Children - Fairy Tales, Myths & Fables

James Marshalls Cinderella

Name: James Marshalls Cinderella
Author: James Marshall
ISBN: 9780142300480

by James Marshall (Illustrator), Ronald L. McDonald, Barbara Karlin

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Overview

Here is a fresh and funny look at this classic fairy tale. It is a retelling with a difference - it will make you laugh out loud!

In her haste to flee the palace before the fairy godmother's magic loses effect, Cinderella leaves behind a glass slipper.

Synopsis

No one does fairy tales like James Marshall! Here, his bold and witty illustrations add life to Barbara Karlin's retelling of the well-known story of the dirty girl with the wicked stepsisters. But this isn't your average Cinderella-hearty and robust, she's a hard worker with a heart of gold. Filled with grinning rats, a wacky fairy godmother, and a whole coachful of laughs, this is the story we all know and love, seen in a refreshing new way.

"Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won't sit there for long!" (Booklist, starred review)

Author Biography: Barbara Karlin was a children's book reviewer and author. She died in 1991. James Marshall created many favorite children's book characters, including Miss Nelson, the Cut-Ups, and George and Martha. He died in 1992.

Children's Literature

Children's book reviewer Barbara Karlin and illustrator James Marshall collaborated in the late-80s to create this picture-book version of "Cinderella." Author and illustrator offer a playful rendition of Cinderella's transformation from downtrodden cinder girl, who appears in one scene with her tongue lolling out of her mouth, to charming princess. The intolerable personalities of the stepsisters and stepmother are humorously rendered, while the good-natured fairy godmother and buck-toothed mice offer the heroine much-needed comfort. Young readers will appreciate James Marshall's whimsical illustrations and Barbara Karlin's brisk and witty narrative. This is a re-release of the original edition, which appeared in 1989. 2001 (orig. 1989), Dial Books for Young Readers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer:Elizabeth Marshall

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This energetic retelling brims with robust humor and Marshall's typically wacky illustrations. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 4-- Retold and illustrated with wit and humor, this is an excellent storytime version of the favorite fairy tale. Although lacking some of the sparkle of Marshall's Red Riding Hood (1987) and Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1988, both Dial), Karlin's language is effective and Marshall's illustrations droll: Cinderella's father marries a ``horrid woman'' because he doesn't know ``the ways of the world; ,'' and Marshall's barefoot prince lounges in a hammock hooked on a marble statue. The full-page illustrations are clear and easily seen in a group setting. Using a minimum of lines, Marshall makes every face expressive and articulate (his fat rat is hilarious). This is a strong addition to any picture book collection. With large text and generous amounts of white space, it doubles easily as transitional material as well. Solid, useful, and great fun. --Janice M. Del Negro, Chicago Public Library