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Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale
A 2023 ALA Rainbow Book List Book!
A gay retelling of the classic fairy tale--a scrumptious love story featuring ungrateful stepsiblings, a bake-off, and a fairy godfather.
Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother. When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings insist that Cinderelliot bake their entries, leaving no time for he, himself, to compete. Fairy Godfather Ludwig appears and magically helps Cinderelliot bake his best chocolate cake, clean up, and get to the competition via limo. At the bake-off, Prince Samuel falls in love with Cinderelliot's cake, but our hero has to run off as the clock strikes midnight, leaving behind his chef hat. The next day, Prince Samuel searches the kingdom for the owner of the hat and finds that it fits perfectly on Cinderelliot's head. The prince is delighted to find not only his new baker but also the man of his dreams, and Cinderelliot creates a magnificent wedding cake--and the two live scrumptiously ever after.
A gay retelling of the classic fairy tale--a scrumptious love story featuring ungrateful stepsiblings, a bake-off, and a fairy godfather.
Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother. When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings insist that Cinderelliot bake their entries, leaving no time for he, himself, to compete. Fairy Godfather Ludwig appears and magically helps Cinderelliot bake his best chocolate cake, clean up, and get to the competition via limo. At the bake-off, Prince Samuel falls in love with Cinderelliot's cake, but our hero has to run off as the clock strikes midnight, leaving behind his chef hat. The next day, Prince Samuel searches the kingdom for the owner of the hat and finds that it fits perfectly on Cinderelliot's head. The prince is delighted to find not only his new baker but also the man of his dreams, and Cinderelliot creates a magnificent wedding cake--and the two live scrumptiously ever after.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 14, 2022
This adorable book puts fun, gay twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale. The text works well in conjunction with the colorful illustrations, and the characters are delightful. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in animated Disney movies.
October 19, 2022
I wish that this book had existed when I was younger.
A young queer Cinderelliot enters a baking competition to win the prince!
Full of larger-than-life illustrations befitting a cartoon, diversity, and foodie text, this is as the title says, a Scrumptious Fairytale.
This would be perfect for a Drag Queen Storytime or really any group checking out re-imaginings of well-known fairytales!
Chef's Kiss!
A young queer Cinderelliot enters a baking competition to win the prince!
Full of larger-than-life illustrations befitting a cartoon, diversity, and foodie text, this is as the title says, a Scrumptious Fairytale.
This would be perfect for a Drag Queen Storytime or really any group checking out re-imaginings of well-known fairytales!
Chef's Kiss!
Read
December 15, 2023Adorable and delightful! I loved this baking twist on cinderella. The colorful illustrations of the desserts looked good enough to eat! A fun queer fairytale remix!
July 21, 2022
"Let us exist" they said. Ten years down the line, it's not enough that they can adopt kids, they have to influence other people's kids, too. This is called propaganda.
June 14, 2025
I was captivated with this retelling of Cinderella as a love story between a prince and a baker. In this story, Cinderelliot is a top tier pastry chef! His stepbrother and stepsister take his treats and claim credit for them at the royal baking contest leaving him to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen at home!
But then he receives a visit from his fairy godfather and with a bit of magic, Cinderelliot creates his biggest masterpiece, one that just might win him the heart of the prince! There is some subtle humor throughout the story, particularly when we have the final fitting scene.
Hearing about the deserts made me want to taste them so much! Though I was disappointed that we didn't have any dancing at this royal party. Otherwise, I would recommend to all readers that love fairy tale picture books of magic, baked confections with a bit of affection on the side! This Cinderella book is unforgettable!
But then he receives a visit from his fairy godfather and with a bit of magic, Cinderelliot creates his biggest masterpiece, one that just might win him the heart of the prince! There is some subtle humor throughout the story, particularly when we have the final fitting scene.
Hearing about the deserts made me want to taste them so much! Though I was disappointed that we didn't have any dancing at this royal party. Otherwise, I would recommend to all readers that love fairy tale picture books of magic, baked confections with a bit of affection on the side! This Cinderella book is unforgettable!
July 2, 2025
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
Absolutely adorable. A fun retelling of Cinderella starring Cinderelliot, a talented baker who jumps at the chance to bake for the prince.
Such a sweet book. Loved the baking-based humor.
I also love that Cinderelliot was recognized for his baking talent. Cinderelliot got to showcase his baking while his fairy godfather used his magic to help with the cleanup. The story focuses on what Cinderelliot does versus how he looks, which is wonderful to see in a modern fairy tale.
Fun illustrations with great character designs. Ludwig the fairy godfather is truly spectacular. I too would like to arrive in a room in a shower of sprinkles.
A sweet little picture book full of fun, baking, and love. What a fun (and definitely scrumptious) read.
Absolutely adorable. A fun retelling of Cinderella starring Cinderelliot, a talented baker who jumps at the chance to bake for the prince.
Such a sweet book. Loved the baking-based humor.
I also love that Cinderelliot was recognized for his baking talent. Cinderelliot got to showcase his baking while his fairy godfather used his magic to help with the cleanup. The story focuses on what Cinderelliot does versus how he looks, which is wonderful to see in a modern fairy tale.
Fun illustrations with great character designs. Ludwig the fairy godfather is truly spectacular. I too would like to arrive in a room in a shower of sprinkles.
A sweet little picture book full of fun, baking, and love. What a fun (and definitely scrumptious) read.
April 9, 2024
HOW SCRUMPTIOUSLY ADORABLE!!!
[REVIEW]
I found this while shelving books in the kids’ section at work and made it priority to read it as soon as I had time. Why? Queer retellings is a niche genre that when I find something in it, I immediately grab it. And this book was no exception.
I legit GUSHED whenever I came across an illustration of Cinderelliot and Prince Samuel. The illustrations as a whole were my favorite part of this book! They were so colorful and lively to look at. I personally would’ve liked more story, but that’s just me loving the tale of Cinderella and wanting to read more about Cinderelliot. But other than that, this is the perfect amount of story for a child to consume. I recommend this to everyone!!!
[REVIEW]
I found this while shelving books in the kids’ section at work and made it priority to read it as soon as I had time. Why? Queer retellings is a niche genre that when I find something in it, I immediately grab it. And this book was no exception.
I legit GUSHED whenever I came across an illustration of Cinderelliot and Prince Samuel. The illustrations as a whole were my favorite part of this book! They were so colorful and lively to look at. I personally would’ve liked more story, but that’s just me loving the tale of Cinderella and wanting to read more about Cinderelliot. But other than that, this is the perfect amount of story for a child to consume. I recommend this to everyone!!!
May 10, 2022
A confection of affection! Authors Mark Ceilley and Rachel Smoka-Richardson bake a brand-new take on the classic Cinderella tale. Instead of Cinderella, we meet Cinderelliot, a young man with a knack for baking who longs for love. Instead of a Fairy Godmother, we meet the fab plaid-suited Fairy Godfather named Ludwig. And instead of a ball, Cinderelliot enters a baking competition to win the heart (and the stomach) of the prince. The authors add a variety of delicious verbs to make this story taste sweet on the tongue. Illustrations by Stephanie Laberis are as charming and sparkly as the text. This story is perfect for kids with an interest in baking and/or fairy tales, and it will have particular appeal for LGBTQIA+ identifying readers, or readers from queer families
May 22, 2022
If you’re craving a dash of diversity, or simply savor new twists on classic fairy tales, Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale is sure to satisfy! When Prince Samuel holds a royal baking competition at the palace, Cinderelliot’s horrible stepsiblings steal his yummy creations, leaving Cinderelliot home with a mess. His fairy godfather shows up with a wave of his cupcake wand and… you’ll have to read the rest. Elements from the traditional Cinderella story may provide the basic cake foundation here, but the frosting on top comes from masterful writing and joyful illustrations in this gay retelling. Fabulously joyful, Cinderelliot combines all the best ingredients to exemplify that love is love–with sprinkles on top.
May 6, 2024
E-Book from The Chicago Public Library (Tradebooks)
Authors: Mark Ceilley, Rachel Smoka-Richardson and Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Age group 4-8
Awards:
2023 ALA Rainbow Book List
The story of Cinderelliott and Prince Samuel is too cute. It's a love story for the ages and beautifully told. The illustrations are captivating and they stand out, drawing the reader's imagination. There's so many versions of the folktale Cinderella, and this of course was a great addition.
The picture book would be a great addition to all classroom libraries to show love has no color or sexual identity boundaries.
I could see this book used as a read aloud for a pre-k through 3rd for early literacy. It tackles so many diversity check offs such as, LGBTQ, BIPOC, and body image.
Authors: Mark Ceilley, Rachel Smoka-Richardson and Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Age group 4-8
Awards:
2023 ALA Rainbow Book List
The story of Cinderelliott and Prince Samuel is too cute. It's a love story for the ages and beautifully told. The illustrations are captivating and they stand out, drawing the reader's imagination. There's so many versions of the folktale Cinderella, and this of course was a great addition.
The picture book would be a great addition to all classroom libraries to show love has no color or sexual identity boundaries.
I could see this book used as a read aloud for a pre-k through 3rd for early literacy. It tackles so many diversity check offs such as, LGBTQ, BIPOC, and body image.
January 16, 2025
Oh this is SO CUTE! A Cinderella story I can get behind! Cinderelliot, a boy, slaves away baking for his stepsister AND stepbrother who love to eat. He's always covered in flour and batter. When the prince announces a Royal Baking Championship to choose the best baker to enter the palace and his heart, the steps both want to enter. Hooray! Gender doesn't seem to matter when falling in love in this world!
The steps force Cinderelliot to bake for them so they can win. Poor Cinderelliot can't go to the palace but enter the Fairy GodFATHER, a pink effeminate type. Cinderelliot bakes a scrumptious giant tiered cake, is dressed in a chef's coat and toque and goes off to the palace in a pink limo. This section needs work. It doesn't quite equate to the original. This section needs some work.
When the prince's eyes meet Cinderelliot's, it's love at first site and first bite. However, the magic still wears off at midnight and Cinderelliot loses his chef's toque and runs off. That also doesn't quite work because I believe a hat would be one size fits most and not NOT fit the steps but oh well. It's cute. It's the eyes meeting that clue the prince in to Cinderelliot's identity. They have the biggest wedding in the kingdom. Cinderelliot bakes the cake, of course.
The digital illustrations are very cute. Cinderelliot and the prince are shown locking eyes, feeding each other cake and Cinderelliot teaching his husband how to bake, kissing the messy cheek of the prince. The steps aren't too ugly just enough to give the impression they're mean and hateful.
This is such a fun retelling!
The steps force Cinderelliot to bake for them so they can win. Poor Cinderelliot can't go to the palace but enter the Fairy GodFATHER, a pink effeminate type. Cinderelliot bakes a scrumptious giant tiered cake, is dressed in a chef's coat and toque and goes off to the palace in a pink limo. This section needs work. It doesn't quite equate to the original. This section needs some work.
When the prince's eyes meet Cinderelliot's, it's love at first site and first bite. However, the magic still wears off at midnight and Cinderelliot loses his chef's toque and runs off. That also doesn't quite work because I believe a hat would be one size fits most and not NOT fit the steps but oh well. It's cute. It's the eyes meeting that clue the prince in to Cinderelliot's identity. They have the biggest wedding in the kingdom. Cinderelliot bakes the cake, of course.
The digital illustrations are very cute. Cinderelliot and the prince are shown locking eyes, feeding each other cake and Cinderelliot teaching his husband how to bake, kissing the messy cheek of the prince. The steps aren't too ugly just enough to give the impression they're mean and hateful.
This is such a fun retelling!
Read
February 22, 2024Mark Ceilly’s and Rachel Smoka~Richardson’s delightful, fairytale, Cinderelliot: A Scrumtious Fairytale, is a picture book that you will want to add to your collection. Cinderelliot, is a baker who bakes for his greedy and not so nice, step siblings, Gertrude and Neville. When Prince Samuel declares that he is seeking a new baker by holding a baking contest. Gertrude and Neville demand that Cinderelliot bake delicious treats for them to present to Prince Samuel. Cinderelliot is messy, tired, and discouraged and wishes that he could enter the bake off with a scrumptious cake. When his Fairy Godfather, Ludwig appears, he helps Cinderelliot to attend the baking contest. Will Cinderelliot have any luck? Will Prince Samuel select a baker? You’ll surely want to pick up a copy of this delicious fairytale to find out! Illustrations depict whimsical settings and delightfully diverse characters.If you are a fan of fairytales, enjoy baking and delicious treats, and enjoy an affirming and inclusive story, this is a picture book you will not want to miss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2022
There are many variations on the Cinderella story. This one is different. And yes, it's scrumptious.
The story of Elliot, the un-recognized master baker, outdoes the traditional tale by giving him a talent where he shines. More than the original Cinderella, who mostly charmed with her beauty, this hero is spectacularly gifted. Like her, CinderElliot works hard at home. But what he has to offer the prince, beyond his good nature, is his brilliant creativity. Written by Mark Ceilley and Rachel Smoka-Richardson, the text flows seamlessly. The illustrations by Stephanie Laberis, do just that. They, too, are scrumptious.
The story of Elliot, the un-recognized master baker, outdoes the traditional tale by giving him a talent where he shines. More than the original Cinderella, who mostly charmed with her beauty, this hero is spectacularly gifted. Like her, CinderElliot works hard at home. But what he has to offer the prince, beyond his good nature, is his brilliant creativity. Written by Mark Ceilley and Rachel Smoka-Richardson, the text flows seamlessly. The illustrations by Stephanie Laberis, do just that. They, too, are scrumptious.
February 22, 2022
What a fun retelling! Cinderelliot loves to bake! If only someone could love him as much as they loved his baking. Poor Cinderellito spends his days baking for his unappreciative evil stepbrother and sister. One day an invitation arrives to enter the royal baking competition at the palace and win a place in the prince's heart and home. But how could Cinderelliot possibly attend? Enter Ludwig, his fairy godfather, to grant his wish. At the stroke of 12, Cinderelliot dashes away, leaving his hat behind. And guess what happens? A fabulous tale about love and baking!
June 9, 2022
This fractured fairytale is absolutely delightful! Cinderelliot lives with his evil and greedy step-siblings, Neville and Gertrude. They demand that Cinderelliot bake for them every day. If only Cinderelliot could find someone to love him as much as they love his baking! When the prince holds a baking contest to find his next baker, Cinderelliot wants to compete. But true to the classic storyline, the step-siblings make sure he cannot attend. That is, until his fairy godfather, Ludwig, shows up. This adorable story is the perfect mix of humor and heart!
August 13, 2023
Retelling of Cinderella with Cinderella turned into Cinderelliot. There's still a prince. The step-sisters become step-brothers. No parents are evident. The fairy godmother becomes a fairy godfather.
Instead of a ball to find a princess, this is a competition to choose a baker for the palace.
More than a bit unrealistic to product a large decorated cake at the last minute?
The story does end in a wedding.
Instead of a ball to find a princess, this is a competition to choose a baker for the palace.
More than a bit unrealistic to product a large decorated cake at the last minute?
The story does end in a wedding.
February 8, 2022
Cinderelliot is delightful. From the delicious baking vocabulary to the humor and hat (instead of a glass slipper), this gay retelling is sure to garner smiles from everyone. Ceilley and Smoka-Richardson pull off a matter-of-fact, natural twist to the classic tale in which the main character and his new-found prince live scrumptiously ever after. Love it!
February 10, 2022
This fun twist on the classic Cinderella story is a real treat. It includes a baking competition, an evil stepbrother and stepsister, and a fairy godfather named Ludwig who appears amidst sprinkles and sends Cinderelliot off to the competition in a puff of flour dust. Highly recommended - this joyful reimagining is sure to delight!
April 27, 2022
This lovely re-telling of the Cinderella tale is really fun with the prince falling for Elliot and his excellent baking. Gotta love an unexpected twist on an old and much-loved story. This would make a great gift for a kid with LGBTQ+ parents OR straight parents! It brings love into the world and it was a joy to read. Great illustrations too.
December 5, 2022
A new spin on the classic fairy tale. CinderElliot bakes instead of cleaning, he has a stepbrother AND stepsister (I wish it was two brothers), and it’s a baking contest, not a ball, a fairy godfather, and also the prince is brown-skinned, which is nice. Overall, nothing earth shattering amazing, but a nice twist of diversity to this timeless tale.
December 13, 2023
A cute, sweet, retelling of Cinderella. The stepsiblings are a boy and a girl. Cinderelliot is a baker and the prince is having a competition for the best baker and a place in his heart. The fairy godfather helps Cinderelliot and at midnight his baker's hat is left behind.
The art and evil stepsiblings remind me of Zack Varmitech on Wild Kratts.
The art and evil stepsiblings remind me of Zack Varmitech on Wild Kratts.
February 1, 2025
What delightful twist on the Cinderella story. Cinderelliot, a talented baker, isn’t allowed to go to the castle baking competition… until his fairy godfather appears. Beautifully written and with whimsical illustrations, you’re going to want read this with a treat from your favorite bakery, unless you have a great baker like Cinderelliot at your house.
June 1, 2022
Loved this fractured fairy tale of Cinderella! It's great to see a gay version of this fairy tale. Readers will enjoy reading a new rendition with diverse characters throughout. A must-have for all libraries!
September 1, 2022
This was an excellent retelling of Cinderella with a diverse cast. The love interest are of different racial backgrounds, which is also something new. The twist of finding a baker was so great and fresh. How do you search with finding the person whose head can fit a cap. LOL
October 11, 2022
I loved that my kids asked me to read it out loud multiple times, because it made me smile every reading. If you aren't charmed by Cinderelliot and his Fairy Godfather, then I'm not sure we can be friends.
July 30, 2024
This was so canny! Bought it at a gay bookshop today and read it to my wife-to-be! Gay Cinderella retelling with cake and just such queer joy. Needed it for my “queer retellings” and “queer joy” shelves!
September 17, 2024
What a fantastically fun (and delicious) retelling of Cinderella! Mark's snappy and smart text is fun to read aloud and the illustrations are simply perfect! I’m happy to see a gay retelling of this classic tale! I highly recommend you check out this joyful book.
February 3, 2022
What a fun read! The sweet characters come to life in this beautifully illustrated love story. I totally need to go in the kitchen and bake a cake now.
February 3, 2022
I loved everything about this--the delicious details, the brilliant retelling, the heartwarming characters (particularly the fabulous Ludwig!) Five stars and a "chef's kiss"!
February 20, 2022
Love this sweet retelling! From the delectable baking theme, to the beautiful illustrations, it's a must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews