The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
By Kate DiCamillo
Prophecy means things to come, a prediction for the future … sometimes magical, sometimes common sense.
Author, Kate DiCamillo, weaves together unusual main characters in The Beatryce Prophecy: a goat with sharp teeth and a hard head named Answelica that is feared above all else by the monks of the Chronicles of Sorrowing (the monks write down sad things and predictions in journals), a little girl found by Brother Edick in the monks’ barn one cold morning holding Answelica’s ear while sleeping, a superhero boy… sort of … named Jack Dory, and of course a king…and an evil king at that.
The only thing that Beatryce knows about herself is her name. However, there is a prophecy about her in the monks’ Chronicles of Sorrowing. The king and his men know what the prediction is and harm will come to Beatryce if they find her and, they are indeed hunting for her. All the monks with the exception of Brother Edick want her gone so that no harm will come to them.
Jack Dory, an orphan, is sent to the Chronicles of Sorrow. He is sent to seek a monk who can write in order to write a confession for a man before he dies. Although girls are not permitted to write in this kingdom, Beatrice can. Rather than sending a monk, the monks send Beatryce. Brother Edick, Answelica, and Jack Dory journey with her because they have become very fond of her…and…Beatryce promises Jack that she will teach him to write.
Of course, they meet with many obstacles along the way and they also meet a very kind man, Cannoc.
How does this story unfold? Just what is the prophecy? Is the prophecy magical or common sense? Does Beatyrce even want what the prophecy predicts? Just what connection does a mermaid have with a hairbrush? Is there a message for humanity in the story?
The simplicity and clarity of the black and white illustrations certainly enhance this delightful fairy tale-like story.
Happy reading! And don’t you just love goats?
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