Cinderella

by Ruth Sanderson

Dreams come true with a little hope and a wave of a fairy godmother's wand. But will the prince find Cinderella after her ball gown turns back into rags? This classic tale is retold by Ruth Sanderson with the very youngest of readers in mind.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Classics, Cinderella, Fantasy, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 20, 2013

Reviews

[Marquise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art here is fairly more fanciful and fantastical, and it has a more 'fake' historical imagery than in Andreas' rendtion, but it's so well done and more beautiful and magical. And the text isn't out of place either! Might be my favourite rendition of Cinderella for the time being, awaiting to see Kinuko Y. Craft's version, which the sample suggests is mind-blowing where art is concerned.

[Milena Tasheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Въпреки леко осемдесеттарските прически на мъжете, илюстрациите са красиви - пищни, подробни, барокови. Може би на ръба на кича, но ако бях на седем пак нямаше да мога да откъсна очи от тях.

[Bsrtymz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Çizimler nefis 😍

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice version of Cinderella, but overall a bit bland. The illustrations have the flavor of art in a faux French restaurant, but will appeal to children, especially the glitter and lace lovers. At the end of the day, I'm just not the biggest fan of Cinderella. The rags-to-riches story is classic Americana (even though this is a worldwide tale), but Cinderella doesn't do anything. The one version of this tale I really like is the 1998 film Ever After. Danielle's kindness is blended with her intellectual prowess, and her community supports her in turn. Anjelica Huston's performance can't be beaten. However, I'm sure Sanderson's version of Cinderella would be a good first introduction to the story for young readers.

[Meltha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this version, my favorite of today's three, are absolutely stunning. Sanderson seems to have chosen a time period around the 1770s-1780s for this, and she obviously did her research as the costuming and the decor are pretty much historically accurate. The version of the story entwines some facets from Grimm and Perrault, keeping the white bird and the tree from Aschenputtel and the somewhat vengeful birds (they force the step-mother and step-sisters to stay forever inside the house rather than pecking their eyes out), while keeping the fairy godmother and Cinderella's forgiveness. The colors are vivid and gorgeous. This one is a stunner.

[akchaism · Rating 5 out of 5]

an all-time classic fairytale with splendid illustrations themed 18-19th century 'rococo' france. it is similar to the classic tale with a few additions, like the hazel sapling that cinderella's father gift to her and the ultimate punishment her stepmother and stepsisters get.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth Sanderson blends elements from both Perrault's and the brother's Grimm version of this old story, creating a unique retelling that will appeal to younger children (grades K-3). For example, the glass slipper is a Perrault feature as is the presence of Cinderella's father, who is not dead, but detached. Presumably not wanting to interfere in the affairs of women, he allows his second wife and step-daughters to mistreat Cinderella. The fairy godmother is simply a fairy, adding the necessary magic to this tale to transform it into a fairytale. The ending my come as a surprise to readers most familiar with the Disney version of the story, but Sanderson's use of the pecking birds harks back to the Grimm version, though their birds peck out eyes in all its bloody glory, whereas Sanderson has them merely torment Cinderella's detractors.

Girls will love the styling of Cinderella's gown and finery. If there is a steady demand of princess stories in your home or library, consider adding this tale. Solid and reliable, but I found as a read-aloud, my students seemed to loose a little interest, owning to the fact that of all the fairy tales, this one is the most well known and most often re-told or at least, watched on Disney. They are much more attentive when I read to them the lesser known tales.

[Baylee Washburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This retelling of the tale of Cinderella stays true to many of the traditional details found in this well-known story. The beautiful Cinderella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother following the death of her mother. Because Cinderella’s father is too afraid to stand up to his new wife, Cinderella is treated as a servant and denied the opportunity to attend the King’s grand ball. But with the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella goes to the grand ball and falls in love with the prince who soon becomes her husband. Although this retelling of the tale of Cinderella includes many of the traditional details that are usually associated with this story, this retelling also includes some details that I was unfamiliar with. For example, this retelling describes a hazel twig that Cinderella plants in her back yard. This hazel twig grows quickly when Cinderella’s tears fall upon it. A white bird came to live in Cinderella’s hazel tree, and Cinderella spoke to the bird wishing that she, too, could attend the ball. It seems that this small detail of the tree and the bird may have been left out during multiple oral retellings of this story, for often the unnecessary details are left out.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale of Cinderella is told beautifully with author and illustrator, Ruth Sanderson’s velvety rich illustrations of beautiful gowns, magical trees, stately castles and enchanting birds. The story is traditional, although a few additions create for a richer storyline. When Cinderella’s father returns from town, with pearl necklaces and a satin gown for her stepsisters, she receives her special request as well, “The first twig, Father, that brushes against your hat on the way home.” As she plants it in the garden and weeps for her departed mother, the twig grows into a beautiful hazel tree and on that tree is a pure white bird who helps Cinderella throughout the story. In the end she does marry the prince and those terrible stepsisters and step mother are confined to their home for the rest of their lives, otherwise the birds (including the pure, white one) will attack them, pecking their eyes out, similar to the Brothers Grimm version of this classic tale.

This story is recommended for ages 4-8, although it is meant to be read aloud to the younger ones as the text is much too difficult to read independently. And it’s the perfect read aloud for a small group of children who can sit close to their teacher and notice the thoughtful details in Sanderson’s illustrations.

[joanna Sondheim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly traditional re-telling of the classic tale, with small details that vary from many versions. In one instance, Cinderella's father, ashamed of how she's treated by his new family, asks if he can bring her anything from town and she requests "The first twig that brushes against your hat on the way home." He brings her a hazel twig, and she plants it next to her mother's rosebushes. Her tears make the twig grow into a tree that houses a white bird whom Cinderella feeds daily. Later, the bird returns to help her with her chores. When the prince comes searching for the owner of the slipper, it is Cinderella's father, who in a moment of sentimentality sees his daughter's beauty, that brings her forward. The story's end, in a darker twist, finds the birds who Cinderella had fed, pecking the step-mother and sister's violently every time they attempt to leave the house, and so they remain permanently trapped there. Cinderella and her prince, naturally, live happily ever after. The pink and purple palatted illustrations will definitely be appealing to young princess-obsessed children, nearly every page contains something that appears to sparkle, and the story is simple enough to be read out loud and understood.

[Crista Goluch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a Disney version, we see Cinderella tending to a magical hazel tree that contains birds to help her with her chores. Rats and Lizards are added to the carriage staff. Although Cinderella can forgive her sisters, they do get what they deserve.

This story is a perfect blend of the two dominated versions that date back from the 1800's. You see snippets from the Brother's Grimm such as the hazel tree, as well as, *Aunt Louisa's Fairy Tale Legends, a happier version with forgiveness. The beautiful oil painted illustrations add to the details of the text.

*Aunt Louisa's Fairy Tale Legend is available online at: International Children's Digital Library.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are beyond gorgeous. I enjoy the way Sanderson crafts her tale, making elegant, but still understandable for children to read. She incorporates some elements of the Cinderella fable that I have never heard of before, such as the hazel twig and the white bird. In this retelling, Cinderella’s father is still alive, just a very weak-willed man who lets Cinderella’s stepmother lord over him. Overall, this book was just wonderful. I think there is so much beauty in the story of Cinderella -- she didn’t want anything but to feel like a human being for the first time in years, and that’s what the ball gives her.

[Lisa Rathbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ruth Sanderson's lush illustrations! Beautiful colored pictures fill every page, easy to see for a classroom read-aloud. (There are however many words on each page; this is the full story not a truncated simplistic preschool version.) While I'm not a fan of the front cover (Cinderella's eyes are too heavy-lidded for me), I do LOVE nearly every magical picture. I also love the imaginative detail of what to do with those wicked stepsisters. Some books have them reform; some have them die; this one has an interesting alternative!

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we had to do story time for adults in one of my classes and I chose this one. It seemed to go over really well and my class even laughed and snickered at appropriate times. I enjoy the different aspects to the traditional tale of this one and being a fairytale lover, I pretty much will always enjoy this.

[Alantie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly different version of Cinderella than the one most commonly told, not my favorite one but still nice enough. The pictures are particularly lovely of course.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 2 out of 5]

A one time read. The story is ok, the illustrations not so much.

[Tawny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the story of Cinderella. This edition of the book was a little different than the traditional in the fact that her father is more involved. I liked the way this was portrayed but at the same time it almost made you realize more how badly she was treated and yet her father did not do anything. I think this book is definitely a book that all children should read, especially the girls simply because it is a fun read.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am embarassed to admit that I think I've really only read the Disney version of this story (aside from the modern spins) so I enjoyed this. (Well, at least I think this is a retelling of an older version - but I am no expert.) The illustrations were dreamy and appropriate and I loved the quirky bits about having to pick lentils out of the ashes and the birds pecking the sisters/step mother at the end. Bea enjoyed this too and saw through all the cliches and lessons and enjoyed the story.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cinderella's father is the real villain in this story, because he just sits by and lets her step-family abuse her, even though she is HIS CHILD. I prefer versions where he is dead or traveling. However, the illustrations in this book are lovely, and it is a fairly tame version of the story that incorporates classic elements from different historical versions of the tale.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't the exact edition I read but seems the closest. I loved Ruth Sanderson's artwork. 'Cinderella' was my favourite story when I was a child and still holds special memories so I decided to revisit my childhood.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous version, set in France in the time of powdered wigs. The oil paintings are fabulous. I think it is a crime that this American children's book artist never received a Caldecott Award.

[Alexis Dowdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This folk tale is a story that has been passed down for many years. It does a great job with the two negative step sisters being a stepping stool for Cinderella to overcomes hardships and find out what true self love is.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely illustrated picture book version. The retelling combined elements from Perrault's and the Grimms'.

[Candi Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful retelling of the classic tale! the illustrations are incredibly detailed and breathtaking, complementing the text to tell the story perfectly.

[Anthonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little tale children will love to read. A must read for children.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author/illustrator Ruth Sanderson retells the classic fairy-tale of Cinderella in this beautiful picture book, using the French version from Charles Perrault, with a few elements from the Brothers Grimm version as well. Mistreated by her cruel stepmother and jealous stepsisters, our heroine is made into a servant in her own home, and denied all of the pleasures given to other young girls of her status. When the king holds a ball, Cinderella wishes she could attend, but is at first prevented by her stepmother, who gives her an impossible task of sorting out lentils from the ashes in the hearth, and when that challenge is met, is outright told she cannot go. Fortunately a good fairy is nearby, and with the help of her magic and a transformed pumpkin and various garden creatures, Cinderella is soon on her way to the ball, there to enchant the prince and win his heart...

I have read a number of other picture book versions of this tale—my favorite would have to be the Evelyn Andreas and Ruth Ives version from my childhood—but I am always happy to encounter another, and as I have enjoyed Ruth Sanderson's work elsewhere, I picked this one up with anticipation. I've been aware of it since its initial publication in 2002 of course, having worked in the book business for many decades, but I don't think I ever really perused it. I'm glad to have done so now, as it certainly lived up to my expectations! The telling is engaging, and I particularly appreciated that Sanderson mentioned her use of different versions of the story—the main structure from Perrault, the bird episode from the Brothers Grimm—in her brief not on the colophon. The oil painting illustrations are gorgeous, and capture the ornate beauty of the French setting and clothing quite well. There is a definite sparkle to these visuals, although only the cover has actual glitter, something that probably wasn't necessary, but that no doubt sold some young readers on the book. Recommended to young fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated picture book presentations of this tale.

[Khearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This is a classic Cinderella story. Where Cinderella is mistreated by her step-mother and step-sisters. She longs to go to the ball but is not granted permission by her step-mother. Luckily her fairy godmother steps in and makes Cinderella presentable for the ball. However, there is a catch, everting will disappear at the stroke of midnight. Cinderella danced the night away with the prince but, left in a hurry leaving her glass slipper behind. The story ends with a happily ever after for Cinderella but, not for her step-family.

Rating: I love princess stories and this one isn’t any different. I liked that the author included the father in this version. There are so many lessons that can be learned from fairytales. I would rate this book a four out of five stars.

Use in Classroom: fairytales are great to use in the classroom because many of the students are already familiar with the story. I would talk about morals with this book. I would ask questions like “what did the step-sisters do wrong and what should they have done”. This develops morals as well as critical thinking. I could also have the student retail the story and because they are already familiar with the story, it’s a great way to introduce this technique.

[Emily Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional Literature - Fairy Tale
Awards: N/A
Audience: Preschool - 4th grade
A. The main character Cinderella is described as kind-hearted and lovely. On the other hand the stepmother and stepsisters are described as evil, cruel, and selfish.
B. I am familiar with some other versions of this story. I am familiar with this same story but told with more detail. This story did not tell of Cinderella talking to the mice or sewing her dress for the ball only to have it ripped by the stepsisters. Another version of this story that I know is the Grimm Brothers version. This version is more gruesome and tells of the stepsisters cutting off their feet to try and fit into the glass slipper.
C. I would use this story for a read aloud with children because it is a picture book but contains more text per page than most picture books making it above children's independent reading level.
D. How did the fairy godmother help Cinderella? She gave her the opportunity to go to the ball by giving her a carriage, horses, footmen, and a beautiful dress.

[Suvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suitable for a young target group, but I think it's sad how the father's knowledge of the abuse was chosen to be included in this version. The father isn't malicious, just controlled and afraid, yet he's another parent who chooses his significant other over his child (doesn't matter much that he comes to his senses at the end).

I've never thought about this before, but it also feels a bit awkward that Cinderella is rewarded with all the nice things out of nowhere. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Mm, doesn't sit well with me.

I'm also not a fan of the fact that the stepmother and the stepsisters don't receive a proper punishment. A house arrest (enforced by birds, ha) for keeping Cinderella practically in slavery? Really? Again, though, that's a target group issue. Just not my preferred ending.

[Justin A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture-book version of Cinderella combines many of the plot points of Perrault and Grimm versions of the classic fairytale. Cinderella’s father is present, but distant as Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters run the show. There is a little more time spent on Cinderella’s backstory in this version compared to the Perkins version that I’ve also reviewed. I really enjoyed having that being included in the story, as it gives Cinderella a little more personality–we get to see more of who she is and what she does, as opposed to being a more passive character to whom things just happen.

The illustrations for this book are great! They depict Cinderella likely living in the late 18th century in a European town. The art style is very elegant and matches the art of the time period. Very any kid that likes intricate lace, dresses, and glitter this version is sure to be visually appealing.