Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella

by Robert D. San Souci, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

A Caldecott Honor–winning author–illustrator team brings us a Caribbean Cinderella story, told from the perspective of the magical godmother.

You may think you already know this story about a beautiful servant girl, a cruel stepmother, a magnificent ball, and a lost slipper. But you’ve never heard it for true.

Now you can hear the tale from someone who was a poor washerwoman from the island of Martinique. She has just one thing in the world to love, her goddaughter Cendrillon. When she finds Cendrillon heartsick over a rich man’s son, at first she doesn’t know what to do. But she has sharp wits, a strong will, and the magic wand her mother left her—and soon she has a plan to give her dear Cendrillon the gift of a love that will change her life.

Adapted from a traditional Creole story, this fresh retelling captures all the age-old romance and magic of Cinderella, melding it with the vivid beauty of the Caribbean and the musical language of the islands.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Childrens, Fantasy, Cultural, Fiction

40 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

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

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many different versions of “Cinderella” during my time, but this is the first time I have heard of a Caribbean version of the classic fairy tale! “Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella” is a unique retelling of the classic fairy tale by Robert D. San Souci along with illustrations by Brian Pinkney and it is about a young woman named Cendrillon who, with the help of her godmother, tries to go to the ball to meet the handsome prince! “Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella” is a brilliant retelling of the classic Cinderella tale that everyone will love!

I have really enjoyed this version of the classic fairy tale! Robert D. San Souci has, as usual, done an excellent job at retelling this French-Caribbean folktale and what I really loved about Robert D. San Souci's writing is that it is told from the godmother's point of view. This aspect of the story was quite unusual for me since I have always read the story from Cinderella's point of view and this was the first time that I have read a version of Cinderella from the godmother's point of view. I really did enjoy seeing the story told from the fairy godmother's point of view because it really helped me see how close the godmother was to Cendrillon and you gain a better understanding of the story if it is told from a first person's point of view. Another aspect of the story I really loved was how the godmother was so close to Cendrillon that you can see the relationship as more like a mother and daughter relationship and it made the book so heartwarming to read through. As I love to read in various fairy tales and folktales that originate from other countries, I was glad that there was a French Creole translation key at the end of the book since it really helped me understand the story much better and I love learning about languages from different countries, so this was a treat to read! Brian Pinkney's illustrations are beyond beautiful in this book as all the characters look extremely realistic yet colorful at the same time. I loved the scratchy look that Brian Pinkney provided to the illustrations since it really made the illustrations stand out. My favorite illustration int his book was of the mansion of Monsieur Thibault as his mansion is huge and is surrounded by palm trees and flowers and the purple sky really brought out the true beauty of seeing a lit up mansion at night!



Overall, “Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella” is a fantastic retelling of Cinderella that every child who love fairy tales will definitely enjoy for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the French Creole language might be hard for younger children to understand.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this version of Cinderella because the "bad" people aren't associated with being "ugly" and being pretty doesn't make you the good one. Yes, Cinderella is beautiful in her dress, but there's no emphasis on ugly step sisters or step mother. The step mother is "puffed up proud" because of her family's origins, which I would actually consider to be a "flaw" in a person. Being ugly isn't a character flaw. That's what really bugs me about most Cinderella stories.

Also, the godmother is a person (not a fairy) and is the narrator, which gives the story a nice feel.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and interesting retelling of Cinderella with a Caribbean flare. The French-Creole vocabulary is used skillfully; fits with the flow of the story rather than being frustrating or jarring. The glossary in the back explains anything that one couldn't gather via context. Also appreciated the story being told from the Godmother's point-of-view; a charming variation and I liked that she and Cindrillon had a long-established bond.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cendrillon suffers under the hand of her cruel stepmother in this Caribbean Cinderella story, set on Martinique. Narrated by Cendrillon's godmother, the narrative here describes how the eponymous young girl is dressed in tatters and made to work, when her lazy stepsister is given everything. When a ball is given for the handsome Paul, the son of the wealthy Monsieur Thibault, Cendrillon longs to attend, and her godmother makes it possible, through the use of the magic wand she inherited from her mother. But will one night of enchantment be enough? And will Cendrillon get what she truly wants - the sincere love of Paul, unaided by any magic...?

The second picture-book I have read from author Robert D. San Souci and illustrator Brian Pinkney, following upon their The Faithful Friend , which also contained a folktale from Martinique, Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella was adapted from a story in Turiault's 1874 Étude sur le langage créole de la Martinique. The author used a number of other sources to expand the story in an authentic way, including Patrick Chamoiseau's 1994 Creole Folktales , a collection I have read and greatly enjoyed. I found the story here engaging, and appreciated the fact that it was narrated by the fairy godmother - an unusual choice! I also found the scratchboard illustrations quite lovely. Recommended to young fairy-tale lovers, to readers seeking folktales from Martinique, and to those interested in Cinderella variants.

[La Booktillaise (Elodie-Aude) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une histoire adorable comme tout. Elle est du point de vue de la marraine et je ne m’y attendais pas du tout ensuite, j'ai souris de la première page à la dernière face aux mots utilisés…. que je connais : fruit à pain, manicou, ballerine, gwoka, sorbet (en plus des illustrations et donc des tenues traditionnelles de chez moi/nous).

Ce conte reprends bien entendu les codes de l'histoire de Cendrillon mais avec un gros PLUS à mes yeux en tant qu'antillaise. Je garderai ce livre précieusement et si j'ai des enfants un jour, c’est CETTE version de Cendrillon qu'ils connaîtront.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting take on CINDERELLA.

What I enjoyed as much as the Caribbean take and flavor, was the the story was told from the perspective of the godmother. Here, she's not so much a fairy, and a kindly lady in Cendrillon's life, who has inherited a magic rod of wood.

I liked the way elements of the traditional tale were woven in, and I liked how the author seamlessly wove in his won take.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

To check out my reviews: http://dancinginth3dark.blogspot.com

I need everyone to stop with what you are doing and read this beautiful and cultural story of an iconic classic of Cinderella. Except this is the Caribbean version! :)

I read this book in the 4th grade as it was featured in our textbook and I loved everything that dealt with fairy tales back then so I was hooked on it from the beginning. Until I started noticing the differences that I was a bit disappointed but reading it now felt amazing and a fresh of breath air for a classic story. Everyone on the planet knows the story of Cinderella, there's Disney's versions, films, musicals, books, and cartoons that illustrate this classic. My favorite version of Cinderella is the Whitney Houston and Brandy version of the Musical.

We meet the narrator of the story which is godmother of Cendrillon. When the narrator mothers passed away, she gave her this magic wand that could change objects from one thing to another but the big catch is you can only use the magic for someone you love. She took care of this friend who has a daughter named Cendrillon and when the mother passed away in many ways the godmother takes care of Cendrillon from afar.

Cendrillon gets a new stepmother and she is awful and the interesting aspect is the father lets the abuse because he is afraid of his new wife. Um... The question that pops in my head is then WHY DID YOU MARRY HER? He never dies in the book which I found to be a huge difference in the book and a bit sad that you don't have the courage to stand up and defend your daughter.

Cendrillon is treated as a slave and while that may seem tragic she never lets the pain and frustration get personal and enjoys life to the fullest. Then one day the godmother makes the connection that Cendrillon is not acting like herself and figures out that there's a special birthday party/ball for Monsieur Thibault's son Paul tonight. They are not royalty but Monsieur Thibault is one of the richest man in the island.

Cendrillon family doesn't permit her to attend the ball but the godmother makes the connection that she can finally use the magic wand to help her godchild. When everyone in Cendrillon household leaves to the party, the godmother uses her magic and creates a phenomenal carriage and a beautiful gown for Cendrillon and both head to the party.

The illustrations are one of the best I have ever seen in a children's book and make the magic and beauty of both the Carribean and Cendrillon story to pop out with color and her dress is spectacular in the illustrations better than the Disney animated version.

Plus I love the aspect that the godmother is always watching over Cendrillon and by attending the ball she doesn't appear like this crazy woman who popped out of nowhere and has magical powers. I do not know for other cultures but especially the Hispanic community, most huge parties that are celebrated in someone's household, if a girl that hasn't reached the age of 18 and wants to attend she cannot go by herself. It seems impolite, prevents the girl to be alone with a boy, and poor manners on the parents part. I can only speak for the Cuban side and I've seen this happen countless times in my upbringing.

This story reminded me a lot of the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore? I used to watch it countless times as a child and I believe because it was a Cinderella story I was just entranced with real people. What I loved about that movie is the magic aspect doesn't exist so she gets caught when she attends the party. I had the same feeling and I thought Cendrillon would get caught at the ball but I believe since she never cleaned herself up and put makeup and all the beautiful aspect of getting dressed up, it possible that her family didn't recognize her or they were suspicious as to who is this beautiful woman who walked in.

You know the rest of the story of Cinderella so there isn't much left to explain. Midnight comes and all the magic disappears. Surprisingly the slippers don't revert back to its original state and Paul makes the decision that he will search for this girl and marry her. I love how the author made the reference to the original story and in many ways insulted it at the same time. When the stepsister is trying on the slipper, the godmother says maybe if you cut of her toes it will finally fit and the stepmother gave a look that could kill. I was laughing immediately because that's the original story of Cinderella. Once Cendrillon tries on the slippers they get married, lived Happily Ever After, The End.

[Kayla Rhome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot Summary
-This traditional literature tale based off of Cinderella is the Caribbean tale written by Robert D. San Douci. This tale is told in the perspective of a poor washerwoman who looks after a young girl named Cendrillon. Cendrillon lives with her father’s new wife and her two daughters. Her stepmother works her very hard and always makes Cendrillon do the work. Nothing was easy for Cendrillon at home, but she always had a smile that lit up the sky and everyone loved her, except her stepmother and sisters. One day, she was very sad and the washerwoman asked what was wrong. Cendrillon wanted to go the ball and see Paul (her crush), but she was not allowed. Only the stepmother and sisters could go. The washerwoman used her wand and makes Cendrillon all dressed up. She has Cendrillon find a breadfruit to make the carriage and then uses her wand for 6 horses and men. Cendrillon went to the ball and the washerwoman told her she had to be back before midnight when her spells would run out. Paul ask Cendrillon to dance and paid no attention to anyone except her that night. Cendrillon was so happy and then it was nearing midnight and she had to take off and Paul was yelling because he didn’t even know her name. Cendrillon had left behind one of her slippers. Once they got far enough away their spells ran out and they were back in their washerwoman clothing, all except Cendrillon’s pink slipper. The next few days Cendrillon was sick with a broken heart until, Paul found her matched her slipper to her foot and they lived happily ever after.

Literary Merit:
-The literary element that is noteworthy to this story is the style of incorporating the culture of Caribbean into a classic tale of Cinderella. This is a very key element because it helps introduce other ways of telling classic tales using different cultures to younger children. Robert D. San Souci did a great job at telling this tale using the Caribbean culture.

Reader Response/Classroom Connection:
-To connect this to my classroom, prior in the week I would have read another illustrated version of Cinderella and each day of the week I would find different cultured books of Cinderella to tell. At the end of the week I would put my students into various groups and assign them two of the books we read and give them manipulatives. I would tell my children to create a Venn diagram comparing the two books that I assigned them and then each group would present them to the class. This would discuss the different cultures and different aspects of each Cinderella story. I would invite my class to compare and contrast two different versions of Cinderella, paying attention to the cultures.

[Ch13_julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cendrillion" is a Caribbean twist on the classic Cinderella story. This version tells the story of a poor washer-woman and her god daughter, Cendrillion. The story takes place on the island of Martinique. For the most part it follows the classic fairytale, but the author includes the beautiful Creole language and a few details that pay tribute to the Caribbean culture.

Pinkney's illustrations for this book are breathtaking and vibrant! I believe he used both scratchboard and watercolor to complete the illustrations. The colors and textures add to the fairytale and also allow readers to visualize the cultural aspect of this book. Each page has a detailed illustration that brings the words to life. The illustrations also help to explain some of the Creole language, which might be new to many reading this book.

This would be a great book to use with any kids from ages kindergarten- fourth grade. One neat text feature of this book is that it includes a glossary in the back of the book to explain all of the Creole/French terms that are used to tell the story. It is told from the God Mother's point of view and this adds an interesting element to this version of the classic Cinderella tale. It would be great to use it in a Fairy Tale Unit. Students would have an opportunity to compare and contrast this version with other variants of the Cinderella story. It also provides students will an opportunity to learn about the Caribbean culture and language. I would also recommend sharing the author's note in the back of the book with any readers. It gives important background knowledge and explanations behind this story.

[Melissa Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so many versions of Cinderella. Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella written by Robert D. San Souci and was published in 1998. It is similar to the "original" Cinderella that we are all aware of. This version does have a few twists. Cendrillon makes sure to adjust the Cinderella story to the Caribbean culture. This version is told by a narrator, who is the caretaker of Cendrillon. We are introduced to this narrator early in the story because we learn a little bit of her life living in poverty before she finds work with Cendrillon's mom.

I enjoyed this version of Cinderella because of the culture differences and the twists it has. This version starts a completely different way then the Cinderella we know. This was probably my favorite version of Cinderella.

This version of Cinderella could be used in classrooms 1-3 grade. This version of Cinderella could be used with the "original" version of Cinderella to compare and contrast the two versions. Students could even compare the culture similarities and differences as well.

[Yesenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

" Cendrillon A Caribbean Cinderella" by Robert D. San Souci illustrated by Brian Pinkney this story is very non traditional from the Disney Cinderella..The author tells the story from the first person. The author focuses on telling the real version of Cinderella it a story based on a beautiful servant girl. The story is told from the perspective of the grandmother.For the most part it follows the classic fairytale ,but the author includes Creole language and the context may be difficult for children to understand. It a great book to read aloud to younger students who are being introduced to folk literature form different countries.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful version of Cinderella, told with a Caribbean flair and incorporates West Indian culture and costumes. Our girls really enjoyed this story.

[L-Crystal Wlodek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cendrillon is a French Creole adaptation of the traditional Cinderella set in the Caribbean as is recommended for children in kindergarten through third grade. The story is told in first person, from the point of view of Cendrillon's godmother. The story is quite different from the traditional tale. Cendillion’s godmother has a magic wand made of mahogany, which she can only use to help someone she truly loves. Her godmother uses the wand to make Cendrillon a beautiful gown and carriage so she can go to the ball. The prince and Cendrillion fall in love at the ball, and the prince uses the pink slipper Cendrillion leaves at the ball to find his true love. As always, the prince and Cindrillion get married and live happily ever after.

This is a heartwarming story filled with the themes of love, romance, passion, and the feeling of living happily ever after. This was a unique telling since it was told from the view of the grandmother. This story is also interesting in the fact that it includes an explanation about the source of the cultural material included, as well a note about the changes made when writing this version. The Caribbean language and culture was included throughout the book, and the glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book was also a nice addition. Brian Pinkney’s illustrations were done in scratchboard, gouache and oil paints and illustrate the flavor and culture of the island well. The bright colors used bring this story to life, as they are very colorful, detailed, and show emotion. Overall, this is a very interesting and culturally sound version of the Caribbean Cinderella.

[Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cendrillion by Robert D. San Souci is a story that is another version of Cinderella. Cendrillion worked as a washerwoman, who scrubbed other people's sheets and shirts. She heard of a ball Paul was hosting in search for a beautiful wife. When the nani helped her to magically get ready and go to the ball, everyone's eyes came to her attention only and thought she was the most beautiful lady in the ball. Paul (prince) came to her and they danced, showing their love as they danced in the middle of the place. It was almost midnight and Cendrillion left her shoe behind. She got back home crying and thinking that she was never going to experience that moment with Paul anymore. She said she would keep the shoe she had with her, thi sway she can remember how greayt that night was for her and never forget such an incredible experience she lived. The prince (Paul) went looking for the mysterious girl the next morning and found that Cendrillion was the one whose shoe was left in the ball the previous night. They ended up getting married after finding out she was the one and only beautiful lady his eyes had fell in love with the night before. This fairytale would be perfect for little kids around second to third grade due to that big words it contains and the beautiful illustations it comes with. I recommend this tale to be read to all children to enjoy a different culture and learn from their different style.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cendrillon, written by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Brian Pinkney, is the Caribbean version of the classic tale Cinderella. The narrator of the story is a poor washerwoman who works for Cendrillon's family. She is also the godmother of Cendrillon, chosen by Cendrillon's kind mother before she passed away.

The plot of the story does not vary much from the original Cinderella story we all know so well. The differences are in the details. For example, a fruit à pain, or breadfruit, was picked from a tree and turned into a beautiful carriage. There was no pumpkin in this story. When her godmother used her magic wand on Cendrillon, she was dressed in a blue gown with a matching turban, rings, bracelets, and a necklace of large gold beads. Instead of a glass slipper, Cendrillon left a pink embroidered slipper behind at the ball as she rushed out at midnight.

This book was an enjoyable read. The details that made the story a Caribbean Cinderella story were interesting to read. The illustrations were bright and colorful. This book could be used in the classroom when comparing and contrasting two versions of the same story. The book also includes a glossary of French Creole words and phrases that could be during a lesson on text features.

[(NS) Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This version of Cinderella is told from the perspective of a Caribbean fairy godmother. This poor washerwoman's one main passion and love is her goddaughter Cendrillon. Cendrillon becomes heartbroken over a rich man, but with her godmother determination and magical wand that was left for her, she is able to give Cendrillion the gift of a life changing love.

I really enjoyed reading this Caribean version of Cinderella. It was written with romance and passion, truly capturing my attention. I though it was very neat to be written in through the eyes of the godmother. I could feel her love and determination to create a happy life for Cendrillon. The illustrations in this story are beautiful and tell a story beyond the text. I liked how this version kept many of the same traditional parts of Cinderella but changed it to the Caribean culture and words. I would recommend reading this book to children for an extra insight to a wonderful and magical version of Cinderella.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cendrillon is the Creole version of the classic Cinderella fairy tale told through the narration of the kindly Fairy Godmother character. Cendrillon's mother died at a young age and her father remarries a woman. After the woman has a daughter, Cendrillon is treated very poorly and relegated to the position of being a maid. Cendrillon's Fairy Godmother works her magic so Cendrillon can atttend the ball that's a prominent part of this fairy tale. The story follows the traditional plot in which Cendrillon falls in love and marries her prince.
I like the fact that this book offers a Creole glossary with pronunciations of the Creole words. If this book was to be read aloud, I encourage the reader to become familiar with these pronunciations to add authenticity to the book.
An interesting activity might be to do a compare and contrast between this book and the traditional American tale.

[Jessica Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a version on Cinderella that is based on the French Creole tale "Cendrillion". This version is told from the viewpoint of the "fairy" godmother, and the change in point of view offers new insights into the tale. After visiting New Orleans, I became interested in the Creole and Cajun cultures, so this book seemed like a perfect fit. This story easily crossed cultures, and the author did a nice jon of weaving in elements that made the story more true to its revised setting. Both the godmother and Cendrillion were washerwoman, and there were many allusions to the French culture and its aura of power and success. The horses and footmen were created out of brown lizards and agoutis, a Carribean rodent, and helped to make the transition. The magic of the tale and the happy ending shined through and made this version a nice read.

[Lauren Paravate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: In this Caribbean version of the classic story of Cinderella, we follow another author's version of their "Cendrillon" finding her Prince Charming. The story sticks to the classic tale, but adds in French Creole terms to tie it to their heritage.

Evaluation: I liked this take on the story. I had never heard another version of the story until I read this one and I thought it was interesting to hear the differences between the two storylines.

Teaching Idea: For this story I would use the book as a reference tool for teaching about different cultures. I would use the French words that are used in the story as well as the different customs to explain how that culture thrived at the time and what area they are from.

[Selene Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cendrillon is a Caribbean version of Cinderella! Cendrillon's plot is pretty much the same as the original cinderella BUT this story is told by the god mother which makes it interesting! Both characters have an amazon bond in this story and it is nice reading a "Cinderella" story from a different point of view!

[Alida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great version of Cinderella. It is told from the "fairy godmother's" point o view. It is set in the Caribbean. I really enjoyed the illustrations. Great use of colors. I would like to do a unit on different Cinderella stories like we did in class.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Robert D. San Souci (who also wrote Cinderella Skeleton), another great Cinderella variation. The bold, colorful illustrations catch the eye. A pronunciation guide and glossary is included in the back for the French words that appear in the story.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Use of Creole vocabulary feels forced. Pictures are nice.

[BrittanyP · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella” is a fictional traditional tale based on the story Cinderella, but in a Caribbean setting. The story is written by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Brian Pinkey. It has won the Caldecott Honor Award and listed on the Publishersweekly.com. I personally read the story as a E-book with audio. I found this story by researching different versions of Cinderella.
The story is told from a different perspective than the original tale. Instead of the famous Cinderella, we instead view the story through the eyes of a washer woman named Nannin. Nannin scrubbed sheets and shirts for others who were more fortunate. When she was little, before her mother passed, she gave Nannin one gift and one gift only. She received a wand of mahogany. “Three taps will change one thing into another.” The magic would be used to help someone you love. Nannin cherished that gift and planned to use it on someone she cared for.
Nannin worked for a sick older woman and helped take care of the woman’s daughter, Cendrillion. Unexpectedly, Cendrillion's mother died and her father married a cold hearted woman named Madame. Madame fancied that Cendrillion’s father was both wealthy and from France. Cendrillion is worked like a slave; forced to clean the floors and wash the dishes at Madame’s request. One night, Cendrillion told Nannin that there will be a ball for Monsieur Thibault’s son Paul, a young handsome gentleman. Cendrillion mentioned the ball to her stepmother and was told she is too lazy to go to any type of ball. Nannin promised Cendrillion she would get to go to the ball and see Paul. In order to fulfill that promise, Nannin grabbed her mother’s wand she received as a gift and brought it to Cendrillion. Nannin insisted Cendrillion go to the ball by using her magical wand and making the fruit Cendrillio picked off the tree into a beautiful carriage for her to use to go to the ball. Before Cendrillion could ask questions, Nannin used her wand again to make horses, footmen and a coachmen for Cendrillion’s entrance. Last but not least, Nannin tapped Cendrillon’s dress, turning her calico dress into a sky-blue velvet gown for the ball. Nannin warned Cendrillon that the magic will vanish at midnight so be aware. When Cendrillon entered the ball she caught everyone’s eye, including Paul’s. Later in the evening Paul and Cendrillon had their dance on the ballroom floor. When it struck midnight, Cendrillon had to hurry back so Paul would not see her true self. As always, when it comes to the Cinderella tale Cendrillon left her glass slipper. At the end, Paul tried everyone in town who would fit the glass slipper and there is only one true love, Cendrillon.
While reading this story, I enjoyed the vibrant colors of the Caribbean setting and the different perspective of a young black woman telling the tale. It was nice to see a fairy tale using a young black woman who other young black girls relate to and see themselves from their own personal perspective. One concern I have about this story is that the author, Robert D. San Souci is a white male from San Francisco, California. Which did not portray authentic perspective while writing this story. I can see this story being used as a lesson based on beginning, middle and end and discussing characters based on their characteristics in the story. I can also see this story being used as a compare and contrast from the original Cinderelle vs. “Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella.”

[Victoria (Tori) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to find Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella on youtube. In 1999, this version of Cinderella won the Notable Children's Book award. This award is given annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to recognize the best of the best Children's books at the time.

In this version of Cinderella, the narrator is a poor girl who is orphaned as a child. Her mother leaves behind only a magic wand. The young girl sees no use for the wand and gets a job as a washer. During this work, she befriends a woman who has a beautiful daughter named Cendrillon. She soon becomes the girl's god mother. Sadly, Cendrillon’s mother dies, and her father remarries a wretched woman and has a new baby with her. While the god mother found no use for the wand growing up, she decides to put it to use to send Cendrillon to the ball to meet the prince, in hopes of changing her luck. While everything is going well at the ball, Cendrillon quickly runs out of time, leaving behind solely a shoe. The prince then goes on his crusade to find the one who left it behind. When the prince finds the matching foot, they live happily ever after.

I loved how the fairy god mother is the narrator in this version. It is usually told in third person, and this felt much more personal. It is also very interesting to hear the back story of who this fairy godmother is. In the other versions, she is a stranger that shows up to save the day by turning pumpkins into carriages. In this version, she is her actual god mother. I think this version would be interesting to use for a compare/contrast activity with younger grades as the fairy god mother figure is quite different. She is much more authentic and less whimsical. I think it could also be used in the older grades to study point of view because while the step mother, sisters, Cinderella, and god mother are all in the same situation, they have very different perspectives on what is happening. This text is also an interesting multicultural text, which could serve as both a mirror and window, as it weaves French words throughout the text.

[Joseph Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cendrillon” written by Robert San Souci and illustrated by Brian Pinkney is an illustrated picture book that tells the French-Creole version of Cinderella. The book was written in 1998 and I was able to access the hard-cover copy of the text.

The story follows Cendrillon, who is a housekeeper for a wealthy family. After suffering for much of her life, her godmother helps Cendrillon attend a ball that she had been dreaming of attending. The godmother uses a wand of mahogany to make a ball gown, slippers, while various tree fruit was used to make the coach, horses, and coachman. In the end, Cendrillion marries the kind, wealthy man named Paul.

The text and illustrative features effectively fit with the story being told. Throughout the story, the authors blend in French Creole words and phrases that fit with the story. Additionally, the authors present a glossary at the end of the story to support understanding. The author also uses traditional island fruit to turn into the gown, carriage, and other items. Throughout the story, the authors effectively weave in French-Creole language, traditions, and cultural aspects that effectively makes the story feel unique.

The text also interweaves diverse themes effectively. The story is centered around French-Creole culture. The author effectively blends language, cultural traditions, and other cultural aspects such as dress, food, and linguistic features. Overall, the text felt authentic and accurate in its representation of French-Creole culture.

In a classroom, this would be best used at the K - 6 level in a fairytale unit. Teachers could pair this text with other versions of Cinderella to show students differences that exist among different cultures. This could also be used in a French World Language or History classroom to teach about language and culture.

[Patricia Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it 3 stars because it was just a re-hashed version of the original Cinderella. All were the same except a few things here and there but it was the same. What was dramatically different was the setting and the color of the characters. Cendrillon has an awful stepmother, a half-sister that is not really described too much in the story, a fairy-god mother who happens to be another servant in the house. What is different does add a little bit more intrigue to the original tale. I liked that the characters were all Afro-Caribbean and they threw in some French-patois words to describe jobs, buildings, moods, locations or objects. They also had the women wearing elaborate head wrappings no matter if they were rich or poor. These things are/were very important to Afro-Caribbean in this time period.

Cindrillon written by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Brian Pinkney, who are Caldecott Honors wanted to tell a unique version of Cinderella. It certainly is unique and although the story follows along with the original, it gives little girls who look more like something to imagine. Sometimes we don't see ourselves in these prince and princess types of stories; all dressed in beautiful gowns, being swept off our feet by handsome princes. It's just one of those books that students (especially girls) from kinder thru 5th grade can read and imagine themselves as the Cinderella.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindrillon A Caribbean Cinderella is a picture book that illustrates the beautiful Cinderella version from the Caribbean. It is told in first person and has elements of magic. There are several French Creole words and phrases inserted throughout the text. This gives the story a deep French Caribbean feel to it. The illustrations do a fascinating job representing the society and people of the Caribbean.
The book will appeal to younger students and is written at a second or third grade level and beyond.

[Alyssa Heun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I located this book from my local library, using the online database. The author/illustrator team is a Caldecott honoree and Américas Award Honorable Mention 1998

Before the story even begins, a page introduces the story saying “you may think you know this story I am going to tell you, but you have not heard it for true. I was there. So I will tell the truth of it. Here. Now”. This page builds suspense for the reader, which opens the story being told in the first person by a poor washerwoman who was the godmother of Cendrillon. The story follows the traditional story where Cendrillon works furiously for her stepmother and stepsisters. Even though Cendrillon is forced to work, she has a great attitude where she still sings and is full of life, stating, “He fears Madame. I am strong. The work hurts my hands but not my heart”. But, she then became sad as a ball was happening and she was not allowed to attend. Cendrillon’s godmother provides magical elements to allow her to go where she meets Paul. At midnight she must leave, where all she is left with is a pink slipper. Will Paul be able to find her again? The difference between this book is that the story opened up to telling more about the godmother’s story and her background before finding out more about Cendrillon. This gave a better aspect on how important the godmother’s characters were, as well as foreshadows what is going to happen. As well as, Cendrillon and animal relationships were not introduced.

The theme of this story is hard work pays off, having good things come to people who work hard. We learn that behaviors of characters who are unkind and lie are to be avoided and not good traits. This story posses how traditional literature works with the setting being at a castle, characters aren’t described in too much depth, and a plot that is focused on the actions of the characters rather than the character development. The genre is fairytale. The author provided an author’s note and a glossary for French Creoloe words and phrases.

In the classroom this would work best to compare and contrast other works of the story “Cinderella” and could be used to study the Caribbean and the French Creole culture.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming Caribbean version of the Cinderella story. My princess-obsessed kindergartener was all about it.