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Disney Princess Beginnings / Disney Before the Story #1
Cinderella Takes the Stage
Before Cinderella met her fairy godmother or dropped her glass slipper, she was a young girl, and this is her story. Ella, or Cinderella, as her parents fondly call her, is getting ready for a puppet-show contest when she meets an unexpected friend, Val. Val doesn't have much, but she teaches Ella how to sew. In return, Ella shares her sewing materials with Val. On the big day, the girls both put on great shows. But who will win the grand prize?
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
353 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 12, 2026
My daughter’s review: This book has some stars. I like five stars, please. I like the King and Ella.
My review: Sweet story and actual characterization, which doesn’t always happen in kids books. Favorite character is Val. Three stars.
Averaged is 4.
My review: Sweet story and actual characterization, which doesn’t always happen in kids books. Favorite character is Val. Three stars.
Averaged is 4.
February 9, 2023
I read this in 2020 to my first born, and now I'm reading it to my second.
It was adored by both children (age 3.5) and I enjoyed reading it.
It was adored by both children (age 3.5) and I enjoyed reading it.
November 20, 2017
Thought this was a cute, shows Cinderella when she was young. loved how they made her, her own little story. Cannot wait to read the next in the series!!
January 10, 2022
I loved this book! I can’t wait until my little one is older and she can read it to us. It was nice to see Cinderella with her parents. How different her life could have been.
May 3, 2025
4.5*
It was adorable. I loved how Cinderella’s mom is there and how Ella is learning to not judge someone by one action. Work together. Be humble.
It was adorable. I loved how Cinderella’s mom is there and how Ella is learning to not judge someone by one action. Work together. Be humble.
August 10, 2017
This was another book that I came to its reading with a bit of few since of the fact that the other one that I had read was a decent book but nothing I would write home about. In a sense the one that was about Beauty was a letdown that hurt since she is one of the more important characters that I have come to embrace while I would have thought more about her and Ella who was one of the most bland Disney characters whom I still cannot get into is the one with the better story as a child.
One of the main differences I think that I can find for this is the fact that her mother was included in the book while she was made to be one of those amazing mothers that I would have loved to have been a child of but wasn't blessed in this lifetime with. Full of magical beliefs, love, gentleness, compassion and a touch of inner beauty she is the perfect model for Ella to have followed in her late years when we are introduced to her as a Disney character. And at the same time her father is nothing to sneeze at since he seems to hold some of the same qualities with an eye to wisdom.
Fun trivia: The reader is given many sights of Ella's mother who seems to be rather really youngish looking and somewhat out of proportion to the child while Ella's father is given no appearance at all thus when you think about the only appearance that he has in the film he has been largely undercut by both the book and the film.
Another fun thought was that the author must have been a Cinderella story fan or so I would say since of the fact that the willow is mentioned more in this book, which for those who aren't in the know one of the original Cinderella elements is the willow was the basis for the magical events in the original (do your own research to find out why). Loved that while am wondering if there may be a tie or a salute to Fern Gully due to Val looks just like Crysta.
Anyway what I didn't truly like about this book is that Cinderella was used in the book and the name was offered to her not as the cruel moniker but as a beloved nickname that would somehow would later be commandeered by the steps. Although that makes it more interesting along with the appearance of the King who did a great magical clean-up it just made things awkward.
All in all it it a decent read for those who may be interested in getting to know some of the princesses from a younger age and don't want to make-up their own stories to do so....
One of the main differences I think that I can find for this is the fact that her mother was included in the book while she was made to be one of those amazing mothers that I would have loved to have been a child of but wasn't blessed in this lifetime with. Full of magical beliefs, love, gentleness, compassion and a touch of inner beauty she is the perfect model for Ella to have followed in her late years when we are introduced to her as a Disney character. And at the same time her father is nothing to sneeze at since he seems to hold some of the same qualities with an eye to wisdom.
Fun trivia: The reader is given many sights of Ella's mother who seems to be rather really youngish looking and somewhat out of proportion to the child while Ella's father is given no appearance at all thus when you think about the only appearance that he has in the film he has been largely undercut by both the book and the film.
Another fun thought was that the author must have been a Cinderella story fan or so I would say since of the fact that the willow is mentioned more in this book, which for those who aren't in the know one of the original Cinderella elements is the willow was the basis for the magical events in the original (do your own research to find out why). Loved that while am wondering if there may be a tie or a salute to Fern Gully due to Val looks just like Crysta.
Anyway what I didn't truly like about this book is that Cinderella was used in the book and the name was offered to her not as the cruel moniker but as a beloved nickname that would somehow would later be commandeered by the steps. Although that makes it more interesting along with the appearance of the King who did a great magical clean-up it just made things awkward.
All in all it it a decent read for those who may be interested in getting to know some of the princesses from a younger age and don't want to make-up their own stories to do so....
April 24, 2021
This was a fun “before” story. Evelyn loved it all!
February 21, 2019
Mom: “What was the book about?”
J (4): “It’s a Cinderella book and she’s really little and young and she was nice and she had a friend and her friend kinda looks like a slave girl. She’s all black. Her dress is black her hair is black. And her mother before her mother died. And I wanted to see her father, he wasn’t in any pictures. They went to the fair and had a puppet show and they had fun and Cinderella went to Valentine’s house and it was just like a stove and a bed and a really tiny room. At first it looked big and pretty and she went in and it was just a room. It looked like an attic, all dusty but it was a house. I feel like they lived in a barn at a farm.”
Mom: “Was there anything you didn’t like in the book?”
J: “Well, when Valentine first met her and she gave back the scraps she looked kinda weird. She was disgusted or something with her hand hanging. I didn’t like that picture.
Mom: “What were your favorite parts of the book?”
J: “I liked her friend. She was really cute, except for when they first met. She was a really nice girl they hugged and loved each other. Her father said everyone has good in them. I liked mostly the whole book, except for the bad guy who doesn’t like Val.”
J (4): “It’s a Cinderella book and she’s really little and young and she was nice and she had a friend and her friend kinda looks like a slave girl. She’s all black. Her dress is black her hair is black. And her mother before her mother died. And I wanted to see her father, he wasn’t in any pictures. They went to the fair and had a puppet show and they had fun and Cinderella went to Valentine’s house and it was just like a stove and a bed and a really tiny room. At first it looked big and pretty and she went in and it was just a room. It looked like an attic, all dusty but it was a house. I feel like they lived in a barn at a farm.”
Mom: “Was there anything you didn’t like in the book?”
J: “Well, when Valentine first met her and she gave back the scraps she looked kinda weird. She was disgusted or something with her hand hanging. I didn’t like that picture.
Mom: “What were your favorite parts of the book?”
J: “I liked her friend. She was really cute, except for when they first met. She was a really nice girl they hugged and loved each other. Her father said everyone has good in them. I liked mostly the whole book, except for the bad guy who doesn’t like Val.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
Another sweet read in this series! Cinderella is still the compassionate girl we know so well and love dearly, and her friendship with Val was wonderful. The art is very pretty (even if I did think think a few of the characters’ heads looked a bit odd), and I enjoyed it and would recommend to those who like Disney Princess stories as well. ☺️
Content: none
Content: none
October 6, 2021
What a sweet little chapter book! We’re introduced to Many of the beloved Cinderella characters as she prepares a few puppets to enter the kingdoms puppet contest. She learns the importance of kindness - that everyone has a bit of good within them - and friendship. I really enjoyed this book! There were a few cute little illustrations throughout as well!
April 26, 2020
This childhood tale of Cinderella is simple and light-hearted with beautiful sentiments and messages throughout: perfect for the little reader in your lives. The illustrations by Adrienne Brown are also incredibly beautiful, with pumpkin carriage watermarks and gorgeous details on each page.
Ella is a young girl, surrounded by the love of her parents in a fairly privileged surrounding. Her days are filled with stories about magic, playing with her new puppy Bruno, taking tea with her parents and preparing for the upcoming puppet competition at the midsummer festival.
It is this competition which is the focus of the short tale, as Cinderella displays her sheer determination to compete and win the prized gold coin, despite her lack of talents in sewing and a puppet which, in her words, looks like a potato.
This determination makes the character of Cinderella inspirational to the young reader, whether they realise that at the time or not. Yes her coveted possession is a silver and gold dress but, despite the tales of magic and fairies that surround her, she does not rely on wishes or her parents to obtain the dress: her sole plan is to earn the gold coin through winning the competition and purchase the dress herself, a refreshing change from the bibbidi, bobbidi boo methods which Tessa Roehl could have so easily reverted to.
Cinderella is not quite perfect though and can be headstrong in her beliefs: quickly jumping to conclusions when she meets a girl her own age who is not quite as well off as herself. As a mother to a seven-year-old, I can readily believe this! Luckily, Cinderella’s parents believe that there is good in every person, a theme which mirrors the original tale and films. Thus, Cinderella learns more about the little girl: significantly benefitting from both the practical lessons which the girl can offer; an insight into the world around her which is not straight out of a fairytale; and finally, the laughter, love and secrets that a childhood friendship offers.
Cinderella and Val are from different worlds, they find beauty in different things and their dreams could not be further apart. However, this does not limit their common interests or indeed their friendship in any capacity and this is something we should all instil in our children. As Tessa Roehl so beautifully puts it: “Our hearts don’t always need to want the same thing. As long as they want something.”
Ella is a young girl, surrounded by the love of her parents in a fairly privileged surrounding. Her days are filled with stories about magic, playing with her new puppy Bruno, taking tea with her parents and preparing for the upcoming puppet competition at the midsummer festival.
It is this competition which is the focus of the short tale, as Cinderella displays her sheer determination to compete and win the prized gold coin, despite her lack of talents in sewing and a puppet which, in her words, looks like a potato.
This determination makes the character of Cinderella inspirational to the young reader, whether they realise that at the time or not. Yes her coveted possession is a silver and gold dress but, despite the tales of magic and fairies that surround her, she does not rely on wishes or her parents to obtain the dress: her sole plan is to earn the gold coin through winning the competition and purchase the dress herself, a refreshing change from the bibbidi, bobbidi boo methods which Tessa Roehl could have so easily reverted to.
Cinderella is not quite perfect though and can be headstrong in her beliefs: quickly jumping to conclusions when she meets a girl her own age who is not quite as well off as herself. As a mother to a seven-year-old, I can readily believe this! Luckily, Cinderella’s parents believe that there is good in every person, a theme which mirrors the original tale and films. Thus, Cinderella learns more about the little girl: significantly benefitting from both the practical lessons which the girl can offer; an insight into the world around her which is not straight out of a fairytale; and finally, the laughter, love and secrets that a childhood friendship offers.
Cinderella and Val are from different worlds, they find beauty in different things and their dreams could not be further apart. However, this does not limit their common interests or indeed their friendship in any capacity and this is something we should all instil in our children. As Tessa Roehl so beautifully puts it: “Our hearts don’t always need to want the same thing. As long as they want something.”
April 19, 2022
Another really sweet story in this series, I honestly adore this series and the more of them I read the more I love them.
In this story young Ella is so excited for her favourite event of the year in her small town, making puppets to enter into a puppet contest but hers aren’t quiet going right. Then she sees a girl steal from her but her father reminds her there is good in everyone and she befriends her, then together they create their puppets for the contest getting closer by the day.
Ella is such a sweet little girl, she’s written in such a precious way that makes her utterly adorable. I loved that she had her dreams and that her mother was already teaching her about the fairy godmother waiting for her, it’s so sweet. I adored getting to see her and her mother together.
I really enjoyed seeing her and Vals friendship grow throughout the story it was so nice seeing Ella did have a friend once upon a time and how close they were and how much kindness they showed to each other.
The story was a really great read and a good additional story in the world we already know for Cinderella. The illustrations were beautiful and always a great addition to these stories.
In this story young Ella is so excited for her favourite event of the year in her small town, making puppets to enter into a puppet contest but hers aren’t quiet going right. Then she sees a girl steal from her but her father reminds her there is good in everyone and she befriends her, then together they create their puppets for the contest getting closer by the day.
Ella is such a sweet little girl, she’s written in such a precious way that makes her utterly adorable. I loved that she had her dreams and that her mother was already teaching her about the fairy godmother waiting for her, it’s so sweet. I adored getting to see her and her mother together.
I really enjoyed seeing her and Vals friendship grow throughout the story it was so nice seeing Ella did have a friend once upon a time and how close they were and how much kindness they showed to each other.
The story was a really great read and a good additional story in the world we already know for Cinderella. The illustrations were beautiful and always a great addition to these stories.
February 23, 2021
Little Miss C recently inhaled ᴄɪɴᴅᴇʀᴇʟʟᴀ ᴛᴀᴋᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀɢᴇ (Disney Princess Beginnings) by Tessa Roehl. The cover is absolutely adorable and we're simply in love with it.
The author's writing style is very suitable for young children and beginners as it is really easy to read and follow the story. And even though C is already a young teenager, she loved sitting down and reading the beginnings of Cinderella together with this chapter book.
Of course, you can't expect big action and massive surprises since it's a book for young kids, but there's a great lesson to be learned from this book.
Another positive aspect are the very cute illustrations throughout the book. They've been done very well and we love them dearly.
We can definitely recommend ᴄɪɴᴅᴇʀᴇʟʟᴀ ᴛᴀᴋᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀɢᴇ to all you Disney lovers out there. It is such a wonderful, enchanting chapter book and it's simply perfect to read together with the kids.
The author's writing style is very suitable for young children and beginners as it is really easy to read and follow the story. And even though C is already a young teenager, she loved sitting down and reading the beginnings of Cinderella together with this chapter book.
Of course, you can't expect big action and massive surprises since it's a book for young kids, but there's a great lesson to be learned from this book.
Another positive aspect are the very cute illustrations throughout the book. They've been done very well and we love them dearly.
We can definitely recommend ᴄɪɴᴅᴇʀᴇʟʟᴀ ᴛᴀᴋᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀɢᴇ to all you Disney lovers out there. It is such a wonderful, enchanting chapter book and it's simply perfect to read together with the kids.
March 26, 2018
Summary: Young Cinderella is getting ready for a puppet show contest. This story takes place before Cinderella meets her fairy godmother or her prince. She is a young girl and her parents call her Ella. She meets a new friend, Val. Val teaches Ella how to sew and Ella shares her materials with her. When the puppet show finally comes the girls both put on amazing shows since they worked together. But which girl will win the puppet show contest?
Questions:
1. Ellas parents taught her not to judge people before she knows them, do you believe this is a good value to have?
2. Who wins the grand prize?
3. Why do you think Ella and Val became such great friends?
4. Ella and Val learned to share what they have, do you share with your friends? Why?
5. Which story of Cinderella is your favorite? Why?
Citation:
Roehl, T. (2017). Cinderella Takes the Stage. RH Disney.
Questions:
1. Ellas parents taught her not to judge people before she knows them, do you believe this is a good value to have?
2. Who wins the grand prize?
3. Why do you think Ella and Val became such great friends?
4. Ella and Val learned to share what they have, do you share with your friends? Why?
5. Which story of Cinderella is your favorite? Why?
Citation:
Roehl, T. (2017). Cinderella Takes the Stage. RH Disney.
August 12, 2020
This was such a cute story! It takes place way before the Disney Cinderella that we all know and love. Way back to when Cinderella is just Ella and has both of her parents there to love her and guide her through her life. Ella is such a sweet child and her parents teach her so well and this story has so many parts that lead into the Cinderella movie, such as her first help from and discussion with some of the mice, the song A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, and the bench in the garden where she meets her godmother in the movie. I greatly enjoyed this book and it is a great and simple read for young Cinderella fans who are reading simple chapter books or for older fans to enjoy a short read or to be read to younger kids.
January 19, 2026
3.5 stars. I am buddy reading these with my daughter and this one was a little boring for me. It follows a young Cinderella who is entering a puppet making contest. She has her eyes on a dress for the prize winnings, but someone is stealing things from her (she thinks). Its actually another young girl who is a great puppet maker. They become friends and work together. The other girl is very poor and has a lot of needs. Cinderella wins and no longer wants the dress. She gets a goat for her friend, but her friend's talents were also recognized by the king. I love the idea of using your good fortune to help others, but the story was just boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2021
I read this book with my five year old niece, as the first chapter book she’s ever read (she gave it 5 stars, I gave it 3).
She loved this book (Cinderella is her favourite princess) and she found it very entertaining. We read it over a fairly large amount of time, whenever she was interested before bedtime, and she remained engaged in it that whole time. She loved the story and the characters, especially the animals (Bruno and Claudio). She also loved how there was lots of pictures to look at.
She loved this book (Cinderella is her favourite princess) and she found it very entertaining. We read it over a fairly large amount of time, whenever she was interested before bedtime, and she remained engaged in it that whole time. She loved the story and the characters, especially the animals (Bruno and Claudio). She also loved how there was lots of pictures to look at.
September 23, 2022
I initially thought that this would be my favourite story, after all, I bought the book more because of this one - I got the 3 in 1 book! Instead, I saw a side of Cinderella I wasn't counting on. It wasn't bad, bad, but some thoughts and atitudes she had at the beginning she fell wrong on me, like...it wasn't the same Cinderella I saw on the movie. Although I also have to remember that in this story, she's still a kid with both parents and not a worry in this world. It's not a bad story, it has some sparks of magic and faith and a sweet friendship, still it wasn't what I was expecting.
December 24, 2025
Me encantó. Corto, entretenido, con ilustrasiones muy bellas. Lo leí de una sentada y hasta marqué algunas oraciones muy bellas, hasta la dedicación me pareció preciosa.
Refleja que todo lo que Cenicienta es lo aprendió de sus padres.
Amé especialmente las partes en el el jardín con el árbol y como su madre le cuenta sobre las hadas.
Vale es un gran personaje también, y me gustó mucho como ella en ningún momento desmeritó los sueños de Ella por ser diferentes a los suyos.
Tiene una muy linda enseñanza <3 ¡No puedo esperar a leer el siguiente de la colección!
Refleja que todo lo que Cenicienta es lo aprendió de sus padres.
Amé especialmente las partes en el el jardín con el árbol y como su madre le cuenta sobre las hadas.
Vale es un gran personaje también, y me gustó mucho como ella en ningún momento desmeritó los sueños de Ella por ser diferentes a los suyos.
Tiene una muy linda enseñanza <3 ¡No puedo esperar a leer el siguiente de la colección!
June 24, 2025
This was way better than I was expecting! Seriously went in with low expectations but I'm excited for Emily to read this. I think it would be a good story even without the Cinderella aspect; having it based around a character kids already know just makes there more of a connection. Love that I could totally get behind the "lessons" in this book - don't judge others immediately, work together, think about others before yourself... loved it.
October 5, 2019
My daughter requested I read this and we kind of flew through it. It's about a girl named Ella who is making puppets for a contest when she meets and befriends a girl named Val who has a pet pig named Claudio. They both have big dreams and both want to win the puppet contest but they quickly become friends and both help and encourage each other.
Quick chapters. Cute illustrations.
Quick chapters. Cute illustrations.
January 12, 2022
My 2nd grade daughter found this series at the library and begged me to check them out for her. I assumed it was going to be another dull story with weak vocabulary. I was pleasantly surprised with the vocabulary and interesting story. A fun story about Cinderella as a little girl. Pretty illustrations throughout the book. My daughter is going to love it. We are looking forward to Belle’s story.
January 4, 2018
This is a super cute book for beginning chapter book readers. It tells a story about a young Cinderella and her family. In this story, Ella is trying to make puppets for a competition and runs into a "thief". It is a story about friendship and the magic it can bring into our lives.
July 26, 2018
Really cute story about Cinderella as a child. I really liked that we got to meet her wonderful mother. The illustrations were cute and I enjoyed the message it gave. Fun beginning chapter book for young readers.
May 16, 2019
This was adorable! I’m obsessed. I have to read the rest of the series right now. The pictures are beautiful and I loved all the lessons that are intertwined within the story. Such a good book for children read.
January 2, 2020
Little (Cinder)Ella encounters Val(entine) while working on her puppets for the annual festival. Her parents help her learn the importance of trying to find the good in everyone. And she learns more about compassion for those less fortunate than herself.
September 21, 2025
a delightful story about Ella and her new friend Val who teaches Ella some sewing, to see the good in people (as per her fathers advice)and ask her fairy Godmother to grant Val's dream to come true. the midsummer festival sounded fun. loved the pictures
January 9, 2026
A sweet story that provides a great look at Cinderella's early life! Her friendship with Val was endearing and I enjoyed the twist at the end. I also loved seeing Ella's mom (who looks like the live action Cindy, Lilly James)!
November 15, 2017
It's a cute story. Another young Disney princess story. This time about Cinderella. I did like Belle's story more.
December 3, 2017
Absolutely such a darling story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews