Beasts and Beauty

Soman Chainani studied at Harvard, practically creating his own fairytale major. He is also an acclaimed screenwriter, whose films have played at more than 150 film festivals, winning more than 30 jury and audience prizes. When he¿s not telling stories or teaching, Soman is a die-hard tennis player. You can visit Soman online at www.somanchainani.net.

“Haunting, funny, suspenseful, sweet. Fresh and modern with plenty of plot twists. . . All readers will have something with which to identify. Iredale’s illustrations are gorgeous, bloody, and magical.”  — Horn Book (starred review)
“A brilliant, bloodthirsty fairy-tale collection. Twelve well-known tales are retold through a racially, ethnically, and sexually diverse lens for a modern audience.” — School Library Journal
"A volume that transports readers to a place where the lines between beastly natures and beautiful appearances can be difficult to discern. Expertly crafted . . . Chainani’s writing is raw in what it lays bare on the page, perfectly appropriate to revisiting these beloved, ubiquitous stories that may have left readers with naïve expectations or dissatisfied conclusions. For any lover of fairy tales who seeks alternative endings." — Kirkus Reviews
“Chainani takes 12 time-honored tales and overhauls their traditional tellings, adding an astonishing amount of depth and beauty in the process. Lush, transporting, and occasionally eerie, easily conjuring fantastical worlds. . . An intriguing and inclusive update for modern audiences.” — Booklist
“Terrifying, chilling, unexpected, and glorious. A must-read for any fairy tale devotee who wants to view classic stories through a new lens.” — Medium
Beasts and Beauty puts a fresh spin on everyone’s favorite fairytales. — Culturess
“Vigorous, chilling. Chainani is a terrific storyteller." — Wall Street Journal?