The beast in this appealing story by Chris Judge is part of a tribe that is scattered around the world and separated from each other. Their numbers have diminished so there is only one beast per country. One of them, who lives in the forest, decides to go on a quest to find one of his own. He crosses over land, swims in the water, until he reaches the shore and then walks some more. When he arrives in a city, people are at first frightened of the beast but then grow friendly toward him. They let him live in the park and he becomes a media celebrity. Now he feels more lonely than ever. So he heads back home, only to find there a surprise beyond his furthest imagining!
The Lonely Beast has been written by Chris Judge for children from 4 through 8. There is something compelling to children about beasts who are wild and mysterious creatures untamed by civilization. We identify with the protagonist in this story who is an outsider. Journeying with him on his quest to find community with his own kind is a pleasure. Within all of us is both the lonely self and the seeker yearning for community.
