Hilary Knight's Cinderella
by Hilary Knight
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After being mistreated by her stepfamily, a young girl receives help from her fairy godmother so that she can attend the palace ball.Tags
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Hilary Knight's version of Cinderella adds some twists to the original fairytale story, but it also makes it interesting for readers who know the originally story of Cinderella. In this story, the plot was still the same as the original fairytale, however, the appearance of the main character, Cinderella, appeared different than the original Cinderella. The illustrations are very vivid and detailed, and really show the true emotions and feelings of each character, as well the various settings. I enjoyed the different ending Hilary Knight decided to add that Cinderella forgave her stepmother and sisters, and then asked them to live with her at the palace, with the fairy godmother always watching over them. I enjoyed the different aspects show more of this story, and think this will keep readers hooked on what other differences will appear next, which can be a fun discussion for students. This book is an essential example when talking with students about what aspects and characteristics if a story allow it to be labeled as a fairy tale. I think this book is one that can be read to younger students, and individually read by upper elementary-level students. In conclusion, believing in yourself, staying true to yourself, following your heart, and giving second changes are some aspects that children can take away from this story. show less
I really enjoyed Hilary Knight's telling of Cinderella. Perhaps my favorite part is the ending, when she wrote "Of course, she forgave her stepmother and sisters and asked them to live with her. From then on, they treated her kindly... And they all lived happily ever after." The ending to this book shows a happy one for all, instead of Cinderella living in spite of her sisters. I think it puts a beautiful twist on the story that I grew up reading where she just lived happily ever on her own with the prince. Cinderella has always been my favorite fairytale growing up, and this book is definitely one I want to include in my future classroom.
Much of this story was spot on to the original the magic of the fairy godmother, pumpkin carriage. The language of once upon a time and happily ever after was the same as well. The brown hair and brown eyes was a change and I think may make more girls reading Cinderella feel like they can be the princess rather than the blond hair blue eyed Disney character. This enchanting story draws me in every time and it was amazing to see all the different versions in class. Of nature, swamp, Spanish cinderellas it really altered what I thought of how strict a plot and characters must be. It can change a lot due to cultures and societies views and values.
I love the differences in this Cinderella story! I am most familiar with Disney's Cinderella, but I thought this one had such a great twist. I loved the fact that Cinderella forgave her evil stepmother and stepsisters, allowing them to live at the palace with her prince. The Prince isn't one that is physically charming, in fact, he is pudgy and quite goofy looking. There was no sort of personification in this story, such as the talking mice in Disney's Cinderella. I would definitely use this book in my classroom for lessons on comparing and contrasting with other Cinderella stories, retelling, and forgiveness.
There are more Cinderella books out there than you can shake a stick at. If you wanted to, you could buy nothing for your child BUT Cinderella, and you'd still never make a dent in the pile.
This version doesn't have the more flowery language or intricate illustrations of some versions. It doesn't take place in some sort of exotic or unusual setting. There isn't a new take on it, nor is it some variation you've seldom heard of (actually, it puts me in mind of nothing so much as the Disney version!)
What you have is sweet and charming illustrations (and Cinderella looks refreshingly down-to-earth with brown hair falling out of a bun!) and simple language. It's not new or different or fancy... and sometimes, that's what you want.
This version doesn't have the more flowery language or intricate illustrations of some versions. It doesn't take place in some sort of exotic or unusual setting. There isn't a new take on it, nor is it some variation you've seldom heard of (actually, it puts me in mind of nothing so much as the Disney version!)
What you have is sweet and charming illustrations (and Cinderella looks refreshingly down-to-earth with brown hair falling out of a bun!) and simple language. It's not new or different or fancy... and sometimes, that's what you want.
I tend to think that most cCinderella stories are the same and that is correct for the most part. This Cinderella followed the main plot but had some differences in it. It was definitely the shorter version, this was the first version that said her father died at sea, and at the end the step sisters and step mother ended up living in the castle with Cinderella and the prince. I enjoyed reading this and I think children would enjoy reading this book. Fairy tales are important to read to children because it allows their mind to expand their imagination.
I am so happy that I could go back and read this story. It is about a girl who loses her mother when she was a child and is now living with her father and new stepmother. When she lost her father at sea, her stepmother soon made her do all the chores in the house, and Cinderella now saw the true nature of her stepmother. One day, the king sent out a proclamation to all the maidens in the land to come to the ball. Cinderella wanted to go, but her stepmother wouldn't let her. Then Cinderella' s fairy godmother appeared and gave her a beautiful gown and glass slippers. She danced with the prince at the ball, but then loses her slipper. The prince finds her, and gives her back the slipper and then they get married.
This story was very much show more like what I read as a kid. I was very familiar with it and enjoyed reading it. The "original" story dates back many years and many authors have made changes to it over the years. They still keep the main idea of the story, but put their own spin on it. The theme of Cinderella centralized around her, her stepsisters, her stepmother, the prince and the king. These key characters make the story what it is: a fairy tale. The characters each have different traits, such as wicked and nice. show less
This story was very much show more like what I read as a kid. I was very familiar with it and enjoyed reading it. The "original" story dates back many years and many authors have made changes to it over the years. They still keep the main idea of the story, but put their own spin on it. The theme of Cinderella centralized around her, her stepsisters, her stepmother, the prince and the king. These key characters make the story what it is: a fairy tale. The characters each have different traits, such as wicked and nice. show less
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Hilary Knight was born on November 1, 1926. He is the son of artist-writers Clayton Knight and Katherine Sturges. He was born in Hempstead, Long Island and grew up in the town of Roslyn. When he was six the family moved to Manhattan where he has lived ever since. He is the illustrator of over fifty books, nine of which he also wrote. He is best show more known as the illustrator of Kay Thompson's Eloise (1955) and others in the Eloise series. He lives in an apartment in midtown Manhattan which also serves as his studio and library. His illustrations are available for purchase at two galleries--the Giraffics Gallery (East Hampton, New York) and Every Picture Tells a Story (Santa Monica, California). (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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