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The Book of Beasts
An enduring story of the magic to be found in books.
Young Lionel is very surprised to be made King, but he's delighted to discover the world full of books in the Palace library. When Lionel opens one called The Book of Beasts, he's in for an even greater surprise—out of the pages fly a butterfly and a blue Bird of Paradise! But when he opens the book again and releases a terrible Red Dragon, the trouble really begins. Can Lionel find another beast in this magical book to help him save his people? First published in 1900, this classic story by E. Nesbit, known throughout the world for her tales of fantasy and adventure, has been carefully abridged and beautifully illustrated by Inga Moore. Now published for the first time as a stand-alone picture book, The Book of Beasts is sure to delight a new generation of children.
Young Lionel is very surprised to be made King, but he's delighted to discover the world full of books in the Palace library. When Lionel opens one called The Book of Beasts, he's in for an even greater surprise—out of the pages fly a butterfly and a blue Bird of Paradise! But when he opens the book again and releases a terrible Red Dragon, the trouble really begins. Can Lionel find another beast in this magical book to help him save his people? First published in 1900, this classic story by E. Nesbit, known throughout the world for her tales of fantasy and adventure, has been carefully abridged and beautifully illustrated by Inga Moore. Now published for the first time as a stand-alone picture book, The Book of Beasts is sure to delight a new generation of children.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1901
3 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
E. Nesbit
1,042 books1,003 followers
Edith Nesbit
(married name Edith Bland; 15 August 1858 – 4 May 1924) was an English author and poet; she published her books for children under the name of E. Nesbit.
She wrote or collaborated on over 60 books of fiction for children, several of which have been adapted for film and television. She was also a political activist and co-founded the Fabian Society, a socialist organisation later connected to the Labour Party.
Edith Nesbit was born in Kennington, Surrey, the daughter of agricultural chemist and schoolmaster John Collis Nesbit. The death of her father when she was four and the continuing ill health of her sister meant that Nesbit had a transitory childhood, her family moving across Europe in search of healthy climates only to return to England for financial reasons. Nesbit therefore spent her childhood attaining an education from whatever sources were available—local grammars, the occasional boarding school but mainly through reading.
At 17 her family finally settled in London and aged 19, Nesbit met Hubert Bland, a political activist and writer. They became lovers and when Nesbit found she was pregnant they became engaged, marrying in April 1880. After this scandalous (for Victorian society) beginning, the marriage would be an unconventional one. Initially, the couple lived separately—Nesbit with her family and Bland with his mother and her live-in companion Maggie Doran.
Initially, Edith Nesbit books were novels meant for adults, including The Prophet's Mantle (1885) and The Marden Mystery (1896) about the early days of the socialist movement. Written under the pen name of her third child 'Fabian Bland', these books were not successful. Nesbit generated an income for the family by lecturing around the country on socialism and through her journalism (she was editor of the Fabian Society's journal, Today).
In 1899 she had published The Adventures of the Treasure Seekers to great acclaim.
She wrote or collaborated on over 60 books of fiction for children, several of which have been adapted for film and television. She was also a political activist and co-founded the Fabian Society, a socialist organisation later connected to the Labour Party.
Edith Nesbit was born in Kennington, Surrey, the daughter of agricultural chemist and schoolmaster John Collis Nesbit. The death of her father when she was four and the continuing ill health of her sister meant that Nesbit had a transitory childhood, her family moving across Europe in search of healthy climates only to return to England for financial reasons. Nesbit therefore spent her childhood attaining an education from whatever sources were available—local grammars, the occasional boarding school but mainly through reading.
At 17 her family finally settled in London and aged 19, Nesbit met Hubert Bland, a political activist and writer. They became lovers and when Nesbit found she was pregnant they became engaged, marrying in April 1880. After this scandalous (for Victorian society) beginning, the marriage would be an unconventional one. Initially, the couple lived separately—Nesbit with her family and Bland with his mother and her live-in companion Maggie Doran.
Initially, Edith Nesbit books were novels meant for adults, including The Prophet's Mantle (1885) and The Marden Mystery (1896) about the early days of the socialist movement. Written under the pen name of her third child 'Fabian Bland', these books were not successful. Nesbit generated an income for the family by lecturing around the country on socialism and through her journalism (she was editor of the Fabian Society's journal, Today).
In 1899 she had published The Adventures of the Treasure Seekers to great acclaim.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 23, 2023
The Inga Moore one only includes the titular story. "Good, but a little long" was the preschooler assessment. ;) The winged horse on the cover is a "hippogriff", apparently (as Nesbit described it). Cute story, gorgeous pictures. The eaten cats (still intact) at the end were a real highlight. ;)
July 6, 2011
E Nesbit's name comes up on a number of must read lists for children. I was a little shocked when the librarian handed me a colorful picture book instead of the novel like juvenile book I had imagined it would be. Nonetheless, the book was on the list and I read it. It was fun. Little Lionel wakes up one morning to find he has been made king - his great great great great great grandfather was the last king and since then the people of his kingdom have been saving up to buy him a real crown. Lionel's grandfather (many greats) had been a wizard and so had a magical library. In that library was the Book of Beasts and whatever page Lionel turned to released the Beast on the page. It was alright until he got to Dragon. Lionel was forced to save his kingdom from his mistake. It's a short happy book with large colorful pictures and well worth it's place on the must read books.
April 2, 2015
I was curious and apprehensive about this book. Normally, I abhor abridgments. I think that this one reads like an encouragement but it also captures the spirit of Nesbit. What Little it lacks in the story is more than made up for in the illustration. In many ways, this really is a treat.
November 1, 2014
This is a fun adorable read for kids. I fondly recall reading these in much younger days and this was a happy revisit.
The story is a simple fantasy with plenty of fun elements. It is enchanting from beginning to end. I read this with my 6 year old niece, and she was enthralled! These are such lovely stories with rich characters and creative situations.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Karen Krause, who is delightful. She has a nice steady pace that moves with the story. I love her accent, it is like having your own British nanny to read to you! She was inventive and fun with the character voices. I imagine she would we just as wonderful in person at a children's story hour! I delight for my ears!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thought, opinions and ratings are my own.
The story is a simple fantasy with plenty of fun elements. It is enchanting from beginning to end. I read this with my 6 year old niece, and she was enthralled! These are such lovely stories with rich characters and creative situations.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Karen Krause, who is delightful. She has a nice steady pace that moves with the story. I love her accent, it is like having your own British nanny to read to you! She was inventive and fun with the character voices. I imagine she would we just as wonderful in person at a children's story hour! I delight for my ears!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thought, opinions and ratings are my own.
December 28, 2013
A collection of Nesbit stories, published in 1900, all of them about dragons. Almost all of the stories have a modern fantasy feel to them, and with some minor tinkering could be published today. There is still some Victoriana stuffed in some of the stories; I thought "Uncle James" felt more like Lewis Carroll. But all of them still have the trademark Nesbit drollness and point of view. Quite fun.
June 3, 2014
Pleasant book with equally delightful narration by Karen Krause.
November 10, 2023
Absolute monarchy sucks
October 22, 2024
Meget sød historie om en dreng, der bliver konge efter sin tip-tip-tip-(i uendelighed)-oldefar. Oldefaren har imidlertid solgt sin kongekrone for at få råd til bøger (relaterbart), så byen har sparet sammen til en ny kongekrone. Men da drengen bliver bekendt med sin tip-oldefars bogsamling starter det fantasifulde rigtigt! Rolige dyr, som fugle og sommerfugle, bliver vagt til live - men det gør dragen også, og nu skal den nye konge finde en måde, hvorpå dragen bliver fanget igen, inden den får spist hele byen!
Man fornemmer, at den er skrevet i 1901, og selvom den på nogle måder er tidsløs (fabeldyr er fx stadig interessante for mange børn i dag), så er den på andre måder også forældet - og så undrer jeg mig også over, at hippogriffen mest af alt ligner en enhjørning? Oh well... stadig en rigtig fin og hyggelig læseoplevelse, som er en rolig indgang til fabeldyrenes forunderlige univers!
Man fornemmer, at den er skrevet i 1901, og selvom den på nogle måder er tidsløs (fabeldyr er fx stadig interessante for mange børn i dag), så er den på andre måder også forældet - og så undrer jeg mig også over, at hippogriffen mest af alt ligner en enhjørning? Oh well... stadig en rigtig fin og hyggelig læseoplevelse, som er en rolig indgang til fabeldyrenes forunderlige univers!
January 31, 2018
Lionel kecil dimaklumkan sebagai Raja setelah kakek dari kakeknya kakek (entalahlah) mangkat. Dia bingung. Dia pikir negaranya adalah sebuah Republik. Lalu penasihat menyatakan bahwa pendukungnya selama ini menabung untuk membeli mahkota bagi Lionel?
Loh apakah Raja sebelumnya tak punya mahkota.
Tentu saja punya. Tapi mahkota itu dijual dan dibelikan buku-buku. Lionel pun penasaran ingin melihat buku-buku Raja sebelumnya. Dan ia pun melihat Book of Beasts. Dan apa yang terjadi?
Loh apakah Raja sebelumnya tak punya mahkota.
Tentu saja punya. Tapi mahkota itu dijual dan dibelikan buku-buku. Lionel pun penasaran ingin melihat buku-buku Raja sebelumnya. Dan ia pun melihat Book of Beasts. Dan apa yang terjadi?
June 26, 2019
Review written after listening to the audiobooks of the "Book of Dragons", of which this was the first story.
What a marvelous story, of a young boy, becoming king and opening a magical book, which freed various animals, so good and others, not so good.
Amusing to find out how the new king solved his animal problem.
What a marvelous story, of a young boy, becoming king and opening a magical book, which freed various animals, so good and others, not so good.
Amusing to find out how the new king solved his animal problem.
March 20, 2025
Book of Beasts
E. Nesbit
Can’t say I remembered or ever questioned who’d written Jack and the Beanstalk. The present book is a fantasy written for children. Not to be examined with any level of sophistication a child is yanked from his nursery to rule a kingdom. It’s a magical kingdom where he is absolute ruler. He goes from passing laws to playing with his lego blocks.
E. Nesbit
Can’t say I remembered or ever questioned who’d written Jack and the Beanstalk. The present book is a fantasy written for children. Not to be examined with any level of sophistication a child is yanked from his nursery to rule a kingdom. It’s a magical kingdom where he is absolute ruler. He goes from passing laws to playing with his lego blocks.
August 19, 2018
A marvelous adventure, I lived and breathed E. Nesbit stories growing up.
August 24, 2018
Lovely illustration of Nesbit's lovely writing. A fun, quick little story that I'll be glad to read to my children one day.
April 12, 2019
Magical! Thank you Emerson!
December 25, 2019
A wonderful tail to read for your children.
October 14, 2021
Really bad
August 28, 2023
A fantasy story that will draw you into the book. I loved reading this book with my son. Who knows what kind of beasts Lionel will find when he opens his book.
October 2, 2024
Title story adapted and illustrated by Inga Moore. Oversize picture-book for slightly older children. I love all dragon stories by Nesbit so was delighted to pick up this library discard.
February 16, 2025
A very funny story. A bit of a carnivalesque that doesn't quite make it back home again.
September 6, 2025
"He had his faults, He was fond of books." 😱 Apparently, paperbook creatures suffer from chronic indigestion. Maybe they don't chew their victims thoroughly?
January 15, 2026
Imaginative and captivating
January 20, 2015
A child king (Lionel) finds a book once owned by one of his distant grandsires. Like all good kids, he plays with it and sets a giant butterfly free. He’s warned not to do so again, but he releases yet another fantastical critter (a bird of paradise), and then another (the dragon!), which threatens his kingdom and he must make it right again. A hippogriff and manticore come into play too!
This was a great story for kids and fun for adults too. The very young Lionel knows he is king, but also knows he must answer to his nurse for any bad behavior. He will be sent to bed without supper if he misbehaves. This was a great point about the story because, while the king supposedly had great control over his kingdom and people, he also had to face the consequences of poor choices.
The story starts off with some harmful ‘beasts’ that are really quite pretty to look at and enjoy. So at first, the consequences of messing around with this magical Book of Beasts is not readily apparent. But as the story continues, we find our young hero king in a world of trouble! I think this is great fun for both kids and adults and would be fine entertainment for a car ride.
Narration: Karen Krause did a great job having the perfect little boy voice for the child king. She also had a stern, yet amusing, voice for the king’s nurse.
What I Liked: The cover art; giant butterfly!; there’s a dragon involved; subtle point about consequences to actions/choices but not preachy at all.
What I Disliked: Nothing – this is a great short story!
This was a great story for kids and fun for adults too. The very young Lionel knows he is king, but also knows he must answer to his nurse for any bad behavior. He will be sent to bed without supper if he misbehaves. This was a great point about the story because, while the king supposedly had great control over his kingdom and people, he also had to face the consequences of poor choices.
The story starts off with some harmful ‘beasts’ that are really quite pretty to look at and enjoy. So at first, the consequences of messing around with this magical Book of Beasts is not readily apparent. But as the story continues, we find our young hero king in a world of trouble! I think this is great fun for both kids and adults and would be fine entertainment for a car ride.
Narration: Karen Krause did a great job having the perfect little boy voice for the child king. She also had a stern, yet amusing, voice for the king’s nurse.
What I Liked: The cover art; giant butterfly!; there’s a dragon involved; subtle point about consequences to actions/choices but not preachy at all.
What I Disliked: Nothing – this is a great short story!
October 15, 2011
A boy accidentally releases a terrible red dragon from the magical Book of Beasts. His first attempt to make it right is clever—maybe clever enough, in some lesser storybook—but no, it doesn't work: the boy must face the dragon himself.
The way Edith Nesbit gets her hero into and out of this predicament is the defining quality of the book. There is peril, yes, and bravery, and adventure—but none of the grim, visceral struggle or the emotional sound and fury of, say, Margaret Hodges’s Saint George and the Dragon. Instead the turns in the plot are surprising, lighthearted, silly even—yet clever, with a certain satisfying fairy-tale logic.
The illustrations (like the prose) are airy, comic, and marvelous.
This is an abridged, picture-book version of Nesbit’s original story (in The Book of Dragons, which I also recommend). Perhaps because it wasn't originally intended for a picture-book audience, the story will be a vocabulary builder for young children. Grown-ups will find much to savor here.
The way Edith Nesbit gets her hero into and out of this predicament is the defining quality of the book. There is peril, yes, and bravery, and adventure—but none of the grim, visceral struggle or the emotional sound and fury of, say, Margaret Hodges’s Saint George and the Dragon. Instead the turns in the plot are surprising, lighthearted, silly even—yet clever, with a certain satisfying fairy-tale logic.
The illustrations (like the prose) are airy, comic, and marvelous.
This is an abridged, picture-book version of Nesbit’s original story (in The Book of Dragons, which I also recommend). Perhaps because it wasn't originally intended for a picture-book audience, the story will be a vocabulary builder for young children. Grown-ups will find much to savor here.
December 22, 2015
This is a beautifully rendered illustrated edition of E. Nesbit's short story. The story itself stays pretty much true to the original and is a perfect fantasy addition to add to any child's library.
When Lionel becomes King he is brought to the Palace and discovers a huge library that is now all his and is overjoyed as he loves to read. His counselors however warn him that this library is full of books that would best be left unread. But what happens when Lionel comes across a book called The Book of Beasts, why he opens it of course! Out pops a butterfly and a bluebird of happiness, but what else lingers between the pages? When Lionel unintentionally lets lose a dragon he finds out that sometimes things are better left alone. Will he be able to rescue his kingdom from the dragon alone or will he need help that only the book can offer. Great story.
When Lionel becomes King he is brought to the Palace and discovers a huge library that is now all his and is overjoyed as he loves to read. His counselors however warn him that this library is full of books that would best be left unread. But what happens when Lionel comes across a book called The Book of Beasts, why he opens it of course! Out pops a butterfly and a bluebird of happiness, but what else lingers between the pages? When Lionel unintentionally lets lose a dragon he finds out that sometimes things are better left alone. Will he be able to rescue his kingdom from the dragon alone or will he need help that only the book can offer. Great story.
February 3, 2014
A rather precious story of a young child who is unexpectedly crowned King, and ends up letting out all manner of dangerous Beasts from a magical tome. It has a rather annoying tone - I can just see the adults going 'nudge-nudge, wink-wink' over the things that passed over the head of the child the story was being read to. And, when a dragon eats someone, that person should stay dead. Kids can handle that.
(Review of the non-abridged story. There's no call to abridge such a short piece.)
(Review of the non-abridged story. There's no call to abridge such a short piece.)
May 18, 2015
I listened to this in audiobook form. It is a wonderful, timeless classic story that will delight children and adults alike who love magic, dragons and naughty children.
The narrator Karen Krause was absolutely perfect! She brings the story to life with each character having a distinct voice. I will not hesitate to listen to any book she reads.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator Karen Krause was absolutely perfect! She brings the story to life with each character having a distinct voice. I will not hesitate to listen to any book she reads.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2013
I loved this book! I thought it would be too long for my 3 year old, but she was fascinated. It is funny, has a great crisis for the new king to deal with, is full of interesting characters and animals. It is abridged, but having just read the full version I think it has been done really well! Beautiful pictures too!
June 18, 2015
This was a great little story about a boy king and his book.There are beasts in these books and the king is away on an adventure!I loved it!
Karen Krause was perfect for the narration of this childrens tale.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."
Karen Krause was perfect for the narration of this childrens tale.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."
February 1, 2016
Intricately detailed illustrations painted by words so eloquently placed together and blended onto the pages quite magically! This is a definite seek for a lifetime treasury of books that I want passed on from generation to generation. There is wisdom and wit for young and, ahem, more mature readers to enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews