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Sindi: A Zulu Cinderella
An endearing rendition of the classic Cinderella story, inspired by the Zulu culture! Life isn’t easy for sweet Sindi. In her father’s absence, she’s treated horribly by her cruel aunt and cousins. Although her troubles threaten to ruin her chance to go to the Zulu Reed Dance and to find true love, her grandmother’s wisdom, her own courage, and a touch of magic help Sindi discover that she can take charge of her own remarkable journey.
Follow along with the animated
Follow along with the animated
- GenresPicture Books
Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
3 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 26, 2024
Sindi: A Zulu Cinderella reimagines the classic Cinderella tale within the vibrant context of Zulu culture, offering readers a fresh and culturally rich perspective. The story unfolds in a modest home where Sindi, a young girl, cherishes the moments spent with her father. The narrative takes a turn as her father's new job as a bus tour driver reduces their time together, and her aunt and cousins move in, introducing challenges and changing the dynamics of her daily life.
Thembani Mnyandu and Desaray Wilson-Mnyandu have woven a narrative that captivates with its cultural depth and relatable characters. The anticipation of the Reed Dance, a significant cultural event, is a central element, bringing excitement to Sindi's life. The story escalates when, despite her aunt's efforts to prevent her from participating, Sindi becomes the highlight of the event, inadvertently catching the eye of a prince. This twist leaves readers in suspense, wondering if the prince will succeed in his quest to find her.
The use of Zulu language throughout the text is a thoughtful touch, enriching the reader's experience and cultural understanding. The inclusion of a glossary at the book's end is a practical resource, making the story accessible and educational. Shayna Renee Olivier's illustrations are a standout feature, bringing the story to life with vivid, colorful imagery that captures the essence of the plot and characters.
This book is a delightful read for those who enjoy culturally infused narratives and short stories. Its ability to intertwine familiar elements of a classic fairy tale with the unique aspects of Zulu culture creates an engaging and enlightening experience. While it resonates with fans of short stories, it also holds appeal for readers seeking to explore diverse cultural perspectives through fiction.
Thembani Mnyandu and Desaray Wilson-Mnyandu have woven a narrative that captivates with its cultural depth and relatable characters. The anticipation of the Reed Dance, a significant cultural event, is a central element, bringing excitement to Sindi's life. The story escalates when, despite her aunt's efforts to prevent her from participating, Sindi becomes the highlight of the event, inadvertently catching the eye of a prince. This twist leaves readers in suspense, wondering if the prince will succeed in his quest to find her.
The use of Zulu language throughout the text is a thoughtful touch, enriching the reader's experience and cultural understanding. The inclusion of a glossary at the book's end is a practical resource, making the story accessible and educational. Shayna Renee Olivier's illustrations are a standout feature, bringing the story to life with vivid, colorful imagery that captures the essence of the plot and characters.
This book is a delightful read for those who enjoy culturally infused narratives and short stories. Its ability to intertwine familiar elements of a classic fairy tale with the unique aspects of Zulu culture creates an engaging and enlightening experience. While it resonates with fans of short stories, it also holds appeal for readers seeking to explore diverse cultural perspectives through fiction.
December 8, 2023
Cinderella story
A nice version of the Cinderella story. Sindi is treated badly by her mean aunt and cousins. Her grandmother gives her a chance and find a way to attend the Zulu Reed Dance. It's a interesting version of the story. The author has included definitions at the end of the book too.
A nice version of the Cinderella story. Sindi is treated badly by her mean aunt and cousins. Her grandmother gives her a chance and find a way to attend the Zulu Reed Dance. It's a interesting version of the story. The author has included definitions at the end of the book too.
February 23, 2024
Cute Story
I was curious by the title and after reading the story this is literally a Cinderella fairy tale type story except set in the Zulu culture. If you like Cinderella and want to experience it through the lens of a different culture then this is a good book. I was hoping for a few more changes relative to the original Cinderella story.
I was curious by the title and after reading the story this is literally a Cinderella fairy tale type story except set in the Zulu culture. If you like Cinderella and want to experience it through the lens of a different culture then this is a good book. I was hoping for a few more changes relative to the original Cinderella story.
February 24, 2024
better than the original!
This is a delightful retelling of Cinderella in the Zulu culture. The illustrations are bright and colorful. Instead of a fairy godmother, there is an actual grandmother promoting courage instead of waving a magic wand. I thought this was a particularly clever spin on the fairytale! I would highly recommend this story to any fairytale lover.
This is a delightful retelling of Cinderella in the Zulu culture. The illustrations are bright and colorful. Instead of a fairy godmother, there is an actual grandmother promoting courage instead of waving a magic wand. I thought this was a particularly clever spin on the fairytale! I would highly recommend this story to any fairytale lover.
February 27, 2025
Sindi: A Zulu Cinderella is a delightful book
Sindi: A Zulu Cinderella is an inspirational story providing a unique insight into Zulu traditions. What makes the story unique is that it was written by an eight year old. I am thoroughly impressed by this young author. She has a bright future. The graphics work accompanying the story are beautiful.
Sindi: A Zulu Cinderella is an inspirational story providing a unique insight into Zulu traditions. What makes the story unique is that it was written by an eight year old. I am thoroughly impressed by this young author. She has a bright future. The graphics work accompanying the story are beautiful.
January 20, 2024
a true Cinderella Story from a different culture
Beautiful story about a girl named Sindi living with her dad. She faces abuse at the hands of her cousins and aunt. She finds her happy ending in the hands of a certain prince.
Beautiful story about a girl named Sindi living with her dad. She faces abuse at the hands of her cousins and aunt. She finds her happy ending in the hands of a certain prince.
January 29, 2024
A beautiful masterpiece
This story is not only sweet and enjoyable, but the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. My kids loved reading it together. It also was so special to teach them about a different culture and language than our own. A must have for parents with kids!
This story is not only sweet and enjoyable, but the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. My kids loved reading it together. It also was so special to teach them about a different culture and language than our own. A must have for parents with kids!
July 3, 2024
This Cinderella retelling is a delight!
The illustrations are beautiful! The retelling incorporates Zulu language and culture. You’ll come away from this story with a warmth in your heart and an appreciation for Zulu culture.
The illustrations are beautiful! The retelling incorporates Zulu language and culture. You’ll come away from this story with a warmth in your heart and an appreciation for Zulu culture.
January 23, 2024
I loved it!
This is such a cute tribute to a wonderful children's classic. I loved the way the author explained the heritage at the end.
This is such a cute tribute to a wonderful children's classic. I loved the way the author explained the heritage at the end.
March 20, 2024
Wonderful Book
I love to read this book to my daughter, we enjoy the story often and love to adore the illustrations .
I love to read this book to my daughter, we enjoy the story often and love to adore the illustrations .
May 3, 2024
Loved the story and culture added to this traditional tale. Well done!
February 14, 2024
So beautiful!
This was a very creative retelling of the classics Cinderella story. It was a delightful read with beautiful watercolor illustrations.
This was a very creative retelling of the classics Cinderella story. It was a delightful read with beautiful watercolor illustrations.
July 9, 2024
A love story within Zulu culture
What a beautiful book, giving the Cinderella story a Zulu twist. It was such a joy reading this, more so as someone who understands the language.
What a beautiful book, giving the Cinderella story a Zulu twist. It was such a joy reading this, more so as someone who understands the language.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews