The Persian Cinderella [Paperback]

Shirley Climo (Author), Robert Florczak (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: August 7, 2001 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

In this jewel-like version of a classic story, popular folklorist Shirley Climo tells the tale of Settareh, the Persian Cinderella. Magic enables Settareh to outsmart two jealous stepsisters and win the heart of a prince. But where most Cinderella stories end, poor Sattareh's troubles are only beginning! The unexpected plot twists will enchant readers as they rediscover the familiar tale in the lush setting of long-ago Persia. Shirley Climo's authentic details bring the story to life, and Robert Florczak's stunning paintings echo the vibrant colors and motifs of an ancient land.

01-02 TX Bluebonnet Award Masterlist

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Climo's adaptation of this Arabian Nights myth offers a capricious twist on the Cinderella story," wrote PW. Ages 5-9.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-After giving most of her money to a beggar, young Settareh spends her last coins on a cracked jug instead of purchasing fabric for a new dress to wear to the prince's celebrations. Resigned to remaining home, she discovers that the pot is inhabited by a pari that is able to grant her every wish. She attends the festival, catches the eye of the prince, leaves behind a diamond ankle bracelet, and is found by the queen. Settareh unwisely reveals the secret of the jug to her stepsisters, who steal it and instruct it to get rid of the young woman. The jug self-destructs, leaving behind six jeweled hairpins that, once placed in Settareh's hair, turn her into a turtledove. When the grieving prince befriends the bird, he finds the pins and pulls them out, thus restoring his beloved. The story is well told, although the drama, and hence the pace, is somewhat subdued. The narrative reads smoothly and majestically and Climo explains her choices in a source note. Florczak's sumptuous illustrations have jewel-like tones that glow against the brownline-paper background, and traditional designs decorate the text. The illustrations are realistic and appealing, although in one scene, Settareh is wearing a blue veil with her face exposed when the text specifies that she and the other women draped themselves in black to conceal their faces. Despite this minor flaw, this is a suitable complement to Climo's other "Cinderella" stories.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (August 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064438538
• ISBN-13: 978-0064438537
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #326,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World > Middle East

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A little bit of Scheherazade in Disney's Cinderella June 14, 2000

By Frederich March

Format:Hardcover

What attracted me most to this book was the clever combination of pictures and paintings. Mr. Florczak seems to have combined Persian models and some photographs, then added his own magic touch to create such beutiful images that are feast for the eyes.

As an educator, I know that many people associate Cinderella with Walt Disney--not Brothers Grimm. Ms. Climo shows us the rags to riches of the same characters in different cultures. This one is particulrly fascinating because the story does not end as we are accustomed to presume.

Yes the girl gets to see her prince at the New Year party but as we know Scheherazade's stories are filled with twist and turns of events like the designs on a Persian carpet. Ms. Climo's art is to tell the story as a native. Here she is the Scheherazade. The Persian Cinderella is fun for those kids who already know the Disney's version. The story goes beyond the Ball.

I liked the Korean Cinderella too. Ms. Climo is as articulate as a Korean grandma and we are little kids too fascinated by the tale to care for a rice cake.

I think the Persian Cinderella is a wonderful read, and since it's produced so beautifully, it's a great gift for any kid ages 2 to 92.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning August 29, 2000

By B. Dalton

Format:Hardcover

The Persian Cinderella is a welcome addition to this classic "rags to riches" tale. Most impressive are Florczak's paintings which absolutely leap off the page (contrary to Mr. March, there are no photographs in this book, Florczak's painings are simply so detailed and lifelike that they are occasionally mistaken for photography). I cannot recommend this book more highly.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for any child. June 11, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Lovely Iranian ancient story. A great edition to any child's collection