Parents' Guide to

The Beatryce Prophecy

Book Kate DiCamillo Adventure 2021
The Beatryce Prophecy Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Mary Eisenhart By Mary Eisenhart , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

Lively fable celebrates friendship, girl (and goat) power.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Carolina W.
Carolina W. Adult
June 26, 2024
age 18+

This Book Should be Banned - Not Appropriate for Children

While DeCamillo’s books have traditionally been well-loved and excellent for kids, this book is not one of them. The Beatryce Prophecy is a dark book, full of evil in all forms – murder, demons, child abuse, trauma, and dark angels. The author’s attempts at humor are overshadowed by the frequent references to darkness. No child should read this book. The book speaks of a terrible angel with dark and ragged wings, with a foul odor from the feathers, and hideous teeth. In order to receive forgiveness, you must write out your sins for this dark angel. If you do not, the dark angel will take you to death. This is heresy and blasphemy, as the dark angel is described as both having the power and authority that otherwise would be reserved solely for Christ. Whether this is intended to demonstrate a style of storytelling or a fable of sorts, the constant references to evil and pervasive darkness make this book not appropriate for children. We are to guard our hearts and minds and what we bring into our home. Protect your family by not bringing this book into yours.
Chris L.
Chris L. Adult
January 5, 2022
age 10+

Home is where the love is

A beautiful and timeless tale told in a fairy tale convention about the importance of connection and nurturing others. A curious and big hearted monk finds a strange girl asleep and curled up with a particularly ferocious goat. Beatryce does not know why she is there or from where she came, but she knows her name and that seems to have its own power. As Beatryce connects with an unusual collection of helpful people, she begins to learn more about herself and her part in a promising prophecy. The novel is set in a medieval like time beset by war and violence and several of the characters come to the story through violence. These events are dark and, while not overly graphic, are intended to have impact.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In a war-torn medieval world, THE BEATRYCE PROPHECY announces "There will one day come a girl child who will unseat a king and bring about a great change." It comes in a moment of inspiration to kindhearted Brother Edik, whose religious order is charged with receiving and writing down such messages as they're revealed. When word gets out, it doesn't please the king, whose claim to the throne is less than legitimate, so he sets out to seize the unknown child and kills a lot of people in the process. Among them are two young boys from a noble family and their tutor -- but their 10-year-old sister survives and finds her way to the monastery. Thanks to a protective, ill-tempered goat and also to Brother Edik, she finds brief refuge but also learns of a new danger: In the world where she now finds herself, it's forbidden for girls to learn to read and write. And she's very good at both.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Kate DiCamillo spins a lively, heart-filled fable of a smart girl in mortal danger and her friends -- a goat, a monk, and an orphan -- who aren't about to let that happen. The Beatryce Prophecy strikes a fine balance between belly laugh (often courtesy of Answelica the goat) and heartstring-tugging (as when kindly Brother Edik ponders life's betrayals), with Sophie Blackall's plentiful black-and-white illustrations enriching the narrative.

Here, Beatryce, embarking on a scary task, ponders her new companion, Jack Dory:

"Jack Dory started to whistle a jaunty song.

"Beatryce looked down at the goat. She said, 'I think he pretends to be happy. I think that deep inside he is sad. Those he loves are dead. He is alone in the world.'

"Answelica looked up at her, listening.

"'I am not afraid,' Beatryce said to the goat. 'I will not be afraid.

"Answelica nodded.

"She bumped her head against Beatryce's leg. Beatryce took hold of her ear.

"'I am not afraid at all,' said Beatryce again."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stories like The Beatryce Prophecy that are set in some version of medieval times, whether in our world or a fictional one. Why do you think that's such an appealing setting for storytellers? What stories are possible in that environment that might not be possible elsewhere?

  • How would you feel and what would you do if you had some important ability -- and everything including your life depended on keeping it to yourself?

  • In The Beatryce Prophecy, only a few people are allowed to learn to read and write. What kind of power does this give them over everyone else?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate