One sunny day Sarah Smith, age 5, was strolling through a park in Denver, Colorado. Beautiful red roses were blooming all around her. The roses reminded Sarah of the story Steve, Tara and Aunt June had once read to her. The story was about a handsome prince who was turned into an ugly Beast because he was so mean and selfish.

While gazing at one rose, Sarah instantly found herself inside a mysterious castle courtyard. From a distance, Sarah could see Beauty pick a lovely rose blossom.

Suddenly, a frightening voice roared loudly, "Beauty, I will punish you for stealing that rose from my garden. You must now stay in my castle forever!"

A huge Beast appeared and ordered Beauty to be locked in the highest tower. It was an elegant room filled with gowns and treasures fit for a queen.

"I'm so sad," wept Beauty, "I will never see my family again!"

Sarah heard Beauty crying and in a snap was in the tower room next to Beauty. Sarah whispered, "Do not cry, Beauty. I am your friend and will help you find true happiness."

That evening, the Beast asked Beauty to join him for dinner. Sarah told Beauty to accept the Beast's kind offer, and she did.

At dinner Beauty was so unhappy she said, "You are so ugly that I cannot eat." Outraged by her ungratefulness, the Beast raised his giant claws and stomped away in anger.
 

                                                Beauty and the Beast, Pgs 1-4