Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella

This book is a retelling of Cinderella set in the Caribbean. It is an engaging version of a classic story, but now all of the characters are creole. The story is full of creole words and even includes a glossary with definitions. The author and illustrator create a vivid world full of exotic foods, dress and specific cultural references. The story is at once familiar and new. I love the idea of exposing children to different cultures through familiar channels.

Cendrillon suffers under the hand of her cruel stepmother in this Caribbean Cinderella story, set on Martinique. Narrated by Cendrillon's godmother, the narrative here describes how the eponymous young girl is dressed in tatters and made to work, when her lazy stepsister is given everything. When a ball is given for the handsome Paul, the son of the wealthy Monsieur Thibault, Cendrillon longs to attend, and her godmother makes it possible, through the use of the magic wand she inherited from her mother. But will one night of enchantment be enough? And will Cendrillon get what she truly wants - the sincere love of Paul, unaided by any magic...?

The second picture-book I have read from author Robert D. San Souci and illustrator Brian show more Pinkney, following upon their The Faithful Friend, which also contained a folktale from Martinique, Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella was adapted from a story in Turiault's 1874 Étude sur le langage créole de la Martinique. The author used a number of other sources to expand the story in an authentic way, including Patrick Chamoiseau's 1994 Creole Folktales, a collection I have read and greatly enjoyed. I found the story here engaging, and appreciated the fact that it was narrated by the fairy godmother - an unusual choice! I also found the scratchboard illustrations quite lovely. Recommended to young fairy-tale lovers, to readers seeking folktales from Martinique, and to those interested in Cinderella variants. show less

This book is without a doubt in my mind one of the most beautifully written versions of Cinderella. It does not begin with the typical beginning of things from Cinderella's point of view, but from the fairy godmother. This is a book that I physically hugged at the end because I wish this would have been shared with me as a child growing up with Caribbean heritage. The illustrations elegantly complement the books characters and storyline. Overall, this is a book that should be placed on the shelves of many libraries for all children to enjoy.

Cendrillon is a Caribbean retelling of the traditional Cinderella. The interesting thing about this retelling is our main character is not Cendrillon, but her godmother. It is a story about family and culture, perseverance and, of course, true love. This would also be something fun to read in an English class to show the difference between fairy tales and other stories, but it could also be read in a Social Studies class to show Caribbean culture. The illustrations and actions within the book are great indicators of the clothing and style of this region, as well.

Ah, so [a:Jerry Pinkney|70868|Jerry Pinkney|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-M-50x66.jpg]'s son is keeping up the good work. Yay! This French Creole version is a wonderful adaptation of the Perrault classic - not as different as, say, the Chinese Fur Slipper. Good author's note and glossary. *Not* just for die-hard completists and scholars, but for anyone who wants to inoculate youth against Disney's versions. Still, I think my favorite so far is [b:Cinder Edna|434076|Cinder Edna|Ellen Jackson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174738380s/434076.jpg|1715096].

This fairy tale shows the story more from the fairy godmothers side of the story. Nannin' becomes the godmother of cendrillon, after her mother dies. Nannin' has a wand to grant wishes, but it can only be for someone she loves. When cendrillon is mistreated by her stepmother and sister and isn't allowed to go to the ball, Nannin' steps in and grants her wishes. At the ball, Cendrillon is sweeping the prince off his feet when the clock strikes midnight and she must leave. The prince goes looking for the mystery woman, and begins to try a shoe on everyone on the island. Nannin' gives cendrillon the courage to face the prince, and she lives happily ever after when the shoe fits her.

This fairytale is told with a Caribbean princess. The show more author uses language from the Caribbean culture, and this makes the story unique. The author used a familiar tale and made it original to a culture. The illustrations are whimsical which adds tot he feel of a fairy tale. I also noticed the text had a border around it which gave it a cool effect as each border is different illustrations that represent Cendrillon. show less

I actually love this adaptation of Cinderella. The changes in the story made it more interesting than the same old tale being told. The first changes are the story is set in the Caribbean and being told in first person. Since the setting is the Caribbean the author included a few French Creole words and phrases. The story is told in the point of view of the “godmother”, which is a change from the most of the folktales or princess stories. Another change is that the godmother actually goes to the ball with Cendrillon. The book was very interesting and I love the twists and changes from the popular vision of the story.