James Marshall's Cinderella [Paperback]

Barbara Karlin (Adapter), James Marshall (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Picture Puffins

No one does fairy tales like James Marshall! Here, his bold and witty illustrations add life to Barbara Karlin's retelling of the well-known story of the dirty girl with the wicked stepsisters. But this isn't your average Cinderella-hearty and robust, she's a hard worker with a heart of gold. Filled with grinning rats, a wacky fairy godmother, and a whole coachful of laughs, this is the story we all know and love, seen in a refreshing new way.

"Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won't sit there for long!" (Booklist, starred review)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Barbara Karlin was a children's book reviewer and author. She died in 1991. James Marshall created many favorite children's book characters, including Miss Nelson, the Cut-Ups, and George and Martha. He died in 1992.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142300489
• ISBN-13: 978-0142300480
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 7.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( M ) > Marshall, James
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Popular Characters > Fairy Tales & Folk Tales > Cinderella

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The familiar Cinderella sprinkled with humor, April 10, 2004

By 

Amelia (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: James Marshall's Cinderella (Hardcover)

This version of the Cinderella story is similar to the Perrault version in that when Cinderella marries the prince, she takes her family to the castle with her and finds lords to marry each of her step-sisters. However, this retelling leaves Cinderella's father alive and well. He is visible in the background of the last illustration reading a book.

The story is retold rather plainly with few descriptive details. The heart of the story is in the delightfully silly illustrations. The absurdly large pile of dirty dishes, the unbelievable tackiness of the step-sisters' clothing, the grins on the faces of the rat-coachman and the lizard-footmen, and the one-armed Roman soldier-like statue are just some of the amusing details in James Marshall's illustrations.

The animals in the story are used to great effect. Cinderella and her father have two cats who are usually depicted as sleeping. When Cinderella's father brings the new family members home Cinderella's face is calm. The cats, on the other hand, reflect what most people would feel after being told three such horrid-looking individuals were moving in: wide apprehensive eyes. One cat peeks suspiciously around Cinderella's dress at the newcomers. The other cat looks like he's trying to hide behind the arm of the couch. When the fairy godmother arrives Cinderella looks surprised, but her expression is nothing compared to the cat sitting behind her. The cat stares with astonishment out of the illustration at the reader, as if to ask, "Can you believe this?"

While this version of Cinderella may not be the most beautiful, it is certainly entertaining and well worth reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fairy Tale, February 20, 2012

By 

Beth M. Dykstra - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: James Marshall's Cinderella (Paperback)

Awesome book with a fun and catchy "twist". I used this in my classroom and my students loved it. Very cute!

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, funny pictures., September 30, 2010

By 

retired teacher (in NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: James Marshall's Cinderella (Paperback)

The modern language and entertaining pictures make this fun for me as well as my grandchildren.