Cinderella (Book)

Eilenberg, M. (2008). Cinderella. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0-7636-3856-6

Interest Level: Ages 3 to 8
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Fairy Tale, Princesses and Princes, Fairy Godmothers,

Plot: A retelling of the classic Cinderella tale.  The stepmother is jealous of Cinderella's beauty and makes her cook and clean.  The stepsisters were just as mean and made fun on Cinderella.  Cinderella's fairy godmother helps transform mice, rats, pumpkins and lizards into footman, horses, drivers, and a carriage.  her fairy godmother transforms Cinderella's rags into beautiful gowns three different times for the three different balls. The first two balls Cinderella manages to leave the ball well before midnight.  On the third night she barely escapes, losing a shoe in the process.  The prince goes looking for the owner of the shoe.  When it looks like Cinderella might not get to try the shoe on, her father speaks up in her defense for the first time.  Cinderella's godmother returns and transforms her gown one more time.  Cinderella and the Prince get married while her step-family tries to be supportive.

Personal Thoughts:  This fairy tale retelling is nice and simple using words and descriptions that are easily understood by younger children.  The illustrations are a mixture of soft pastel colors and sharp lines.  The facial expressions on most of the characters are pretty plain.  Cinderella doesn't really have any expression throughout the whole story.  The animals on the other hand are quiet cute and full of silly expressions and smiles.  The sound effects and simple text make the story a good choice for storytime reading.

Other Books by the Author: Beauty and the Beast (2006); Squeak's good idea (2001); Cowboy Kid (2000);