Book details
Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know the Story)
Description
This retelling of Cinderella offers a fresh and humorous twist on the classic tale. Readers follow Cinderella through the familiar events but with new insights into her personality and background. Cinderella is portrayed as smart, funny, and relatable, with 'Cinderella' being just a nickname and her prince having a love for Jell-o and dancing. The story continues beyond the usual ending, showing what happens after Cinderella marries the prince. The book features black-and-white silhouettes and Cinderella’s letters to her deceased mother, creating a unique and engaging experience for young readers transitioning from picture books to longer, illustrated texts. The companion book, 'Thumbelina, Tiny Runaway Bride,' is mentioned as a follow-up to this fairy-tale reboot.
Age
7-10
Text complexity
proficient
Length
99 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Fresh Perspective: This retelling of the classic Cinderella story offers a unique and modern twist, providing readers with a new way to engage with a familiar tale.
- Illustrative Charm: Barbara Ensor's version is interspersed with whimsical silhouette illustrations that add a visual element to the storytelling, making it a delightful read for both young readers and adults.
- Empowerment and Wit: The narrative voice in this retelling is witty and empowering, offering a more proactive and self-reliant Cinderella character that can inspire readers to take charge of their own stories.
- Cultural Literacy: Reading different versions of well-known stories like Cinderella is a great way to understand how classic tales can be reinterpreted across cultures and time periods, enhancing one's literary knowledge and appreciation.