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Cinderella
Aspiring princesses will be entralled by this lively retelling of the classic rags-to-riches story, brightened by playful, quirky illustrations.
Cinderella's evil stepmother makes her cook and clean and dust and sweep until her arms ache and her head spins. But with a tap, tap and a WHOOSH of her fairy godmother's wand, the kind, mistreated beauty becomes a shimmering vision worthy of a prince. In a wry, conversational tone, the narrative sends Cinderella off to the ball three times — each time lovelier than the last — breathing witty new life into this oft-told, favorite fairy tale.
Cinderella's evil stepmother makes her cook and clean and dust and sweep until her arms ache and her head spins. But with a tap, tap and a WHOOSH of her fairy godmother's wand, the kind, mistreated beauty becomes a shimmering vision worthy of a prince. In a wry, conversational tone, the narrative sends Cinderella off to the ball three times — each time lovelier than the last — breathing witty new life into this oft-told, favorite fairy tale.
52 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2008
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40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 17, 2008
I prefer Disney fairy tales to Disney's mauling of books I love--The Rescuers and Mary Poppins are prime examples, and don't get me started on The Little Mermaid, let alone Pocahontas!
But what frustrates me about Disney fairy tales is that people then think that their version is the be-all and end-all version of the story. They come rushing into the library for the Disney junk and are pissed because I don't have it "the" version.
The next time someone wants Cinderella I really hope that this one is in for them to enjoy. Because it keeps the outline of the Perrault version of the story, complete with THREE grand balls and has a good feel for the original language. Yet it uses language in a way that will appeal to contemporary children as well.
The father's role in the denouement is NOT in the original tale, but I really like it here and it makes the finish even more satisfying. The art has enough humor to keep it out of the "pretty princess/Fancy Nancy" category, but is not so quirky as to keep girly girls from enjoying it. Plus it will age better than some of the other "hip" fairy tale art currently out there.
Excellent work. Perhaps this team would like to take on "Snow White" or "Beauty and the Beast" next, because I'm sure they could do equally good work on those tales.
But what frustrates me about Disney fairy tales is that people then think that their version is the be-all and end-all version of the story. They come rushing into the library for the Disney junk and are pissed because I don't have it "the" version.
The next time someone wants Cinderella I really hope that this one is in for them to enjoy. Because it keeps the outline of the Perrault version of the story, complete with THREE grand balls and has a good feel for the original language. Yet it uses language in a way that will appeal to contemporary children as well.
The father's role in the denouement is NOT in the original tale, but I really like it here and it makes the finish even more satisfying. The art has enough humor to keep it out of the "pretty princess/Fancy Nancy" category, but is not so quirky as to keep girly girls from enjoying it. Plus it will age better than some of the other "hip" fairy tale art currently out there.
Excellent work. Perhaps this team would like to take on "Snow White" or "Beauty and the Beast" next, because I'm sure they could do equally good work on those tales.
January 4, 2015
If anyone is wondering why I have suddenly started reading kiddie books with a vengeance (which I don't regret, not one single bit), let me just tell you that I have laid my hands on the most beautiful box-set, ever.
And good ol'Cinderella is part of it.
Yet another much-loved heroine, the tale of Cinderella here, is recreated with twee artwork and a perfect platform to read aloud with drama and flair.
And good ol'Cinderella is part of it.
Yet another much-loved heroine, the tale of Cinderella here, is recreated with twee artwork and a perfect platform to read aloud with drama and flair.
October 23, 2009
I listened to this version on tape. Cinderella's evil stepmother makes her cook and clean and dust and sweep until her arms ache and her head spins. But with a tap, tap and a WHOOSH of her fairy godmother's wand, the kind, mistreated beauty becomes a shimmering vision worthy of a prince. In a wry, conversational tone, the narrative sends Cinderella off to the ball three times - each time lovelier than the last - breathing witty new life into this oft-told, favorite fairy tale.
March 31, 2023
This is a cute adaptation of the Cinderella fairytale. I have to say, though, that the use of the word "fitted" as past tense of fit, while technically correct, is jarring to my ear. This is me being picky about usage, and thinking an editor might have adjusted that for smoother verbiage.
September 1, 2025
British author Max Eilenberg and Irish illustrator Niamh Sharkey join forces in this picture book retelling of one of the world's most famous fairy-tales. When Cinderella's father remarries, the young girl's new stepmother and stepsisters are as nasty as they can be to her, making her do all the chores, and sleep in the cinders. Forbidden from going to the ball thrown by the king for his son, Cinderella is aided by her fairy godmother in attending after all, enchanting the prince in the process. After attending two subsequent balls, she flees at midnight, leaving behind her celebrated glass slipper, used by her royal love to seek her out...
I've been meaning to seek out this retelling of Cinderella ever since I started my recent reading project involving different versions of this tale, as Eilenberg's retelling of Beauty and the Beast , illustrated by Angela Barrett, is one of my absolute favorite fairy-tale picture books. I'm glad to have finally tracked it down, although it didn't end up ranking anywhere near that other book, in my estimation. The retelling here is fun, using contemporary language to update the traditional version from Perrault, in which there are three (rather than one) balls. The accompanying artwork from Sharkey, done in oil paint, is colorful and cute, with a stylized, cartoon-like feeling to it. Although it isn't my favorite picture book presentation of Cinderella—an honor belonging to the version created by Evelyn Andreas and Ruth Ives, that I owned as a girl—and although I tend to prefer versions with a more painterly style of artwork (Kinuko Craft, Ruth Sanderson), I did enjoy this one, and I think young fairy-tale lovers might as well, if they have a good attention span—it's 52 pages, which is somewhat long for a picture book.
I've been meaning to seek out this retelling of Cinderella ever since I started my recent reading project involving different versions of this tale, as Eilenberg's retelling of Beauty and the Beast , illustrated by Angela Barrett, is one of my absolute favorite fairy-tale picture books. I'm glad to have finally tracked it down, although it didn't end up ranking anywhere near that other book, in my estimation. The retelling here is fun, using contemporary language to update the traditional version from Perrault, in which there are three (rather than one) balls. The accompanying artwork from Sharkey, done in oil paint, is colorful and cute, with a stylized, cartoon-like feeling to it. Although it isn't my favorite picture book presentation of Cinderella—an honor belonging to the version created by Evelyn Andreas and Ruth Ives, that I owned as a girl—and although I tend to prefer versions with a more painterly style of artwork (Kinuko Craft, Ruth Sanderson), I did enjoy this one, and I think young fairy-tale lovers might as well, if they have a good attention span—it's 52 pages, which is somewhat long for a picture book.
May 16, 2019
Cinderella is a book written by Max Eilenberg and it has been previously reviewed by Kirkus Reviews. This book tells the fairy tale story of Cinderella who goes to many balls and loses her glass slipper. The Prince, as a result, sets off to find the owner of the glass slipper.
I thought this was a really fun book to read. It told the traditional fairy tale in a slightly different way which made me want to keep turning the page. To begin the illustrations really allowed us to see the contrast between Cinderella and her stepsisters. The text also let the reader know how the stepsisters were not desirable looking. In addition to this, I thought the way the author chose to tell this story was fairly humorous. Instead of the single ball, the author stretches that idea to show Cinderella standing out at every ball she attended. I think the illustrations and text worked well together. The text allowed us to see what was happening in the story, but the illustrations took it a step further by allowing us to see the expressions on people faces which helped us obtain a full understanding of the events in the text.
Reading Cinderella it was somewhat hard figure out what the theme might be. From reading the text the major message I got was that kindness wins. I think highlighting the theme would be helpful with younger students since being kind is something that we stress a lot with younger children.
I think this book could be used in the classroom to show the connection between illustrations and text. It's important that students recognize how these two things work together and this is a great book for students to explore that.
I thought this was a really fun book to read. It told the traditional fairy tale in a slightly different way which made me want to keep turning the page. To begin the illustrations really allowed us to see the contrast between Cinderella and her stepsisters. The text also let the reader know how the stepsisters were not desirable looking. In addition to this, I thought the way the author chose to tell this story was fairly humorous. Instead of the single ball, the author stretches that idea to show Cinderella standing out at every ball she attended. I think the illustrations and text worked well together. The text allowed us to see what was happening in the story, but the illustrations took it a step further by allowing us to see the expressions on people faces which helped us obtain a full understanding of the events in the text.
Reading Cinderella it was somewhat hard figure out what the theme might be. From reading the text the major message I got was that kindness wins. I think highlighting the theme would be helpful with younger students since being kind is something that we stress a lot with younger children.
I think this book could be used in the classroom to show the connection between illustrations and text. It's important that students recognize how these two things work together and this is a great book for students to explore that.
September 7, 2017
This was a good book, but it strayed from the original Cinderella story a bit. It reminded me of a play I participated in in high school about Cinderella. It also has the potential to teach children to not judge a person before they really get to know them. Although it is different, it has very good illustrations that really capture the story.
August 26, 2018
A version of Cinderella I had never known about. Cute version and nicely done illustrations.
October 11, 2018
I love this story. It had a different twist then the original. Traditional Literature
July 25, 2012
Max Eilenberg's Cinderella is a fresh new take on the old favorite. the illustrations are done in a style similar to the old Fractured Fairytales skits on the Rocky and Bullwinkle show, and the story has small touches here and there of those comically reworked tales. the author inserts their witty opinion of the stepsisters' hats and dancing (they were horrible), and Cinderella's fairy godmother is a short, pudgy, cute old lady dressed in pink. as is common with most Cinderella stories, it's noted at the beginning of the story that her mother dies and her father remarries. while her father is present in the story, his character takes a backseat until the end when he pipes up and exclaims that his daughter should be allowed to try on the famous glass slipper that was found on the front steps of the palace. she marries the prince and invites her step-family to live with the couple, along her father and new in-laws. the stepsisters' facial expressions are none too pleased, but they go along with it.
August 11, 2014
We've checked this one out MULTIPLE times (it's a version of Cinderella, of course we have!) and I just realized I hadn't added it to my list. This is basically a retelling of Perrault, although it has 3 balls (I'm not sure if his version has 2 or 3) and the author has taken on a style that lends itself well to reading aloud, provided the reader is willing to get into the story. One other detail that sets it apart is that the author clearly had a beef with other versions that either killed off Cinderella's father or simply didn't explain why he didn't stand up for her...in this version, he seems to be "under a spell" to his new wife, but finally comes out of it in time to help at the crucial shoe-fitting moment.
My three year old likes the blue dress (first ball) and pink dress (after the shoe fits), but doesn't think the silver or gold dresses from the second and third balls are that exciting. In fact, she keeps trying to convince me that the silver dress (and it says silver in the story is really another kind of light blue.
My three year old likes the blue dress (first ball) and pink dress (after the shoe fits), but doesn't think the silver or gold dresses from the second and third balls are that exciting. In fact, she keeps trying to convince me that the silver dress (and it says silver in the story is really another kind of light blue.
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February 7, 2012This book fit into the category of the typical fairy tale as discussed in class. There was even repetition in this story that I don't think was in the original fairy tale. Instead of going to the ball once, she went three times. I didn't like how it takes Cinderella getting a complete make-over for the prince to find her beautiful and fall in love with her at the ball. And as in the original story, it ends with the prince getting Cinderella to try on the glass slipper and they live "happily ever after." After reading this and other typical fairy tales in class, I want to find different books that break the mold of the typical fairy tales.
February 6, 2013
Max Eilenberg’s adaptation of Cinderella is a great book for today’s young readers. It follows the storyline of the classic fairytale but has quirky style about it. The pictures are very different from traditional Cinderella books and the story itself has a funny theme that will have kids laughing while they read. I think this is a great book to use in a classroom because of its originality and theme.
I find that while teachers might want to use traditional literature to teach fairy-tales this could be a great book to supplement the story in a way that will engage and entertain students.
I find that while teachers might want to use traditional literature to teach fairy-tales this could be a great book to supplement the story in a way that will engage and entertain students.
October 14, 2009
In this version of Cinderella, told by Max Eilenberg, Cinderella sticks to the usual fairy tale. However, bits and pieces of humor are added into it along the way that strays from the original storyline. The written words and illustrations that involve the stepsisters are the most entertaining part of this story. It also involves rather easy to read text for primary aged children. The best part of all is Cinderella's father even has a part in this modern version of a classic tale.
February 8, 2012
I loved how the father stood up for his daughter in the end. It made me think that he had been in leagues with the fairy the whole time. Even though he wasn't overtly helping her, he was doing everything he could to create a good life for her. This version reminded me of the Disney version with the pictures of the mice helping her with her chores. The illustrations were very colorful. It was fun to read this story.
February 22, 2014
This version of Cinderella very well kept all the classical parts of the original story and added a couple events to the plot. I usually don't enjoy versions that are twisted, but I absolutely loved this one! The author and illustrator together make a fantastic detailed yet still simple version of the story. The illustrations were very captivating! It could be read aloud to early readers and even enjoyed by 3rd-4th graders.
February 22, 2015
Cinderella:
This a cute book that tells the tale of Cinderella. They put their own twist on the story, but it still has the main story plot and theme. The illustrations are beautiful and are enjoyable to look at, and they are not too busy so students will not lose focus by staring at the pictures. It is a great book for story time or for students read to themselves. They did a wonderful job with this book.
This a cute book that tells the tale of Cinderella. They put their own twist on the story, but it still has the main story plot and theme. The illustrations are beautiful and are enjoyable to look at, and they are not too busy so students will not lose focus by staring at the pictures. It is a great book for story time or for students read to themselves. They did a wonderful job with this book.
September 20, 2011
Nice retelling of the classic Cinderella with a few changes. For example, Cinderella's father is still alive, but does not stand up for his daughter until the end of the story. Also, the prince throws several parties to try to find Cinderella. I think students will enjoy the quirky illustrations by Niamh Sharkey. A must have for an elementary school library.
February 22, 2016
I think this is a nice version of the classic story of Cinderella. It follows the same story line as the original, with a few additions. I picked this book for my Resource Project because I love the story of Cinderella, it was one of my favorites growing up. I also thought that the illustrations are really cute and well done.
October 6, 2008
What I liked most about this version was the father snapping out of the spell he seemed to be under (I've always wondered why he was married to such a horrible woman) and standing up for his daughter in the end.
May 24, 2025
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➕SO ENCHANTING ♡
➕SO ENCHANTING ♡
December 7, 2010
Genre: Traditional Literature
Copyright: 2008
This is a light and airy version of Cinderella. It is ok, but does not seem to contribute anything fresh to the original.
Copyright: 2008
This is a light and airy version of Cinderella. It is ok, but does not seem to contribute anything fresh to the original.
March 13, 2011
perfect for my princess
January 20, 2012
It was okay, not the best version of Cinderella I've ever read. The pictures were cute.
January 23, 2014
Cinderella with minor differences to the original story. Beautiful illustrations.
May 1, 2014
Notes:
not as good as Ruth Sanderson's or Marcia Brown's versions
not as good as Ruth Sanderson's or Marcia Brown's versions
August 18, 2014
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12747627
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12747627
September 29, 2016
We all know Cinderella has been around forever and most know the story. This version is similar but has its own twist that I think would be fun to have at home or an early age classroom just for fun.
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July 10, 2011Read by Mother
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews