CHILD OF THE BEAST (BEAST AND THE BETHANY, Book 4) Jack Meggitt-Phillips 9780008568177

The book that bites back is BACK! In the fourth beastly book from Jack Meggit-Phillips, the most distinctive new voice for readers of 8-12, there are surprises in store for Bethany about her missing family...

For centuries, the beast has tormented the world. But now, there's a change to a menu, and the beast is going cold turkey - which essentially means eating no priceless works of art . . . or purple parrots . . . or CHILD-SIZED PRANKSTERS.

Ebenezer and Bethany are attempting to help the beast vomit some good into the world - even though they really haven't come anywhere close to managing the business of do-gooding themselves. But Bethany is distracted by her date-not-a-date with Geoffrey, while Ebenezer is worried by a file which reveals a truth about Bethany's parents that might just ruin life for everyone at the 15-storey house . . .

The beast is left to teach itself how to be good. But its impulses can't be ignored, and all the worst parts of the beast crawl out of the beast's belly to form a dreadful child.

At first the beast is charmed by its ghastly progeny. So clever! So horrible! But to its surprise, it develops something approaching a conscience. When the child finds out the truth about Bethany's parents and plans to use it against her, can Ebenezer and the beast stop it from destroying Bethany's hopes and dreams for ever?

The Beast and the Bethany has all the classic macabre humour of Roald Dahl with the warmth and charm of Despicable Me, finished off with a gleeful bite of Little Shop of Horrors!

Jack Meggitt Phillips is an incredibly exciting new talent. He is an author, scriptwriter and playwright whose work has been performed at The Roundhouse and featured on Radio 4. He is scriptwriter and presenter of The History of Advertising podcast. In his mind, Jack is an enormously talented ballroom dancer, however his enthusiasm far surpasses his actual talent. Jack lives in north London where he spends most of his time drinking peculiar teas and reading PG Wodehouse novels.

Isabelle Follath is an illustrator who has worked in advertising, fashion magazines and book publishing, but her true passion lies in illustrating children's books. She also loves drinking an alarming amount of coffee, learning new crafts and looking for the perfect greenish-gold colour. Isabelle lives in Zurich, Switzerland.

PRAISE FOR THE SERIES

'Witty and entertaining', The Sunday Times

'Reads like a modern classic. Sharp, funny, original - I thought this was brilliant', Sam Copeland, bestselling author of Charlie Changes into a Chicken

'What a FEAST! A funny and (bone) cracking good read', Michelle Harrison, bestselling author of A Pinch of Magic

'A devilishly delicious delight', iNews

'Fans of Despicable Me and A Series of Unfortunate Events will love this brand-new series' - funkidslive.com

"Now THAT was a rollercoaster of a book, and totally NOT what I expected in all the best ways! I flippin' LOVED this cracking tale of absolute chaos, comedy and commotion. The beast couldn't be on better form, and I can't wait to read more of its misadventures with Git-face, I mean, Ebenezer and Bethany. And that epilogue . . . now I'm HUNGRY for the next juicy-woosie tale of the reluctant do-gooder, the ex-prankster and the 511 year old man in his favourite waistcoat!" Laura Ellen Anderson

'Writing one classic would be enough for most authors. Two is a delightful bonus. Writing three is just showing off. Jack Meggitt-Phillips is such a gitface. Annoyingly, Battle Of The Beast might even be the best of the lot . . .' Ian Mark

'I flipping loved it. Mischievous, wildly imaginative and full of characters you really care about. The ending has a brilliant twist and now I desperately want to eat an egg containing a blueberry cheesecake.' Jenny McLachlan