Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella

by Jewell Reinhart Coburn, Edmund Flotte (Illustrator)

A Cambodian version of Cinderella in which a poor girl marries a prince, is killed by her jealous stepfamily, and then, through her virtue, returns to become queen.

Genres: Cinderella, Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Fiction, Folk Tales, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

has lived abroad and studies an array of diverse cultures. Has a doctorate in Higher Education Administration, two honorary degrees plus many literary awards. Currently lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband Bill.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taken from Le Conte Cendrillo Ches Les Cham, a late nineteenth-century essay written by the French folklorist Adhémard Leclère, this Cinderella variant from the Khmer people of Cambodia makes its English-language debut in this picture-book retelling. The author, Jewell Reinhart Coburn, is a folklorist herself, and has retold two other Cinderella variants: Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition and Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella .

Following the trials and tribulations of its eponymous heroine, Angkat is the story of a dutiful girl who finds herself transformed into the family servant, after her father remarries and her malicious stepmother insists that her daughter be the 'Number One Child.' Even after Angkat's life is transformed, thanks to the aid of the Spirit of Virtue - her erstwhile fish companion, killed by her jealous stepsister Kantok - who has one of her lovely golden sandals spirited away to the king's son, the poor girl cannot escape the scheming of her family, who lure her away from her new home in the palace, and crush her to death! Will Angkat and the prince manage to live happily ever after, or has death separated them forever...?

This was a fascinating example of the 'persecuted heroine' tale type (number 510A in the Aarne-Thompson folklore classification system), because the heroine's mistreatment occurs, not just at the hands of her step-family, but also at the hands of her father. I don't think I've read another version of this wide-spread story where that was the case. The accompanying illustrations by Edmund Flotte were quite expressive, although sometimes his faces seemed a little exaggerated to me. Still, this was an engaging retelling of a relatively unknown variant - here in the West, anyway - of the Cinderella story, and although it won't be making it to my list of favorite fairy-tales, I am glad to have encountered it. Recommended to young folklore lovers, as well as to any reader interested in Cinderella across cultures.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this Cinderella story, very different from our Western version. The pictures are mystical and capture the golden beauty of Cambodia perfectly.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
In this Cambodian Cinderella story, Angkat, the daughter of a lonely fisherman, and her father live in a quiet home in Cambodia, near the riverside. The father soon meets and remarries a widow from across the river, who also has one daughter, Kantok. The two sisters compete to be "Number One" daughter (one with privileges and notority), rather than "Number Two" daughter, who cleans, cooks, and performs numerous chores. Angkat makes friends with animals for comfort and companionship, however, her loneliness continues to take over. The Spirit of Virtue comes to her aid, with kindness and advice. In the morning two golden slippers appear, with special instructions, "At night, leave one slipper hidden under your mat. Put the other one by your open window." A bird swooped down and carried one slipper off to the Crown Prince, who then set off in search of the "maiden whose foot this slipper fits [for she:] shall be my bride." He eventually finds Angkat, they marry, but do not live happily ever after. You will have to read and find out how the evil stepmother, sister, and even jealous father, attempt to bring an end to this couple's happiness.

[Soky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book to teach and a great way to talk about culture and differences between the Disney version of the story. I troubled with the idea that her father betrayed her, but I think there is underlying topics to explore here. I love the art and realistic portrayal of Cambodian homes, the significance of animals in farmland Cambodia.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cinderella story is inherently flawed, but I love returning to this version for the beautiful illustrations and zanier and dastardly plot twists I like in a lot of traditional folklore, particularly from the Middle and Far East.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this variation is suppose to take place in Cambodia there are some very strong familiarities of this version along with the Middle Eastern and Chinese version. It is interesting to be able to compare the various stories and the regions where they come from, especially if they share so much in common.

Unlike some of the other Cinderella variations there seems to be more of a religious theme that is going on within the pages although the name of the religion for those who don't know it isn't told to the audience reading it. Instead you have the Spirit appearing every so often whether it is in a Spirit format or even as a statue reminder that it is always watching.

Again the story itself also differs in cultural rules, the father's voluntary change of heart and so much more that it gives the book a much darker plot than any other that I have read. For those who like to read the Cinderella stories I would recommend this one isn't read to children unless you are assured they can handle the type of story.

[Somona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Folklore
Summary: The story is about Angkat and the cruelty she receives from her father, stepmother, and stepsister. One day the Spirit of Virtue gives Angkat a pair of golden slippers which leads her to meet and marry the Crown Prince. Motivated by jealousy, her family murders her and sends her stepsister in her place. The prince greatly mourns her death and to distract himself, he goes on a hunt. He encounters bamboo shoots that grew in the exact spot Angkat was killed and finding peace, decides to take the bamboo back to the palace. One day he sees Angkat’s face in the bamboo and reaches for her. They are blessed by the Spirit and she comes back to life. Her family is then banished.
Response: I enjoyed this story and thought that the pictures really added to the words. I’m amazed at how many versions of Cinderella there is in the world. It seems to be a common folktale.
Themes/Concept/Classroom Connection: Families, Magic, Reincarnation, Cambodian History

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a bit heavier than your run of the mill Cinderella story. She dies! I mean, she gets better, but still - she dies!

[Taylor Relacion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angkat is a girl who gains a step sister (kantok) that despises her and wants to be the number one child. Angkat becomes the family servant. She befriends the little magical fish and Kantok kills it. The spirit of virtue turns the fish bones into gold slippers and a black bird takes one of them to the prince, allowing the couple to meet and be married. After Angkat is killed the spirit of virtue brings her back to life and the couple reunites, her family is banished and they rule the kingdom peacefully. I would say this book is for upper grade levels such as 5th through 8th grade because it is content heavy and can be a harder theme for younger students to follow.
I would use this book in my classroom because it is a great way to introduce culture and gives the students to compare and contrast from the original Cinderella story. I liked this book because it's the only cinderella story I've read where "cinderella" dies.

[Vanessa Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a take on the Cinderella story that is about a girl who lives with her dad and just like a normal Cinderella story there is a ball and the daughter is not invited until mission impossible is done. Her chickens help her finish the task and she goes to the ball and loses a magical slipper. The prince finds her and live happily ever after for now but then her dad fakes an illness and they kill the princess thinking that the stepsister will take her place the prince is loyal and does not replace her but they live together in spirit. I thought this book was really interesting to see a different perspective of this book and I would love to have it in my classroom library.
Author: Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrator: Eddie Flotte
Publisher: Lee & Low Books April 30, 2014

[Lidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the ebook on EPIC. This is a different version with a surprise twist in the plot and an almost expected ending.
I would use this story with grades 3-5th. It would be a great compare and contrast story; especially, if you ask students to write different endings.

[Cherry (_forevermint) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darker than most Cinderella stories for young children.

[Caitlyn]

I loved the twist of Cinderella dying and coming back to life in this version of the classic fairytale.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this retelling, with just enough to make it recognizable, and many variations that make it especially interesting. Lovely illustrations complete the work.

[Maren Cobb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little different type of take on the cinderella story but pretty entertaining.

[Mokita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ancient tale of "Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella", retold by Jewel Reinhart Coburn and illustrated by E. Flotte is an example of a traditional story passed down through the steaming jungles, emerald rice fields, and remote villages of Cambodia (Reinhart Coburn, author’s note) to share its timeless message with American readers today . The illustrations, by Eddie Flotte, invites the reader to better better understand the uniquely rich culture displaced in this retelling.In this version found on Epic Books, "Angkat" ,(translated as the child of ashes, ), exemplifies the virtues of duty, loyalty, and perseverance in ways that would especially resonate with the original intended audience, all those years ago. With a universal theme that appeals to many different age groups, through many different centuries, it tells of Angkat’s difficulties, struggles and successes. I also believe there are other lessons tucked into the story about human relationships and how we treat one another. Like many other traditional tales, a magically helpful animal (Little Fish) journeys along with Angkat for a while, witness to all who wrong her.
Like most other versions of this story, the opening and closing elevate this tale as one of ritual, shared in this place and at this time. The characters are contrasted in the extreme (CBCH 2020) as Angkat is extremely good but living with extremely evil family members. Because of her role as the hero or protagonist, we learn of her thoughts and feelings throughout events. The theme that goodness will be rewarded over evil, especially through extreme obstacles, is only gently stated at the book’s end, “...Rising about the tragedies, …brought prosperity and happiness to the people…”. The plot, though uniquely Cambodian, shares elaborate settings and descriptive background situations. With the help of educator, Mr. Riem Men, in the 1800s, this tale was translated to English to share with even more of the world’s readers. The plot, though uniquely Cambodian, shares elaborate settings and descriptive background information about the main character. This text would serve well in a high school study of common literary motifs, along with other versions of the “Cinderella” story. The detailed setting of this Cambodian tale should also consider the historical context and how it contributes to the conflict and character & plot development.

[Helaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella is a cultural variation of the classic tale, Cinderella that contains despicable plot twists that makes this version one that might be a tad too dastardly for early readers. Consequently, that is why this version is one that greatly appeals and stands out to me. This unique rendition depicts the story of Angkat. She is the Cambodian daughter of a widowed fisherman who remarries a callous woman with a vain daughter, Kantok. The story follows her through the cruelty she experiences with her family members, especially Kantok who relentlessly and incessantly competes with her. Because of her internal goodness and tenacious kindness to animals and people, the Spirit of Virtue assists her in meeting and consequently marrying the Crown Prince. However, a dark, dramatic and wretched plot twist unfolds from an atrocious scheme carried out by her family. In regards to the artwork, this illustrator does a terrific job in the portrayals of Cambodian culture, homes, and farmland. The text in this book was very suitable and retained the language of the Khmer. I really loved this book because it provides readers with a very unique perspective and introduces children to the Khmer culture. Another reason I thoroughly enjoy multicultural variations of fairytales is the part where I get to play "spot the difference" in plot, character, and setting. Overall, this cultural interpretation of Cinderella caught my undivided attention with its authentic respect of culture and truly won my heart with its unpredictable twist and caught my undivided attention.

[Meg Stolte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angkat is a Cinderella tale from Cambodia, told over many generations and now beautifully illustrated in this book. Angkat is a young girl whose father marries a cruel widow with a vain daughter, Kantok. While trying to win the honor of first daughter, Kantok tricks Angkat and wins the honor, leaving Angkat to a life of chores and sadness. Over the course of time, Angkat is rewarded for her good spirit and ends up marrying a prince after he matches her to a golden slipper. However, her jealous family tricks and kills her, but Angkat comes back to her rightful place in this tale.
Angkat is an example of traditional literature, as it retains the language of the people and reflects the Khmer culture. It also has an oral tradition of being retold over many generations in Cambodian culture. This book would be an excellent resource to cover various 2nd grade ELA standards. It could be used to retell traditional folktales from diverse cultures to determine their meaning (ELA 2.1.2.2); it could also be used to compare and contrast Cinderella stories from various cultures (ELA 2.1.9.9). In upper grades, this could also be used in social studies units examining cultural values in various geographical locations, or to examine various traditions or practices, such as the honors of being a “first daughter” in a family.

[Kacie Blakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Cinderella can be told from many different cultures and backgrounds. Angkat is the Cambodian Cinderella and she has an evil step sister named Kantok. Kantok cheats to win the honor of "number one" daughter, so Angkat is forced to do all the work for the family. Fortunately, the Spirit of Virtue steps into save the "number two" daughter. The Spirit gives Angkat specific directions to leave a glass slipper by her door and later on a bird delivers that slipper to the dashing prince. When he finds this, he decides he must marry the rightful owner of the slipper. The Prince marries Angkat, but does the story end in "happily ever after"?
I would recommend this Cinderella story for older readers, as the book contains some cultural differences that are a bit complex for young children. The illustrations are very detailed, but the difficult spiritual aspects of the book make it hard to portray in picture form. Since most kids know the storyline of Cinderella, I think this book is a good way to introduce older children to differing cultures.

[Lisa Rathbun]

Wonderful addition to any folklore collection. Instead of a fairy godmother, there is a magic fish and the Spirit of Virtue. Interesting, detailed illustrations. (Warning: Angkat is killed by her wicked family and later brought back to life thus making this a better selection for older children exploring Cinderella variants from different cultures.)

[Jade Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story with a different perspective on the traditional Cinderella story. Angkat is a Cambodian girl who lives with her step mother, father, and step sister. The story would be a great tool for providing different perspectives to students. The story could be used to draw connections and differences between Cinderella and Angkat.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angkat – The Cambodian Cinderella written by Jewell Reinhart Cobern, illustrated by Eddie Flotte – Wow, this is quite the folktale. Didn’t expect the scheming, killing, and dark components of this Cinderella tale. The illustrations are brilliant accompanying the fascinating tale. Thrilled that we have this for students to enjoy next year!

[Lauren Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is like most cinderella stories but had some differences. Angkats father did not die like in most others. He conspired with his wife and stepdaughter to murder his daughter. She then came back to life and her family was banished from the land.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Culturally appropriate images grace this beautiful rendition. Instead of a fairy godmother, a fish and the Spirit of Virtue. Excellent addition to a Cinderella library.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting version of the Cinderella story -- this one doesn't end when the Prince finds the girl with the golden slipper. The evil step-family ensures that things only get worse from there!

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another multicultural Cinderella story that I bought with money donated by an Esperanza board member for our Esperanza library. It is a great story...and the illustrations are great, too.

[Meltha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this one fascinating since it blends elements of the Egyptian version with the Chinese version and then throws in something that kind of reminds me of Orpheus and Eurydice a little along with the rice thing that got thrown as Psyche. The father is actually turned evil by the step-mother here, which I think makes more sense than him just blithely going along with all this. The illustrations felt realistic, and the author notes suggest that they did their homework.

[Jacob]

Fantasy & Multicultural

[Sofia Seledkov]

Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella by Jewell Reinhart Coburn, published in 1998. Cambodian version of cinderella. #multiculturalism #diversity #cambodia #cindarella