What do you think?
Rate this book
Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition
By following her mother's admonition to perform every task with care and love, a poor young Mexican girl wins the devotion of the governor's son.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2000
14 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Jewell Reinhart Coburn
13 books5 followershas lived abroad and studies an array of diverse cultures. Has a doctorate in Higher Education Administration, two honorary degrees plus many literary awards. Currently lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband Bill.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 22, 2019
Raised by loving parents in the vast desert state of Hidalgo, Domitila grows to be a talented and beautiful young woman in this Mexican folktale, skilled at both cooking and working with fine leather. When her mother becomes ill, and Domitila must leave home in order to find work, she eventually gains a position as second cook in the governor's kitchens. Here, putting her mother's oft-repeated mantra - "Do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love" - to work, Domitila so impresses the governor's son, Timoteo, with her delicious nopales, that when she must return home, he sets off in pursuit. Gaining great insight into this humble girl, with her many gifts, Timoteo is much changed by his journey, and even the meddling of the evil widow Malvina, who wants him to marry her own daughter, cannot prevent him from finding his true love, Domitila.
Based upon a story passed down in the Rivero family of Santa Barbara, California, Domitila is a fascinating variant of the Cinderella type tale, complete with the worthy (but poor) heroine, the 'prince' who comes to love her, and the meddling step-family. There are some significant differences, of course, with Domitila's nopales, and a small sample of her leather-working, providing Timoteo with the means of locating her, as opposed to some kind of footwear, but this only adds depth and richness to the tale. In this story, it is Cinderella's skill, and her goodness, that win the prince, not her elusive beauty, or small feet. The accompanying illustrations by Connie McLennan are appealing, although I think I agree with another reviewer, in thinking that Domitila's face looks very different, at certain points in the story. Despite this quibble, this book has both narrative and illustrative appeal, and is one I would recommend to all young fairytale lovers, and to anyone looking for Cinderella variants.
Based upon a story passed down in the Rivero family of Santa Barbara, California, Domitila is a fascinating variant of the Cinderella type tale, complete with the worthy (but poor) heroine, the 'prince' who comes to love her, and the meddling step-family. There are some significant differences, of course, with Domitila's nopales, and a small sample of her leather-working, providing Timoteo with the means of locating her, as opposed to some kind of footwear, but this only adds depth and richness to the tale. In this story, it is Cinderella's skill, and her goodness, that win the prince, not her elusive beauty, or small feet. The accompanying illustrations by Connie McLennan are appealing, although I think I agree with another reviewer, in thinking that Domitila's face looks very different, at certain points in the story. Despite this quibble, this book has both narrative and illustrative appeal, and is one I would recommend to all young fairytale lovers, and to anyone looking for Cinderella variants.
February 6, 2012
Text Summary
Domitila is the talented young woman “who can turn desert weeds into food fit for kings and scraps of leather into works of art.” When her family does not have the resources to maintain their home, Domitila leaves to earn money by becoming a kitchen worker at the Governor’s mansion. Here she cooks a special meal for the Governor’s family, which has quite an impact on the Governor’s son, Timoteo. Before Timoteo has a chance to find out more about this food and the young woman who has made it, Domitila has suddenly left to return home because she receives news that her mother is very ill. Timoteo sets off on a journey to find Domitila, and on the way is deceived by the dishonest Malvina, who in hearing Timoteo’s plight, tries to devise a plan to make Timoteo marry her daughter, Pereza. In her attempt to gain some time to carry out her plan, Malvina gives Timoteo the wrong directions, sending him on a “wild goose chase.” Malvina’s directions actually end up, to her misfortune, leading Timoteo directly to his fated love, Domitila.
Literary Merits
Jewell Reinhart Coburn’s tale of Domitila has origins from the Rivero family of Hidalgo, Mexico, from many generations ago. In the book, Coburn weaves the fairy tale elements of the Cinderella story with Mexican culture and tradition. Coburn sets the story on a rancho in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, where Domitila and her family have an adobe casa with a view of the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance. The textual imagery combined with the actual imagery depicted on the pages of this picture book allow the reader to not only visualize but enter into Domitila’s home and culture. The author weaves Spanish into the text, but at the end of the story, a glossary of terms is provided, to help non-Spanish speaking students along with their understanding of some of these words (e.g. “arbusto,” “serape,” “pereza,” etc.).
Classroom Recommendations
I like this text more than other Cinderella-type stories I’ve read before because it speaks more deeply to other important themes. For example, in the book, one quote that is echoed throughout the story is “Do every task with care and always add a generous dash of love.” This reminder is something that Domitila has been given from her mother that has been passed down from her mother’s mother, and so on. Coburn communicates clearly the message of completing every task with care and love, but she also represents the careful and special way that this message has been passed along from generation to generation. Teachers can use this text to help young readers understand these interwoven themes. I would recommend this text for grades 2 and up. The text I found reads in English, but there is a Spanish edition that can be used as well.
Domitila is the talented young woman “who can turn desert weeds into food fit for kings and scraps of leather into works of art.” When her family does not have the resources to maintain their home, Domitila leaves to earn money by becoming a kitchen worker at the Governor’s mansion. Here she cooks a special meal for the Governor’s family, which has quite an impact on the Governor’s son, Timoteo. Before Timoteo has a chance to find out more about this food and the young woman who has made it, Domitila has suddenly left to return home because she receives news that her mother is very ill. Timoteo sets off on a journey to find Domitila, and on the way is deceived by the dishonest Malvina, who in hearing Timoteo’s plight, tries to devise a plan to make Timoteo marry her daughter, Pereza. In her attempt to gain some time to carry out her plan, Malvina gives Timoteo the wrong directions, sending him on a “wild goose chase.” Malvina’s directions actually end up, to her misfortune, leading Timoteo directly to his fated love, Domitila.
Literary Merits
Jewell Reinhart Coburn’s tale of Domitila has origins from the Rivero family of Hidalgo, Mexico, from many generations ago. In the book, Coburn weaves the fairy tale elements of the Cinderella story with Mexican culture and tradition. Coburn sets the story on a rancho in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, where Domitila and her family have an adobe casa with a view of the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance. The textual imagery combined with the actual imagery depicted on the pages of this picture book allow the reader to not only visualize but enter into Domitila’s home and culture. The author weaves Spanish into the text, but at the end of the story, a glossary of terms is provided, to help non-Spanish speaking students along with their understanding of some of these words (e.g. “arbusto,” “serape,” “pereza,” etc.).
Classroom Recommendations
I like this text more than other Cinderella-type stories I’ve read before because it speaks more deeply to other important themes. For example, in the book, one quote that is echoed throughout the story is “Do every task with care and always add a generous dash of love.” This reminder is something that Domitila has been given from her mother that has been passed down from her mother’s mother, and so on. Coburn communicates clearly the message of completing every task with care and love, but she also represents the careful and special way that this message has been passed along from generation to generation. Teachers can use this text to help young readers understand these interwoven themes. I would recommend this text for grades 2 and up. The text I found reads in English, but there is a Spanish edition that can be used as well.
October 21, 2020
This is my favourite of all Latin American versions of Cinderella I've read, because in this one the girl is proactive and resourceful on top of kind, and needs no magical help to rise above her station. Also, this story has an authentic ring as it's not merely an extrapolation of the known plotline made famous by Perrault but it does belong to its culture, with plenty of elements and differences as to make it stand out for its originality.
February 4, 2012
This is the Mexican version of Cinderella. It takes place in the Mexican state of Hidalgo where the landscape is "sun bleached and dry." It is said to be based on the Rivero family
from generations ago who lived in Hidalgo. Domitila leaves her home as she sets out to look for work in the Govenor's mansion where she finds a job as a cook. It is there that she encounters the Govenor's son, Timoteo, who is arrogant and spoiled. Domitila prepares nopales (cactus)that Timoteo ends up devouring because they are so delicious. After all, Domitila was taught by her loving mother to always "do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love." She abruptly leaves the mansion to go home and visit her sick mother. She goes home to find that her mother has passed away. Her father soon remarries because he misses having someone to care for him. Domitila has to now serve her stepmother and sister. In the meantime, Timoteo sets out to seek the girl who makes delicious nopales and who will soon fall in love with her as well and rescue her from her sad life.
This book does a good job of drawing the reader by using warm colors in the illustrations. However, the plot can seem somewhat offensive because the author makes it sound as if Domitila's happiness rests solely on having Timoteo fall in love with her. Domitila's character is portrayed as somewhat submissive and somewhat helpless. I did enjoy the English and Spanish proverbs. I would not recommend this book for younger readers since it is somewhat wordy. It would be more appropriate for late elementary and middle school students.
from generations ago who lived in Hidalgo. Domitila leaves her home as she sets out to look for work in the Govenor's mansion where she finds a job as a cook. It is there that she encounters the Govenor's son, Timoteo, who is arrogant and spoiled. Domitila prepares nopales (cactus)that Timoteo ends up devouring because they are so delicious. After all, Domitila was taught by her loving mother to always "do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love." She abruptly leaves the mansion to go home and visit her sick mother. She goes home to find that her mother has passed away. Her father soon remarries because he misses having someone to care for him. Domitila has to now serve her stepmother and sister. In the meantime, Timoteo sets out to seek the girl who makes delicious nopales and who will soon fall in love with her as well and rescue her from her sad life.
This book does a good job of drawing the reader by using warm colors in the illustrations. However, the plot can seem somewhat offensive because the author makes it sound as if Domitila's happiness rests solely on having Timoteo fall in love with her. Domitila's character is portrayed as somewhat submissive and somewhat helpless. I did enjoy the English and Spanish proverbs. I would not recommend this book for younger readers since it is somewhat wordy. It would be more appropriate for late elementary and middle school students.
October 14, 2010
Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition is a more complicated version of Cinderella. Domitila is a strong woman with many talents including cooking and leather artistry. "Through her grief, Domitial felt a warm presence...There before her appeared her mother's spirit." The character's faith, love, and respect for tradition lead her to happiness, as compared to a magical fairy godmother's "Bibbitty, Bobbitty, Boo." The character of the governor's son is snobby and rude early in the story and becomes more "charming" as he learns more and more about Domitila. Their developing relationship is mutually beneficial in many ways, providing positive role models for boys and girls alike.
The book provides vocabulary definitions at the bottom of each page. On average, there were 4-7 new words or idioms per page. Children could get tired of going back and forth between the story and footnoted vocabulary.
At the back of the book there is an “exchange of ideas” and “reflections” section that could be useful for a teacher or parent reading with children. They also give suggestions about teaching plot, setting, conclusions, comparison, characters and author’s purpose: all good material for a teacher to spring a discussion.
I also liked the short chapter introductions under each of the chapter titles. The Glossary of Spanish terms at the back are helpful, especially for students learning beginning Spanish.
Domitila’s Nopales recipe is wholesome and universal, “Don’t forget to add a generous dash of love.”
The book provides vocabulary definitions at the bottom of each page. On average, there were 4-7 new words or idioms per page. Children could get tired of going back and forth between the story and footnoted vocabulary.
At the back of the book there is an “exchange of ideas” and “reflections” section that could be useful for a teacher or parent reading with children. They also give suggestions about teaching plot, setting, conclusions, comparison, characters and author’s purpose: all good material for a teacher to spring a discussion.
I also liked the short chapter introductions under each of the chapter titles. The Glossary of Spanish terms at the back are helpful, especially for students learning beginning Spanish.
Domitila’s Nopales recipe is wholesome and universal, “Don’t forget to add a generous dash of love.”
January 10, 2020
Sweet tale
April 19, 2017
This is a fun book! It is interesting to see this author's take on the Cinderella Tale by adding in Mexican tradition. We meet Domitilia, a sweet and hardworking daughter whom seems to love her family a great deal. When her mother gets ill, she has to go work at the governors mansion to make money for her family. Her mother has always taught her to "do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love." Keeping this in mind, she becomes a stand out cook and worker at the governors mansion which eventually catches the eye of the governor's son. When she needs to leave the mansion quickly to go home to her family, the governors son begins his journey to find Domitilia. He runs into some problems along the way and is tricked by a woman looking to take advantage of his status.
This multicultural folklore book would be ideal to use with students in grades 3-6. I chose such a large range because the book has many layers. There are some difficult words as well as bilingual words in the story that a teacher would need to scaffold for the students to understand the text. The younger grades might struggle with vocabulary a bit more than upper elementary. This would be a great compliment to a unit on comparing and contrasting. More than likely the students are familiar with the traditional Cinderella story and this would be a great story to compare and contrast against. This would also be a good book to identify character traits as we have 3-4 very different characters.
Fun fact about this book is it has sayings or quotes on each page in both Spanish and English. The books are also incredibly beautiful and students would love this as a read aloud to look at the pictures.
This multicultural folklore book would be ideal to use with students in grades 3-6. I chose such a large range because the book has many layers. There are some difficult words as well as bilingual words in the story that a teacher would need to scaffold for the students to understand the text. The younger grades might struggle with vocabulary a bit more than upper elementary. This would be a great compliment to a unit on comparing and contrasting. More than likely the students are familiar with the traditional Cinderella story and this would be a great story to compare and contrast against. This would also be a good book to identify character traits as we have 3-4 very different characters.
Fun fact about this book is it has sayings or quotes on each page in both Spanish and English. The books are also incredibly beautiful and students would love this as a read aloud to look at the pictures.
October 20, 2014
Domitila is a young woman from a poor family who is an excellent cook. In order to support her family, she leaves home and gets a job as a kitchen worker for the Governor. It is there that she impresses the Governor's son, Timoteo, with her special dish. Before Timoteo is able to learn more about the special cook who impressed him, Domitila is forced to go back home suddenly after she finds out her mother is sick. Timoteo then goes on a journey to find Domitila, but he is fooled by a woman named Malvina who is trying to trick Timoteo into marrying Pereza, her daughter. Timoteo struggles with Malvina's false directions in order to find the woman that impressed him.
This book's illustrations are amazing. The detailing in every brush stroke is very eye-catching. One page that stands out to me is the image of Domitila in the rain. The illustrator did a great job at showing each drop of rain. Another element that stood out to me was the boarder around the text on each page that somehow connected to the illustrations. The boarders did a great job at connecting the text to the illustrations. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The story gave readers a good glimpse into Mexican culture, and there was even a glossary provided in the back to help non-Spanish speaking readers understand some of the Spanish terms that were used.
This book's illustrations are amazing. The detailing in every brush stroke is very eye-catching. One page that stands out to me is the image of Domitila in the rain. The illustrator did a great job at showing each drop of rain. Another element that stood out to me was the boarder around the text on each page that somehow connected to the illustrations. The boarders did a great job at connecting the text to the illustrations. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The story gave readers a good glimpse into Mexican culture, and there was even a glossary provided in the back to help non-Spanish speaking readers understand some of the Spanish terms that were used.
February 8, 2011
To help support her family, Domitila, known for her exceptional cooking and crafting skills, takes a job at the governor’s mansion. There she encounters, Timoteo, the governor’s son, who develops a love for her cooking. When she learns of her mother’s illness, she returns home to be by her side. After her mother’s death, she stays to help her widowed father, yet Timoteo longs after Domitila’s cooking, and he goes on a journey to look for her. Along his journey, he meets a mischievous woman, Malvina, who works to marry Domitila’s father, in order to sway Timoteo’s affections from Domitila to her own daughter. Great culture is shared in this Mexican Cinderella tale. Surrounding the text on each page are words of wisdom that have been passed down through generations, expressed in both Spanish and English. “Obras son amores y no buenas razones...Deeds, more than words, are proof of love.” The rich, bright colors in the authentic illustrations also highlight the warmth and light of the Mexican culture and land. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story plot – very different from other cultural Cinderella variations, especially those of Latin traditions, like Little Gold Star. Nonetheless, it holds the essence of the Cinderella story.
April 24, 2017
Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition is a complex picture book in the Folklore genre, and is specifically a fairy tale. The book travels around Mexico as Domitila works to fit her families’ needs and adapts to work through her circumstances while incorporating the Mexican heritage. The book is very similar to the overall plot of the traditional Disney Cinderella story, in that Domiltila has a step mother who is working against her, has a prince who goes to search for her after they meet, and eventually ends up with the prince. This was a WOW book for me mainly because of how it incorporated different cultures. There are many other versions from other cultures, including a Philippine Cinderella. The book could be suited for 3, 4, or 5th grades and could be used to either show students different cultures in social studies, or to have students learn about comparing and contrasting as a reading and comprehension tool, where students could compare the Mexican version of Cinderella, and the more common Cinderella. The book could also be used if students were learning the Spanish language or if there were Spanish ESL students in the class, since a few words throughout the book are in Spanish.
March 15, 2021
This fairy tale has enough motifs, or elements, in common to be called a Cinderella tale, but is unique to the versions I have read in the past. In this story, Domitila meets the "prince" or the governor's son, Timoteo, at the beginning of the story where he is rude and disrespectful. When he tastes her delicious nopales and learns about her many talents, he is determined to find this Cinderella. Malvina encounters this rich suitor and creates a plot for her lazy daughter, Pereza to trick him into marrying her instead which includes becoming the girl's evil stepmother. By the end of the story, Timoteo learns a lesson of love that melts his heart. This lesson stems from a life ethic that has been passed down for generations in Domitila's maternal history. "Do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love." This is shown in everything Domitila does and it is the lesson learned by her admirer.
This text was found in digital format on epic! and includes a publisher's note at the end explaining the source of this tale and its connection to the Cinderella story as well as the values or lessons in the story. I would recommend this story for children in 3rd through 6th grade for comparisons to the Cinderella story, as well as finding the theme, or lesson of the story.
This text was found in digital format on epic! and includes a publisher's note at the end explaining the source of this tale and its connection to the Cinderella story as well as the values or lessons in the story. I would recommend this story for children in 3rd through 6th grade for comparisons to the Cinderella story, as well as finding the theme, or lesson of the story.
February 11, 2021
This story demonstrates the allure of delicious food and a kind heart! An adaptation of Cinderella infused with Mexican culture and characters, this story recounts Domitilas experience as a poor cook. When the rich governor's son, Timoteo, tastes her delicious nopales, he must find her! With a leather strap from her sandals, and the memory of her tasty cooking, Timoteo sets across the land in search of Domitila. Not surprisingly, he finds her, they fall in love, and the rest is history. I wasn’t all too impressed with this adaptation. Some of the plot's components were a bit predictable in my opinion. The machismo of Latin American culture is ultra-defined by Timoteo falling for this woman solely based on her ability to cook (later the book mentions that he was attracted to the fact that she completed everything with care and love, but let’s be real, it was first her cooking). Maybe this was done purposefully in order to highlight this aspect of society? I questioned whether the author could have made him fall for her for another quality, maybe less superficial. Some of the cultural nuances seemed a bit forced as well. Then again, I have to admit that it must be difficult to write an adaptation to such a classic!
December 7, 2018
I read Domitila as a part of my 40 book challenge in the Traditional Literature category. It's a retelling of Cinderella in the Mexican tradition. I liked it; it was an interesting retelling, but I don't particularly like the story of Cinderella in the first place. In this version, the message is to do everything with love, but I couldn't help noticing that she wins over a rich man by cooking for him, which doesn't sit great with me. So, just ok.
February 9, 2021
This book is the story of a young woman from the state of Hidalgo. To help her parents Domitila became a cook at the mansion of the governor of Hidalgo after her family lost everything in a flash flood. After a rough beginning and across the story Domitila refused to victimized herself. Instead, she kept showing her family values- hard work, humbly and honestly. This story teaches about overcoming challenging times and it portraits Mexican traditions, culture in stunning descriptive language. The illustrations despite the architecture of the Pueblo Mexico landscape that makes the story more realistic to the readers. Even though Domitila has all the elements of the traditional Cinderella story, this version provokes an interest in Mexican traditions and culture. The book includes words and certain lines in Spanish that make the story more vivid, approachable, and authentic. In the classroom, it could be used as an introduction to Mexican cultural appreciation, story elements study, comparing and contrasting lessons on the same genre. Available on Epic https://www.getepic.com/app/read/51559
November 21, 2022
The Mexican Cinderella story of the girl who was a rich man's kitchen maid and became the lady of the house. The illustrations really transport you to the terra cotta desert of Mexico.
October 30, 2024
Domitila is a Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition adapted by Jewell Reinhart Coburn and illustrated by Connie McLennan. I obtained copy of this book from my local public library in their children's literature section. They had a section dedicated to Cinderella books and this was one of the adaptations that interested me among others.
The story is about a young woman named Domitila, who lives in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. She was a hardworking woman who was very sweet. After a storm destroyed her home in which she lived in with her parents, she was asked to go work as a cook for the Governor's mansion to make money. There, she worked as a cook and made delicious food. In fact, her nopales caught the attention of the grandson, who was curious as to who made this delicious meal. However, Domitila's mom got very sick. She had to leave immediately only to find out her mother passed away. She only left behind at the mansion a leather strip that fell from her sandal. Determined, the grandson searched the entire state to find the Domitila. However, when Domitila's step mom learns about this, she sees this as an opportunity for her lazy daughter instead, coming up with a plan to have her marry the grandson instead. This all fails as the grandson eventually finds Domitila after smelling her delicious nopales from miles away. They fall in love and get married.
What I like about this book is it contained similar elements to the Cinderella I grew up with (Disney version) but also made it it's own. For example, I liked the fact that we got to learn the backstory of Domitila and how she cared so much for her family. The story did not begin with her immediately being an orphan. This helped me connect to the character as I am very family oriented as well. Also, she did not have a fairy godmother who turned her beautiful and that was the reason why the grandson liked her. He liked her because of her skills, not because of what she looked like. Her mom's spirit came to Domitila and gave her words of encouragement instead of a fairy godmother. To me, this made the story more personal and special.
However, I personally have never really liked the stories where a prince has to save a poor woman from a particular situation. The women in these stories are also depicted as submissive and rather tear each other down than bring each other up.
This book is suited for upper elementary school age students. I could see this being used as a read aloud. In regards to an activity, students can compare and contrast this story to the Cinderella adaptation they grew up knowing such as the Disney version or any other adaptation they are familiar with. They can create a venn diagram to state the similarities and differences. Personally, I would not have this book in my classroom library.
The story is about a young woman named Domitila, who lives in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. She was a hardworking woman who was very sweet. After a storm destroyed her home in which she lived in with her parents, she was asked to go work as a cook for the Governor's mansion to make money. There, she worked as a cook and made delicious food. In fact, her nopales caught the attention of the grandson, who was curious as to who made this delicious meal. However, Domitila's mom got very sick. She had to leave immediately only to find out her mother passed away. She only left behind at the mansion a leather strip that fell from her sandal. Determined, the grandson searched the entire state to find the Domitila. However, when Domitila's step mom learns about this, she sees this as an opportunity for her lazy daughter instead, coming up with a plan to have her marry the grandson instead. This all fails as the grandson eventually finds Domitila after smelling her delicious nopales from miles away. They fall in love and get married.
What I like about this book is it contained similar elements to the Cinderella I grew up with (Disney version) but also made it it's own. For example, I liked the fact that we got to learn the backstory of Domitila and how she cared so much for her family. The story did not begin with her immediately being an orphan. This helped me connect to the character as I am very family oriented as well. Also, she did not have a fairy godmother who turned her beautiful and that was the reason why the grandson liked her. He liked her because of her skills, not because of what she looked like. Her mom's spirit came to Domitila and gave her words of encouragement instead of a fairy godmother. To me, this made the story more personal and special.
However, I personally have never really liked the stories where a prince has to save a poor woman from a particular situation. The women in these stories are also depicted as submissive and rather tear each other down than bring each other up.
This book is suited for upper elementary school age students. I could see this being used as a read aloud. In regards to an activity, students can compare and contrast this story to the Cinderella adaptation they grew up knowing such as the Disney version or any other adaptation they are familiar with. They can create a venn diagram to state the similarities and differences. Personally, I would not have this book in my classroom library.
October 15, 2012
Remembering her families’ traditions Domitila puts care and an extra dash of love into every task. Thought to be the girl of many talents Domitila is an artist of leather and wonderful cook. As the daughter of a poor farmer and his gentle wife, Domitila holds elements of the classic tale Cinderella, with an evil stepmother and sister. Unlike the classical Cinderella, Domitila doesn’t have the work of magic to aide in her misfortune only her humility and kindness. Her suitor, Timoteo, is an arrogant young man and son of the Governor of Hidalgo. Timoteo travels the desert on a search for Domitila. Through his journey Timoteo learns more of Domitila’s innate qualities and becomes spellbound. During his journey the reader witnesses Timoteo mature into a compassionate man. Rising over hardship Domitila eventually becomes the wife of Timoteo, passing down her family traditions to her children, “do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love.”
The illustrations are beautifully painted, transforming the pages into majestic desert scenes. With great detail the images show the reader Mexican tradition and culture in a realistic form.
On every page is written an inspirational quote. The quotes are written in Spanish and English above and below the text box. Each quote seems to correspond to what’s happening on the page, Timoteo, on his search for Domitila is accompanied with the quote,” where the heart leans. The foot follows.” Here is an example of the correspondence between the text and quotes. My favorite quote and one that is used most often is, “deeds, more than words, are proof of love.” Almost everyone at some time or another has heard this quote or one similar and has experienced similar thoughts. It reminds me of the quote, “actions speak louder than words,” which is true in my opinion. One could be sorry for their actions but how sorry could one be if they continue with the behavior.
Obviously Domitila is similar to Cinderella, a young girl’s conflict with her evil stepmother and sister. Experiencing similar underlying forces and eventually helped by some sort of influence. Surprisingly a Cinderella tale from the Mexican tradition is similar to the traditional Cinderella tale, with a universal theme involved. That human dynamics transcends culture and time. Like most traditional literature, Domitila has its roots in Mexican folklore, handed down from generation to generation.
Students could find the roles the characters play; hero, rival/villain, helper and goal. Classroom connections found in, Teaching Idea 7.1 in TMY (pg. 212), here is a good writing strategy to foster understand of the material and improve writing skills.
According to scholastic.com and Lexile.com, Domitila, has a range of text complexity of:
Interest Level: Grades 3 - 5
Grade level Equivalent: 4.3
Lexile Measure Level: 700L
DRA: 40
Guided Reading: Q
The illustrations are beautifully painted, transforming the pages into majestic desert scenes. With great detail the images show the reader Mexican tradition and culture in a realistic form.
On every page is written an inspirational quote. The quotes are written in Spanish and English above and below the text box. Each quote seems to correspond to what’s happening on the page, Timoteo, on his search for Domitila is accompanied with the quote,” where the heart leans. The foot follows.” Here is an example of the correspondence between the text and quotes. My favorite quote and one that is used most often is, “deeds, more than words, are proof of love.” Almost everyone at some time or another has heard this quote or one similar and has experienced similar thoughts. It reminds me of the quote, “actions speak louder than words,” which is true in my opinion. One could be sorry for their actions but how sorry could one be if they continue with the behavior.
Obviously Domitila is similar to Cinderella, a young girl’s conflict with her evil stepmother and sister. Experiencing similar underlying forces and eventually helped by some sort of influence. Surprisingly a Cinderella tale from the Mexican tradition is similar to the traditional Cinderella tale, with a universal theme involved. That human dynamics transcends culture and time. Like most traditional literature, Domitila has its roots in Mexican folklore, handed down from generation to generation.
Students could find the roles the characters play; hero, rival/villain, helper and goal. Classroom connections found in, Teaching Idea 7.1 in TMY (pg. 212), here is a good writing strategy to foster understand of the material and improve writing skills.
According to scholastic.com and Lexile.com, Domitila, has a range of text complexity of:
Interest Level: Grades 3 - 5
Grade level Equivalent: 4.3
Lexile Measure Level: 700L
DRA: 40
Guided Reading: Q
October 24, 2012
Summary,
This story takes place in Hidalgo, Mexico where a young girl by the name of Domitila goes to work at the Governor’s mansion as a cook to buy food for her family. When she worked at the governor’s office she was asked to make a delicious meal for the governor. Domitila decided to make “nopales.” The governor was mad about having to try the food and yelled at Domitila. He decided to give it a try and thought the food was the most delicious plate he had ever tried. One day Domitila received a message that her mother was very sick so she ran home without noticing she lost her strip from her sandal but by the time she got home her mother had passed away. Since the governor’s had loved the food she had made he decided to go look for Domitila. When he asked Malvina she gave him wrong directions so he would never find Domitilia and he can marry her daughter. Within time his father remarries Malvina which was a torture for Domitila since now she had to serve them and take care of them. After a search for Domitila the Governor smells one day the smell of food and follows it and finds Domitilia. They get marry; her father leaves Malvina and moves in with Domitilia. This book is way different then the english version of Cinderella. The book provides the readers with a Cinderella tale that is set up in the Mexican culture. The reader is able to see the culture of Mexico by the foods, language, housing, clothing, and traditions that represent the Mexican life.
Response:
I give this book 4 star rating. The illustrations on the book were so detailed and beautiful. Mexico has beautiful land and to show this on a book for children to look at is lovely. Aside from the illustrations the message around each square box where the writing was had a message in Spanish then translated in English. I felt like those messages around the square box fit well with each page because as you read that quote and then read the passage you see how well each connect with each other and then the illustration adds more information to the story. The one thing that I love was the quote from the book, “Do every task with care and always add a generous dash of love.” I love this quote because it’s true you cannot make something and expect it to come out good if there’s no love and patience to it, and that’s what my mom always tells me.
Classroom Connection:
An activity can be for students to get in groups and maybe discuss between themselves different ways they celebrate either birthday, Christmas, Halloween in their own culture. Another activity is to have each student bring either Mexican treat or Mexican food for each student to try.
Lexile: 700
Grade Level: 3rd grade
Guided Reading: Q
32 pages
This story takes place in Hidalgo, Mexico where a young girl by the name of Domitila goes to work at the Governor’s mansion as a cook to buy food for her family. When she worked at the governor’s office she was asked to make a delicious meal for the governor. Domitila decided to make “nopales.” The governor was mad about having to try the food and yelled at Domitila. He decided to give it a try and thought the food was the most delicious plate he had ever tried. One day Domitila received a message that her mother was very sick so she ran home without noticing she lost her strip from her sandal but by the time she got home her mother had passed away. Since the governor’s had loved the food she had made he decided to go look for Domitila. When he asked Malvina she gave him wrong directions so he would never find Domitilia and he can marry her daughter. Within time his father remarries Malvina which was a torture for Domitila since now she had to serve them and take care of them. After a search for Domitila the Governor smells one day the smell of food and follows it and finds Domitilia. They get marry; her father leaves Malvina and moves in with Domitilia. This book is way different then the english version of Cinderella. The book provides the readers with a Cinderella tale that is set up in the Mexican culture. The reader is able to see the culture of Mexico by the foods, language, housing, clothing, and traditions that represent the Mexican life.
Response:
I give this book 4 star rating. The illustrations on the book were so detailed and beautiful. Mexico has beautiful land and to show this on a book for children to look at is lovely. Aside from the illustrations the message around each square box where the writing was had a message in Spanish then translated in English. I felt like those messages around the square box fit well with each page because as you read that quote and then read the passage you see how well each connect with each other and then the illustration adds more information to the story. The one thing that I love was the quote from the book, “Do every task with care and always add a generous dash of love.” I love this quote because it’s true you cannot make something and expect it to come out good if there’s no love and patience to it, and that’s what my mom always tells me.
Classroom Connection:
An activity can be for students to get in groups and maybe discuss between themselves different ways they celebrate either birthday, Christmas, Halloween in their own culture. Another activity is to have each student bring either Mexican treat or Mexican food for each student to try.
Lexile: 700
Grade Level: 3rd grade
Guided Reading: Q
32 pages
December 7, 2014
One day Domitila was ordered to make a meal for the governor's son and his grandmother. The governor's son was Timoteo. Domitila served them nopales and Timoteo yelled at her for serving him "weeds", but his grandmother yelled at him for complaining about the food. Timoteo tried the nopales and the weeds turned into a delicacy. One day Domitila was told that her mother was very ill and rushed home, but her mother had passed away. Domitila cried in her room until her mother's spirit visited her. Domitila wasn't aware that the leather strip from her sandal had fallen off. One of the chiefs brought Domitila's leather strip to Timoteo and he went off to find her. Timoteo found a woman named Malvina that said she could show him directions for where he could find Domitila. Malvina tricked Timoteo by giving him wrong directions. She thought that if she could show Timoteo what a great cook her daughter is he might marry her instead of Domitila. Malvina just needed enough time to think of a plan while Timoteo is going around in circles because of Malvina's wrong directions. Malvina and her lazy daughter brought food to Domitila's house while Domitila and her father were away. When they returned they were shocked of all the food on the table. Domitila's dad married Malvina. Malvina and her lazy daughter made Domitila work and do chores all day.Timoteo was still going to the wrong directions that Malvina gave him until he smell the nopales in the air, it was coming from a fiesta. Timoteo went to fiesta in search of people to help him find Domitila. A woman from the fiesta told Timoteo that Domitila was at her mother's grave. When Timoteo went to the grave yard he spotted a girl. He asked the girl where he could find Domitila, but when he looked at her sandal the leather strip she had matched his. The girl was Domitila! Domitila gave Timoteo some nopales and they got married. Domitila wore a silk shawl. They later had children and Domitila's father moved in. Timoteo became the governor in Mexico.
The illustrations are very important because they focus on the culture. They make sure that it was imperative to show their culture. Many images are in red or white or colors that represent a country. Not too many colors are used outside of the background. The colors that are used are important to the country. I personally like this story better than the American Cinderella. I like the illustrations because they are detailed and clearly this Mexican version meant a lot to the illustrator.
The illustrations are very important because they focus on the culture. They make sure that it was imperative to show their culture. Many images are in red or white or colors that represent a country. Not too many colors are used outside of the background. The colors that are used are important to the country. I personally like this story better than the American Cinderella. I like the illustrations because they are detailed and clearly this Mexican version meant a lot to the illustrator.
October 22, 2014
In the book Domitila: A Cinderlla Tale from the Mexican Tradition by Jewell Coburn it takes place in the dry desert on a ranch in Hidalgo Mexico. A young poor Mexican girl named Domitila follows closely in her moms footsteps by always performing each task she takes on with love and care. Although sadly her mom becomes ill and cannot work, therefore Domitila sets off to find work so she can support her family. She is fortunate and finds work in the governors house as a cook. During her employment in the governors house, she never meets the governors son, Timoteo who is known as rude and snobby, but before she can meet him she must leave their house and return home since she has gotten word that her mom continues to become extremely ill. Timoteo falls deeply in love with her cooking and knowing that she has left he sets off to find the women who made these delicious Mexican dishes for him every day. On his journey he is routinely misguided by the evil Malvina who attempts to lead him to her daughter, Pereza, so that he can marry her. Throughout his journey Timoteo learns more and falls more in love with Domitila, making him become more compassionate and loving towards others. Then, Malvina's misguiding directions accidentally leads Timoteo right to Domitila where he professes his love, they get married and live happily ever after.
This Mexican version of Cinderella was intriguing and enjoyable to read. Even though the magic of the fairytale is gone, it teaches children important lessons like to everything with "care and always add a generous dash of love." As well, that we should all be generous and caring people towards others. I think the storyline is easy to understand, even with the spanish words. As well, the illustrations are mostly painted with warm colors which pair well with the warmth and love that lives within Domitila. I highly recommend parents and teachers to read this book to their children and even help them with learning the spanish words and meanings. Overall I enjoyed this version of Cinderella greatly and thought it was an intriguing book with much to teach.
This Mexican version of Cinderella was intriguing and enjoyable to read. Even though the magic of the fairytale is gone, it teaches children important lessons like to everything with "care and always add a generous dash of love." As well, that we should all be generous and caring people towards others. I think the storyline is easy to understand, even with the spanish words. As well, the illustrations are mostly painted with warm colors which pair well with the warmth and love that lives within Domitila. I highly recommend parents and teachers to read this book to their children and even help them with learning the spanish words and meanings. Overall I enjoyed this version of Cinderella greatly and thought it was an intriguing book with much to teach.
October 31, 2012
Domitila is the beautiful Mexican version of Cinderella. Domitila comes from a very poor family who needs for her to leave to go cook at the Governor's house. Before she leaves, her mother gives her one piece of advice, "Remember, my daughter, what my mother told me and her mother told her. Do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love." One day, she is ordered to cook and makes her specialty nopales. At first the governor's son complains because it is some weed, but when he tastes it he repents of what he says because of how delicious it is! While there, her mom becomes very ill forcing her to return home to find that she has passed away. Devastated, she returns home where her father has remarried to Malvina, who is mean and set out to become rich. The governor's son has to find the girl, and is only left with her shoe strap. It is Malvina who throws him off course, but he eventually finds his way to Domitila, and they fall in love and become married. The front cover shows the beauty in Domitila and the simpleness her life entails. There is also a picture of the nopales which is what helps the governor's son to fall in love with her. On each page with words, there is a piece of wisdom about love around the text in both Spanish and English. This is a beautiful rendition of Cinderella and would be great to compare this and the version Americans know.
April 19, 2013
2.5
Besides being entirely too long, this story is a bit confusing and the characters behave in bizarre ways. Domitila seems more blank than most Cinderellas. Timoteo (the Prince Charming character) is selfish and rude and obviously has a change of heart on his journey to find Domitila, but readers are never told why. Furthermore, why he would endure such a long, arduous journey when he was so unpleasant to begin with is a mystery. When he and Domitila meet for the second time, it seems bizarre that Domitila would fall in love with him, given his prior behavior.
The Spanish and English proverbs that border the pages were a lovely choice and the illustrations very much provoke a sense of place and the culture of the story, but I found the illustrations of Domitila in particular unsatisfying. However, I appreciate the fact that the illustrato portrayed the characters as having brown skin, as opposed to Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story, a better told version of the Mexican Cinderella story, but one in which most of the characters are remarkably pale and there is little skin tone variation.
I would recommend this book for children 6+ and used along with other Cinderella tales rather than read on its own.
Besides being entirely too long, this story is a bit confusing and the characters behave in bizarre ways. Domitila seems more blank than most Cinderellas. Timoteo (the Prince Charming character) is selfish and rude and obviously has a change of heart on his journey to find Domitila, but readers are never told why. Furthermore, why he would endure such a long, arduous journey when he was so unpleasant to begin with is a mystery. When he and Domitila meet for the second time, it seems bizarre that Domitila would fall in love with him, given his prior behavior.
The Spanish and English proverbs that border the pages were a lovely choice and the illustrations very much provoke a sense of place and the culture of the story, but I found the illustrations of Domitila in particular unsatisfying. However, I appreciate the fact that the illustrato portrayed the characters as having brown skin, as opposed to Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story, a better told version of the Mexican Cinderella story, but one in which most of the characters are remarkably pale and there is little skin tone variation.
I would recommend this book for children 6+ and used along with other Cinderella tales rather than read on its own.
October 4, 2011
Opinion: This was an ok book that was a slightly different twist on the typical Cinderella tale. Domitila never goes to find her prince charming. She happens to be a cook in his kitchen. He went looking for her because of her cooking, and then in turn fell in love with her. I really liked the proverbs along the book that are both in English and Spanish that go along with the story.
Summary: Domitila is a Mexican girl who lives with her family along the Sierra Madre Mountains. When her home is ruined, she goes to work for the governor and his family. One day, she cooks for the Governors son. At first, he is rude and unappreciative until he tastes her food. That night Domitila leaves to see her sick mother. Timoteo, the son, searches for her, and along the way discovers why she is so special. They are married and live happily ever after.
Grades: K+
Red Flags: None
Background Needed: None
Cultural Links: This book provides readers with a Cinderella Tale that is set in the Mexican culture. The foods, language, housing, clothing, and traditions are set to represent the Mexican life.
School Links:
- Cinderella comparisons of stories from other cultures.
- Proverb studies
- History search: When could this book have been set in during history?
- Write your own Cinderella Tale
Summary: Domitila is a Mexican girl who lives with her family along the Sierra Madre Mountains. When her home is ruined, she goes to work for the governor and his family. One day, she cooks for the Governors son. At first, he is rude and unappreciative until he tastes her food. That night Domitila leaves to see her sick mother. Timoteo, the son, searches for her, and along the way discovers why she is so special. They are married and live happily ever after.
Grades: K+
Red Flags: None
Background Needed: None
Cultural Links: This book provides readers with a Cinderella Tale that is set in the Mexican culture. The foods, language, housing, clothing, and traditions are set to represent the Mexican life.
School Links:
- Cinderella comparisons of stories from other cultures.
- Proverb studies
- History search: When could this book have been set in during history?
- Write your own Cinderella Tale
January 11, 2018
Maybe too text-heavy for Cinderella Around the World program.
April 13, 2015
This book was good but quite long. Its a Cinderella tale from the Mexican Tradition. Domitila is sent to cook for a rich family after her house is destroyed in a storm and she must help provide for her parents. Her mother gets sick and she has to leave her chief job,but she caught the attention of the grandson she cooked for. She left a buckle from her sandal at their house and he sends out to find his love. This book has very complex sentence structure and would probably be best for independent reading for grades 3-5. The book also includes literary elements such as similes and also uses some Spanish words.
January 1, 2016
A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition is set in the desert where adobe houses and cacti reign the plains. It is kind Domitila’s delicious nopale (cactus) dish that wins the heart of a cold-hearted, mean, politician’s son, Timoteo. After tasting the nopale dish, Timoteo falls in love with the poor cook and travels throughout the town of Hidalgo in search for her. The villains in this story are also a stepmother and stepsister. The evil stepmother, Malvina, (mal meaning bad or evil in Spanish) and her daughter Pereza (means lazy in Spanish) send Timoteo on a wild goose chase for the girl of his dreams.
April 1, 2014
This is a wonderful take off of the classic Cinderella story. I like it because it has Mexican traditions in it and the illustrations are wonderful. But i did think the story was a little long and would be hard to keep the attention of most children.
I would use this book to teach a multicultural unit on Cinderella's from around the world.In cooperative groups, children will write their own version of the story of Cinderella and share with the class.
Students will draw pictures for each story and write a short paragraph
describing the two different versions.
I would use this book to teach a multicultural unit on Cinderella's from around the world.In cooperative groups, children will write their own version of the story of Cinderella and share with the class.
Students will draw pictures for each story and write a short paragraph
describing the two different versions.
February 11, 2011
I loved the way the author took the "cinderella" concept and applied it to this Mexican tale. It was about a girl who lived with her mother and her mother taught her how to cook and clean so well that one day a male guest came over and wanted to know who cooked the food. Domitila did. He then became interested in her. The book was also sad because her mom passed away. The book had beautiful illustrations.
February 28, 2012
A Mexican Cinderella tale originating from Hidalgo, Mexico and passed down through generations. Some familiarity with Mexican culture is needed to fully understand the story. Spanish words are not defined within the text but there is a glossary at the back. This Cinderella story is unique in that there are no magical elements. Domitilia wins the heart of the Govenor's son through the love that she puts into every task she does. Beautiful, bright, paintings wonderfully compliment the text.
June 6, 2011
The illustrations by Connie McLennan were quite beautiful, and I was curious to see the Latin American take on the Cinderella theme, and while I enjoyed the book as a whole, the machismo the male character portrays and the subservient nature of the lead left something to be desired for this Americanized Latin American kid.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews