THE TALE OF THE WICKED OLD WOMAN AND THE VERY NICE 'BEAST' OF CROUCH END

Lee presents a modern retelling of a classic tale of misunderstood magic and small acts of redemption.

This myth-based story is set in England’s Crouch End, where a disillusioned, unnamed old woman, was once full of joy and promise. She wields magic, but after her heart was broken, her spellcasting turned harmful—she now freezes flowers, for instance, with a touch. Her fate becomes entangled with those of a girl named Daisy and her feline companion. As the people of the town grow scared, and then weary, of the cat’s unusual behavior and rapid growth, Daisy’s and the woman’s lives and stories intertwine. The woman has been bitter for so long that she’s almost forgotten the happy person she used to be, but Daisy’s quiet courage and the cat’s mysterious presence chip away at her defenses, revealing a core of kindness that she thought was lost forever. The townsfolk’s fear, fueled by rumor and whispers, is set against the account of the quiet but undeniable bond forming between these unlikely friends, which makes for an intriguing contrast. Retivoff’s expressive full-color and black-and-white illustrations help to bring the deliberately paced tale to life, and the narrative balances the tones of folklore with imaginative delight. Profound lessons reveal themselves softly as names carry secret powers, appearances deceive, and the release of pain brings unexpected beauty, renewal, and hope. The story allows the reader time to reflect on its meanings, especially toward the end, when Daisy breaks the symbolic spell at its center. The stylized prose and theme may appeal more to older readers than very young children, but its message is universal. Fans of poetic storytelling and gentle magical realism will particularly enjoy this tale.

A gorgeously unusual, emotionally redeeming parable with plenty of heart and just the right touch of magic.