Little Beauty

Title: Little Beauty Author: Anthony Browne Illustrator: Anthony Browne Release Date: November 1, 2008

Plot Summary

"Little Beauty" is a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a gorilla and a kitten. The gorilla, who lives in a zoo, is lonely because there are no other gorillas to keep him company. To alleviate his loneliness, the zookeepers give him a kitten named Little Beauty. The two quickly become inseparable friends, sharing meals, playing, and enjoying each other's company.

One day, while watching a television show about King Kong, the gorilla becomes enraged and smashes the TV. This act of violence scares the zookeepers, who threaten to take Little Beauty away from the gorilla. However, Little Beauty, who has learned sign language from the gorilla, intervenes by signing that she was the one who broke the TV. This clever move saves the friendship, and the zookeepers allow the gorilla and Little Beauty to stay together.

Key Themes

1. Friendship: The book highlights the deep and loving bond between the gorilla and Little Beauty, showcasing how friendship can bring joy and companionship.
2. Communication: The use of sign language is a central theme, demonstrating how communication can resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships.
3. Empathy and Understanding: The story encourages empathy by showing how the gorilla's actions are driven by his emotions and how Little Beauty's quick thinking saves their friendship.
4. Diversity and Acceptance: The book promotes acceptance of differences, as the gorilla and the kitten form a strong bond despite their size and species differences.

Critical Reception

Positive Reviews:

• TheBookbag.co.uk: Describes "Little Beauty" as an "utterly wonderful picture book" that is "such a moving tale of friendship and love" suitable for even the youngest children.
• Kirkus Reviews: Praises Browne's ability to render primates with "faithful detail and surreal humanity." The review highlights the book's affecting portrayal of size and style juxtapositions, making it a compelling read for young children.
• CardiffMummysays.com: Calls the book a "gorgeous tale of an unlikely friendship" and notes that it is based on a true story, referencing the real-life gorilla Koko and her kitten All Ball.

Goodreads Reviews:

• Many reviewers on Goodreads praise the book for its beautiful illustrations and the touching story of the gorilla and Little Beauty. One reviewer notes that the book is a "little bit of a play on Kong and the traditional Beauty & the Beast," making it a unique and engaging read.

Overall, "Little Beauty" by Anthony Browne is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story that celebrates friendship, communication, and acceptance. Its unique blend of real-life inspiration and imaginative storytelling has made it a beloved children's book.