This beautifully illustrated book features four different Cinderella accounts from four different countries: France, Canada (from the Micmac Tribe), China, and Egypt. Glossary, Common Core Ideas, Writing Prompts.

This book tells the tale of Cinderella through the lens of four different cultures. I really enjoyed reading the stories and seeing how different each one is. The illustrations help convey the magnitude of the dissimilarities. This would be a useful book when discussing fractured fairy tales in the classroom. ( )

This book shares 4 tales that are similar to Cinderella from around the world. The original story from France, Little Burnt Face from the Micmac tribe of North America, Yeh-Shen from China, and Rhodopis from Egypt.

I think that reading the same story as it is told across different cultures is a divine way to explore cultural diversity and similarities with children. I use to do this quite a bit on my own as a child. The editors decision to get different illustrators for each section of the book gave each story an added uniqueness which provided a extra layer of richness to the book. There are other books similar to this by the publisher that are based on Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Red Riding Hood, I have order all of this books because I am fascinated to see the other versions of these stories I have never heard of. ( )

I absolutely loved this book, which includes tales of Cinderella from four different cultures all of which are retold by the same author and in the third person point of view. Since all these pieces are fairy tales, they all follow a similar and simple plot, with varying details. First, is the story of Cinderella as told by the French. This story provided many details for the reader; for example, the description of how Cinderella got her name, “The stepsisters called the girl “Cinderella,” because her clothes were often covered in cinders and ashes from the fireplace near her bed.” The writing in this piece flows smoothly as it takes the reader on Cinderella’s journey from rags to riches. The characters are also well developed. The reader is able to sympathize with Cinderella and dislike the stepmother and stepsisters through the story and its illustrations. For example, in the following quote the reader is able to see Cinderella’s obedience towards her stepmother and the evilness of the stepmother and stepsisters; “The stepmother and stepsisters had very cruel hearts and treated the girl poorly. They made her do all the work: scrubbing the dishes, mopping the floors, washing the clothes, and cleaning their bedrooms.” Also, the illustrations by Valentina Belloni, greatly enhance the story by depicting the events in the story nearly perfectly. Second, is Little Burnt Face as told by the Micmac Tribe of North America. This story provides less detail on the events occurring in the story. For example, when the older sister burns the youngest sister’s face the book provides a simple description; “the oldest daughter burned the youngest daughter with hot coals.” The writing in this story once again flows smoothly describing Little Burnt Face’s days of abuse to her blissful wedding. The characters in this story are less developed as their motives and actions are not explained. For example, it is never explained why Little Burnt Face neglects to tell her father the truth regarding her scars. Carolina Farias’s illustrations greatly enhance the story by properly depicting the culture in which it originates from. Although I do have mixed feelings about the depiction of Little Burnt Face’s scars, in the illustrations they appear to be beautiful tattoos which is far from how they are in reality. I believe it would have been better to depict the scars as they would be in reality in order to provide hope for those with facial scars and for them to know they are able to be loved for exactly as they are.Third, is the Chinese tale of Yeh-Shen. The language and writing in this story is simple, well-paced, and yet is also confusing at one point. On the first page the author describes how Yeh-Shen’s mother dies and how her father dies shortly after, but then goes on to describe her father’s marriage to a second wife; “Sadly, Yeh-Shen’s mother died. Shortly thereafter, Wu died too. Wu’s second wife had a daughter named Jun-Li.” The characters in this story are well developed. The reader is able understand Yeh-Shen’s motives and emotions and feel them for themselves; “Yeh-Shen’s only comfort was a golden fish that lived in the lake near the cave. Every day, she shared what little food she had with the fish.” Eva Montanari’s illustrations are a unique addition to this story, not only do they enhance the story but they also reveal aspects of the culture in their appearance and environment. Lastly, is the Egyptian tale Rhodopis. The language in this story is very descriptive and describes many of the events and details in the story. For example, the description that shares with the reader the reason behind her name provides a great amount of detail; “They called her “Rhodopis,” which means “rosy cheeked.” Her skin was fair and turned red when she worked in the sun.” The writing is this piece is descriptive and is well-paced as it tells Rhodopis’s story of being kidnapped by pirates to marrying the pharaoh. The characters in this tale are well developed, their actions and their motives are both clearly described in the story. For example, the other servant girls’ treatment and reasoning are clearly explained; “The other girls were jealous if the new slippers and treated Rhodopis even worse.” Uniquely enough, Rhodopis is the only truly obedient girl in all four stories as she does not attempt to go to the pharaoh’s court. Polona Kosec’s illustrations not only enhance the story but also add a great amount of detail to the story. For example, the reader is able to understand the feelings felt by the characters based solely on the pictures. Overall, all the tales reflect the cultures in which they’re from and all covey the main idea that kindness is rewarded while hate is not. This theme also pushes the reader to broaden their perspectives and to act with kindness. ( )

Use for compare/contrast activity with Disney version.