About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with a sense of isolation or feels burdened by a mistake they cannot take back. It is a deeply resonant choice for children who feel like outsiders in their own social circles or who are navigating the intense physical and emotional changes of puberty. Unlike more whimsical versions of the tale, this story focuses on the internal struggle to remain human when one feels like a monster. Set in ancient Persia and based on the Beauty and the Beast folktale, the story follows Prince Orasmyn after he is cursed to live as a lion for an unintended slight against a sacrificial ritual. The narrative tracks his solitary journey from the royal court through the harsh wilderness to France. It explores themes of religious devotion, the ethics of survival, and the slow, painful process of seeking redemption. For parents, it offers a sophisticated way to discuss accountability and the importance of maintaining one's values during times of intense personal crisis.
