The illustrations were simple, fitting and beautiful. Though I sometimes didn't understand a quote, it was written in an ancient English, I loved almost all of them.
Lovely collection of quotes from some amazing classics! I wish Peter Pan, Little Women, Great expectations and Les miserables would be in this book too since they are marvellous classics and I think Belle would've enjoyed them very much. The illustrations were simple, fitting and beautiful. Though I sometimes didn't understand a quote, it was written in an ancient English, I loved almost all of them.
December 31, 2019
A Christmas gift I received this year, and my last book of 2019.
This is a charming little book. On one side there is a quote. On the other side, there is Belle's take on the quote. As a good Disney princess, most of her insights deal with being a good person, keeping an open mind, etc. A lovely book.
This is a charming little book. On one side there is a quote. On the other side, there is Belle's take on the quote. As a good Disney princess, most of her insights deal with being a good person, keeping an open mind, etc. A lovely book.
March 23, 2018
A very thoughtful collection of quotes and musings that enhance the character of Belle. It was also a great opportunity to find some new favourite quotes including my personal favourite:
"Since Fortune and the Fates would not give me none, I have made a world of my own; for which no body, I hope, will blame me, since it is in every one's power to do the like."- Margaret Cavendish The Blazing World
That is certainly something that I strongly believe in, making a world of your own design if it will not come to you naturally.
"Since Fortune and the Fates would not give me none, I have made a world of my own; for which no body, I hope, will blame me, since it is in every one's power to do the like."- Margaret Cavendish The Blazing World
That is certainly something that I strongly believe in, making a world of your own design if it will not come to you naturally.
April 10, 2017
I must give an applause because this edition is gorgeous. The illustrations are wonderful and I think this is the most beautiful book in my library.
Saying that, I will continue. I enjoyed this book a lot, I didn't expect that much! I mean, it's not a big thing, but the emotion it gives while reading, feels like magic.
First we start with a beautiful, powerful and poignant foreword by Linda Woolverton; The woman who helped create Belle's character. And God! I think I love her.
Then, in Belle's Literary Journal we can find quotes or scenes from her favorite books and a brief reflection of her. Oh my God, Belle is such a spectacular human being. Her thoughts are just so profound, powerful and distinctives; I would give everything to be her friend.
And yes, I know it might sound boring, I mean, a collection of quotes from books, but at least to me is more than just that. I felt like I was living the story in a different perspective but with Belle. We see the situations of her life and how she relates them on books, and that's delightful. And I can actually imagine with her journal writing what she thinks on the books she reads.
I love how she expresses herself in a nice, classy and elegant way about books, like if they were the most fantastic thing in the world, as any other bookworm would.
Reading this was a magical, cozy and warm experience. Now I want to read the whole Belle's Book List.
I love Emma Watson as Belle
Saying that, I will continue. I enjoyed this book a lot, I didn't expect that much! I mean, it's not a big thing, but the emotion it gives while reading, feels like magic.
First we start with a beautiful, powerful and poignant foreword by Linda Woolverton; The woman who helped create Belle's character. And God! I think I love her.
Then, in Belle's Literary Journal we can find quotes or scenes from her favorite books and a brief reflection of her. Oh my God, Belle is such a spectacular human being. Her thoughts are just so profound, powerful and distinctives; I would give everything to be her friend.
And yes, I know it might sound boring, I mean, a collection of quotes from books, but at least to me is more than just that. I felt like I was living the story in a different perspective but with Belle. We see the situations of her life and how she relates them on books, and that's delightful. And I can actually imagine with her journal writing what she thinks on the books she reads.
I love how she expresses herself in a nice, classy and elegant way about books, like if they were the most fantastic thing in the world, as any other bookworm would.
Reading this was a magical, cozy and warm experience. Now I want to read the whole Belle's Book List.
I love Emma Watson as Belle
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews