Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter (Laurel-Leaf Books)

Amazon.com

Chinese Cinderella is the perfect title for Adeline Yen Mah's compelling autobiography in which, like the fairy-tale maiden, her childhood was ruled by a cruel stepmother. "Fifth Younger Sister" or "Wu Mei," as Yen Mah was called, is only an infant when her father remarries after her mother's death. As the youngest of her five siblings, Wu Mei suffers the worst at the hands of her stepmother Niang. She is denied carfare, frequently forgotten at school at the end of the day, and whipped for daring to attend a classmate's birthday party against Niang's wishes. Her father even forgets the spelling of her name when filling out her school enrollment record. In her loneliness, Wu Mei turns to books for company: "I was alone with my beloved books. What bliss! To be left in peace with Cordelia, Regan, Gonoril, and Lear himself--characters more real than my family... What happiness! What comfort!" Even though Wu Mei is repeatedly moved up to grades above those of her peers, it is only when she wins an international play-writing contest in high school that her father finally takes notice and grants her wish to attend college in England. Despite her parent's heartbreaking neglect, she eventually becomes a doctor and realizes her dream of being a writer.

Teens, with their passionate convictions and strong sense of fair play, will be immediately enveloped in the gross injustice of Adeline Yen Mah's story. A complete glossary, historical notes on the state of Chinese society and politics during Yen Mah's childhood, and the legend of the original Chinese Cinderella round out this stirring testimony to the strength of human character and the power of education. (Ages 10 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert

Book Description

A riveting memoir of a girl's painful coming-of-age in a wealthy Chinese family during the 1940s.

A Chinese proverb says, "Falling leaves return to their roots." In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph and courage in the face of despair. Adeline's affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her. Life does not get any easier when her father remarries. She and her siblings are subjected to the disdain of her stepmother, while her stepbrother and stepsister are spoiled. Although Adeline wins prizes at school, they are not enough to compensate for what she really yearns for -- the love and understanding of her family.

Following the success of the critically acclaimed adult bestseller Falling Leaves, this memoir is a moving telling of the classic Cinderella story, with Adeline Yen Mah providing her own courageous voice.

Customer Reviews:

Was it that bad?.......2007-07-24

This is a better written book than Falling Leaves, the author's first book. It detailed the childhood of the unwanted daughter with better mix of "good and bad" and less bitterness came through the book.

While I shared the pain of being rejected and unaccepted by her parents, the author should appreciate and be thankful of what she had....loving Grandparents, Aunt Baba and good education which was the foundation of her success.

Think about tens and thousands of unwanted daughters in China who are abandoned by their parents daily.....they don't know who their parents are and have no sightline of their basic needs. The chance of being sent to prestige schools and study oversea is nil...I bet those unwanted daughters will trade the author's place at a heartbeat.

I could not put it down.......2007-07-02

I simply could not put this book down. I was absorbed the entire time. A story of miraculous courage and triumph, it reminds its readers that the love of human relationships is essential in this life, for without it one does not have much. I am excited to order it as a classroom novel for my 7th grade reading class!!! It is truly worth one's time.

Chinese Cinderella.......2007-05-19

Have you ever felt like you were unwanted? Have you have felt hated like nobody likes or wants you? Well if you know this felling you would have close ties to this book. Also for the record Adeline Yen Mah has felt like that since she was born. So I haven't thought that it couldn't get worse because it really can get worse.
The book is a biography of her life while she was in China. The book covers most of her life but it is more of her childhood not her most recent life. It describes the sadness that Adeline has been through. It in the first chapter It says everyone hated her because three days after she was born her mother came down with a high fever and died two weeks after she was born. So she never got to now her real mother. Her father remarries and all his children didn't like her but they were forced to call her niang (which in Chinese means mother) which none of them think of her as their real mother they all didn't like her. Her stepmother always abused her and never liked her she only liked the kids that she had gave life to. So she always abused her younger and older siblings.
I actually could compare this book a little to my own life. I haven't felt as unwanted or as hated as she has. I also haven't been abused like she has. I haven't actually really been abused all that much. But I have felt unwanted before. I haven't been abused like had been I haven't ever been abused that much.
Over all I would give this book a 10 out of 10. It only has 200 pages altogether so it won't take you a very long time. It is a very good read. It would take you maybe a weekend or two to read it. That is why I gave it a 10 out of 10.
I would recommend this book to anyone but it would be more of an adult book. It has way too much sadness for a young child. Also if it for an adult one of them people that are always happy and peppy and think that nothing can ever happen too them. It will be a real eye opener because they will realize it could really happen to them. So then they won't be going around saying "my life can't get any worse".

Great book for a pre-teen.......2007-04-24

I picked up this book the other week for my 12-year-old daughter after browsing thru the bookstores for something outta the norm for her. I bought it solely on the back-cover synopsis -- mine being an only child and doted on for the most part. I kind of expected her to glance at the cover and half-heartedly browse thru it. I was so wrong! She read it in a few days! She's always been into books -- but of her own choosing: Harry Potter and/or Lemony Snickett, fantasies and the like. After she put it down each night, she would tell me a bit about what she just read. Believe me, she's NEVER done that before. She said it truly was a cinderella story, and wondered why no one would help the little girl more. She showed alot of empathy for Adeline as a child. What I think I'm trying to convey is that it is a book written to touch the soul of the young reader -- something the author succeeded so well at.

Amazing Efforts.......2007-03-29

I strongly recommend the book Chinese Cinderella to people who do not mind a book that might make them cry. This book was a page-turner because while reading it, you just have to find out what happens next. Anyone with a strong heart will enjoy this book because it is so amazing what this little girl went through. While reading this book, there were some parts I felt like I was about to break down and cry, but there were others where I wanted to meet Adeline Yen Mah and congratulate her for her amazing efforts.

Average customer rating:

Alternative Cinderellas
Rhodopis of Antiquity
Ok, but not a hit with daughter
Unexpectedly Educational
egyptian cinderella

The Egyptian Cinderella
Shirley Climo
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0064432793

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Alternative Cinderellas.......2007-10-01

What message does the Cinderella story convey to young girls? If you are concerned about the emphasis on beauty and passivity, try Cinderella stories from various cultures. After hearing this Egyptian Cinderella story from a library book, my granddaughter asked to have a copy for her own.

Rhodopis of Antiquity.......2007-06-29

This book is not "racist". The fairy tale is based upon the tale of "Rhodopis", Greek word for 'rosy cheek or sunburned', in antiquity. "Rhodopis" stories were popular Greek tales among ancient Greeks since the 6th century BC, told in different versions. A well told account in one of these older versions had her finance a pyramid in her honor, the Pyramid of Mycerinus or Menkera. Shirley Climo's version is based upon these versions of "Rhodopis", Strabo's "Rhodopis" is an archetypal Cinderella from the 1st century BC. He immortalized a woman by the same name in what historians consider the first "Cinderella" basing his story on both facts and fictions. The woman who's story is somewhat based upon was believed to be the beautiful Rhodopis born in Northern Greece, kidnapped by pirates, sold to a man on the island of Samos, a fellow slave, a homely little man called Aesop, used to tell her stories of animals. When she was grown the man in Samos sold the girl in Naucratis, bought by Charaxos in Egypt who spoiled her as if she was his own daughter giving presents of jewels and beautiful clothes, she later married a Pharaoh. She is of whom some Greeks believed the Pyramid of Mycerinus or Menkera were build by, while others dispute this. One thing can not be disputed is that by Strabo times and many centuries afterwards, "Rhodopis" was renowned through out ancient Greece and Rome for her beauty, promoting various different versions of "Rhodopis" stories. The wind according to Strabo takes away one of her rose red slippers, an eagle according to Aelian's version. It is a historical fact that a Greek maiden did marry Pharaoh Amasis (Dynasty XXVI, 570-536 BC), Amasis was actually the king's Greek name. His birth name was Ahmose II, who was of common origins. She was the princess Ladice, daughter of King Battus II from the Greek colony Cyrene. As to the comment regarding the inhabitants of ancient Egypt would have been of " African, Mediterranean, Semitic, or Arabic descent and dark-hued", true in most cases but not always true when it comes to Greeks, Romans or other Mediterranean people; yes some are of "dark hue" but some are also very fair and Greeks definitely are not "African, Semitic, or Arabic" in descent, especially Cleopatra and the Ptolemies, given their habit of inter marrying with one another. Plus many ancient writers make a point to describe Rhodopis as having fairer coloring and "different looking" from native Egyptians because Greeks, of whom Cleopatra and the Ptolemies descent from, were different looking and fairer in coloring from native Egyptians. The story has a Greek as the "heroine" because the audience of whom Strabo and most of these ancient authors were speaking to, including the Hellenistic Pharaohs of the Ptolemy Dynasty, were of Greek origins.

Ok, but not a hit with daughter.......2007-03-02

She's 7. She read it, but wasn't all that excited. Not anything like the original Cinderella story which threw her off.

Unexpectedly Educational.......2006-08-05

I had to read a version of the Egyptian story when I was in the 6th grade,I don't think it was this exact take on the tale, however I remember enjoying it very much--it opened me up to people across the world sharing the same story in different ways. Climo seems to have really zeroed in on that idea, with all of her various retellings of the Cinderella tale from all over the world.

As usual, her writing is great, it completely creates the characters and I really enjoyed reading the story. The illustrations are a little better that I thought them to be, upon thought. I feel the faces were not as nice as they could have been, nor the colors quite right. But I was amused by all of the characters always being drawn in profile as if they were Egyptian hieroglyphs.

In this story Cinderella is a slave girl who likes to dance, and who's master buys her special dancing shoes (this and her greek heritage) sets her apart from the local egyptian women.

I really was intrigued by the explaination that Climo gives at the end about this Cinderella and how she was actually a real person, it made me want to read up on her (Cinderella that is).

egyptian cinderella.......2005-08-06

I am delighted with the book. The pictures are gorgeous and the story is pretty too. The delivery was excellent, it arrived very fast.

Teaching With Cinderella Stories From Around the World (Grades 1-3)

Average customer rating:

Teaching With Cinderella Stories From Around the World (Grades 1-3)
Kathleen Hollenbeck
Manufacturer: Teaching Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Pedagogy | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Reading | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0439188431

Book Description

Lessons and Activities That Help Kids Explore Story Elements, Appreciate Different Cultures, and Compare 10 Versions of This Timeless Fairy Tale
Engaging, skill-building activities!
Capture the magic of this beloved fairy tale with this rich collection of activities based on 10 picture books from China, South Africa, Ireland, the Caribbean, and beyond. Engaging activities and reproducibles help children compare stories.

Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition

Average customer rating:

Good Book
Now including culture, morals, and interest for boys
A beautiful, superbly illustrated picturebook tale.

Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition
Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Manufacturer: Shen's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Short Story Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1885008139

Book Description

Domitila is not only "sweeter than a cactus bloom in early spring," she is also a talented cook and an amazing leather artist. most of the classical elements of a Cinderella story can be found in Domitila. A gentle weaving of her mother's nurturing with strong family traditions is the secret ingredient for Domitila to rise above hardship to eventually become the Governor's bride. Moreover, with a firm belief in simplicity and realism, Domitila makes a lasting impression as a triumphant Cinderella in her humility, service, and unassuming modesty.

Unlike most ivory tower Cinderellas, the only transformation in this story is Timoteo's—Domitila's suitor—as we watch him mature from an arrogant politician's son to a compassionate family man. There is no glass slipper to fight over, and no fairy godmother to save the day. All Domitila has are her innate qualities and her family legacy. Finally, the readers are invited to get to know Cinderella for who she is, unlike the typical fantasy character!

With love and care in every stroke, McLennan captured on canvas the warmth of relationships, the fondness for color and texture, and the versatile patterns characteristic of the Mexican people. Readers will soon fall in love with the shimmering light of the desert landscape and this well-told story of Cinderella-with-a-twist.

Customer Reviews:

Good Book.......2002-04-04

This story is one of the Cinderella tales however this one is from Mexico. A young girl goes and cooks for the governor, and the governor is amazed by the taste of the meals that this girl can cook. However Domitila's mother dies and she must return home. The prince wanting to taste the wonderful food again goes out and searches for the woman who can cook a feast out of weeds. Although the governor faces some hardships and dishonest people in the end finds Domitila and marries her. 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. This book would be great to use as an introduction to different cultures. If I were to use this in my classroom I would try to get other countries versions of Cinderella so that they children could see even more differences and similarities in the stories.

Now including culture, morals, and interest for boys.......2001-04-24

The story of a Mexican Cinderella character, this book is beautifully done with warmly coloured oil on canvas paintings that poignantly draw to mind the dry Mexican landscape. Most importantly, the illustrator has resisted the urge to create perfect characters, and instead presents a pleasant looking "Cinderella" with bland features and a square jaw, perhaps because the story is based on the family legend of the Rivero family of Hidalgo, Mexico. The author's text is mostly traditional for a fairy tale, but includes Spanish words with translations on the back page. The plot holds more interest than the traditional Cinderella tale, as the Prince is a Governor's son who begins the story haughty and spoiled, but while on a quest for the girl who makes delicious nopales (edible cactus, made by the common people), changes into a person of worth who can truly love a girl of the common people. This focus and character development of the often forgotten prince may make this tale more interesting to boys, as the male character is the hero on a quest, rather than the reward at the end of a girl's suffering. Furthermore, the tale is woven of realistic elements, rather than the fairy godmother, singing mice, and glass slipper of tradition, as it is explained why the father remarries, and includes a period of grief after the mother's death. However, beyond the plot and setting, the author waxes moralistic, presenting the likeable, yet lifeless Domitila as a goody-goody with a loving heart who follows her mother's instructions to "do every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love." Additionally, the text is framed in proverbs, presented both in English and Spanish, on the subjects of love and work, which add "atmosphere," but may get too sermonic to hold the attention of a child. Includes appealing history of the tale, as well as a recipe for Domitila's nopales on the last page.

A beautiful, superbly illustrated picturebook tale........2000-05-09

Jewell Reinhart Coburn's Domitila provides a Mexican Cinderella story as it tells of a talented cook and artist who becomes the Governor's bride. A beautiful account.

Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella Story from India

Average customer rating:

A captivating picture book story

Anklet for a Princess: A Cinderella Story from India
Meredith Babeaux Brucker , and Lila Mehta
Manufacturer: Shen's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1885008201

Book Description

Cinduri has a lot of work to do. Every day she walks to the lake to fetch drinking water, milks the cow, cleans the house, prepares the meals, cleans the animal pens, and sells vegetables. Her stepmother and stepsister, however, don't do any of the work. They just order Cinduri about and give her a bowl of rice and a few leftovers to eat.

The lake, however, is full of magic. When Godfather Snake hears of Cinduri's troubles, he vows to make her life easier. And when the Prince comes to visit the village during the annual Navaratri Festival, Godfather Snake makes it possible for her to go, dressed in the most beautiful gold-threaded sari and sparkling diamond anklets. It is there that she wins the heart of the Prince.

Adapted from the East Indian story "Nagami" (Jewel of the Snake), this version of the tale is rich with the traditions and culture of India while also conveying the universal values of the Cinderella story. Beautiful watercolor depictions of Indian life and styles accompany this introduction to Indian folklore.

Customer Reviews:

A captivating picture book story.......2003-01-11

Anklet For A Princess: A Cinderella Story From India is an fabulous adaptation of the East Indian story "Nagami" (Jewel of the Snake), a legend that in many ways resembles the classic fairy tale Cinderella. The young woman Cinduri is overburdened with work from her stepmother and stepsister, and receives barely enough to eat in return. But Godfather Snake learns of her troubles and helps her attend the village's annual Navaratri Festival dressed in the most beautiful golden-threaded sari and diamond anklets, and there she wins the heart of the Prince. A captivating picture book story commendably written by Lila Mehta, deftly adapted by Meredith Brucker, and wondrously illustrated in full color by Youshan Tang, Anklet For A Princess would make a welcome and popular addition to any school or community library picture book collection.

Smoky Mountain Rose: An Appalachian Cinderella (Picture Puffins)

Average customer rating:

I'm Reconsidering My Review Now
Down Right Purdy!
Think Twice
A Truely Wonderful Story

Smoky Mountain Rose: An Appalachian Cinderella (Picture Puffins)
Alan Schroeder
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0140566732

Customer Reviews:

I'm Reconsidering My Review Now.......2006-09-16

I laughed so hard when I read this book to my sons that I actually had tears in my eyes. I think they got more of a kick out of seeing how much I enjoyed the dialogue and pictures than anything else. After reading the review titled "Think twice", however, I have to admit that I feel a little chagrined. I come from a group of people that is very misunderstood (i.e. Muslims) and I am sorry to see that I fell into the trap of laughing at "stereotypes" without thinking twice about the offense that might be caused as a result. I thought I was more evolved than that. My bad.

Down Right Purdy!.......2004-02-10

I thought this was a beautiful Americanized version of Perrault's "Cendrillon". Unlike another reveiwer, I was not at all offended and thought this was a charming tale. The author's interpretation of a down-home style Cinderella story was right on target. I loved the idea of the hog replacing a fairy god mother! A fun read!

Think Twice.......2001-08-20

This book is a mockery of Southern Appalachian people. Not only is the dialect incorrectly conveyed, but the pictures are demeaning as well. Mr. Schroeder, a native Californian, obviously made little (if any) attempt to get to know the group about whom he writes.

A Truely Wonderful Story.......2000-06-19

This book has a storyline much like the traditional Cinderella. It features Appalachian dialect which is remarkable. This story is an added bonus to any fairy tale unit and an excellent reading experience.

Average customer rating:

A Classic, With Many Life Lessons
Wonderful and Timeless Classic
Absoulutely unforgettable
Lovely book
Beautify Disney illustrations but poorly written

Cinderella: A Read-Aloud Storybook
RH Disney
Manufacturer: RH/Disney
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0736401245
Release Date: 1999-10-25

Book Description

The complete retelling of favorite Disney movies in a true read-aloud style.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic, With Many Life Lessons.......2006-06-10

This is a pure classic, with many life lessons that withstand the test of time.

* You get more out of life with a little honey, than a little vinegar
* Cinderella, don't worry if your dress turns back to rags, Prince Charming will still love you
* What goes around, Comes around
* We are not all that you see from the outside

This messages to young women are messages that can carry them through thick and thin. It is a tremendous asset, especially for those who want to feel like Princesses, and the parents who crave those feeling for thier children.

Wonderful and Timeless Classic.......2006-02-21

Cinderella is a children's classic romantic story that is timeless. The story has been adapted for various movies. I read the story decades ago when I was a kid. It was only recently when I was looking for a present for my five years old daughter that I bought the book and went through it again with her. We also saw the excellent video that complemented the beautiful story in the book.

Briefly the story goes like this. Cinderella lives with a mean stepmother and two ugly stepsisters. She works hard all day long on household chores such as cleaning, washing and cooking. Her only friends are two little mice, two birds, a dog and a horse.

One day, the prince was holding a ball where he was going to choose a wife. The stepsisters were going to the ball hoping to be chosen as the prince's bride. Cinderella also wanted to go but the stepmother told her that she could not go because she did not have a gown to wear. However, Cinderella's friends, the mice and birds sew ribbons and bows to her dress, making it look pretty. When the stepsisters saw this, they tore it to pieces. Then Cinderella's fairy godmother appeared and used her magic wand to make a coach drawn by horses, with a coachman and footman. So Cinderella went to the ball. The prince saw Cinderella and fell in love and they danced together. However, Cinderella had to leave before midnight.

As the clock struck midnight, Cinderella runs away and one of her glass slippers falls off her foot. The prince looks for her and on finding the shoe, declares that any girl whose foot fitted the shoe would be his wife. Since only Cinderella can fit it, she is eventually found and she marries the prince and they live happily ever after.

This is good reading for young ones as they can learn the values of being good and kind to one another and avoid being mean and cruel. The book has pretty colours and it is easy for children to read and follow the story. The only blemish is describing some people as ugly when in fact all God's children are beautiful.

Absoulutely unforgettable.......2005-12-16

this book still makes me laugh and smile when i read it and it will alwyas be a classic, and will be told from generations from generations, the mice are hilarious, and of course it teaches you of the friendship you make.

Lovely book.......2005-09-13

The Cinderalla book was delightful. My granddaughter loves it. Very colorful and easy to read to her.

Beautify Disney illustrations but poorly written.......2004-06-22

I admit to being a Disney nut when I was a kid although Sleeping Beauty was my favorite "princess". When someone gave this to my 3 year old daughter I honestly thought she was a bit young to get into the whole "Prince Charming will sweep me away" thing. Unfortunately she is obsessed with both the book and the movie. There are the obviously dated themes of the stepmother and sisters (notice how apparently a big nose and brown eyes make someone instantly ugly?) and the getting married after a few dances. But in addition to that, which I could have overlooked, is the fact that the book is simply poorly written. The illustrations are taken directly from the movie and are beautiful. But the grammer is atrocious and the story lacks the continuity of the movie. I dread having to read this to her at bedtime.

Average customer rating:

My Little Princess Loves Lynn Roberts' books
1920's Fairytale
Cinderella
A Great Addition to Your Cinderella Library!
Cinderella An Art Deco Princess

Cinderella: An Art Deco Love Story
Lynn Roberts
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0810941686

Book Description

An amusing twist on the beloved rags-to-riches tale

Greta's father marries unwisely and brings home a heartless wife, her two argumentative daughters, and her nasty little dog. Soon Greta is vacuuming floors and sleeping in the kitchen among the cinders-thus her nickname: Cinderella. Then one day a royal proclamation beams out over all the radios in the land: Prince Roderick is giving a ball! Despite her stepmother's conniving-and with a little help from a kindly woman-Cinderella makes it to the ball in style and wins the heart of the charming prince.

This humorous and engaging retelling places Cinderella in the opulent era of Art Deco. Whether she's drinking from Clarice Cliff coffee cups, dusting the frames of paintings by Augustus John and Tamara de Lempicka, or setting off for the ball in a white Rolls Royce, Cinderella lives life to the fullest-despite her fabulously evil stepmother and stepsisters. Young readers will laugh out loud!

Customer Reviews:

My Little Princess Loves Lynn Roberts' books.......2006-07-21

My daughter is crazy about all of the books Lynn Roberts has written. My daughter is completely engaged. And the pictures are so beautiful that it is a pleasure for me to read them.

Roberts offers a cute and off-the-wall take on classic stories. And there is something fun for everyone in them. The only reason I gave this book only 4 stars is because the other Lynn Roberts books we own (Little Red and Rapunzel) are even better!

1920's Fairytale.......2003-09-25

This is one of my Fav books! I love how it is set in the 1920's - my fav era! The vampy illustrations are so beautiful! I just love the attention that has been paid to making sure that all the furnishings and dresses are of the deco era! This book is a inspiration!

Cinderella.......2003-05-29

This really is a refreshing version of an old tale. If you are sick of the "disney" sickly sweet illustrations then this is the book for you. The story is basically cinderella with a few minor changes accompanied by wonderfully detailed illustrations. This is a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended for kids aged 4-8 and parents who are fond of anything art deco!

A Great Addition to Your Cinderella Library!.......2002-03-10

Who is that 1920's vintage flapper, tripping down the stairs to zip off in her ultra-classy, very long white limousine? Why, it's Cinderella, leaving the ball at midnight, of course! No? Not quite the fairytale you had pictured all these years? That's just the idea behind David Roberts' wonderfully innovative illustrations of the traditional Cinderella story.
The story itself is not so different from the one we have all heard during our childhood. In fact, without the illustrations, this story gives no hint that it takes place during the glizty "roaring twenties," when champagne was sipped from ladies shoes, and...well, you get the picture.
With a background in fashion design, David Roberts has researched life in the 1920's and 1930's to bring quite a bit of accuracy to his illustrations. The wallpaper, furniture, and pottery are all based on actual Art Deco designs. The clothes, electrical appliances, cars, hairstyles, and makeup all reflect life eighty years ago. Cinderella pushes an old upright vacuum rather than broom, and turns the crank on a sinister-looking wringer washer as she does her step-sisters' laundry.
Roberts also uses a good sense of humor in presenting the step-sisters. Instead of evil, they're simply bad-natured slobs. While they do rob Cinderella of many possessions, she seems inclined to include them in her family after her marriage to the prince. The wedding photo with her step-sisters as bridesmaids is a classic. For models, Roberts called upon old magazine covers, movie stills, and art of the 1920's and 30's.
The rather unique setting in time of this version makes it a worthwhile addition to any Cinderella collection. While the story itself is not innovative, the illustrations more than make up for any shortcomings.

Cinderella An Art Deco Princess.......2002-01-03

What a divine book!
Not just for children. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the Cinderella tale and the deco period.

Book Description

Can Nancy follow the trail of this fairy tale?

Nancy and her friends are going to be in a ballet! After months of taking dance classes, Nancy, George, and Bess will perform in a ballet version of Cinderella! The Clue Crew is excited to wear fancy costumes and dance on a real stage! Nancy's friend Andrea is going to play the part of Cinderella. And she'll wear special glass slippers just like in the fairy tale!

But when the glass slippers disappear, Nancy is determined to help. Can the Clue Crew uncover Cinderella's slippers before the clock strikes show time?

Book Description

Happily ever after has never been so happy! These inspired retellings of classic children's fairy-tales are simply told and beautifully illustrated. This is a series of books that parents will treasure and children will love hearing again and again. Jump at the Sun Fairy-tale Classics include: - Cinderella - Goldilocks and The Three Bears - Jack and the Beanstalk - Little Red Riding Hood

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-07-28

This is a lovely story that is appropriate for all ages. My girls loved it. It is nice to have fantasy books that feature black girls. I was tired of all their books either having pictures of white children or being about being proud of being black. Sometimes they just want to read a fun fairy tale that happens to feature brown faces. My kids are two and four...not ready to be in the struggle just yet.

Jump at the Sun:Cinderella.......2007-03-15

This is one of my favorites of this book series because it makes the whole princess stage that all little girls go through accessible to little girls of color. My four year old loves seeing that a princess can look like her. I was thrilled to find this book.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books