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Cinderella
This story of Cinderella is based on the version collected and published by the seventeenth-century author Charles Perrault. Perrault's Cinderella echoes the elegance and luxury of the French court of King Louis XIV, and it's from his version that we get the famous glass slippers. Sarah L. Thomson's beautiful retelling of the classic fairy tale is matched with the uniquely stunning artwork of Nicoletta Ceccoli. This is a picture book to treasure.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 18, 2012
51 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Sarah L. Thomson
66Ìýbooks79ÌýfollowersSarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 5, 2023
The telling of the story is fine, but I didn't enjoy how Cinderella has the face and body of a four-year-old, though she ends up married. The detail about the stepsisters' feet being too sore for dancing at her wedding (because of the shoe fiasco) was fun, though.
July 15, 2019
I found this picture book in my Kindle account and realized I'd never reviewed it. I barely remembered it from when I read it years ago, either... for a good reason. It's a pretty unmemorable retelling of the classic tale.
Thomson really doesn't bring anything new to the story. It's the same old tale about a girl abused by her stepmother and stepsisters, her meetings with a magical fairy godmother and a handsome prince, and a marriage. Unfortunately, in the picture-book format, there's not much time for character development, and the author here relies too much on telling rather than showing. Why should we care about Cinderella? Because she's supposedly kind. We're not shown how she's kind, however, so the whole thing falls a little flat.
And, speaking of flat, I have to mention the illustrations. I happen to love Ceccoli's work. Just not here. Her figures have a blank sort of stare that makes them look like dolls. While that may work for art prints, it doesn't work that great for story illustrations since these characters don't convey any emotion with their facial expressions. They don't really have facial expressions, which is part of the problem. I also found the rest of the scenes kind of bland. Ceccoli often uses whimsical imagery that can sometimes border on the unsettling, but for a children's book, she likely reined that in. Unfortunately, the illustrations we're left with, while pretty, are uninspiring and forgettable.
At this point, when I read a fairy tale retelling, I want to see more than just the standard story with the happy-ever-after and requisite marriage. This story seems kind of dated as a result of sticking to the traditional plot, and it doesn't resonate with me. For a far more unique picture-book retelling of the "Cinderella" story, check out Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood.
Thomson really doesn't bring anything new to the story. It's the same old tale about a girl abused by her stepmother and stepsisters, her meetings with a magical fairy godmother and a handsome prince, and a marriage. Unfortunately, in the picture-book format, there's not much time for character development, and the author here relies too much on telling rather than showing. Why should we care about Cinderella? Because she's supposedly kind. We're not shown how she's kind, however, so the whole thing falls a little flat.
And, speaking of flat, I have to mention the illustrations. I happen to love Ceccoli's work. Just not here. Her figures have a blank sort of stare that makes them look like dolls. While that may work for art prints, it doesn't work that great for story illustrations since these characters don't convey any emotion with their facial expressions. They don't really have facial expressions, which is part of the problem. I also found the rest of the scenes kind of bland. Ceccoli often uses whimsical imagery that can sometimes border on the unsettling, but for a children's book, she likely reined that in. Unfortunately, the illustrations we're left with, while pretty, are uninspiring and forgettable.
At this point, when I read a fairy tale retelling, I want to see more than just the standard story with the happy-ever-after and requisite marriage. This story seems kind of dated as a result of sticking to the traditional plot, and it doesn't resonate with me. For a far more unique picture-book retelling of the "Cinderella" story, check out Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood.
July 22, 2013
Lovely and lush pictures. Nicoletta Ceccoli is a wonderful illustrator and I am on the look-out for more of her work.
The story has been drastically toned down for younger audiences. The step-sisters do not chop off their heel/toes to fit in the shoes. It is a very short and abridged version and does not try to emphasize Cinderella's inherent goodness and kindness. Alas.
My only qualm is how very young the characters are. Cinderella and her prince look anywhere from eight to eleven years-old. Some parents might like that since their wee ones can perhaps better relate, but I did not care for it myself.
Still, a nice retelling, great for the 4-6 age range.
The story has been drastically toned down for younger audiences. The step-sisters do not chop off their heel/toes to fit in the shoes. It is a very short and abridged version and does not try to emphasize Cinderella's inherent goodness and kindness. Alas.
My only qualm is how very young the characters are. Cinderella and her prince look anywhere from eight to eleven years-old. Some parents might like that since their wee ones can perhaps better relate, but I did not care for it myself.
Still, a nice retelling, great for the 4-6 age range.
June 6, 2016
The first thing that brought my attention to this book was the lovely cover and childlike face of Cinderella portrayed here. This is a beautiful book and I'm enchanted by it and continually being impressed with the quality of books from Amazon Children's Publishing. This is a lovely retelling of the fairy tale appropriate for all ages with no scary or really "mean" parts (outside of sleeping on a hearth with no bed to call her own) but there is just enough moral lessons to go around.
As a mother of a three year old it was interesting to discover the Disney Animator's Collection of princess dolls and watch my daughter like those images of a toddler age doll (like herself) over the adult or true to illustration versions that match movies. So when I look at this book that portrays Cinderella and her stepsisters' faces with very young and childlike qualities I knew it would be a hit and it is. Seeing the child Cinderella is bringing even more imagination out in my own child and she retells the story as she is the princess or she her friend. While I'm sure she could have gotten there with different and perhaps older aged illustrations these are fabulous to look at and for age. Can we say boom inspired dress up and imaginative play?!
Thanks to Amazon Vine for providing a copy for review.
posted:
As a mother of a three year old it was interesting to discover the Disney Animator's Collection of princess dolls and watch my daughter like those images of a toddler age doll (like herself) over the adult or true to illustration versions that match movies. So when I look at this book that portrays Cinderella and her stepsisters' faces with very young and childlike qualities I knew it would be a hit and it is. Seeing the child Cinderella is bringing even more imagination out in my own child and she retells the story as she is the princess or she her friend. While I'm sure she could have gotten there with different and perhaps older aged illustrations these are fabulous to look at and for age. Can we say boom inspired dress up and imaginative play?!
Thanks to Amazon Vine for providing a copy for review.
posted:
May 23, 2016
This is my second favourite illustrated Cinderella. Ceccoli has wonderful, soft delicate illustrations. Her Cinderella looks like a perfect porcelain doll, with such a classic sweet princess face. The muted tones gave a dreamy quality that always works with fairy tales.
March 26, 2018
This is my favorite version of Cinderella, in large part to the beautiful illustrations by Nicoletta Ceccoli. It was the perfect book to read to my granddaughter as her favorite color is blue. A lovely version of the classic fairytale.
November 23, 2015
Beautiful illustrations grace this sweet retelling of the classic story, appropriate for very little girls who enjoy princesses.
October 5, 2016
Rating the art, not the writing. The writing was adequate.
August 9, 2023
The audiobook of Cinderella by Sarah L. Thomson falls under the folklore genre and the intended audience for this book is 4-8 years old. This book is a rendition of the original Cinderella story. The author emphasizes that someone's physical appearance is not as significant as one's personality.
I am giving this book 5/5 stars because the author highlights the important aspects of the Cinderella story and does not include any unnecessary filler information. The overall message of the story is to treat others with kindness because judging someone based on their demeanor instead of their character will not give you a proper depiction of that individual. Cinderella also teaches readers a powerful message about the importance of not letting someone else’s negative attitude bring you down. Even though Cinderella is treated poorly by her stepmother and step sisters, she still treats them with respect. Even when Cinderella's mom passes and her dad does not stand up for her anymore, she does not become a negative person, she stays true to who she is. The language used in the book is very descriptive and even when I listened to the audio of the book without seeing the illustrations, I was able to use my imagination to create a scene of my own.
As a future teacher, I will definitely use this book in my classroom. Whether we are learning about fairy tales or the importance of treating one another with kindness, the story of Cinderella delivers a compelling message to children of all ages.
I am giving this book 5/5 stars because the author highlights the important aspects of the Cinderella story and does not include any unnecessary filler information. The overall message of the story is to treat others with kindness because judging someone based on their demeanor instead of their character will not give you a proper depiction of that individual. Cinderella also teaches readers a powerful message about the importance of not letting someone else’s negative attitude bring you down. Even though Cinderella is treated poorly by her stepmother and step sisters, she still treats them with respect. Even when Cinderella's mom passes and her dad does not stand up for her anymore, she does not become a negative person, she stays true to who she is. The language used in the book is very descriptive and even when I listened to the audio of the book without seeing the illustrations, I was able to use my imagination to create a scene of my own.
As a future teacher, I will definitely use this book in my classroom. Whether we are learning about fairy tales or the importance of treating one another with kindness, the story of Cinderella delivers a compelling message to children of all ages.
November 3, 2020
Thomson does a great job retelling the story of Cinderella. Ceccoli adds a pleasant modernized touch to the illustrations throughout the read.
For those who do not know the story, Cinderella is merchant's daughter who remarries a selfish woman with two spoiled daughters of her own. When Cinderella's father dies, she is left in the care of her awful stepmother who uses her for chores and underappreciates her. With the comfort of her bed taken from her by her new family, she is forced to sleep covered with cinders from the warm fire place, giving her the nickname Cinderella by her stepsisters. When the prince invites all of the maidens of the town to the castle, Cinderella begins to have hope that she will soon find happiness, but her stepmother ruins her excitement and refuses to let her go. Once her family leaves, Cinderella meets her fairy godmother who helps her get to the castle, but her time of freedom and joy is limited. She must return home at midnight. The prince is in awe of her kindness and beauty and is disappointed and surprised when she rushes away unexpectedly. He must find her, and he does.
For those who do not know the story, Cinderella is merchant's daughter who remarries a selfish woman with two spoiled daughters of her own. When Cinderella's father dies, she is left in the care of her awful stepmother who uses her for chores and underappreciates her. With the comfort of her bed taken from her by her new family, she is forced to sleep covered with cinders from the warm fire place, giving her the nickname Cinderella by her stepsisters. When the prince invites all of the maidens of the town to the castle, Cinderella begins to have hope that she will soon find happiness, but her stepmother ruins her excitement and refuses to let her go. Once her family leaves, Cinderella meets her fairy godmother who helps her get to the castle, but her time of freedom and joy is limited. She must return home at midnight. The prince is in awe of her kindness and beauty and is disappointed and surprised when she rushes away unexpectedly. He must find her, and he does.
December 6, 2020
This is a cute and quick version of the classic story of Cinderella. It doesn’t show her life before the stepsisters as the Disney movie version does but it still shows her being treated unfairly by her step family. I liked how this version has the prince recognizing her and remembering her voice and smile unlike other versions which only recognize her once the shoe is on. I quite liked this story and would recommend it as the enchanting illustrations and sweet story is one that children will enjoy.
February 3, 2021
This was such a cute book. Like all versions of Cinderella, it has the same storyline and ending. I would try to read this book to students in second or third grade, only because it has some bigger words in it. However, I would want to read this book when introducing the genre of traditional literature. Only because this is a story that nearly every child already knows when coming to school, so they will at least have some familiarity with it.
May 13, 2017
The illustrations are beautiful, but they made Cinderella look no older than ten. I know this is the illustrator's style, but perhaps it is better suited for a different story, where the main character doesn't end up getting married at the end. I also felt the retelling was overly simplistic, but maybe that was just me. I'm sure a very young child would enjoy this book.
June 26, 2017
This book deserves five stars just for the pictures, they are beautiful!!! The story itself is not so good. It seems like so much is left out of the story, like what happened to Cinder's father? The book just mentions that he married a cruel woman. Forget the story just give me the pictures, I love this artist.
October 12, 2022
I don't like the illustrations - I think Cinderella looks far too young. I also didn't like the fact that she went to the ball twice. Lots of versions have her go to the ball only once and others I've read have her go to the ball three times. Having her go twice just seems odd. I did enjoy the ending, though.
November 18, 2023
The illustrations were beautiful in a way, with their soft lines and vibrant colors. However, each character had an expressionless doll-like appearance that seemed an inappropriate choice for the wide range of emotions required for this timeless story, especially since Cinderella and the prince looked like eight-year-olds. Very odd.
September 23, 2024
Disappointing ( . )
I was drawn into this book with promises from The illustrator, but I should think that if someone is going to reboot this classic story, then something special, peculiar, inventive or supplement it with a wry, but charming twist.
Instead; it was just whittled down to a pamphlet version with Nothing clever at all woven into it ( ! )
I was drawn into this book with promises from The illustrator, but I should think that if someone is going to reboot this classic story, then something special, peculiar, inventive or supplement it with a wry, but charming twist.
Instead; it was just whittled down to a pamphlet version with Nothing clever at all woven into it ( ! )
May 12, 2017
Sweet
Very cute and sweet introduction into this story. The Cinderella story is known all around the world and there are so many different versions. The artwork in this is simple and very cute. Perfect for a very young child
Very cute and sweet introduction into this story. The Cinderella story is known all around the world and there are so many different versions. The artwork in this is simple and very cute. Perfect for a very young child
February 5, 2018
I love a good fairytale and this was visually stunning but I felt left out a few key moments like her father dies. So for me if I didn't know the story I had to infer some things. elementary or one on one
July 20, 2018
I was disturbed that Cinderella looks to be six years old and then there was the albino mouse that creeped me out. I did like the retelling and the dresses Cinderella wore but the baby face just through me off.
March 4, 2020
so fun, doll like imagination, i had dolls as a child ... never really collected like some ...but i would imagine these are so doll like ... the illustrations are just amazing. so eye appealing. loved it. great read. check it out.
November 23, 2020
Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale and this version was just beautiful! I absolutely loved the illustrations and, the brief history lesson at the beginning was so interesting! I'd definitely recommend this book.
March 29, 2021
This book is a great rendition of the original Cinderella story. It follows the same storyline as the original Cinderella story, yet gives a new, fresh feel due to its fun graphics. I would love to use this book when teaching a unit on traditional literature.
December 28, 2021
This version of Cinderella is a nice length and has a great amount of detail (but not too much) both in text and illustration. The illustrations are dreamy and hazy, the character design is consistent and interesting (as are character expressions) and it is a lovely bedtime or story time read.
November 9, 2022
A cute, somewhat simple retelling of Cinderella. I though the title character was adorable, though it was disconcerting that she appeared only about seven years old, especially considering the wedding in the end.
February 24, 2018
This claims to be a French retelling, but almost everything is the same except the French wigs and gowns.
May 23, 2018
Nicoletta art is wonderful.
February 17, 2021
Cinderella � Sarah Thomson � I love Nicoletta Ceccoli illustrations with my whole heart, so this version of Cinderella is beautiful! Happy Reading!
February 19, 2021
Beautiful color palette.
March 4, 2024
Another Cinderella version.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
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