Title: Cinderella
Author & Illustrator: Marcia Brown
Publisher & Year of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1954
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 4-8
Summary: Cinderella receives a new step-mother and step-sisters. The step-mother makes her complete all the “vilest” chores, while the two step-sisters enjoy life. Meanwhile, the Prince is hosting a ball in attempts to find the love of his life. On the night of the ball the step-sisters leave and Cinderella begins to cry because she is not able to go; then suddenly a fairy godmother appears and grants her, her wishes. The spell which Cinderella has been given will break a midnight so she must leave in time. When midnight approaches Cinderella rushes off but leaves a glass slipper. The Prince, having been memorized by her, orders for the girl to be found. Eventually she is found, and forgives the step-sisters for all the mistreatment.
Evaluation/Reflection: This book is nicely written and illustrated, but what I love even more about it is that it makes one reconsider their preconceived thoughts of what Cinderella and the characters may look like.
Memorable Literary Element: The story serves as a great example for a fairy tale unit. The characters personality traits can be easily discussed and compared to other fairy tale books.
Illustrations: Colorful and detailed drawings are used to portray the enchantment in Cinderella.
Review: This version of Cinderella adheres more to tradition as it is a version translated from French. It was a Caldecott winner and is uniquely illustrated. Those only familiar with the Disney version will immediately notice many places that the story is different. Some such differences include; Cinderella never expected to go to the ball, the animals are hardly a part of the story except to be changed into horses, the ball is a two night affair, and Cinderella forgives her sisters at the end, even finding them lords to marry. I really enjoyed this version, and thought it adhered more to a true traditional literature story line. The act of forgiveness at the end was also refreshing.
Due perhaps to the age of this book or the translations, there are some vocabulary words that younger students may struggle with in the reading. However, using context and pictures I think many younger children could read this mostly independently. Doing a comparison/contrast of this version to others may be an interesting activity to do with learners. Additionally, many of the common motifs and themes could be explored. (Goodreads)
Promotion Idea: This book could be promoted as a movie and book theme combo. With the recent release of the movie Cinderella, a bulletin board display or special shelf arrangement featuring a review of books and movies would be appropriate.
Acquisition: WorldCat OPAC provides information on where to locally check out this book if not available in your library.
Author & Illustrator: Marcia Brown
Publisher & Year of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1954
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 4-8
Summary: Cinderella receives a new step-mother and step-sisters. The step-mother makes her complete all the “vilest” chores, while the two step-sisters enjoy life. Meanwhile, the Prince is hosting a ball in attempts to find the love of his life. On the night of the ball the step-sisters leave and Cinderella begins to cry because she is not able to go; then suddenly a fairy godmother appears and grants her, her wishes. The spell which Cinderella has been given will break a midnight so she must leave in time. When midnight approaches Cinderella rushes off but leaves a glass slipper. The Prince, having been memorized by her, orders for the girl to be found. Eventually she is found, and forgives the step-sisters for all the mistreatment.
Evaluation/Reflection: This book is nicely written and illustrated, but what I love even more about it is that it makes one reconsider their preconceived thoughts of what Cinderella and the characters may look like.
Memorable Literary Element: The story serves as a great example for a fairy tale unit. The characters personality traits can be easily discussed and compared to other fairy tale books.
Illustrations: Colorful and detailed drawings are used to portray the enchantment in Cinderella.
Review: This version of Cinderella adheres more to tradition as it is a version translated from French. It was a Caldecott winner and is uniquely illustrated. Those only familiar with the Disney version will immediately notice many places that the story is different. Some such differences include; Cinderella never expected to go to the ball, the animals are hardly a part of the story except to be changed into horses, the ball is a two night affair, and Cinderella forgives her sisters at the end, even finding them lords to marry. I really enjoyed this version, and thought it adhered more to a true traditional literature story line. The act of forgiveness at the end was also refreshing.
Due perhaps to the age of this book or the translations, there are some vocabulary words that younger students may struggle with in the reading. However, using context and pictures I think many younger children could read this mostly independently. Doing a comparison/contrast of this version to others may be an interesting activity to do with learners. Additionally, many of the common motifs and themes could be explored. (Goodreads)
Promotion Idea: This book could be promoted as a movie and book theme combo. With the recent release of the movie Cinderella, a bulletin board display or special shelf arrangement featuring a review of books and movies would be appropriate.
Acquisition: WorldCat OPAC provides information on where to locally check out this book if not available in your library.