Cinderella [Hardcover]

K. Y. Craft (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

This brilliant edition of a timeless story is sure to become the favorite of a generation. Readers young and old will be enchanted by the vision and mastery of Kinuko Y. Craft's luminous paintings, inspired by the lavish artwork of late seventeenth-century France and embellished with extraordinary borders and ornamentation. Rich with radiant color and astonishing detail, here is a dream come true for anyone who has ever believed in living happily ever after.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As lavish as Craft's (King Midas and the Golden Touch) previous works, this retold fairy tale abounds with ornamental detail. Inspired by the opulent styles of 17th- and 18th-century France, the paintings are confections of luxurious clothing, densely vegetated woods and regally appointed ballrooms. A number of the pictures are breathtaking: Craft's painting of Cinderella's ornate gold carriage flying through the sky is as romantic as any fairy-tale aficionado could wish for. Elaborate initials introduce the narrative on each spread, and the text almost always faces full-page illustrations. The story, adapted from Arthur Rackham's and Andrew Lang's versions, contains pleasing touches as well as a moral. For example, Cinderella and the prince first meet when Cinderella nurses a lame bluebird in the forest; this same bluebird later becomes the fairy godmother. When the glass slipper fits Cinderella, the prince says, "How I knew that day in the woods that you were indeed special, but I should have fully recognized that heart whether clothed in rags or regalia." While this is not the most childlike version of Cinderella, it may be among the most sumptuous. All ages. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4-Craft retains some of Perrault's formality and many of his story elements in this sumptuous rendition of the oft-told tale. An introductory note points to sources that include The Arthur Rackham Fairy Book, Andrew Lang's The Blue Fairy Book, and the Grimms' "Aschenputtel," in which a bird grants the wish. Craft incorporates the creature at key points throughout her tale. Early on, a bluebird's injury creates a reason for Cinderella to linger in the forest, whereupon she encounters the prince in her unadorned state. Later, it is transformed into a Maxfield Parrish-inspired fairy godmother. Finally, the prince compares his guest's sweet voice to the warbler that sings at his window. While pulling some visual details from the Art Nouveau tradition-most notably the symbolic gilt peacocks in the cover's border-the oil-over-watercolor scenes are mostly reminiscent of French 17th and 18th-century paintings. A consummate artist, Craft conveys the sheen of pearls, the delicacy of lace, the volume of period fashion. She controls the pace with one-page compositions (faced with bordered, illuminated text) interspersed with wordless double spreads at climactic moments. Groups or individuals will enjoy contrasting this offering to Brian Pinkney's artwork for Robert San Souci's Cendrillon (S & S, 1998) or Alan Schroeder's Smoky Mountain Rose (Puffin, 2000). Make room for this one.
Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587170043
• ISBN-13: 978-1587170041
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,594 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Multicultural

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kinuko Y. Craft is a genius with a heart of gold!, June 13, 2001

By 

Melinda Harrison "Fables and Fairy Tales" (Mississippi) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cinderella (Hardcover)

Okay, I love fairy tales, but I bought this book because Kinuko Y Craft illustrated it. Craft's work is absolutely stunning, not to mention romantic and atmospheric. I buy any book which has a Craft cover (Patricia McKillip's are just wonderful).

But I have to say this, in all honesty, this book just took my breath away. The paintings are almost beyond words. Trust me. You have to see them to know Craft's genius, and as one reviewer wrote, never has Cinderella looked more beautiful, more enchanting, more magical. If I didn't know better, I would think Craft really is part fae. If you love fairy tales, this Cinderella is a must for your collection.

For adults, children, and all who love magic and fantasy.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rich illustrations, October 10, 2000

By 

Heidi Anne Heiner (SurLaLune Fairy Tales.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Cinderella (Hardcover)

The dedication in this book reads: "For All Dreamers." The illustrations are ethereal and lush, very similar to the Cinderella I imagined when I first heard the story in my childhood. Craft takes her readers back to a traditional setting where the gowns are elaborate and the colors are vibrant. Little girls will especially enjoy the illustrations as they dream of their own "princess" dresses.

Fans of Kinuko Y. Craft will adore this new book. Some of you may know her for her illustrations of other children's books such as "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." Others may know her as the cover artist of many of Patricia McKillip's beautiful books. However you may know her work, you will enjoy this new edition of Cinderella.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite retelling of Cinderella, August 13, 2001

By 

A gamer dad in Virginia (VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cinderella (Hardcover)

Another absolutely amazing book by K. Y. Craft. Here she brings us a "more genuine" retelling of the famous tale - far more rich in detail than the Disney production. The pictures are lush images from dreams, and the story is more detailed and enjoyable. If you are looking for an alternative to the Disney version (one in which the sisters are not physically violent with Cinderella) this is the one that will make a young girl's dreams soar. My 3 year old loved it when she got it for Christmas, and it is still a favorite. I also recommend "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" by K. Y. Craft as well, which is available in an affordable paperback that should not be missed.