James Marshall's Cinderella [Hardcover]

James Marshall (Author), Barbara Karlin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001 | Age Level: 4 and up

Vain and horrid relatives, tons of laundry, and a fireplace that just never stays clean...this pooped and put-upon heroine needs a little magic in her life! Luckily for her, and for kids and delighted grown-ups everywhere, the inimitable James Marshall cast his wacky brand of enchantment upon Cinderella's tale-complete with grinning rats, a daffy godmother, and a whole golden coachful of belly laughs!

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

"An excellent storytime version of the favorite fairy tale, e.g. A strong addition to any picture book collection...and great fun." (School Library Journal, 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. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803727305
• ISBN-13: 978-0803727304
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,283,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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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 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 (Mass Market Paperback)

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

5.0 out of 5 stars A newie but a goodie, September 10, 2010

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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

The fairy tale of Cinderella in this book is almost the same retelling as in Marcia Brown's awesome 1950's "Cinderella", but the different illustrations mean that BOTH of them are worth having.

James Marshall has a cartoony style of illustrating that really gets the job done. He illustrated the "Miss Nelson is Missing" series of books, so his style is very familiar. I think the funniest thing about the illustrations is the pets on every page -- they are usually communicating directly with the reader. Look for the Fairy Godmother's feet on the last page!