CINDERELLA

Cinderella
Retold By:  Mahlon Craft

Illustrated By: K.V. Craft

SeaStar Books, 2000

30 pages

Traditional Literature

             I chose to read this version because I have grown fond of the illustrator's work and was interested in reading the authors seventeenth century inspired version.  The story begins when Cinderella nurses a blue bird back to health. Once back to health the bird transforms into Cinderella's fairy godmother. The story continues by drawing the reader into the ways of Cinderella's evil stepsister and forcing readers to feel for Cinderella. A ball approaches and as tradition follows, Cinderella attends only to lose her shoe. The prince, desperate to find the owner of the shoe and his true love, calls all to come to find the owner of the foot in which the shoe fits.

           The installations for this piece of traditional literature are done with oils and watercolors. The designs were inspired by seventeen century designs and fashion. I personally feel that the illustrations complement and bring out the traditional aspects of this story.  The text is place most formally in this story and are framed with golden framing. While the story has not won any awards, I feel that it is award worthy.

            This  Cinderella story is appropriated for children of all ages and should be introduced in classrooms as an example of quality traditional literature. For a lesson I would have students compare and contrast different versions of this story. Also, because of the form in which the story is written I would bring out the historical style in which it is spoken when read aloud.