Book Description

Book Description

The story of the little girl so named because of her tiny size is one of the most popular andenduring fairy tales of all time. Children can identify with the plucky heroine who uses cleverness instead of size and strength to make her own way in the wide, wide world.

Lauren Mills’s delicate watercolors create a miniature land where a walnut shell covered with violet petals serves as a bed, a leaf becomes a suitable umbrella, and field mice and birds are Thumbelina’s unlikely companions. Enchanting details drawn from nature bring this imaginative story to life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

entertaining and instructive
Dr. Alvin Granowsky has written a number of fairy tale-revisionist combination stories, and this pair is a fine example of what the genre has to offer. Both tales are illustrated with line drawings and each is well told, combining the best principles of language building, such as a better-than-average vocabulary and a mix of sentence lengths, without sacrificing an evocative and plausible narrative flow. The revisionist story is told by the stepmother, who contends that Snow White has resented her since her arriva; Snow White has convinced other people that her stepmother is trying to kill her.

These books are a wonderful mechanism for children who are just beginning to understand that other minds have other thoughts. The stories are well-told -- entertaining and instructive. Why lecture to your kids about morality when with a story they can begin to figure it out for themselves? ... Read more

Book Description

The rumor that Cinderella's stepfamily tore her lovely dress to shreds so she couldn't go to the ball? According to her stepmother, they were only trying to save Cinderella a lifetime of embarrassment at her fashion faux pas and gently suggesting that she stay at home. (Lady Tremaine says the gownactually looked like it had been sewn together by rodents!) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sometimes even the most ordinary rat can experience the extraordinary. "I was born a rat. I expected to be a rat all my days. But life is full of surprises." So begins Susan Meddaugh's wonderfully understated, comically illustrated Cinderella's Rat. Life is no picnic for a rat, the rodent narrator is quick to point out: "Cats are plentiful and food is scarce." Blinded by hunger, he and his sister Ruth fall into an obvious trap.Just when they are making their escape, the narrator rat is magically transformed into a coachboy.

The next thing the rodent coachboy knows, a stern old woman is telling him to drive a girl to the castle in his pumpkin-like coach. Once at the castle, the coachboy, at heart still a rat, is drawn to the kitchen by the smell of food. The cook--spotting a good helper--instantly sends him down to the larder, where the rat-boy promptly dives into an open bag of grain.A castle-dwelling boy catches him in the act, and suggests that bread would perhaps taste better. They munch bread, side by side. Suddenly they see a rat! "KILL IT," shouts the castle boy. "STOP! THAT'S MY SISTER!" shouts the former rat. The coachboy fears discovery, and imminent ratribution, but a strange plot twist saves his skin. "Life is full of surprises, so you may as well get used to it," the book concludes, and we, as readers, are reminded that change--even transmogrification--isn't necessarily a bad thing. Meddaugh fans should not miss her critically acclaimed talking-dog books Martha Speaks, Martha Blah Blah, and Martha Calling. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A new twist on an old tale
Life is full of surprises. Just ask the title character of Susan Meddaugh's clever story, Cinderella's Rat. You may remember him from the fairy tale: he's the one that the Fairy Godmother turned into a coachman (actually more of a coachboy). While Cinderella is busy dancing at the ball, Cinderella's Rat and his sister, Ruth (who is still a rat), have an adventure of their own. They discover rat heaven -- a fully stocked castle larder. Before they can enjoy it, however, there's a case of mistaken identity, and a well-meaning new friend drags the boy and Ruth to a wizard so the wizard can turn Ruth "back" into a girl. The boy is afraid to reveal the truth. What if the wizard turns both him and Ruth into cat food?

Since Ruth is truly a rat, the wizard can't completely change her from a rat to a girl. Much to her brother's dismay, the wizard transforms Ruth into a cat, then a girl who meows, then a girl who woofs. Before the wizard can "fix" his last spell, it's nearly midnight, and, well, you know what happens when the clock strikes twelve. The coachboy returns to his rat self, and Ruth helps her family by keeping the cats away. The most amazing thing about Ms. Meddaugh's illustrations is that when Cinderella's Rat and his sister change from rat to human or vice versa, they are still recognizably their former selves. As humans, they look slightly rodent-like, but in a cute way. As rats, they seem almost human, especially when the siblings are sniffing the cheese that leads them into a trap, or huddled inside the trap awaiting their fate.

Two books that really aren't to be compared
Yes, there are some similarities in plot between this book and the Wilson book, both of which I own and have read. (Because they're both based on the same folktale, perhaps?) But the whole tone of the books can't be more dissimilar. The Wilson book includes murder, riots,death by incineration, death by the plague, death by being eaten alive by thousands of rats...it's a dark fantasy not intended for children under 16, a satiric look at human society, demagoguery,how revolutions go awry (many echoes of the French and Russian revolutions)loyalty and love.

The Meddaugh book is intended for young children of 6 or so. It is a lighthearted fantasy about brother and sister rats, who get caught up in Cinderella's big night. Only one rat is transformed into a human, and when he tries to protect his sister from another boy by admitting their relationship, things get confused. The two end up at a wizard's cottage, where the boy, thinking his change is permanent,tries to see his sister turned into a girl. The wizard succeeds (sort of),but then at midnight, he's a rat again, while she stays a girl. All ends happily for the two, and the rest of their family, and none of the rats ever fear cats again. The moral of this children's book is summed up on the last page:

"Life is full of surprises, so you may as well get used to it".

But isn't this just The Coachman Rat?
An excellent tale to be sure, but I am concerned that amazon and other reviewers seem unaware of Wilson's The Coachman Rat (published in 1990 by Baen) which is a dark fantasy on a remarkably similar theme.

I strongly recommend it to all the adults like myself who enjoyed reading Cinderella's Rat to their kids. ... Read more

Book Description

If the Shoe Fits: Voices from Cinderella takes a fresh look at an old and favorite story. In thirty-three poems it brings to life not only the voices of well-loved characters, but also voices of characters not usually heard from -- including the glass slipper, without which the story would not have a happy ending. On the stage set by the story we hear each player tell the tale from their point of view, answering the questions that swirl around Cinderella:

Is the ghost of Cinderella's father at peace in the afterlife? What has made Cinderella's stepmother so cruel? Can a rat be as happy as a human? How do the prince's mother and father feel about Cinderella for their son? Does the Magic One's Magic last forever? Do the glass slippers realize how important a role they play in the life of one girl? Is there a quiet someone, with a gentle purr, who is a secret accomplice? And, finally, what does Cinderella herself have to say to us about her own story?

Through the rhythms of Laura Whipple's poetry and the sweeping colors of Laura Beingessner's artwork, Cinderella's story is spun anew for audiences of all ages to celebrate. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

If the Shoe Fits
I came across this book the other day on a book shelf; the cover was interesting so I picked it up. I was so impressed ! I love poetry. It brought to light aspects about the Cinderella saga that I only wondered about as a child. The prince's mother's reaction to this "Cinders-girl"; the sad ghost of Ella's father wandering about with no rest; the deep hurt and jealousy of the step mother; all was just so wonderful. The poetry and heart of L. Whipple really brought this story to life. I actually cried when I read it. The pictures were superb, I especially love the picture of the rat/coachman and his tale.

The garden cat and his telepathic communication with "The Magic-she" (fairy godmother) was divinely esoteric. The rhythm flowed well and the thoughts were unique. I have to say that this book is a real enchantment. If you like poetry, if your children know the story of Cinderella but you would like to give them a bit of reading to ponder upon, get this book. It's a good adult read as well, for both men and women. This is a wonderful book for any library. Thanks Laura Whipple and artist Laura Beingessner for making the world a better place to live with your wonderful talents.

I love this book!
I love Laura Whipple's vibrant retelling of the Cinderella story. It's fresh, new and full of ryhthmic enchantment from the cat ("cat is master; cat is cat") to the glass slipper pining for its mate, to the wary rat who becomes a coachman ("where were my whiskers, a-twitching, a-tremble?") The book begs to be read aloud - even sung - alone or in a group. The ending, in which Cinderella addresses her audience, brought tears to my eyes. It told me, "This is not only Cinderella's story, it is yours." Laura Beingessner's accompanying illustrations are as full of magic as the text. All in all, this book is a winner. ... Read more

Book Description

This time-honored tale, which adults will remember as a Little Golden Book first published in 1952, takes the reader on a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of children's books. Artist Don MacLaughlin gained inspiration for his enchanting "retro" illustrations from The Walt Disney Studios' 1939 Silly Symphony cartoon. Based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, the cartoon was the last Silly Symphony produced by the studio, and was honored with an Academy Award. The book tells the story of a "duckling" who simply wants to belong but is shunned by his duck family because he's different. Down but not out, the little guy sets out in search of a family that will love and accept him. Eventually, he is greeted by the "honk, honk, honk" of his brothers and sisters, who, along with their beautiful snow-white swan mother, welcome him home. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great book for older readers!
I found this book to be not only entertaining as a story book, but also very helpful to my profession. As a children's theater director in the planning stages of a production of 'The Little Mermaid', I had been trying to find a copy of the story in its original form, and could only find rewritten and sugarcoated versions of this classic. This book had exactly what I was looking for. The stories in this book are true to how Hans Christian Andersen had written them, but like most fairy tales, they don't always have a happy ending. I suggest this book to older children or to adults who liked these stories as a child. This book may not be appropriate if you are looking for bedtime stories for very young children, but as a reference tool, it's superb. The type-face is large enough to be read easily and the watercolor-style illustrations are beautiful. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Catchy Rhyme
My daughter (4 1/2 years) was mesmerized by the "Matreshka, Matreshka, I may be small, but I'm not the smallest one of all" rhyme repeated in the story. She collects matryoshka dolls and spent days recreating the story. This is a great story for anyone who loves nesting dolls or small things. It emphasizes that sometimes being quite small is an advantage. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful illustrations!
This book would make a great gift for a child because it is an easy telling of the story and the pictures are beautiful. Almost every page has a full color illustration that looks to have been done as an oil painting. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Flat Re-telling of the Old, Old Story
The story of Cinderella has been enchanting children for centuries. We've seen hundreds of modified versions of it over the years - from the self-sufficient Cinder Edna to the many alternate-culture Cinderellas to Cinderlads to animal Cinderellas - but Diane Goode's Cinderella isn't a new twist on the old story. It *is* the old story (but the Disney version rather than the Brothers Grimm). The only thing that's different is the illustrations, and those aren't different enough to make the book worth reading.

If the book was lovely enough, if the illustrations were truly magical, then the utterly familiar story wouldn't matter. These pictures don't make that grade, though. They're rather standard picture-book illustrations, with one unusual element: all the characters are bipedal, clothes-wearing dogs. The effect is rather peculiar - they look too human to be recognizably canine, and they look too canine to be recognizably human - and stilted; the dogs look out of proportion and somehow wrong moving around on their hind legs and holding things in their front paws.

It's hard to imagine an audience for this book, with its familiar story and its unappealing illustrations. Most children would probably prefer to read the original Cinderella or one of the more imaginative alternates. In fact, most kids would probably rather just hear Mom or Dad tell the story without any book or pictures if this book was their other option. All in all, Diane Goode's Cinderella is neither good nor bad; it's simply and completely forgettable. ... Read more

Book Description

Ariel is tired of living under the sea–she wants to be human and walk on land. She gets her chance after making a deal with an evil sea witch, but something’s fishy! Can Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle help make the little mermaid’s dream come true? Find out in this full-color retelling of Disney’s classic film, The Little Mermaid.


From the Trade Paperback edition. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

little mermaid
Its about a little mermaid that gets into troble and whats to be a human. dont go woundering around without telling your parents.
The age level is 2nd grade. It was a good book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hard to make a story as old and oft-told as Cinderella fresh again.Yet Hilary Knight, best known for his Eloise illustrations, managesto apply his unique wit and familiar illustrative style to the fairy tale whileretaining the magic of the original story. Cinderella is lovely, of course, andher nasty sisters are pointy-nosed and outrageously vain. But Knight's depictionof Prince Charming provides a happy departure from tradition: he's pudgy and,well, kind of goofy looking. Modern readers will like Cinderella's slightly morebrazen ways, too; although still demure, Cinderella steps right out of thekitchen when the prince arrives at her house with the glass slipper. "Let metry," she says, much to her stepmother and sisters' horror. Astute readers willenjoy picking up on subtle details: the tiny fairy godmother hiding underCinderella's pumpkin-like stool, Cinderella's mother's gravestone in the frontyard, and poor, beleaguered Cinderella's chore list next to the invitation tothe Prince's ball. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Cinderella
Everybody is familiar with the fairy tale "Cinderella", and there are literally dozens upon dozens of different editions out there. What attracted me to this particular version was the fact it was written and illustrated by Hilary Knight---who I recognized as the illustrator of the "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" books by Betty McDonald. Many things make this book stand out: first of all our prince is not the typical tall, dark and handsome type but rather short, round and freckle-faced and our fairy godmother is a little blue sprite. The drawings are very lovely and my favorite picture is the one where Cinderella stares longingly at the invitation to the royal ball on the table while in the background her wicked stepsisters fight over clothing. I especially like the way Mr. Knight makes the stepsisters look spoiled and mean, but at the same time rather comical---their facial expressions are great! However, my one criticism of the book is that the ending is too simplified and a bit unrealistic, which is why I rated it three stars.

Fresh and Enchanting.....
We've all heard the Cinderella story many, many times...the mean stepmother, the ugly stepsisters, a kind fairy godmother who works her magic so that Cinderella can go to the ball, and of course, the handsome prince. Hilary Knight has taken this old fairy tale and given it a gentler, fresh and engaging new life. His simple and easy to read text is delightfully entertaining. But it's Mr Knight's marvelous illustrations that really make this picture book stand out. His expressive artwork, in warm and lovely subdued tones, is enchanting and filled with charming and humorous detail. Together, word and art transport children to a magical once-upon-a-time place. Perfect for youngsters 4 and older, Hilary Knight's Cinderella is a wonderful read aloud story the entire family can share, and is sure to bring happily-ever-after dreams to all your little ones.

Gorgeous drawings pair with a simplified story line
Hilary Knight's beautiful and warm drawings are the feature here, bringing the timeless story of Cinderella to life. The gorgeous drawings pair with a simplified story line which will appeal to young picturebook audiences. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Once upon a time, a princess was born. Her mother, the queen, invited 12fairies to be her godmothers; unfortunately, she forgot to invite the one wickedfairy. Enraged, the nasty little bat-winged fairy placed a curse on theprincess: at age 16 she would prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die.Luckily, the smallest fairy had yet to give the princess her gift, so shepromised that she would not die, but only sleep for 100 years. A century later,along would come the handsome prince to kiss the slumbering princess and wakeher up.

This is the traditional, well-known fairy tale--what makes Peter Stevenson'sversion extra special is that it is not only a picture book, but also a fingerpuppet theater! Each sturdy board page opens up to be a stage, with a die-cuthole and four finger puppets--the evil fairy, the princess, the queen, and theprince--to dramatize the events of the story. Children will have hours of funacting out this and other stories of their own creation with this delightfullywitty and lighthearted version of a classic. Be sure to read the other titles inthe Finger Puppet Theater series, including Billy Goats Gruff and The Three Little Pigs. (Ages 3to 6) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Great paper doll book.
My daughter loves stickers, and loves paper dolls so this book is great.

Keeps them busy!
I bought a dozen of these for the goody bags for my daughter's fourth birthday party where Cinderella was the guest of honor. I also keep a couple in my bag (Cinderella, Cara the Cowgirl, others from the same series) for an instant fix for bored kids! They love them.

A great little fun book for all Cinderella lovers!
This adorable little book appeals to all children who love stickers, paper dolls, dress up and the story of Cinderella. I have given this inexpensive book as a party favor for my daughter's "Cinderella's Ball" birthday party! Enjoy it! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Subtle Impact ofColor and Shape
This book is a gem to be treasured by all elementary teachers for their Art library.Molly Bang demonstrates the use color and shape to inspire creativity and emotions in the minds of young students.I had the privlege of attending her demonstration lecture some years ago at a Children's Literature Conference.There I was delighted to discover the subtle simplicity of her ideas; I even put them into practice with my preschool class.This book will open a new world of enjoyment and enrichment activities--especially in the study of fairy tales--while introducing basic artistic principles. I highly recommend it!

Clean writing and original concepts make it a winner!
I am a professional graphic designer and I learned many things from this book. I purchased a copy at the Cooper/Hewitt Design Mueseum store in New York City, then left it on the plane, after reading all but the last pages. Now, I have to buy a new copy! It is one of my all-time favorite design books, and I have many. Among other ideas, she has an original way of describing gravity's influence on our perceptions in a picture plane. That alone is worth the money and time for this wonderful book ... Read more