Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz-Age Cinderella (Kate Greenaway Medal (Awards))

This is one of the best retellings of a fairy tale that I have ever read. This is not a fractured fairy tale but a fantastic retelling of the classic Cinderella in a picture book format.

Set in the 1920’s this tale starts off with Ella Cinder and her father running a beautiful dress shop with the help of a young man named Buttons. Soon this happy existence is turned upside down with the marriage of Ella’s father to the terrible Madame Rene. Of course this horrible woman has two equally horrible daughters Ruby and Pearl. Madame Rene and her daughters have no clue how to sew anything and quickly take over the managing of the shop. The ending of the story is amazing, perfect, and completely different from the original fairy tale.

The illustrations are vivid and perfect for the era this story is set in. The colours are bright and vibrant especially during the ball. On the very last page of the book there is a detailed description of what inspired the author/illustrator Shirley Hughes. There are two types of illustrations in the book, the coloured pictures and ones that are located in the panel with the story. Each illustration is different and each adds to the story being told.

With the beautiful illustrations combined with a wonderful retelling this a must have book for any library. ( )

1920's feel. Ella's father owns a dress shop; she designs beautiful gowns. He marries an unpleasant woman with 2 daughters. The familiar story continues with the addition of an additional character, Buttons, who captures Ella's heart. ( )