The Beast and the Bethany: questions to ask and activities to try
Ebenezer feeds a beast in his attic, and now it wants a child. The Beast and the Bethany is a sharp, funny, award-winning story.
What age is it for? The Beast and the Bethany is best for ages 8–11. Good for: A selfish man, a hungry beast and a very naughty girl.
The Beast and the Bethany (Jack Meggitt-Phillips and Isabelle Follath)
- Age
- 8-11
- Best for
- A selfish man, a hungry beast and a very naughty girl
Read a chapter a night with older children. Talk about how Ebenezer and Bethany change.
What it helps with
- Selfishness and kindness
- Unlikely friendship
- Dark humour
- Chapter books
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who is Ebenezer?”
- “What lives in his attic?”
- “What did the beast want?”
- “Who is Bethany?”
- “How did they change?”
- “Who was the real monster?”
5-minute activities to try together
Beast menu
Write a menu for a very greedy beast.
Kindness list
List three kind things Ebenezer could have done.
Free printables: The Beast and the Bethany worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Abominables (Eva Ibbotson and Jamie Littler)
- Best for
- Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe
- Age
- 8-11
The Wizard in My Shed (Simon Farnaby and Claire Powell)
- Best for
- A wizard from the Dark Ages living in the shed
- Age
- 7-10
The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones (Will Mabbitt and Ross Collins)
- Best for
- Kidnapped by animal pirates
- Age
- 8-11
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.