The Tale of the Wicked Old Woman and the Very Nice 'Beast' of Crouch End is a children's fable by Lance Lee. A long time ago, there lived an Old Woman in a little valley hidden from the outside world by a hill. The Old Woman had a beautiful daughter of whom she was very possessive. But when her daughter leaves home after falling in love with a handsome stranger, the Old Woman grows more bitter and resentful with each passing day. Years later, a young girl named Daisy finds a little orange kitten in a basket, whom she names Little Boots. As Little Boots gets bigger and bigger, the Old Woman schemes to break Daisy's heart by putting Little Boots in a zoo. Can Daisy break the Old Woman's spell on Little Boots?

The Tale of the Wicked Old Woman and the Very Nice 'Beast' of Crouch End is a cautionary story about how spite and malice corrupt people's hearts and spread misery all around them. Author Lance Lee tells the story in the style of an old fable, which will certainly appeal to young readers. Additionally, the central characters, aside from the Old Woman, are very likable. Children are going to love Daisy and Little Boots. I found their bond adorable, and Little Boots growing into an increasingly larger cat was hilarious. Nathalie T. Retivoff's beautifully drawn illustrations are another highlight of the book for me. The artwork adds color to the characters' personalities and makes them more relatable to the reader. The story ends on an optimistic note, leaving you filled with hope. In conclusion, it's a fantastic picture book for kids.

The Tale Of The Wicked Old Woman And The Very Nice 'Beast' Of Crouch End by Lance Lee begins in a once idyllic valley that later became Crouch End, where an Old Woman, revered as a healer, lost her beloved daughter. Heartbroken, she grew bitter and isolated, causing endless Winter to settle upon the land. Over time, London grew and swallowed the valley. In the present, a girl named Daisy unknowingly attracted the Old Woman’s attention. One day, a golden kitten appeared at Daisy’s door, and she named him Little Boots. As he grew abnormally large and began causing mischief, the townspeople turned against him, their fears encouraged by the Old Woman. Daisy defended Little Boots, but the townspeople demanded his removal. Little Boots, no longer just a cat and with his fate uncertain, had become the feared 'Beast' of Crouch End.

The Tale Of The Wicked Old Woman And The Very Nice 'Beast' Of Crouch End, written by Lance Lee and illustrated by Nathalie Toro-Retivoff, is a truly sweet story told through elegant writing and enchanting imagery. The narrative gently unfolds the transformation of a bitter old woman’s world through the joyful spirit of a girl named Daisy and her unusual cat. The illustrations beautifully complement the text, featuring delicate monochrome sketches within the story pages alongside full-page artworks in a muted jewel-tone palette that adds warmth and depth to the tale. The combination of Lee’s smooth prose and Toro-Retivoff’s thoughtful artistry creates an inviting atmosphere that captures the charm of the setting and characters. This book makes a lovely read, celebrating kindness and change in a quietly magical way that lingers pleasantly after the final page. Very highly recommended.