Summary
This text is an excellent translation of the much loved French version of Cinderella by Charles Perrault. Marcia Brown's whimsical illustrations add to the magic of the story, and provide a beautiful backdrop for this classic tale.
Analysis
Marcia Brown does an excellent job of preserving the story of Cinderella that children all over know and love. She also maintains the flavor of the time that Charles Perault's version was written by including phrases such as "bedchamber" (page 1), "elder" (page 6), and "looking glass" (page 7). Her illustrations complement the tone of the text and her rendition of Cinderella is both beautiful and magical. The step-sisters are drawn appropriately gaudy, and the fairy godmother's beauty is portrayed expertly. This book is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal Award, and is appropriate for 3rd graders and up.
It's been quite a while since I have read Cinderella. I found this version interesting, as it differs from the version I remember reading and having read to me. Since this book is based on a French version, and was published so long ago (1954) I found the language charming and quaint. The illustrations are so very different from the illustrations of today's children's books, and I found them to add charm to this translation. I was surprised to read that Cinderella forgives her two mean step-sisters, finds husbands for them, and allows them to live in the palace with her! I think I prefer the version I remember in which they are banished and get what they deserve!
Key Words
haughtiest, bedchamber, garret, petticoat, corset, courtesies, personage
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