Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know the Story)
on Goodreads (637)
What’s inside...
This retelling of Cinderella offers a fresh and humorous twist on the classic tale. Readers follow Cinderella through the familiar events but with new insights into her personality and background. Cinderella is portrayed as smart, funny, and relatable, with 'Cinderella' being just a nickname and her prince having a love for Jell-o and dancing. The story continues beyond the usual ending, showing what happens after Cinderella marries the prince. The book features black-and-white silhouettes and Cinderella’s letters to her deceased mother, creating a unique and engaging experience for young readers transitioning from picture books to longer, illustrated texts. The companion book, 'Thumbelina, Tiny Runaway Bride,' is mentioned as a follow-up to this fairy-tale reboot.
Age
7-10
Length
99 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cinderella
Prince
Stepsister #2
Stepsister 1
Stepmother
Discussion points
How do you think Cinderella felt when her stepsisters were unkind to her? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
What do you think makes the prince interested in finding Cinderella again?
Cinderella's fairy godmother helped her go to the ball. If you had a fairy godmother, what would you ask for and why?
How does the story of Cinderella change when it’s told from a different point of view, like in this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ actions and the consequences. This helps build empathy and critical thinking.
Discuss the concept of fairness and kindness with your child, tying in personal experiences or observations to make it more relatable.
Prompt your child to imagine alternative endings or magical interventions, boosting their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Use the unique narrative style of this book to explore with your child how perspective can change a story. Ask them how they might retell a familiar tale from another character’s viewpoint.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Cinderella remains hopeful and determined despite her hardships and poor treatment by her stepfamily.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and effort, even in difficult times, encouraging them to persevere through their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Kindness is invaluable
Explanation: Despite being mistreated, Cinderella remains kind to those around her, including her stepfamily and the animals she interacts with.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be kind to others, regardless of circumstances, promoting empathy and compassion in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of being true to oneself
Explanation: Cinderella stays true to her character and values throughout the story, ultimately leading to her happiness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of authenticity and encourages them to stay true to themselves in various situations.
Example Lesson: Dreams are achievable
Explanation: Cinderella dreams of a better life, and through her kindness, perseverance, and a little magical help, she achieves her dreams.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to dream and to believe in the possibility of achieving those dreams with persistence and virtue.
Example Lesson: Help can come from unexpected places
Explanation: Cinderella receives help from her fairy godmother, illustrating that sometimes help comes when least expected but most needed.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of accepting help and also being open to finding support in unexpected places and from unexpected people.