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Cinderlily: A Floral Fairy Tale
Where have all the flowers gone? They’re dancing up a storm in this whimsical, wondrous rendition of a well-known fairy tale, created by the one and only David Ellwand.
For hours beneath the velvet sky they dance without a care,
Until the clock chimes midnight . . . then she’s no longer there!
Just a single lily petal and her fragrance in the air.
One magic night, a poor cinder girl is granted an impossible wish. It may be the most familiar of tales, but under the inimitable wand of David Ellwand, this timeless story blooms as never before. Here, the innocent heroine is a delicate flower, a lily whose faded petals spring to new life as she arrives at the Sultan’s ball in a butterfly-drawn coach. When the smitten Prince sets out in search of the shy, retiring flower who has vanished into thin air, leaving but a petal behind, it’s clear that Cinderlily’s comically garish, pansy-faced stepsisters won’t stand a chance.
With singular vision, humor, and a touch of computer magic, David Ellwand directs a delightfully expressive cast of flowers in a breathtaking production sure to enchant lovers of fairy tales - and lovers of flowers, too.
For hours beneath the velvet sky they dance without a care,
Until the clock chimes midnight . . . then she’s no longer there!
Just a single lily petal and her fragrance in the air.
One magic night, a poor cinder girl is granted an impossible wish. It may be the most familiar of tales, but under the inimitable wand of David Ellwand, this timeless story blooms as never before. Here, the innocent heroine is a delicate flower, a lily whose faded petals spring to new life as she arrives at the Sultan’s ball in a butterfly-drawn coach. When the smitten Prince sets out in search of the shy, retiring flower who has vanished into thin air, leaving but a petal behind, it’s clear that Cinderlily’s comically garish, pansy-faced stepsisters won’t stand a chance.
With singular vision, humor, and a touch of computer magic, David Ellwand directs a delightfully expressive cast of flowers in a breathtaking production sure to enchant lovers of fairy tales - and lovers of flowers, too.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2003
42 people want to read
About the author
David Ellwand
69 books7 followersDavid Ellwand began his career in photography at the age of eighteen and uses a variety of formats and techniques in his books: black-and-white photographs, collage with hand-tinting, and full-color photography of handmade objects. He is also a mouse trainer, sculptor, and highly skilled self-taught computer artist. He lives with his wife and daughter in a village in West Sussex, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 2, 2023
I enjoyed the staging of the illustrations and the clever use of flowers and found objects for telling the tale. However, the page design and font choice detracted from the beauty and made the story extremely hard to read. I can't imagine reading this aloud with ease, since it was hard to read to myself.
February 17, 2020
A very simple but lovely retelling of Cinderella with flowers instead of people (Cinderella is a lily, hence the title), with minimalist and unpretentious artwork and straight storytelling. The little ones might love this one best.
March 1, 2024
Cinderlily: A Floral Fairy Tale is a unique twist on Cinderella and the author cites that it was adapted from Charles Perrault’s original story on the last page of the book. The first twist is that the story is presented as a play or theatrical production in three acts. A second notable quality of this version is that it does not feature human characters; instead the “characters” are various flowers. Nevertheless, this “untraditional” theatrical version still carries all the motifs of the traditional tale. For example, as the title and her name suggests, Cinderlily is a wilting, lily whose brownish flower petals make up her dress and who wishes to attend the royal ball at which the prince, or Sultan in this version, dressed in purple iris pants and a bright red rose petal headdress will pick his bride. The evil stepsisters are pansy flowers. Cinderlily undergoes her transformation into a delicate and pristine white lily with a full-bloom dress with the help of a fairy godmother (a pink and white lily) who magically twirls her wand, or in this case a dandelion with the white, fluffy or fuzzy structure. Keeping in line with the nature element, the golden coach is a pumpkin with yellow daisies as wheels, being pulled by brightly multicolored butterflies. At the ball, Cinderlily drops a single white petal which substitutes for the glass slipper and the expected search for the flower to whom the missing petal belongs to ensues, and well, no spoiler alert needed here because you know how the fairy tale ends.
I gravitated to this book because of the illustration of the wilted, brown-petaled lily holding a broom on the front cover. My initial thought was “What does a flower have to do with Cinderella?” and the title “a floral fairy tale” drew me in! I couldn’t put the book down as I was captivated by the uniqueness and creativity of this version. While I knew the story of Cinderella, I kept turning the pages wanting to find out how the author/illustrator adheres to the plot and traditional motifs. I can see this book being used in middle elementary grades, perhaps in a unit on plays/theaters. The rhyming verses also make it a hybrid or blended fairy tale because it is told in poem form, and could easily be used for word study as an exploration of rhyming pairs. Because it is poetry in a fairy tale that many students may already be familiar with, I think it will make the poetry more accessible, but also allow the teacher and students to really zero in on the beauty and lyrical language of poetry.
I gravitated to this book because of the illustration of the wilted, brown-petaled lily holding a broom on the front cover. My initial thought was “What does a flower have to do with Cinderella?” and the title “a floral fairy tale” drew me in! I couldn’t put the book down as I was captivated by the uniqueness and creativity of this version. While I knew the story of Cinderella, I kept turning the pages wanting to find out how the author/illustrator adheres to the plot and traditional motifs. I can see this book being used in middle elementary grades, perhaps in a unit on plays/theaters. The rhyming verses also make it a hybrid or blended fairy tale because it is told in poem form, and could easily be used for word study as an exploration of rhyming pairs. Because it is poetry in a fairy tale that many students may already be familiar with, I think it will make the poetry more accessible, but also allow the teacher and students to really zero in on the beauty and lyrical language of poetry.
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March 1, 2024This book was recommended by the librarian at my local library. The librarian said this traditional book was one of the versions of Cinderella. Cinderlily as I already said is a traditional book written and illustrated by David Ellwand and Christine Tagg. The story of Cinderella doesn't have the traditional character of a person but rather it is a flower. Therefore, if you are a person that likes flowers and poetry, you MUST read this book. The book was written in Coronet & Chevalier letters which give the book a royal and fancy look. I was in love with the letter font. Also, it is divided into acts. The story began with an invitation from the Sultan to attend an Autumn Ball; the Sultan will choose his loveliest flower bride. Tagg had the idea to use flowers for this traditional story when she saw the photographs collection Ellwand did on flowers.
The illustrations are astonished and impressive; the reader definitely will be engaged in the color and shapes of petals. Also, the words will be like a chanted sweet song in your ears… “The bank strikes up, the music starts, A WALTZ BEGINS THE BALL… And the flowers join the dance”.... These words made me play the song in my mind as I imagined myself dancing along like a flower.
This book can be definitely used in grades 2 to 5th. Teachers can use this book to teach adjectives (bedraggled, forlorn, splendid, fluttering, and many more). Also it can be used to teach rhyming words and verses since it is written in a poetic way.
The illustrations are astonished and impressive; the reader definitely will be engaged in the color and shapes of petals. Also, the words will be like a chanted sweet song in your ears… “The bank strikes up, the music starts, A WALTZ BEGINS THE BALL… And the flowers join the dance”.... These words made me play the song in my mind as I imagined myself dancing along like a flower.
This book can be definitely used in grades 2 to 5th. Teachers can use this book to teach adjectives (bedraggled, forlorn, splendid, fluttering, and many more). Also it can be used to teach rhyming words and verses since it is written in a poetic way.
July 19, 2017
This book presents an unusual retelling of the tale of Cinderella, using flowers as 'characters' - an exceptional feat of photographic storytelling.
Die verhaal van Aspoestertjie word hier oorvertel met foto's van blomme en blomdele - ongewoon, slim, pragtig!
Die verhaal van Aspoestertjie word hier oorvertel met foto's van blomme en blomdele - ongewoon, slim, pragtig!
February 5, 2022
The concept was good but for some reason it just fell flat for me
October 13, 2009
David Ellwand uses digital photography to re-create the story of Cinderella in a unique and witty manner. This version called Cinderlily uses flowers as characters. The book is written in three acts as a series of clever rhymes. The story begins with a formal invitation (printed on a leaf of course) to all the flowers: “Please gather at the Palace for the Royal Autumn Ball. Tonight the Sultan will choose his bride – the loveliest bloom of all.” Cinderlily’s evil sisters do not allow her to attend the ball because she has to do her chores. That is until Act II when a magical fairy (a red lily) appears and renews her petals. At the ball the Sultan falls in love with Cinderlily, but when the clock strikes midnight she loses her petals. Finally, in Act III, the Sultan searches for his bride-to-be and completes the Cinderella-like fairy tale.
Overall I enjoyed this simple version of Cinderella. I especially enjoyed the way the author wrote the story in rhymes. It was easy to read and entertaining, two benefits for younger readers. Also I was drawn to the black background that served as the stage. On some of the pages you can see the curtain. The flowers are animated and bring to life this floral version. One drawback I found for students would be the writing. Specifically, the book uses different fonts, which can be difficult to read for younger ages. The book is geared for grades K-2.
Overall I enjoyed this simple version of Cinderella. I especially enjoyed the way the author wrote the story in rhymes. It was easy to read and entertaining, two benefits for younger readers. Also I was drawn to the black background that served as the stage. On some of the pages you can see the curtain. The flowers are animated and bring to life this floral version. One drawback I found for students would be the writing. Specifically, the book uses different fonts, which can be difficult to read for younger ages. The book is geared for grades K-2.
September 7, 2011
I thought this book was a very nice spin to the old fairy tale Cinderella. There are so many variations of the story Cinderella, but this one has got to be the most clever in my book. All of the characters have the appearance of some sort of flower. Cinderlily is actually a dried up lily. The pictures of the story are actual flowers that were photographed and made to fit in the story. I couldn't stop staring at the different flowers used and seeing how exactly this story was different than the original Cinderella.
The only bad thing i have to say about this story would be the font that the author chose for the words. It's a very pretty and thin cursive font that i could barely read which would mean some trouble for children trying to read for themselves. It looked very pretty and went with the story's elegance very well, it just wasn't child appropriate. The age group of children that would be interested in this story would be anywhere from preschool to fourth grade when cursive isn't talked about and it isn't easy for kids to read. Other than the font, this story was great and the amazing illustrations definitely took the show!!!
The only bad thing i have to say about this story would be the font that the author chose for the words. It's a very pretty and thin cursive font that i could barely read which would mean some trouble for children trying to read for themselves. It looked very pretty and went with the story's elegance very well, it just wasn't child appropriate. The age group of children that would be interested in this story would be anywhere from preschool to fourth grade when cursive isn't talked about and it isn't easy for kids to read. Other than the font, this story was great and the amazing illustrations definitely took the show!!!
October 15, 2009
Wow! I love the beautiful photographs of flowers and the unique characters in the fairy tale. The main idea of the story is about Cinderlily and her sisters going to the castle to try to marry the sultan. The sultan would need to dance with every girl to see if their is a connection. Once the sultan meets Cinderlily his hearts beats so fast and he is in love. They get married and live happily ever after. Also, I liked the characters as flowers and the dancing. I felt it had a lot of "theaterical" features. I did notice as I was reading the story that it was missing the "evil" stepmother and step sisters. The stepsisters were replaced as sisters. Also, the prince was replaced as the "Sultan" and the lost item as a petal rather than a slipper. It was very unique story and it would be a great read alout to young children. I think the students would really enjoy the story of a unique twist to a fairytale.
September 30, 2021
The text is written beautifully. The photographs are lovely and well researched, but there were no daffodils on the “daffodil fanfare” page for example, and generally they felt sparse. I think to make up for that the compilers added a lot of graphic design elements that really detract from the simple beauty that this book could have been. It just didn’t come together quite right.
September 21, 2020
This book has an interesting twist on the classic Cinderella story, but with flowers. It would be a good choice for students who enjoy fantasy books or nature and would be good for students in the grades K-3.
February 9, 2022
I loved the use of dried flowers.
August 12, 2023
I thought this a bit weird, but it is fairly true to the Cinderella fairy tale.
October 12, 2009
Summary/A Thoughtful Review:
In this "garden" rendition of the original Cinderella tale, Cinderlily, a withered Lily flower, desires to go to the Sultan's Autumn Ball, but instead, is forced to clean the house and help her floral family prepare for the ball. With the unexpected arrival of her Fairy Godlily, Cinderlily is transformed into a blooming flower to be taken to the ball in a pumpkin coach pulled by six fluttering butterflies. The Sultan and Cinderlily dance the night away until midnight when she must escape, and then, as the story goes, "she's no longer there! Just a single lily petal and her fragrance in the air." After a search far and wide, the Sultan finds Cinderlily and asks this beautiful "bloom" to be his bride.
It is truly amazing how the authors and illustrators created such a fanciful world, one of flowers blooming, dancing and romancing. Here, the floral images took on both physical and personality traits of the original Cinderella characters. Through photographic imaging and creativity, readers are drawn into each scene with these floral characters, visualizing them as the human counterparts. The simple rhyming text, set up in play form with three acts (Act 1: The Sultan's Autumn Ball, Act 2: A Fairy Visit, and Act 3: The Handsome Couple), tells the traditional story with a few "floral" twists. Although the idea for this text seems somewhat whimsical and far-fetched, the authors and illustrators have created a visually pleasing twist on the original work.
In this "garden" rendition of the original Cinderella tale, Cinderlily, a withered Lily flower, desires to go to the Sultan's Autumn Ball, but instead, is forced to clean the house and help her floral family prepare for the ball. With the unexpected arrival of her Fairy Godlily, Cinderlily is transformed into a blooming flower to be taken to the ball in a pumpkin coach pulled by six fluttering butterflies. The Sultan and Cinderlily dance the night away until midnight when she must escape, and then, as the story goes, "she's no longer there! Just a single lily petal and her fragrance in the air." After a search far and wide, the Sultan finds Cinderlily and asks this beautiful "bloom" to be his bride.
It is truly amazing how the authors and illustrators created such a fanciful world, one of flowers blooming, dancing and romancing. Here, the floral images took on both physical and personality traits of the original Cinderella characters. Through photographic imaging and creativity, readers are drawn into each scene with these floral characters, visualizing them as the human counterparts. The simple rhyming text, set up in play form with three acts (Act 1: The Sultan's Autumn Ball, Act 2: A Fairy Visit, and Act 3: The Handsome Couple), tells the traditional story with a few "floral" twists. Although the idea for this text seems somewhat whimsical and far-fetched, the authors and illustrators have created a visually pleasing twist on the original work.
June 30, 2011
An ugly, wilting flower with two beautifully bloomed and mean stepsisters, Cinderlily is forced to stay home from the Sultan’s Ball. However, when her fairy godmother appears and makes her beautiful again, she finally has her chance to be noticed by the Sultan, but loses one of her petals when she flees at midnight.
This story is a wonderful interpretation of the classic story of Cinderella. Instead of people, they are flowers, and “Cinderlily” loses her petal instead of a slipper. However, this tale is similar enough that even young audiences will recognize it for what it is, and be fascinated by the illustrations of flowers dancing, and the lilting and poetic phrasing of the story text. Whether reading or being read to, young audiences will be captured by the beauty of this flowering tale.
This story is a wonderful interpretation of the classic story of Cinderella. Instead of people, they are flowers, and “Cinderlily” loses her petal instead of a slipper. However, this tale is similar enough that even young audiences will recognize it for what it is, and be fascinated by the illustrations of flowers dancing, and the lilting and poetic phrasing of the story text. Whether reading or being read to, young audiences will be captured by the beauty of this flowering tale.
February 9, 2017
A very good adaptation of Cinderella although it's always hard for me to compare variations to the original.
April 18, 2012
I have always loved Cinderella. This is a twist on the classic Cinderella, only with flowers as the characters. The book provides wonderful illustrations of flowers to portray the characters. It has the same ending as original but still a classic.
I could use this book to teach how we can take a story or a fairytale and apply it to any object. Maybe I could have the students re-write their favorite fairytale with different objects.
I could use this book to teach how we can take a story or a fairytale and apply it to any object. Maybe I could have the students re-write their favorite fairytale with different objects.
July 20, 2016
A little too artsy for my taste as well as most kids' tastes. A twist on the traditional Cinderella story told with flowers as characters that are the same shape as the brooms that come to life in the Mickey Sorcerer's Apprentice cartoon. Not suited for group sharing or beginning reading. An individual child looking at the pictures could appreciate some of them, but not all children will.
July 14, 2011
Whoever thought that the age old story of Cinderella could ever be told so eloquently using floral characters?! Not I! This is a new twist on an old tale and the floral photography in this book is magnificent!
October 4, 2013
I liked the new twist on Cinderella in this story in which flowers were used in place of people. I do wonder if children would appreciate the different concept. The story is written with a poetic style which is also nice. I think the story would be suitable for readers 6-8.
March 15, 2016
The text of the story is done in lettering that looks more like a title or a movie poster, which is off-putting and makes it hard to read.
Photos are pretty cool but otherwise the book is incredibly bland.
Photos are pretty cool but otherwise the book is incredibly bland.
May 8, 2007
An absolutely beautiful book.
December 15, 2010
UTTERLY BEAUTIFUL
December 29, 2010
This concept worked surprisingly well. I thought my preschooler would be confused with using flowers for people, but she figured it out and enjoyed the story.
November 19, 2011
Fun book, Cinderella in flowers.
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October 8, 2012I liked this version!
The poetry wasn't awesome but the illustrations were great and having the characters as flowers was interesting.
The poetry wasn't awesome but the illustrations were great and having the characters as flowers was interesting.
January 8, 2013
Pretty interesting version of the Cinderella story, with a floral cast of characters photographed (and photoshopped) by David Ellwand.
December 16, 2014
I love this book! The illustrations are gorgeous!
January 11, 2017
Cinderella with everyone being a type of flower instead of people. Using photography instead of painting, the images matched the style of the book. The story was well written and quite charming.
August 10, 2009
Very creative and well done. Good prose and pictures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews