Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story

by Robert D. San Souci, Daniel San Souci (Illustrator)

Once, an Ojibwa man whose wife had died raised three daughters alone. The two older girls were lazy and bad-tempered, and made their youngest sister do all the work. When the flames from the cooking fire singed her hair or burned her skin, they laughed and called her Sootface.



While she worked, Sootface dreamed that one day she would find a husband. Then a mighty warrior with the power to make himself invisible decides to marry. Only a woman with a kind and honest heart could see him, and be his bride.



Though her sisters ridicule her, Sootface sets off to try her luck, never looking back. Her courage and good nature bring her the husband she has longed for.

Genres: Picture Books, Cinderella, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Native American, Folklore, Cultural

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1994

About the author

Robert Daniel San Souci (October 10, 1946 – December 19, 2014) was a multiple award-winning children's book author, who resided in San Francisco, California. He often worked with his brother, Daniel San Souci, a children's book illustrator. He was a consultant to Disney Studios and was instrumental in the production of the film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He studied folklore in graduate school. He died after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco in December 2014. He was only 68 years old.

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ojibwa version of Cinderella, it reminds me a lot of another picture book, The Rough-Face Girl. My students enjoyed this Canadian Cinderella story!

[Marquise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but it's basically just the same exact Native American "Cinderella" folktale as in Rafe Martin's The Rough-Face Girl with practically no changes at all. However, I'd say Martin's retelling is much better both because of the author's style benefitting the storytelling, adding some touches that make it better, and because the artwork is much more gorgeous than in this one, where it's rather dull.

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story” is a brilliant Native American version of “Cinderella” retold by Robert D. San Souci along with beautiful illustrations by Daniel San Souci. In this version, a young girl named Sootface is mistreated by her two older sisters, but when a mighty warrior wanted to marry a woman who can see him when he is invisible, Sootface realizes that true beauty lies within. “Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story” is a beautiful retelling of one of the most beloved fairy tales ever created and will be an instant treat for children.

Robert D. San Souci has done a terrific job at retelling this old Native American tale as he makes the story both dramatic and tender at the same time. The audience can easily feel sympathy for Sootface as she has to endure hardship from her sisters and the village because of her appearance, however Sootface teaches children about the importance of having a kind heart as Sootface tries to overcome the cruelness of her sisters to have her dreams come true. Daniel San Souci’s illustrations are just simply beautiful and amazing as it truly captures the true spirit of the Native American culture as the characters wear colorful skin robes to define their personalities. The image that stood out the most was the image of Sootface herself as she definitely does look dirty since her hair is frizzy and her clothes are worn and torn since she has to do all the work at her home. However, Sootface still have an extremely beautiful face which strongly proves the book’s point in how true beauty lies within.

Parents should know that Sootface’s sisters are cruel towards her to the point where they smear ashes on Sootface’s face without a second thought. Parents should tell their children who have brothers and sisters that it is not right to mistreat your sibling and that you should always treat your siblings with respect.

“Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story” is a beautiful retelling of “Cinderella” that many children who are interested in Native American folktales will enjoy for many years. I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since there are some terms in this book that younger children would have problems with.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The youngest of the three daughters of a widowed hunter, Sootface was made to do all of the hard work by her elder sisters, and ridiculed for the dirty appearance that resulted from her constant attendance to the fire. Despite this mistreatment, and her poor appearance, she never gave up on her dream of finding a husband. When the mysterious invisible hunter who lived across the stream from her village announced that he would marry any maiden who could see him, and describe his bow, every girl in the village made an attempt to win him as husband, all to no avail. Then Sootface, clothed only in the finery provided by the forest, crossed the river and, through her kind and honest heart, won her heart's desire...

One of a number of picture-book retellings of this widespread Native American folktale with which I am familiar - see also: Rafe Martin's The Rough-Face Girl and Terri Cohlene's Little Firefly: An Algonquian Legend - Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story pairs an engaging story from author Robert D. San Souci with appealing artwork from illustrator Daniel San Souci. According to the author's brief note, the sources consulted for this telling include C.G. Leland's Algonquin Legends of New England , E.N. Patridge's Glooscap the Great Chief and Other Stories of the Micmacs , and Idries Shah's World Tales . The artwork was meticulously created after research at the Anthropology Department of UCLA, and reflects the clothing, design and setting of an 18th-century Ojibwa village. I have not yet read the Rafe Martin telling of this tale, but I can certainly say that I infinitely preferred this version from the San Soucis to that done by Cohlene, which I have also reviewed. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, and to readers interested in the 'Cinderella' tale type in world lore.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis
Sootface is the third daughter of an Ojibwa widower. Her two older sisters treat Sootface very badly, forcing her to cook, clean, and do all of their chores while they take credit One day the sister of the Invisible warrior told the villagers that her brother was ready to take a wife but would only marry the first girl who could tell her what his bow and bowstring was made of. Slowly each of the village girls don their finest gowns and make the trip to the warrior’s house only to be turned away. One day Sootface’s two sisters decide to make the trip but are each rejected after offering the incorrect answer. Lonely and hopeful that she might find a husband and escape her sister’s Sootface decides to try her luck and see if she could answer the hunter’s question. After being told she could not borrow a clean dress or have any help getting ready to visit the hunter, Sootface crafts herself a dress of white birch bark and weaves a garland of flowers in her hair. Sootface then visits the hunter’s house and wins a husband, leaving her sisters to bemoan her luck and the village to know her true worth and beauty.

Review
I enjoyed the book. The illustrations by Daniel San Souci are very detailed and take pains to represent the Ojibwa people in a non-biased or racially incorrect manner (i.e. wrong clothing). The print might be a bit hard for young readers to master, as it’s rather small and condensed closely together on sharp white backgrounds (Or I might be getting old).

[Charles Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book is that Sootface doesn't require magic to pull herself together to find a man. Instead, it is her own ingenuity and pure heart that help her attain him. This distinction is something I would focus upon with students. I would then introduce symbolism throughout the book. For example, the mighty warrior's bow of rainbow and white fire represents his a openness, acceptance, and strength. I would have each student create his or her own special bows representing the qualities that distinguish them.

[Jaclyn Giordano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story, retold by Robert D. San Souci, is a picture book intended for readers in preschool through grade three. I gave it five stars. In this story, Sootface is made to do the chores and all of the work of her two older sisters. Sootface, however, is rewarded for her kind heart with the love of a powerful and mighty warrior who is invisible until his true love sees him. Sootface wins his love (after many have tried, lied, and failed) because only she can pass his marriage test: to truly see the warrior and tell what his magic bow is made of. The illustrations in this text are colorful and full of natural elements. They represent and give brilliant color to many Native American objects and ideas: the rainbow, canoes, moccasins, birch trees, and traditional headdresses and clothing. This text teaches readers of all ages that love may try to come in many dishonest ways, but only true love comes honestly and can see and do things that others cannot. The beautiful integration of text and illustration gives this book a glimpse into the Native American traditions, culture, and way of life.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retelling of a fairy tale not very like Cinderella (there being a lot of tales where the heroine is treated badly by her family in the opening), where the heroine has to pass a test of ability before she wins to her happy ending.

A well-done treatment.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A North American version of the classic Cinderella story.
This book has wonderful illustrations. I feel like I learned a lot about Ojibwe culture just from looking at the pictures.

[Meggie Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an Ojibwa Cinderella story. It tells the story of a man whose wife has died and he raised three daughters alone. The two older girls are lazy and bad-tempered, and make their youngest sister do all the work. When the flames from the cooking fire singe her hair or burn her skin, they laugh and call her Sootface. Sootface dreams of the day she will marry and be able to leave her life behind. Eventually a mighty warrior with the power to make himself invisible decides to marry. Only a woman with a kind and honest heart will be able to see him, and be his bride. Even though her sisters ridicule her, Sootface sets off to try her luck, never looking back.

As a child I loved the story but now as a grown woman I see some pretty big problems with it. While I love the idea of an indigenous version of Cinderella I guess I take issue with the whole idea of "Cinderella" to begin with--a story that teaches children that the best thing is life is getting married and finding a spouse. There are so many more worthwhile pursuits. Part of me wishes Sootface set out to become a mighty warrior herself rather than to marry one.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sootface is a Native American version of Cinderella. It is about a young girl named Sootface, who is treated terribly by her two older sisters. But a hunter, who no one has ever seen, tells his sister to go to the town and tell the people that the first woman to see him will be the one he takes as his wife.
Many woman try, including Sootface's two older sisters, but all fail to see the invisible hunter. Except for Sootface, she is the only one able to see the hunter and so she becomes his wife.

This is a wonderful retelling of a classic tale and a nice story, with a happy ending.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful 'Cinderella' rendition that is told as an Ojibwa tale with matching colorful pictures.

For those who haven't explored the world of Cinderella the story can be refreshing as it is simple and different . But for those who like the similarities this one will be found lacking in the famous story elements.

I can't wait to compare it with "The Rough-Faced Girl"....

[Ainy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Illustrations, and I admired Sootface's courage and unrelenting will.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read this story before now with another illustrator and have it in my personal library. But, hey, when has that ever prevented bibliophiles from getting multiple versions of the same story?

Sootface is an Ojibwa version of the Cinderella tale. She’s made to slave for her two haughty, nasty older sisters and frequently gets soot from the fire on her face. The trial comes when it’s time for her to seek a husband. Unlike Perrault’s Cinderella, Sootface doesn’t want to go to some ball. She wants a husband and is always mumbling on about it. So besides being a doormat she has no higher aspirations than leaving her father’s home to shunt herself into that of another man’s.

Okay, she’s not a model for feminism. So let’s concentrate on the illustrations, which are great. They are mostly shades of brown with more colorful details here and there. But they are vivid in their realism and insight into the ancient Ojibwa way of life. The verso pages are large print words bordered by elaborately decorated strips. The recto pages are lovely encapsulations of the story. They’re not heavy on intricate detail but they don’t need to be. If you’re a fan of San Souci illustrations, here’s another terrific addition to your library…I mean, your child’s library.

[Leila · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this Ojibwa tribe retelling of Cinderella, the sisters are not stepsisters at all but her sisters by birth. There is also no stepmother. This story is simply three sisters, the two elder unkind to the youngest. The youngest wishes for nothing except to be married, but because of the cruel treatment of her sisters, she is not beautiful. An invisible warrior from across the lake sends his sister to the neighboring tribe that whomever can see her brother will become his bride. All the women try, including Sootface's sisters, but their lies expose them and they are sent away in shame. When Sootface is the only one who can correctly identify the workmanship of the invisible warrior's bow, she is kindly taken in by his sister and becomes the warrior's wife. My favorite part of this story is when Sootface is cared for by her new sister-in-law and she exclaims, "You have made me beautiful," to which the new sister says, "Your beauty was merely hidden beneath the scars and ashes." Very Johnny Lingo-esque. Love it!

[RLL22018_ Delashay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story tells the folk tale in a supernatural account. An invisible warrior searched for a wife, she would have to be kind hearten to see him. Dawn Light who was once called sootface, after the smoke and ash that covered her was the perfect match.

Sootface is not just another rendition of a father blindness to the abuse of a daughter, but a story of discovering your true self. As the author dresses Sootface in the naturalism of the forest, the illustrator captures each moment. The water colored pastels created the traditional look the indigenous people of the Ojibwa tribe was known for.

I would recommend this book for children grades 3rd -8th. Because the wording and picture has a more mature feel, I think this grade level will appreciate the story more. There are so many adaptations of Cinderella. As a book study, I would have the children to compare and contrast the different versions.

[Taylor Relacion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sootface is about a girl who was the youngest of two sisters. They had sootface do all their work, they beat her, the cooking fire singed her hair and burned her skin. She dreamed that one day she would find a husband, but her sisters laughed at her. Then an invisible handsome man was seeking a kind woman who could see him and the bow he possessed. Women from the village came to seek him, but none could. Sootface was the only one to see him and they eventually get married. I would say that this book could be used for grades 4 through 6 because it is a little content heavy, lots of words on the pages.
I would use this book in my classroom because it could be used to introduce culture and compare it to the classic cinderella story, students can notice the similarities and differences of the Cinderella in different cultures. I did like this book because it was a different retelling of the Cinderella story and it sends a beautiful message about inner beauty.

[bell]

I remember this book specifically because of the line, "Her hair is too short for braids"; the invisible man version of Prince Charming and his super gay pride bow; and the fact that she uses white bark from trees to make an entire freaking dress and how I used to try to do that as a kid to replicate hers.

Analysis: Interesting that the hunter's sister takes Sootface away to "beautify" her before she officially meets the hunter. I think it would've sent a different message had the hunter embraced her just as she is, without her needing a makeover. Also, "[Sootface] found her hurt and sadness washed away as easily as the ashes on her face." ???? So, beauty will solve everything?? Even for years worth of abuse and emotional trauma??? Mmhmm, okay.
Outer beauty is a reward for kindness.

[Maddy Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional literature
Date: 10-22
Grade Range: 3-6

I love this take on Cinderella. It's from a native american perspective, but there really is no fairy godmother role. Sootface makes herself a dress from the finery of the forest and gets laughed at when she says she is going to see the hunter where all others have failed to see him. She sees him and his bow and proves the villagers wrong. The Cinderella character is more brave and daring and does not hide behind the glass slippers and the fancy dresses. She comes as she is and does her best. I love the tale. I wish I had had this book growing up because I am sure it would have been one of my favorites.

[Amber Logue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar to The Rough-Face Girl this story tells the story of Sootface, a girl that has been scarred by her sisters. Everyone wants to marry the man across the river, but you must be able to see him to marry him. After numerous failed attempts by others, Sootface sees the man. Her scars are healed by his sister, and they marry. This story would work well with middle elementary to practice their comparing and contrasting skills.

[Liz Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm slightly hesistent about using this story as neither author nor illustrator are Native American. I'm not a fan of the illustrations and I prefer the work of Robert San Souci when paired up with Jerry or Brian Pinkney. I might use this if I was doing a fairy-folk-tale unit but I would probably seek out a version that is more culturally relevant.

[Conner Klostermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sootface is based on Cinderella. Sootface lived with her two evil stepsisters. She dreamed about finding love. One day a warrior came and wanted to marry a woman who saw him for who he was. He wanted someone that could see him when he was invisible. Sootface than fell in love with the warrior to due to kindhearted self. This is a great children's book with beautiful illustrations.

[Emily Smithberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional Fantasy
Grade Range: Middle Grades (4-6)
I really liked this version of a Cinderella story. It was very culturally rich, which I liked because it was very different from what readers are used to. I also liked the illustrations of this book, they added to the understanding of the story.

[Alyssa Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age group: k-3rd
Genre: Traditional fantasy

This book was such a twist on the original Cinderella. It was so fun to read and to see how different cultures tell the story of Cinderella. Sootface is Cinderella in this story and there version of a fairy god mother is Wig-mans sister because she makes her pretty. I like this book because it is a different way to approach the happy ending.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm doing a Fairy Tale themed Pajama Storytime next month and I rediscovered this one while deciding which books to use for that program. While this one is probably too long for a read aloud, it's definitely one I want to recommend on the take-home handout I make for my program. This is one I read as a kid and I liked it back then, and I like it just as much now.

[Isaac Anderson]

This book was a very good book. it was a native american version of cinderella. it kapt me reading and i recomend it. i think you should read it. the girl was looking for an invisible man. I rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars. it was ok.

[Dan Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb, realistic illustrations based on historic and archaeological research elevate this retelling of the Ojibwa "Cinderella." San Souci's characterization is strong, but it bothered me that Sootface described herself as ugly. All ends happily, of course.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and simple retelling a cinderella! I definitely would recommend this short sweet story!! This is a cute, kid book that I am going to read to my sisters tomorrow because it was so cute!!

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author isn't Ojibwa, and I can't verify anywhere that this is a faithful retelling of an Ojibwa legend. It's an okayish picture book, but it claims to be from a culture that author is not a part of, and I just can't feel good about that.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely good and in the same vein as the English one.