Publishers Weekly
Nearly two decades after its original publication, Susan Jeffers's detailed pen-and-ink and dye illustrations once again grace Charles Perrault's Cinderella (1985), retold by Amy Ehrlich. PW called Ehrlich's retelling "absorbing [and] easily grasped," while the artwork "shows Jeffers's gifts at their dazzling best." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature
- Carolyn Mott Ford
It was Charles Perrault who, as the book jacket points out, compiled the collection of fairytales that included Cinderella, Bluebeard, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, and The Sleeping Beauty. This is a translation from the French, which has attempted to retain the essence of the original while making the classic story of the lovely and virtuous Cinderella accessible to the readers of today. The story of the harsh treatment of Cinderella by her cruel stepmother and hateful stepsisters is familiar. In this version, Cinderella leaves the ball at a quarter to twelve. It is when she attends a second ball that she forgets the promise she made to her fairy godmother. Cinderella dances the whole night away with the prince until the clock strikes twelve. When her secret is found out, Cinderella's stepsisters beg for forgiveness and she is able to totally forgive them.
Children's Literature
- Marilyn Courtot
This timeless story tells of the young girl who is mistreated by her step mother and step sisters. Eventually goodness triumphs and Cinderella's fairy godmother helps her go to the ball where she meets the charming prince. She runs away, he finds her, and they live happily ever after. This is an easy to read version of the story with beautiful pastel colored illustrations.
Kirkus Reviews
Cinderella (32 pp.; , PLB Apr.; 0-7358-1051-6, PLB 0-7358-1052-4): Perrault's ancient tale of Cinderella has been slimmed and toned down considerably, with her virtues less evident and the supporting cast less effective. Readers will wonder why Cinderella's father, who is not conveniently dead in this story, doesn't rally to her aid, but they will be otherwise enchanted by Koopmans's delicate illustrations. One good French touch comes at dinner; the prince is so besotted that "even when the most delicious dishes were served for supper, he could not eat a morsel." (Picture book/folklore. 5-8) .
