Billy and the Beast

by Nadia Shireen
Billy and the Beast cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 794
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9781448193875
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2018-05-31
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99

Billy and her trusty sidekick Fatcat are enjoying a peaceful walk in the woods when they hear a terrible rumble. It turns out to be the Terrible Beast, who is cooking up a storm with his Terrible Soup—using all of Billy and Fatcat's friends as ingredients! With quick thinking and a few tricks up her sleeve, Billy sets out on a mission to defeat the beast and rescue her friends, especially the adorable bunny rabbits. Young readers will love this hilarious and energetic story, filled with playful text that's simple to read and perfect for early learners. The Guardian praises it as a great story for everyone, especially those who enjoy seeing themselves as the hero. The book is not only a fun adventure but also a celebration of bravery and quick thinking. Billy's cleverness and determination make her a relatable and inspiring heroine for young readers. The playful language and engaging illustrations bring the story to life, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike.

Reviews
Father Reading Every Day · 2019-05-16
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its fun tale with a cool, clever, kickass female lead and a positive message. It's perfect for children 4 and up, and worthy of a spot in any library.

This review highlights the book's engaging story and strong female protagonist, making it a hit with young readers. The positive message resonates well, and the reviewer finds it a fun read that children will enjoy. The book is recommended for its ability to captivate young audiences and its worthy place in any child's library.

Quick quotes

    A fun tale with a cool, clever, kickass female lead

    What's not to like?

    Perfect for children 4 and up, and worthy of a spot in any library

Book Murmuration · 2018-08-04
great 4.00

The familiar tale is retold with modern elements like scooters and donuts, making it feel fresh and relevant. The reviewer appreciates the familiar motifs that add to the book's charm.

The reviewer enjoys how this book takes a familiar story and gives it a contemporary twist with elements like scooters and donuts. This modern take makes the tale feel fresh and engaging. The familiar motifs add a comforting charm, making it a delightful read for both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    A familiar tale of a beast with an appetite retold for our times

    There are scooters and donuts and familiar motifs which make this feel less like a traditional fairy tale

    A delightful read for both children and adults

LoveReading4Kids · 2018-05-31
fantastic 4.50

The book is a joy to read aloud, with lots of luscious onomatopoeia and stunning illustrations. The reviewer praises Shireen's illustrations for their ability to bring the story to life.

This review emphasizes the book's readability and the joy it brings when read aloud, thanks to its rich onomatopoeia. The illustrations by Shireen are particularly highlighted for their beauty and ability to enhance the storytelling. The reviewer finds the book to be a delightful experience for both the reader and the listener.

Quick quotes

    A joy to read aloud, with lots of luscious onomatopoeia to revel in

    What's more, as always, Shireen's illustrations conjure up a magical world

    A delightful experience for both the reader and the listener

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