Monday, February 18, 2008

Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella

Author: Paul Fleischman

First line: Once upon a time there lived a wealthy merchant whose wife had died.

Why you should read this book: The Cinderella story is among the oldest and best-disseminated of all fairy tales, and this book brings together seventeen different versions to create an international fable that highlights the universal nature of the yarn. The illustrations underline differences in style among the various sources, while the text provides multiple versions of certain elements, for instance, the components of the girl's finery or the dishes served at the wedding feast. Very clever, very enjoyable.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You know that Fairy Godmothers say, "Bibbity-boppity-boo," and you're not interested in another word on the subject.

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